bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volume regulation and shape bifurcation in the cell nucleus
Authors: Kim Dong-Hwee , Li Bo , Si Fangwei , Philips Jude , Wirtz Denis , Sun Sean X.
Published: August 2015

Alterations in nuclear morphology are closely associated with essential cell functions, such as cell motility and polarization, and correlate with a wide range of human diseases, including cancer, muscular dystrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and progeria. However, the mechanics and forces that shape the nucleus are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that when an adherent cell is detached from its substratum, the nucleus undergoes a large volumetric reduction accompanied by a morphological transition from an almost smooth to a heavily folded surface. We develop a mathematical model that systematically analyzes the evolution of nuclear shape and volume. The analysis suggests that the pressure difference across the nuclear envelope, which is influenced by changes in cell volume and regulated by microtubules and actin filaments, is a major factor determining nuclear morphology. Our results show that physical and chemical properties of the extracellular microenvironment directly influence nuclear morphology and suggest a direct link between the environment and gene regulation.
Preconditioning in the reef-building coralPocillopora damicornisand the potential for trans-generational acclimatization in coral larvae under future climate change conditions
Authors: Putnam Hollie M. , Gates Ruth D.
Published: August 2015

Coral reefs are globally threatened by climate change-related ocean warming and ocean acidification (OA). To date, slow-response mechanisms such as genetic adaptation have been considered the major determinant of coral reef persistence, with little consideration of rapid-response acclimatization mechanisms. These rapid mechanisms such as parental effects that can contribute to trans-generational acclimatization (e.g. epigenetics) have, however, been identified as important contributors to offspring response in other systems. We present the first evidence of parental effects in a cross-generational exposure to temperature and OA in reef-building corals. Here, we exposed adults to high (28.9°C, 805 µatm PCO2) or ambient (26.5°C, 417 µatm PCO2) temperature and OA treatments during the larval brooding period. Exposure to high treatment negatively affected adult performance, but their larvae exhibited size differences and metabolic acclimation when subsequently re-exposed, unlike larvae from parents exposed to ambient conditions. Understanding the innate capacity corals possess to respond to current and future climatic conditions is essential to reef protection and maintenance. Our results identify that parental effects may have an important role through (1) ameliorating the effects of stress through preconditioning and adaptive plasticity, and/or (2) amplifying the negative parental response through latent effects on future life stages. Whether the consequences of parental effects and the potential for trans-generational acclimatization are beneficial or maladaptive, our work identifies a critical need to expand currently proposed climate change outcomes for corals to further assess rapid response mechanisms that include non-genetic inheritance through parental contributions and classical epigenetic mechanisms.
Convivência com a pré-eclâmpsia: desvelando olhares de puérperas
Authors: Almeida Taysa Vieira de , Melo Monica Cecília Pimentel de , Morais Ramon José Leal de
Published: August 2015

Introdução: As síndromes hipertensivas classificam-se em graus variados e têm potencial destaque em exigir um acompanhamento rigoroso no pré-natal. O estudo pretendeu analisar a vivência de puérperas do Hospital Dom Malan/ IMIP de Petrolina-PE na trajetória da pré-eclâmpsia. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, exploratório e descritivo, realizado no Hospital Dom Malan/IMIP, em Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brasil, com 20 puérperas que tiveram diagnóstico de pré-eclâmpsia em gestação referente ao puerpério atual. A coleta foi realizada no período de abril a setembro de 2014, por meio de um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado, com tratamento do material empírico segundo a Análise do Discurso. Aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Deontologia em Estudos e Pesquisas da Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, sob protocolo nº 0005/200214. Resultados e discussões: Emergiram o pouco conhecimento das puérperas sobre a pré-eclâmpsia; a história pregressa como um contribuinte no desfecho dos resultados, desvelando, a partir daí, sentimentos de angústia, medo e ansiedade frente à incerteza do estado de saúde das mulheres. Isto posto, os discursos pontuaram a necessidade de um seguimento criterioso do pré-natal de modo abrangente e esclarecedor. Conclusões: O estudo evoca a necessidade de os profissionais de saúde priorizarem nas consultas pré-natais, a escuta qualificada e as informações de educação em saúde, na busca de melhores resultados de cuidado e adesão ao tratamento.
Finding the shortest path with PesCa: a tool for network reconstruction
Authors: Scardoni Giovanni , Tosadori Gabriele , Pratap Sakshi , Spoto Fausto , Laudanna Carlo
Published: August 2015

