bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systems thinking and mathematical problem solving
Authors: Salado Alejandro , Chowdhury Ahsan Habib , Norton Anderson
Published: December 2018

Problem solving lies at the core of engineering and remains central in school mathematics. Word problems are a traditional instructional mechanism for learning how to apply mathematics to solving problems. Word problems are formulated so that a student can identify data relevant to the question asked and choose a set of mathematical operations that leads to the answer. However, the complexity and interconnectedness of contemporary problems demands that problem‐solving methods be shaped by systems thinking. This article presents results from three clinical interviews that aimed at understanding the effects that traditional word problems have on a student’s ability to use systems thinking. In particular, the interviews examined how children parse word problems and how they update their answers when contextual information is provided. Results show that traditional word problems create unintended dispositions that limit systems thinking.
The novel HLA‐DRB1*15:01:37 allele discovered in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lin P. Y.
Published: December 2018

One nucleotide substitution at residue 477 of HLA‐DRB1*15:01:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐DRB1*15:01:37.
sRNA‐FISH: versatile fluorescent in situ detection of small RNAs in plants
Authors: Huang Kun , Baldrich Patricia , Meyers Blake C. , Caplan Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2018

Localization of mRNA and small RNAs (sRNAs) is important for understanding their function. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has been used extensively in animal systems to study the localization and expression of sRNAs. However, current methods for fluorescent in situ detection of sRNA in plant tissues are less developed. Here we report a protocol (sRNA‐FISH) for efficient fluorescent detection of sRNAs in plants. This protocol is suitable for application in diverse plant species and tissue types. The use of locked nucleic acid probes and antibodies conjugated with different fluorophores allows the detection of two sRNAs in the same sample. Using this method, we have successfully detected the co‐localization of miR2275 and a 24‐nucleotide phased small interfering RNA in maize anther tapetal and archesporial cells. We describe how to overcome the common problem of the wide range of autofluorescence in embedded plant tissue using linear spectral unmixing on a laser scanning confocal microscope. For highly autofluorescent samples, we show that multi‐photon fluorescence excitation microscopy can be used to separate the target sRNA‐FISH signal from background autofluorescence. In contrast to colorimetric in situ hybridization, sRNA‐FISH signals can be imaged using super‐resolution microscopy to examine the subcellular localization of sRNAs. We detected maize miR2275 by super‐resolution structured illumination microscopy and direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy. In this study, we describe how we overcame the challenges of adapting FISH for imaging in plant tissue and provide a step‐by‐step sRNA‐FISH protocol for studying sRNAs at the cellular and even subcellular level.
Zimbabwe Economic Sanctions and Post-Colonial Hangover: A Critique of Zimbabwe Democracy Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA) – 2001 a2018
Authors: Mararike Munoda
Published: December 2018

Scholarship on imperialism in Zimbabwe has not been documented in terms of establishing its roots. What has evaded contemporary researchers and academics on post-land reform programme economic sanctions of 2001 is that their roots lie in colonial domination and imperialism. The Scramble for Africa of 1884 is an adjunct of the Berlin Colonial Conference of 1884-1885 which marked long dark days of imperialism in Africa. It was about colonial domination, exploitation of mineral and extraction of natural resources. Western Europe became principal beneficiaries of newly ‘discovered’ wealth – pillaging and looting to their countries through exploitation, false pretenses, deception and outright theft. The insidious process was complemented by subjective constructs of political, social, religious and cultural domination of indigenous populations or ‘natives’ as imperialism defined unbalanced framework of economic relationships. Pronunciations like subjugation, suppression, cultural genocide, expropriation and repression have been touted by historians to highlight the depth and intensity of coloniality. The economic sanctions are part of a strategic neo-colonial era in which former colonial powers continue clutching to vein glories of the past. Yet that past is the present. Zimbabwe is being punished for reclaiming land through land reform programmes of 2001 which helped to empower Zimbabweans. In this research we look at the Janus face of Western decoloniality efforts- with specific reference to how Zimbabwe has fought ferocious battles for reclamation and restitution of its land. We also examine instruments of repression including statutes like the 1965 Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) and the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 as amended in 2018 (ZDERA). In our analytical narratives, we illustrate how the such instruments are designed to maintain imperialist status quo through specified punitive measures under ZDERA.
Geography Instruction in the Decisions of Tebliğler Journal Between the Years of 1939-1942 in Turkey
Authors: Şahin Vedat
Published: December 2018