Network analysis is of growing interest in several fields ranging from economics to biology. Several methods have been developed to investigate different properties of physical networks abstracted as graphs, including quantification of specific topological properties, contextual data enrichment, simulation of pathway dynamics and visual representation. In this context, the PesCa app for the Cytoscape network analysis environment is specifically designed to help researchers infer and manipulate networks based on the shortest path principle. PesCa offers different algorithms allowing network reconstruction and analysis starting from a list of genes, proteins and in general a set of interconnected nodes. The app is useful in the early stage of network analysis, i.e. to create networks or generate clusters based on shortest path computation, but can also help further investigations and, in general, it is suitable for every situation requiring the connection of a set of nodes that apparently do not share links, such as isolated nodes in sub-networks. Overall, the plugin enhances the ability of discovering interesting and not obvious relations between high dimensional sets of interacting objects.
CySpanningTree: Minimal Spanning Tree computation in Cytoscape
Authors: Shaik Faizaan , Bezawada Srikanth , Goveas Neena
Published: August 2015

Simulating graph models for real world networks is made easy using software tools like Cytoscape. In this paper, we present the open-source CySpanningTree app for Cytoscape that creates a minimal/maximal spanning tree network for a given Cytoscape network. CySpanningTree provides two historical ways for calculating a spanning tree: Prim’s and Kruskal’s algorithms. Minimal spanning tree discovery in a given graph is a fundamental problem with diverse applications like spanning tree network optimization protocol, cost effective design of various kinds of networks, approximation algorithm for some NP-hard problems, cluster analysis, reducing data storage in sequencing amino acids in a protein, etc. This article demonstrates the procedure for extraction of a spanning tree from complex data sets like gene expression data and world network. The article also provides an approximate solution to the traveling salesman problem with minimum spanning tree heuristic. CySpanningTree for Cytoscape 3 is available from the Cytoscape app store.
Possible identification of CENP-C in fish and the presence of the CENP-C motif in M18BP1 of vertebrates.
Authors: Kral Leos
Published: August 2015

The centromeric protein CENP-C is a base component of the kinetochore. This protein, along with CENP-A has been shown to adaptively evolve in a number of animal and plant species. In order to determine if CENP-C also evolves in fish species, I attempted to retrieve fish CENP-C sequences from GenBank. No Teleostei CENP-C sequences were found either by name or by BLASTP searches with the vertebrate CENP-C motif sequence. A number of putative Teleostei protein sequences were identified in GenBank that have homology to the C-terminal cupin domain of vertebrate CENP-C. These proteins only have partial homology to the CENP-C motif, but evidence is presented that makes it likely that these fish proteins are orthologs of CENP-C. Interestingly, it was also discovered that the CENP-C motif sequence is also mostly present in M18BP1 proteins of fish and some other vertebrates but not in mammals. This finding may have implications for CENP-C and M18BP1 assembly in centromeric regions of different vertebrate taxa.
iCTNet2: integrating heterogeneous biological interactions to understand complex traits
Authors: Wang Lili , Himmelstein Daniel S. , Santaniello Adam , Parvin Mousavi , Baranzini Sergio E.
Published: August 2015

iCTNet (integrated Complex Traits Networks) version 2 is a Cytoscape app and database that allows researchers to build heterogeneous networks by integrating a variety of biological interactions, thus offering a systems-level view of human complex traits. iCTNet2 is built from a variety of large-scale biological datasets, collected from public repositories to facilitate the building, visualization and analysis of heterogeneous biological networks in a comprehensive fashion via the Cytoscape platform. iCTNet2 is freely available at the Cytoscape app store.
Robust Multiarmed Bandit Problems
Authors: Kim Michael Jong , Lim Andrew E.B.
Published: August 2015

The multiarmed bandit problem is a popular framework for studying the exploration versus exploitation trade-off. Recent applications include dynamic assortment design, Internet advertising, dynamic pricing, and the control of queues. The standard mathematical formulation for a bandit problem makes the strong assumption that the decision maker has a full characterization of the joint distribution of the rewards, and that “arms” under this distribution are independent. These assumptions are not satisfied in many applications, and the out-of-sample performance of policies that optimize a misspecified model can be poor. Motivated by these concerns, we formulate a robust bandit problem in which a decision maker accounts for distrust in the nominal model by solving a worst-case problem against an adversary (“nature”) who has the ability to alter the underlying reward distribution and does so to minimize the decision maker’s expected total profit. Structural properties of the optimal worst-case policy are characterized by using the robust Bellman (dynamic programming) equation, and arms are shown to be no longer independent under nature’s worst-case response. One implication of this is that index policies are not optimal for the robust problem, and we propose, as an alternative, a robust version of the Gittins index. Performance bounds for the robust Gittins index are derived by using structural properties of the value function together with ideas from stochastic dynamic programming duality. We also investigate the performance of the robust Gittins index policy when applied to a Bayesian webpage design problem. In the presence of model misspecification, numerical experiments show that the robust Gittins index policy not only outperforms the classical Gittins index policy, but also substantially reduces the variability in the out-of-sample performance.

This paper was accepted by Dimitris Bertsimas, optimization.
Anthelmintics: targets, mechanisms and resistance
Authors: Elsheikha Hany , Castro Pablo David Jimenez
Published: August 2015

The past few decades have witnessed a clear shift in the management of worm infections, with more emphasis on chemotherapeutic drugs. Anthelmintics have been effective in limiting the spread of helminth infections, with consequent improvement in the welfare of pets and the productivity of domestic animals. Hence, the use of anthelmintics has been one of the greatest achievements of the parasitology discipline. However, infections with parasites remain both common and serious. Not only has there been evidence of incidence of parasites that are resistant to the action of anthelmintics, but the spectrum of infection also seems to be changing, with a growing number of emerging and re-emerging infections, suggesting a shift in the landscape of the interactions between animal host and parasites. Therefore, the role for integrated parasite control programmes has grown, and will continue to grow, as rates of anthelmintics resistance are likely to rise. Management of worm infections should rely on the sensible application of anthelmintics to alleviate disease and maintain welfare, and sound hygienic measures to reduce the transmission of parasites. In this article, we summarize the most common anthelmintic drugs for dogs and cats, highlighting their modes of action, the potential for development of drug resistance (DR), and ways to tackle the DR challenge.
Complications of wound healing: causes and prevention
Authors: Aldridge Paul
Published: August 2015

Where the normal wound healing stages are interrupted or delayed, chronic or non-healing wounds develop. Wound healing complications may arise due to systemic and local factors. Knowledge of likely impediments to normal wound healing allows recognition and prevention of potentially problematic wounds.
Primary standard for liquid flow rates between 30 and 1500 nl/min based on volume expansion
Authors: Lucas Peter , Ahrens Martin , Geršl Jan , Sparreboom Wouter , Lötters Joost
Published: August 2015

An increasing number of microfluidic systems operate at flow rates below 1 μl/min. Applications include (implanted) micropumps for drug delivery, liquid chromatography, and microreactors. For the applications where the absolute accuracy is important, a proper calibration is required. However, with standard calibration facilities, flow rate calibrations below ~1 μl/min are not feasible because of a too large calibration uncertainty. In the current research, a traceable flow rate using a certain temperature increase rate is proposed. When the fluid properties, starting mass, and temperature increase rate are known, this principle yields a direct link to SI units, which makes it a primary standard. In this article, it will be shown that this principle enables flow rate uncertainties in the order of 2–3% for flow rates from 30 to 1500 nl/min.
Effect of Activating Agent on the Preparation of Bamboo-Based High Surface Area Activated Carbon by Microwave Heating
Authors: Xia Hongying , Wu Jian , Srinivasakannan Chandrasekar , Peng Jinhui , Zhang Libo
Published: August 2015