Tebliğler Journal has been published continuously since January 1939 and has worked as a media organ where all the regulations carried out by the Ministry of National Education are found. The topics relating to geography that are published here are significant in terms of understanding geography inclinations and instruction.  This study reviewed all issues of Tebliğler Journal that were published between 1939 and 1942, examined the sections relating to geography found in these issues, and aimed, when necessary, to categorize and group the topics and thus make an understandable order. In this period, topics relating to especially textbooks and syllabi were found heavily in Tebliğler Journal. However, space was allocated to many matters such as inaccurate information found in geography textbooks and geography books and syllabi to be studied in the types of schools to be opened. In this framework, it is seen that geography classes in all types of schools generally took place in one hour, and in some cases two hours, each week. Medium atlases were used for middle schools and large atlases for high schools in addition to the geography courses at the schools.
Adverse Effect of Different Exercise Types on Ovarian Reserve
Authors: Cicek Guner , Gorkem Umit , Yamaner Faruk , Gullu Abdullah , Gullu Esin
Published: December 2018

In this study, it was aimed to determine the negative effect of different types of exercise on ovarian reserve of sedentary women. A total of 40 sedentary women who met the criteria for admission to work were categorized as aerobic exercise (AE; n:20; age: 33.0±2.0 years old) and strength exercise (SE; n:20; age: 32.7±2.1 years old) groups. Participants in both groups received two different exercises of 60-minute with an intensity of 60-70% for 16 weeks and 4 days per week. Participants' anthropometric (body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, waist and hip rate (WHR)), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and levels antimülerian hormone (AMH), which used as over-reserve indicators, were measured for before and after exercise. Comparisons of these parameters were evaluated at p<0.01 and 0.05 levels. The mean of anthropometric and biochemical parameters of the AE and SE groups were statistically similar in before exercise. After exercise program, body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference values of both groups were significantly decreased (p<0.01 and p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between AMH, E2, FSH and LH levels of the AE group (p>0.05). In the SE group, there was a decrease in AHM level (p<0.05) and an increase in FSH level (p<0.01). There was no significant correlation between E2, and LH levels of the SE group (p>0.05). As a results; strength exercise triggers to decrease in serum AMH levels and to increase in serum FSH levels. For this reason, strength exercise practices can have negative consequences for fertility, especially for women with lower ovarian reserve values.
Examining the Effects of Geography Lessons Taught with Place Based Teaching to Science Process Skills for Classroom Teacher Candidates
Authors: Yılmaz Nihal Yıldız
Published: December 2018

The aim of this research is to examine the effects of the General Geography lessons, which are taught by using place, based teaching activities, on the science process skills for classroom teacher candidates. A nested pattern, which is one of the mix method research patterns, is used for this research. The quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test control group is used in the quantitative part, which is in accordance with the mixed method research; whereas in qualitative part, case study is used. The study group of the research consists of first year teacher candidates who study at Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Department of Classroom Teaching. In the experimental group of the study, in accordance with the place based teaching activities, the General Geography lesson was taught outside the classroom for 4 weeks, and in the control group, the course was taught in the classroom in accordance with the program. As a result of the research, between the experimental group and control group students, no significant difference is found in pre-test, while a significant difference is found in post-test. A significant difference is found between the pre test-post test average points, in favor of post-test, regarding science process skills of the students in the experimental group.
Urotensin II in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease following ⅚ nephrectomy in the rat
Authors: Eyre Heather J. , Speight Thomas , Glazier Jocelyn D. , Smith David M. , Ashton Nick
Published: December 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Urotensin II is upregulated in patients in the later stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in individuals requiring dialysis. Could treatment with a urotensin II receptor antagonist slow progression of renal disease?

What is the main finding and its importance?

In the rat, expression of urotensin II and its receptor increased, extending into cortical structures as CKD progressed towards end‐stage renal failure. Subchronic treatment with a urotensin receptor antagonist slowed but did not prevent progression of CKD. This suggests that urotensin II contributes to the decline in renal function in CKD.

Elevated serum and urine urotensin II (UII) concentrations have been reported in patients with end‐stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). Similar increases in UII and its receptor, UT, have been reported in animal models of CKD, but only at much earlier stages of renal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to characterize urotensin system expression as renal disease progresses to end‐stage failure in a ⅚ subtotal nephrectomy (SNx) rat model. Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent SNx or sham surgery and were killed at 8 weeks postsurgery [early (E)] or immediately before end‐stage renal failure [30 ± 3 weeks postsurgery; late (L)]. Systolic blood pressure, urinary albumin:creatinine ratio and glomerulosclerosis index were all increased in SNx‐E rats compared with sham‐E by 8 weeks postsurgery. These changes were associated with an increase in renal immunoreactive UII staining but little change in UT expression. As CKD progressed to end‐stage disease in the SNx‐L group, markers of renal function deteriorated further, in association with a marked increase in immunoreactive UII and UT staining. Subchronic administration of a UT antagonist, SB‐611812, at 30 mg kg−1 day−1 for 13 weeks, in a separate group of SNx rats resulted in a 2 week delay in the increase in both systolic blood pressure and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio observed in vehicle‐treated SNx but did not prevent the progression of renal dysfunction. The urotensin system is upregulated as renal function deteriorates in the rat; UT antagonism can slow but not prevent disease progression, suggesting that UII plays a role in CKD.
Experimental Validation of a Three-Degree-of-Freedom Cable-Suspended Parallel Robot for Spatial Translation With Constant Orientation
Authors: Vu Dinh-Son , Barnett Eric , Gosselin Clément
Published: December 2018