The present work attempts to convert bamboo into a high surface area activated carbon via microwave heating. Different chemical activating agents such as KOH, NaOH, K2CO3 and Na2CO3 were utilized to identify a most suitable activating agent. Among the activating agents tested KOH was found to generate carbon with the highest porosity and surface area. The effect of KOH/C ratio on the porous nature of the activated carbon has been assessed. An optimal KOH/C ratio of 4 was identified, beyond which the surface area as well as the pore volume were found to decrease. At the optimized KOH/C ratio the surface area and the pore volume were estimated to be 3,441 m2/g and 2.093 ml/g, respectively, with the significant proportion of which being microporous (62.3%). Activated carbon prepared under the optimum conditions was further characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Activated carbons with so high surface area and pore volume are very rarely reported, which could be owed to the nature of the precursor and the optimal conditions of mixture ratio adopted in the present work.
Oxidizing Roasting Performances of Coke Fines Bearing Brazilian Specularite Pellets
Authors: Chun Tiejun , Zhu Deqing
Published: August 2015

Oxidized pellets, consisting of Brazilian specularite fines and coke fines, were prepared by disc pelletizer using bentonite as binder. The roasting process of pellets includes preheating stage and firing stage. The compressive strength of preheated pellets and fired pellets reached the peak value at 1.5% coke fines dosage. During the initial stage of preheating, some original Fe2O3 was reduced to Fe3O4 because of partial reduction atmosphere in pellet. During the later stage of preheating and firing stage, coke fines were burnt out, and the secondary Fe2O3 (new generation Fe2O3) was generated due to the re-oxidization of Fe3O4, which improved the recrystallization of Fe2O3. Compared with the fired pellets without adding coke fines, fired pellets with 1.5% coke fines exhibited the comparable RSI (reduction swelling index) and RDI+3.15 mm (reduction degradation index), and slightly lower RI (reducibility index).
Thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma in an 11-year-old boy with type 1 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome
Authors: Mazerkina Nadia , Trunin Yuri , Gorelyshev Sergey , Golanov Andrey , Kadashev Boris , Shishkina Liudmila , Rotin Daniil , Karmanov Maxim , Orlova Elizabet
Published: August 2015

Thyrotropinomas (TSHomas) are rare pituitary adenomas, particularly in childhood. We present here the case of an 11-year-old boy with type 1 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS1) and TSHoma which was diagnosed by elevated thyroid – stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones levels without evident clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. He was underwent partial resection of the tumor via transsphenoidal approach and subsequently radiation therapy. Consequently, 1 year after radiotherapy, the patient developed growth hormone deficiency, three and half years after radiation became euthyroid, and five and half years after treatment – hypothyroid. This is the first case of the coexistence of these two rare endocrine diseases in one patient.
Levothyroxine replacement in primary congenital hypothyroidism: the higher the initial dose the higher the rate of overtreatment
Authors: Tuhan Hale , Abaci Ayhan , Cicek Gizem , Anik Ahmet , Catli Gonul , Demir Korcan , Bober Ece
Published: August 2015

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most frequent endocrine disorder during the neonatal period, and a delay in diagnosis and treatment leads to irreversible complications. A high L-thyroxine (LT4) dose is recommended for treatment, while the optimal starting dose is still a matter of debate. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of various starting doses of LT4 on serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (fT4) at the end of the first month of treatment.

A total of 71 patients (37 males, 52.1%) with CH were included in the study. The patients were designated into three sets of subgroups according to the following categorical variables: (i)

The mean age of the study population was 22.3±13.2 days at diagnosis. At diagnosis, the mean fT4 was 0.84±0.32 ng/dL, and TSH was 39.3±30 μIU/mL. The mean initial dose of LT4 was 10.9±2.9 μg/kg/day. Overtreatment rates were significantly higher in the highest dose group (12–17 μg/kg/day) compared with the lowest dose group (6–9.9 μg/kg/day) (61.5% and 25%, respectively, p<0.05). None of the patients was undertreated.

In this study, we found that the rate of overtreatment was significantly higher in patients who were given LT4 doses of 12–17 μg/kg/day. Thus, monitoring thyroid functions earlier than one month of treatment is necessary.
“Safe Spaces” in Education
Authors: Hodkinson Alan
Published: August 2015

This article critically analyses the concept of space in generality and specifically the employment of safe space as an educational concept. In addition, by employing Derrida's notion of the arrivant, the article provides an account of the author's frustrations during his analysis of space and of his attempts to reorientate his quantitative writings to ones that are more autobiographical in nature. The argument emplaced in the article is that safe spaces are not safe but in reality are ‘warped spaces’ where landscapes reveal topographies of despair which mimic modern technological and capitalist development.
Memory, Mourning, and Miracles
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith , Moreira Claudio , Kumar Hari Stephen
Published: August 2015

This triple autoethnography evidences a process of associative memory, akin to spinstorying or generative autoethnography, that allows the triggering of memory to evolve into a collective sharing of experiences. Each turn in the associated exchanges deepens the authors’ argument about the nature of memory as both singular and shared. This performance script is drawn from a longer performative essay that began with a triggering idea, an entry made by the first contributor sent to the next, without comment or discussion. The second contributor then narrated a triggered memory and then forwarded the document to the third contributor, who, upon reading the contributions of the first and second, offered his responsive and critical memory.
Rolling Waves and Forgetfulness
Authors: Reale Michelle
Published: August 2015

Mixing qualitative methods and poetic inquiry, I attempt to show the brutal realities of an Afghan refugee trying to find safety and acceptance in his new country of Italy.
The 10 Hounsfield units unenhanced computed tomography attenuation threshold does not apply to cortisol secreting adrenocortical adenomas
Authors: Chambre Claire , McMurray Emily , Baudry Camille , Lataud Marine , Guignat Laurence , Gaujoux Sébastien , Lahlou Najiba , Guibourdenche Jean , Tissier Frédérique , Sibony Mathilde , Dousset Bertrand , Bertagna Xavier , Bertherat Jérôme , Legmann Paul , Groussin Lionel
Published: August 2015

Context

Computed tomography (CT) unenhanced attenuation value of <10 Hounsfield units (HU) has an excellent specificity (98%) to diagnose lipid-rich adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs) with a weaker sensitivity (71%).

Objective

To determine from a routine clinical perspective if unenhanced attenuation value is influenced by cortisol secretion in ACAs.

Design

This was a retrospective study of cases collected between 2009 and 2012.

Setting

This study was conducted in a tertiary-care university hospital.

Patients

Seventy-two patients operated on for an ACA (Weiss score ≤2) were analysed. Thirty-four patients had an ACA oversecreting cortisol (Cush-ACA). Thirty-eight patients had an ACA without cortisol oversecretion (Non Hyper-ACA).

Main outcome measure

CT unenhanced attenuation value was correlated with the functional status. The Weiss score items were analysed.

Results

Among the 34 patients with a Cush-ACA a minority (n=7) had an unenhanced attenuation value under 10 HU. Among the high precontrast density (>10 HU) Cush-ACAs, washout analysis after contrast administration was consistent with the benign nature of the tumor in ∼60% of the cases. Less than 25% clear cells (lipid-rich cells), a Weiss score item, was present in 50% of the Cush-ACAs in favour of a lipid-poor content.

Conclusions

Unenhanced attenuation value has a poor sensitivity to diagnose an ACA in case of cortisol oversecretion due to poor lipid content. Nevertheless, the accuracy of washout analysis was preserved in the group of Cush-ACAs.
Pegvisomant in combination with long-acting somatostatin analogues in acromegaly: the role of the GH receptor deletion of exon 3
Authors: Franck S E , van der Lely A J , Delhanty P J D , Jørgensen J O L , Neggers S J C M M
Published: August 2015

Background

Doses of the GH receptor (GHR) antagonist pegvisomant (PEGV) that normalize insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels vary widely among acromegaly patients. Predictors for PEGV response are baseline IGF1 levels, sex, body weight and previous radiotherapy. A GHR polymorphism lacking exon 3 (d3-GHR) is frequent in the general population. The influence of d3-GHR on PEGV responsiveness in acromegaly is unclear.

Objective

To assess the influence of d3-GHR on IGF1 levels and PEGV responsiveness in acromegaly patients using combined PEGV and long-acting somatostatin receptor ligand (LA-SRIF) treatment.