This paper shows an experimental validation for the design of a three-degree-of-freedom (DOF) cable-suspended parallel robot, which has six cables attached to the end-effector, arranged in three pairs, with each pair being driven by a single motor. For each pair, the moving platform attachment points and the winch cable guides on the fixed frame form a parallelogram, an arrangement that allows the end-effector to be positioned throughout its static workspace (SW) while maintaining a constant orientation. In this paper, the kinematic modeling of the robot is first described, along with its SW. Then, the robot's kinematic sensitivity is assessed in position and orientation such that an upper bound is found for the amplification of the cable positioning errors in Cartesian space. Finally, experimental results obtained using a proof-of-concept mechanism are described, which confirm the claim that the proposed design maintains a constant platform orientation in the SW.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Thermal Diffusion Coefficient Effect on the Departure From Nucleate Boiling Ratio With the VIPRE Code
Authors: Delgado-Tardáguila Rosario , Corisco Marisol , Espejo Antonio , Navarro Daniel , Riverola Javier
Published: December 2018

One of the limiting conditions during operation of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) is cladding integrity in class I (normal operations) or class II (most frequent). Cladding integrity is limited typically by the departure from the nucleate boiling (DNB), which criterion ensures an appropriate core cooling. Adequate heat transfer between the fuel cladding and reactor coolant is achieved by preventing DNB that is avoided if the local heat flux is lower than the critical heat flux (CHF). The DNB is estimated thanks to thermal-hydraulic (TH) design codes, as the VIPRE-W code that predicts the fluid behavior based on the geometry of the problem, the fuel rods and the fluid properties among others. One of the parameters that influences the DNB estimation is the thermal diffusion coefficient (TDC), which depends on the fuel design and is affected by the grid spacing. As a matter of fact, the TDC enters into the DNB calculation for thermal mixing between subchannels and in some special cases like the most primitive fuel designs, as a factor within the DNB correlation. Nevertheless, although the TDC is a variable, the TH design codes used for the DNB prediction consider the TDC as a constant. This investigation is founded on a new numerical program developed to explore the effect of the TDC on the DNB. In addition to this, variables as the effect of the turbulent momentum factor (FTM) and the correlation effect has been explored too. The most direct outcome of this research is the substantial extension of the existing studies of VIPRE-W TH code. The results show that TDC has an effect on the DNB dominated by the radial power distribution. The departure from nucleate boiling ratio (DNBR) increases up to 1.2% when TDC is a variable under normal operation radial shapes. For the design radial distribution, this effect is vanished but observable for values under 0.02 with an exponential increase of the DNBR with respect to the TDC. From this moment on, the energy exchanged between subchannels is negligible due to the flatness shape of the radial enthalpy distribution.
Thermal–Hydraulic Design in the Transition Laminar–to–Turbulent Flow Regime
Authors: Lupiano Contreras J. , Doval A. S. , Alberto P. A.
Published: December 2018

Difficulties are experienced during the thermal–hydraulic design of a nuclear reactor operating in the transition flow regime and are the result of the inability to accurately predict the heat transfer coefficient (HTC). Experimental values for the HTC in rectangular channels are compared with the calculated by correlations usually used for the design of material testing reactors (MTR). The values predicted by Gnielinski and Kreith correlations at Reynolds numbers below 5000 are not necessarily conservative. The Al-Arabi-Churchill correlation with the correction proposed by Jones has proved to be conservative for Reynolds between 2100 and 5000. Two alternative design approaches are proposed to solve a specific thermal–hydraulic design problem for a MTR operating at Reynolds 2500. The conservative approach comprises two alternatives: the use of Al-Arabi correlation with no uncertainty factors, as it has proved to be conservative, or the use of Kreith correlation with a maximum uncertainty. In this conservative approach, maximum deviations in other input parameters are also taken into account. The best estimate plus uncertainty approach considers an uncertainty distribution in input parameters to generate a random sample of 59 inputs. An uncertainty distribution based on the ratio between the experimental and the calculated HTC, when using Kreith correlation, is considered. Results are given in terms of maximum and minimum bounds for the figure of merit used as design criterion with 95% probability and 95% confidence level. The best estimate plus uncertainty approach offers a less penalizing design and its use depends on regulator's acceptance.
Flying in formation: The orbital dynamics of LISA's three spacecraft
Authors: Amato Joseph C.
Published: December 2018

LISA is a space-based gravitational wave observatory that is anticipated to launch in 2034. Its constellation of three spacecraft will be located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle that will follow the Earth about the Sun. The spacecraft will be deployed in three heliocentric elliptical orbits that, to first order in their eccentricity, maintain the observatory's size and configuration. How LISA accomplishes this is an ideal illustration of basic orbital dynamics. The physics underlying the choice of orbits is explained at a level suitable for introductory undergraduate physics students.
Comoving frames and the Lorentz–Fitzgerald contraction
Authors: Drory Alon
Published: December 2018

In special relativity, accelerated objects are described through instantaneous comoving frames, to which the usual transformations are then applied. This is not always possible, however. I analyze a simple example of a rod thrown from a train onto a stationary platform. The lack of absolute simultaneity implies that the rod stretches, and its points move with respect to each other. Its length, therefore, changes. Typically, the rod as a whole has no instantaneous rest length and thus no definable proper length. A fortiori, it has no instantaneous rest frame, and the (instantaneous) Lorentz contraction formula is inapplicable.
Practicing Spatial Relationship Skills Using an Asteroid 3-D Tool
Authors: Ziffer Julie , Morse William , Nelson Tyler , Nakroshis Paul , Rudnick Benjamin T. , Brautigam Max , Parker Wesley
Published: December 2018

Students with poor spatial abilities experience a barrier to academic success early in the STEM curriculum. However, Sorby et al. report that even brief training can improve spatial reasoning in students who lack them. Further, the National Research Council recommends that spatial thinking skills be taught at all educational levels. Halpern defines spatial ability as a heterogeneous cluster of cognitive skills. “Mental rotation” and “orthographic projection” are two of these skills. Mental rotation is the capacity to mentally rotate a two- or three-dimensional object. The orthographic projection skill is the ability to represent three-dimensional objects in two dimensions. These skills are important across the STEM curriculum, and in physics and astronomy these skills have particular relevance.
Improved Gay-Lussac Experiment Considering Added Volumes
Authors: Kilmer Nelson , Krehbiel Joel D.
Published: December 2018

Gay-Lussac’s law states that the pressure of an ideal gas is directly proportional to its absolute temperature if the volume is constant. Students observe this relationship by taking measurements on the pressure of gas in a flask or metal sphere at different temperatures and then extrapolate the data to estimate absolute zero. In our college physics classes, we noticed that student estimates were always near −280 °C (vs. the correct value of −273.15 °C) when using a 125-ml flask or −315 °C with a 25-ml flask. In fact, instructor’s notes from Vernier and Carolina Supply provide estimates of −283 °C and −289 °C for absolute zero, respectively. Additional work has shown that the primary problem with the Gay-Lussac experiment is that the volume in the measurement system outside the heated flask or sphere must be minimized to get estimates of absolute zero close to the theoretical value. Increasing the flask or sphere size can minimize the error in this experiment. While these observations have been noted, these researchers did not present the full theory to explain this effect, or how to account for the volume outside the heated flask. Here we derive the theory for two connected volumes at two different temperatures and show why many experiments provide estimates of absolute zero that are too low. We also provide two alternative ways to estimate absolute zero using the two-volume model. These methods provide significant reduction in error and provide an excellent learning experience for students in introductory physics or chemistry classes.
Higher-Order e-Assessment for Physics in the Digital Age Using Sakai
Authors: Heyde Valentino van de , Siebrits Andre
Published: December 2018

In any science field, including physics, it is important to remain abreast of new assessment methods to cater to the 21st-century student. The rationale of this paper is to argue for a move away from the use of lower-order thinking skills (LOTS) in e-assessment in favor of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS), in line with Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy. This builds on the work of Livingston, who argued that multiple-choice questions, while presenting some advantages, also entail disadvantages since there are forms of knowledge and skills that they cannot evaluate. This is especially true when certain forms of knowledge and skills cannot be accurately evaluated if the answer is presented within a list of options. Livingston argued that constructed-response questions are a fruitful avenue for addressing this shortcoming. Similarly, as Jones points out, while multiple-choice questions can—with careful design—be used to assess higher-order thinking, it is far more common to find them being used to test factual information recall, which requires LOTS. Schultz echoes this view and made use of randomized non-multiple-choice assignments, delivered via a Learning Management System (LMS) in a chemistry course. The benefits reported include automatic marking, reduction of copying among students due to randomization, and the targeting of higher-order learning outcomes since students were required to work out the answer rather than choosing it from a list. While Schultz did not use the term constructed-response question, Livingston defines it as “questions that require the test taker to produce the answer, rather than simply choosing it from a list.” In this paper, we aim to illustrate a range of new possibilities (within physics) for using constructed-response questions in an increasingly technologically advanced learning and teaching environment. While we use the Sakai LMS, the examples we offer are equally valid for other systems. The use of constructed-response questions to support physics learning and teaching within Sakai is, however, an underresearched area. This is especially the case for the calculated and numeric response questions, and their complementary tools, that we showcase.
Galileo’s telescope
Authors: Sirola Christopher
Published: December 2018