Design

Data were collected at the Rotterdam Pituitary Centre between 2004 and 2013. Patients with elevated IGF1 levels (>1.2 upper limit of normal;n=112) and over 6 months of high-dose LA-SRIF treatment were co-treated with PEGV. GHR genotype was assessed using genomic DNA in 104 patients.

Results

D3-GHR was observed in 51 (49.0%) of the patients (7.7% homozygous, 41.3% heterozygous) and was in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P=0.859). Baseline characteristics were similar in d3-GHR and full-length (fl)-GHR genotypes. During PEGV/LA-SRIF treatment IGF1 levels were not different between d3-carriers and non-carriers. Similarly, no difference in PEGV dose required to normalize IGF1 (P=0.337) or PEGV serum levels (P=0.433) was observed between the two groups. However, adenoma size decreased significantly (>20% of largest diameter) in 25.6% of the fl-GHR genotype but only in 7.5% of d3-carriers (P=0.034, OR: 4.6 (CI: 1.1–18.9)).

Conclusions

GHR genotype does not predict the IGF1 normalizing dose of PEGV in acromegaly patients using combination PEGV/LA-SRIF treatment. However, fewer d3-carriers showed significant reductions in adenoma size.
Referral bias in female functional hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Luque-Ramírez Manuel , Alpañés Macarena , Sanchón Raul , Fernández-Durán Elena , Ortiz-Flores Andrés E , Escobar-Morreale Héctor F
Published: August 2015

Objective

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) seeking health care in the United States may be more obese and hyperandrogenic than those present in the general population. We aimed to assess the impact of referral bias on European women with functional androgen excess disorders.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

We studied two groups of patients: i) 368 consecutive patients referred to our clinic for the study of functional hyperandrogenism (FH) (referral patients); ii) 57 consecutive premenopausal patients identified by screening during blood donation (unselected patients). We compared the anthropometric data from the groups of patients with those of two control populations: iii) a group of unselected premenopausal healthy female blood donors (unselected controls); and iv) data available from the local general premenopausal female population.

Results

Referral patients with FH were more hirsute, had a higher percentage of hyperandrogenemia, and fulfilled PCOS criteria more frequently than unselected patients. The prevalence of obesity in unselected controls was similar to that observed in the general population, whereas referral patients and unselected patients were more frequently obese. The prevalence of obesity was also higher among referral patients compared to unselected patients.

Conclusion

Referral bias influences the phenotype of patients with FH. Patients studied at the clinical setting may show more severe hyperandrogenic and obese phenotypes than patients from the general population, even though PCOS appears to be associated with weight excess also in the general European population. This fact should be considered when establishing reference values and control populations for clinical and research purposes.
A quantitative definition of engineering professional profiles
Authors: Barrera Botero Marla Constanza , Duarte Velasco Oscar Germán , Sarmiento González Carolina , Soto Pérez René Alexander
Published: August 2015

Un perfil profesional es un conjunto de conocimientos y habilidades. En el presente artículo se propone una metodología para definir perfiles profesionales basada en una evaluación cualitativa de habilidades y conocimientos asociados con un plan de estudios de ingeniería. Esta metodología puede ser usada para evaluar la flexibilidad curricular, es decir, si el plan de estudios ofrece a los estudiantes enfoques y rutas de aprendizaje que sean diversos y flexibles. Aquí se describe un modelo matemático que permite calcular el grado de satisfacción logrado por un estudiante con respecto a uno o varios perfiles. Esta propuesta ha sido aplicada en el programa de pregrado de Ingeniería Eléctrica de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia.
Monitoring ground subsidence in urban environments: M-30 tunnels under Madrid City (Spain)
Authors: Martínez Marín Rubén , Sillerico Eleanor , Ezquerro Pablo , Marchamalo Miguel , Herrera Gerardo , Duro Javier
Published: August 2015