One of the most consequential inventions of modern times is the telescope. Almost immediately upon turning it to the skies, Galileo made discoveries that altered our perceptions of our place in the cosmos forever: features on the Moon, the rotation of the Sun, the composition of the Milky Way, the phases of Venus, and the four large moons of Jupiter.
Using a modified Boyle’s law experiment to estimate the density of salts
Authors: Krehbiel Joel D. , Schroeder Kenton N. , Suzuki Harune , Kilmer Nelson
Published: December 2018

Physics and chemistry students learn several methods to determine the density of materials. While measuring the mass of materials is usually simple, volume measurements are more complex. For simple shapes the volume may be determined by measuring its geometry; for more complex shapes students often use Archimedes’ principle. However, neither of these methods works well for soluble materials like salts. In water, the ions present in a salt dissociate, eliminating the possibility of using volume displacement. It is also difficult to measure the size of small salt crystals due to the irregularity in the crystal sizes and the air between crystals. Here, we modify Boyle’s law experiment to find the volume of salt crystals and thus accurately determine their density.
Using Python as a toolbox for student-directed virtual labs
Authors: Lincoln James
Published: December 2018

Python is a free, text-based programming language that has already been used by those who do physics research to great effect. But students can also learn to use it and, through its use, learn other aspects of physics—especially ones that are difficult or impossible to perform as physical labs. This article serves as a most-fundamental start for teachers who are interested in how they can use Python to enhance their physics instruction. Although there have been a few articles that have made references to using Python, none so far in this journal has described how quickly and effectively it can be used to simulate a virtual lab experience or aid in creative design. In this first of two articles, I introduce Python (and VPython) and provide some sample codes to guide beginners.
Microphone array beamforming based on maximization of the front-to-back ratio
Authors: Wang Xianghui , Benesty Jacob , Cohen Israel , Chen Jingdong
Published: December 2018

Microphone arrays are typically used in room acoustic environments to acquire high fidelity audio and speech signals while suppressing noise, interference, and reverberation. In many application scenarios, interference and reverberation may mainly come from a certain region, and it is therefore necessary to develop beamformers that can preserve signals of interest while minimizing the power of signals coming from the region where interference and reverberation dominate. For this purpose, this paper first reexamines the so-called front-to-back ratio and the classical supercardioid beamformer. To deal with the white noise amplification problem and the limited directivity factor associated with the supercardioid beamformer, a set of reduced-rank beamformers are deduced by using the well-known joint diagonalization technique, which can make compromises between the front-to-back ratio and the amount of white noise amplification or the directivity factor. Then, the definition of the front-to-back ratio is extended to a generalized version, from which another set of reduced-rank beamformers and their regularized versions are developed. Simulations are conducted to illustrate the properties and advantages of the proposed beamformers.
Single-component quasicrystalline nanocrystal superlattices through flexible polygon tiling rule
Authors: Nagaoka Yasutaka , Zhu Hua , Eggert Dennis , Chen Ou
Published: December 2018

Quantum dots line up as a quasicrystal

Quasicrystals have rotational symmetry but no long-range order. Although several materials have quasicrystalline order, examples of quasicrystalline superlattices formed from different types of particles are rare. Nagaoka
et al.
discovered a type of 10-fold quasicrystalline superlattice formed from truncated tetrahedral quantum dots (see the Perspective by Wu and Sun). The order is driven by a “flexible polygon tiling rule,” which explains the unique arrangement of the quantum dots.

Science
, this issue p.
1396
; see also p.
1354
A Prospective Study of
Acinetobacter baumannii
Complex Isolates and Colistin Susceptibility Monitoring by Mass Spectrometry of Microbial Membrane Glycolipids
Authors: Leung Lisa M. , McElheny Christi L. , Gardner Francesca M. , Chandler Courtney E. , Bowler Sarah L. , Mettus Roberta T. , Spychala Caressa N. , Fowler Erin L. , Opene Belita N. A. , Myers Robert A. , Goodlett David R. , Doi Yohei , Ernst Robert K.
Published: December 2018

Acinetobacter baumannii
is a prevalent nosocomial pathogen with a high incidence of multidrug resistance. Treatment of infections due to this organism with colistin, a last-resort antibiotic of the polymyxin class, can result in the emergence of colistin-resistant strains.
Test Agreement among Biochemical Methods, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry, and 16S rRNA Sequencing for Identification of Microorganisms Isolated from Bovine Milk
Authors: Wilson David J. , Middleton John R. , Adkins Pamela R. F. , Goodell Gregory M.
Published: December 2018

The objective of this prospective study was a blinded comparison of three methods for the identification of bacteria isolated on Columbia blood agar from milk samples of dairy cows. Basic biochemical testing, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and 16S rRNA partial genome sequence analysis were compared for bacterial identification to the genus or species level.
Are the cardioprotective effects of the phytoestrogen resveratrol sex-dependent?
Authors: Louis Xavier Lieben , Raj Pema , Chan Laura , Zieroth Shelley , Netticadan Thomas , Wigle Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2018

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in both men and women. Younger women have a lower risk for CVD, but their risk increases considerably after menopause when estrogen levels decrease. The cardiovascular protective properties of estrogen are mediated through decreasing vascular inflammation and progression of atherosclerosis, decreasing endothelial cell damage by preventing apoptosis and anti-hypertrophic mechanisms. Estrogen also regulates glucose and lipid levels, which are 2 important risk factors for CVD. Resveratrol (RES), a cardioprotective polyphenolic compound, is classified as a phytoestrogen due its capacity to bind to and modulate estrogen receptor signalling. Due to its estrogen-like property, we speculate that the cardioprotective effects of RES treatment could be sex-dependent. Based on earlier reports and more recent data from our lab presented here, we found that RES treatment may have more favourable cardiovascular outcomes in females than in males. This review will discuss estrogen- and phytoestrogen-mediated cardioprotection, with a specific focus on sex-dependent effects reported in preclinical and clinical studies.
A 5-Year-Old Case of Choroidal Neovascularization in Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome Treated with Ranibizumab
Authors: Bertoli Federica , Pignatto Silvia , Rizzetto Francesca , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: December 2018

Introduction: We describe the youngest case of enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS) associated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) successfully treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections. Case Report: A 5-year-old boy presented with round-shaped fibrotic subretinal lesions in both eyes with surrounding subretinal fluid and progressive visual deterioration in the right eye. Fine foci of increased autofluorescence were observed along the arcades in both eyes. Fluorescein angiography revealed the presence of CNV in his right eye, and treatment with ranibizumab was initiated, with significant improvement in vision. Subsequent electroretinogram examination and genetic studies of the patient and his two younger siblings confirmed the diagnosis of ESCS. Conclusion: CNV has been reported to occur in different inherited retinal degenerations, including ESCS. Our experience confirms that treatment with ranibizumab in patients with CNV-complicated ESCS can be potentially vision-saving.
ІНФОРМАТИВНЕ ЗНАЧЕННЯ ВІЗУАЛЬНОГО АНАЛІЗУ АРТЕРІАЛЬНОЇ ОСЦИЛОГРАМИ, ЗАРЕЄСТРОВАНОЇ ПІД ЧАС ЗРОСТАННЯ КОМПРЕСІЇ ПЛЕЧА ПРИ ВИМІРЮВАННІ АРТЕРІАЛЬНОГО ТИСКУ
Authors: Martsenyuk V. P. , Vakulenko D. V. , Vakulenko L. A. , Kutakova A. V. , Semenets A. V. , Kravets N. O. , Klimuk N. J.
Published: December 2018

Відомо, що захворювання серцево-судинної системи відносяться до найбільш поширених захворювань людства. Особливо насторожує «помолодшання» судинних катастроф, що призводять до глибокої інвалідності. Значною мірою благополуччя кровообігу залежить від стану судин - „периферійного серця". Одним із методів його оцінювання є артеріальна осцилографія (АО). Представлені дослідження базуються на аналізі 1640 АО, зареєстрованих за допомогою електронного тонометра ВАТ 41-2 під час вимірювання АТ. Для морфологічного аналізу АО пропонується використовувати такі критерії: а) форма всієї осцилограми; б) характер окремих пульсацій у різних фазах компресії. Дослідження дали можливість виявити різні види судинної реакції на компресію плеча під час вимірювання АТ у стані спокою (на лівому та правому плечі), після впливу різноманітних чинників і в процесі відновлення після них. Використання запропонованих авторами методів морфологічного аналізу АО, їх оцінка та клінічна інтерпретація значно підвищують інформативність процесу вимірювання АТ.
КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО АЛГОРИТМІЗАЦІЇ ПРОЦЕСІВ МОНІТОРИНГУ ПОКАЗНИКІВ СТАНУ ОРГАНІЗМУ
Authors: Shevchenko Ya. O.
Published: December 2018

Розглянуто підходи до формування персоналізованих знань про стан і здоров'я людини в задачах мобільної медицини. Проаналізовано спектр концептуальних і методичних підходів для оцінки різних параметрів фізичного стану організму і фізичної підготовленості людини.

Запропоновано на підставі використання методів фазових просторів станів пацієнта застосовувати параметри атракторів показників серцево-судинної системи організму. Рекомендуються також нові підходи до ідентифікації параметрів вектора стану організму людини в багатовимірному фазовому просторі для оцінки та моделювання динаміки серцево-судинної системи людини. Підходи пов'язані не тільки з абсолютною величиною різних показників, а й зі швидкістю змін досліджуваних параметрів, їх прискоренням при навантаженні, а також з показниками синергізму.
A criança e a “morte anunciada”: considerações sobre a escuta analítica na oncologia pediátrica
Authors: Guimarães Flora Corrêa , Pereira Caciana Linhares
Published: December 2018

O artigo expõe um percurso de elaboração que advém da escuta de crianças em instituições de saúde – de modo particular, instituições de tratamento oncológico – interrogadas fundamentalmente a respeito de suaexperiência diante da morte. Problematizando as incidências do discurso médico na experiência da criança e os aportes ofertados pela escuta analítica, o artigo visa contribuir para a interlocução entre a psicanálise e o campo da saúde, sustentando o olhar para o que é da ordem do singular, em especial no contexto da “morte anunciada”, em detrimento do sujeito doente tomado puramente como organismo biológico.
Contribuições psicanalíticas para a clínica de crianças com deficiência física congênita
Authors: Silva Diego Rodrigues , Herzberg Eliana
Published: December 2018

Crianças com deficiência física apresentam uma aparência física diferente, movimentos não usuais e formas alternativas de comunicação. O sujeito se fará presente na clínica com e por meio destas especificidades. Frente a estas, este artigo busca discutir a clínica de crianças nos casos de deficiência física congênita. Em uma primeira parte são ilustrados quatro casos clínicos. Na segunda, discute-se a presença de equipamentos, a manifestação do corpo e o uso da deficiência pelo sujeito. Na terceira, apontam-se alguns manejos clínicos que perpassam um trabalho de luto, no sentido de apropriação simbólica da deficiência. Concluindo, é apontada a importância da prevenção.
Os objetivos do tratamento psicanalítico para Freud e para Winnicott
Authors: Fulgencio Leopoldo
Published: December 2018

Neste artigo pretende-se apresentar os aspectos gerais, teóricos e descritivos, dos objetivos do tratamento psicanalítico para Freud e para Winnicott, para, ao final, explicitar algumas continuidades e rupturas nas suas concepções sobre qual seria o objetivo do processo psicoterapêutico psicanalítico. Nesse sentido, procura mostrar que Freud pensa o objetivo do tratamento psicanalítico em termos de uma estabilidade do eu nas relações interpessoais, pressionadas pela vida instintual e pelos valores superegoicos (também referidos à sexualidade), enunciado tanto de forma metapsicológica quanto descritiva, tendo em vista a diminuição do sofrimento; e Winnicott, numa ampliação da proposta de Freud, aponta esse objetivo para além da vida instintual ou sexual (ainda que sem deixar de considerá-la), buscando a conquista de um lugar para ser e continuar sendo, sentir-se real e levando a própria vida, ainda que isto possa ser sofrido.
Algumas notas sobre um trabalho de escuta e experiência em Rodas de Conversa com professores no contexto da inclusão: da "Rua de Mão Única" às "Passagens"
Authors: Fasolo Liege Bertolini , Gurski Roselene
Published: December 2018

Este artigo apresenta  um recorte de uma pesquisa de mestrado que teve como ponto de partida a experiência com docentes que recebem crianças consideradas da Educação Especial em duas escolas públicas estaduais de um município localizado no interior do Rio Grande do Sul. O estudo investigou o modo como as Rodas de Conversa podem contribuir para a formação continuada de educadores que recebem alunos ditos de inclusão. O objetivo principal foi interrogar se, ao sublinhar a experiência do sujeito-educador, o dispositivo de escuta/intervenção de docentes, no contexto da inclusão,  seria capaz de produzir o deslocamento da queixa ao enigma. A metodologia utilizada para a condução e a análise do material foi inspirada na escuta psicanalítica conjugada aos efeitos ético-metodológicos advindos do tema da experiência em Walter Benjamin. O trabalho contribui especialmente para pensar os efeitos que a construção do saber da experiência pode produzir  na construção de uma micropolítica de inclusão.
Formação docente e psicanálise: análise da posição subjetiva dos professores no desenvolvimento profissional
Authors: Fernandes Claudia Rodrigues
Published: December 2018

Tese de doutorado no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de

Minas Gerais
Patent-Bot
Authors: Sham James , Killoran Patrick , Rubens Neil , Korgel Brian A.
Published: December 2018

Patent-Bot is an artificial intelligence (AI) software program that learns language from the patent database to write original patents for submission to the United States Patent Office (USPTO). The program creates thousands of new patent summaries per second. Patent-Bot is itself a piece of intellectual property, which in turn exists to generate more intellectual property. Patent-Bot also invents new words in relation to its future concepts, which appear to test the current linguistic limits of innovation and communication. Patent-Bot was debuted as an interactive art installation in the Omnibus Filing exhibition at the Visual Arts Center, University of Texas at Austin. Omnibus Filing showcased artworks, inventions, prototypes and cross-disciplinary research projects undertaken by teams of scientists, artists and engineers. Patent-Bot has since exhibited at Piksel 17: A festival for Elektronisk Kunst og fri Teknologi, in Lydgalleriet, Bergen, Norway. The project is an ongoing collaboration between the authors spanning a variety of exhibition formats and modes of display.
Systems of Bounded Rational Agents with Information-Theoretic Constraints
Authors: Gottwald Sebastian , Braun Daniel A.
Published: December 2018

Specialization and hierarchical organization are important features of efficient collaboration in economical, artificial, and biological systems. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that both features can be explained by the fact that each entity of such a system is limited in a certain way. We propose an information-theoretic approach based on a free energy principle in order to computationally analyze systems of bounded rational agents that deal with such limitations optimally. We find that specialization allows a focus on fewer tasks, thus leading to a more efficient execution, but in turn, it requires coordination in hierarchical structures of specialized experts and coordinating units. Our results suggest that hierarchical architectures of specialized units at lower levels that are coordinated by units at higher levels are optimal, given that each unit's information-processing capability is limited and conforms to constraints on complexity costs.
Modeling the Correlated Activity of Neural Populations: A Review
Authors: Gardella Christophe , Marre Olivier , Mora Thierry
Published: December 2018

The principles of neural encoding and computations are inherently collective and usually involve large populations of interacting neurons with highly correlated activities. While theories of neural function have long recognized the importance of collective effects in populations of neurons, only in the past two decades has it become possible to record from many cells simultaneously using advanced experimental techniques with single-spike resolution and to relate these correlations to function and behavior. This review focuses on the modeling and inference approaches that have been recently developed to describe the correlated spiking activity of populations of neurons. We cover a variety of models describing correlations between pairs of neurons, as well as between larger groups, synchronous or delayed in time, with or without the explicit influence of the stimulus, and including or not latent variables. We discuss the advantages and drawbacks or each method, as well as the computational challenges related to their application to recordings of ever larger populations.
Calculating the Mutual Information between Two Spike Trains
Authors: Houghton Conor
Published: December 2018

It is difficult to estimate the mutual information between spike trains because established methods require more data than are usually available. Kozachenko-Leonenko estimators promise to solve this problem but include a smoothing parameter that must be set. We propose here that the smoothing parameter can be selected by maximizing the estimated unbiased mutual information. This is tested on fictive data and shown to work very well.
Estimation and Inference for Linear Models with Two-Way Fixed Effects and Sparsely Matched Data
Authors: Verdier Valentin
Published: December 2018

Models with multiway fixed effects are frequently used to address selection on unobservables. The data used for estimating these models often contain few observations per value of either indexing variable (sparsely matched data). I show that this sparsity has important implications for inference and propose an asymptotically valid inference method based on subsetting. Sparsity also has important implications for point estimation when covariates or instrumental variables are sequentially exogenous (e.g., dynamic models), and I propose a new estimator for these models. Finally, I illustrate these methods by providing estimates of the effect of class size reductions on student achievement.
Estimating Auctions with Externalities: The Case of USFS Timber Auctions
Authors: Kuehn Joseph
Published: December 2018

I introduce an empirical auction model where in addition to the private value that each bidder receives upon winning the auction, losing bidders incur a negative externality that depends on the identity of the rival winner. I show how the externalities and private value distributions can be identified and estimated in such a model. I then apply the model to U.S. Forest Service timber auctions. I find that mill bidders impose significant externalities on one another of between 10% and 22% of the heterogeneous portion of their valuation. This leads the timber tracts to be misallocated in 5.2% of the auctions in my sample.
The Cross-Sectional Distribution of Price Stickiness Implied by Aggregate Data
Authors: Carvalho Carlos , Dam Niels Arne , Lee Jae Won
Published: December 2018

We provide evidence on three mechanisms that can reconcile frequent individual price changes with sluggish aggregate price dynamics. To that end, we estimate a semistructural model that can extract information about real rigidities and the distribution of price stickiness from aggregate data. Hence, the model can also speak to the debate about the aggregate implications of sales. Our estimates indicate large real rigidities and substantial heterogeneity in price stickiness. Moreover, the cross-sectional distribution of price stickiness implied by aggregate data is in line with an empirical distribution obtained from microprice data that factors out sales and product substitutions.
New genera, species and occurrence records of Goniasteridae (Asteroidea; Echinodermata) from the Indian Ocean
Authors: MAH CHRISTOPHER L.
Published: December 2018

Modern goniasterids are the most numerous of living asteroids in terms of described genera and species and they have important ecological roles from shallow to deep-water marine habitats. Recent MNHN expeditions and historical collections in the USNM have resulted in the discovery of 18 new species, three new genera and multiple new occurrence records from the western Indian Ocean region including Madagascar, Glorioso and Mayotte islands, Walters Shoal, South Africa, and Somalia. This report provides the first significant contribution to knowledge of deep-sea Asteroidea from the Indian Ocean since the late 20th Century. Several deep-sea species, previously known from the North Pacific are now reported from the western Indian Ocean. Gut contents from Stellaster and Ogmaster indicate deposit feeding. Feeding modes of this and other deep-sea species are discussed. Comments are made on fossil members of included taxa. A checklist of Indian Ocean Goniasteridae is also included.