Big cities improvement usually requires the construction of large underground infrastructures, in order to ensure proper communication and optimize urban use. Monitoring ground subsidences is therefore one of the main challenges in changing urban environments. The "Madrid Río" project (2003-2008) is an effort to reclaim the riverfront land and improve the busy M-30 beltway that involved the construction of 7.93 km of tunnels underneath the southern center of Madrid City. This paper presents a remote-sensing approach to monitor ground subsidences induced by tunneling excavation.  The Persistent Scatterers Interferometry technique (PSI) was used to estimate subsidence and displacement time series from Synthetic Aperture Radar images, acquired between August 2003 and April 2008 from ENVISAT.  Remote sensed results were compared to traditional extensometric measures, fitting adequately for selected sectors. Spatial analysis of displacements allowed evaluating impacts of tunneling on surrounding buildings and facilities, highlighting critical areas. The availability of a spatial distribution of displacements in a time series allowed analyzing longitudinal, cross-sectional and temporal dynamics. The main limitations during this work were the heterogeneous spatial distribution of Persistent Scatterers, the absence of measurement points in work areas, the threshold for velocity detection and low temporal resolution of ENVISAT images. Nevertheless, these limitations of DInSAR for monitoring infrastructures are overcome by actual satellites, being a complementary technique with an exceptional added value and temporal analysis capability.
Validation of the academic management evaluation instrument based on principal component analysis for engineering and technological courses
Authors: Nunes Albano Oliveira , Silva Thomaz Edson Veloso da , Mota João Cesar Moura , Almeida André Lima Ferrér de , Andriola Wagner Bandeira
Published: August 2015

In recent years, the expansion of higher education in Brazil has led to a series of demands related to aspects concerning training at the college level. These processes relate to: academics, professionals, entering in the labor market, among others. In this context, an important aspect is the quality of the courses. Thus, the evaluation becomes a critical diagnostic process of reality and starting point for possible interventions to be put in practice by the coordinators of the programs. This article presents the results of a questionnaire administered at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), especially to  Systems & Digital Media and Engineering Programs professors. This research aims to identify how the professors from each department see the administrative procedures developed by the departments and also investigate the possibility of using Principal Components Analysis (PCA) as a support for management of the higher education training. The methodology included the implementation of Likert scale questionnaire and subsequent mathematical treatment with PCA. The results indicate the potential application of PCA to support the management of higher education; it was possible to extract preliminaries inferences related to management methods and their characteristics. This suggests the possibility of developing the Educametrics field.
Kinematics modeling and simulation of an autonomous omni-directional mobile robot
Authors: Garcia Sillas Daniel , Gorrostieta Hurtado Efrén , Vargas Soto Emilio , Rodríguez Reséndiz Juvenal , Tovar Arriaga Saúl
Published: August 2015

Although robotics has progressed to the extent that it has become relatively accessible with low-cost projects, there is still a need to create models that accurately represent the physical behavior of a robot. Creating a completely virtual platform allows us to test behavior algorithms such as those implemented using artificial intelligence, and additionally, it enables us to find potential problems in the physical design of the robot. The present work describes a methodology for the construction of a kinematic model and a simulation of the autonomous robot, specifically of an omni-directional wheeled robot. This paper presents the kinematic model development and its implementation using several tools. The result is a model that follows the kinematics of a triangular omni-directional mobile wheeled robot, which is then tested by using a 3D model imported from 3D Studio® and Matlab® for the simulation. The environment used for the experiment is very close to the real environment and reflects the kinematic characteristics of the robot.
Spatial and temporal estimation of the erosivity factor R based on daily rainfall data for the department of Atlántico, Colombia
Authors: Avila Rangel Boris Daniel , Avila Rangel Humberto Fabián
Published: August 2015

Soil erosion caused by rain is the detachment and movement of soil particles caused by the impact of raindrops on the surface. Erosivity factor R is a measure of the rain erosive power used for estimating the erosion rate with the RUSLE method (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation). Estimating R factor requires rainfall intensity records of storms greater than 12.5 mm or greater than 6 mm but longer than 15 min. However, most of the Colombian rainfall stations have daily rainfall records with which it is not possible to estimate the intensity of each storm and, therefore, makes it difficult to estimate the R factor for a specific area. In this paper a methodology for estimating the erosivity factor R for the department of Atlántico, Colombia from daily records of 16 IDEAM stations is presented. The spatial distribution of the erosivity factor R in the department and its temporal distribution throughout the year are also shown. The results showed a minimum erosivity factor R of 6,894 MJ∙mm∙Ha-1∙Hr-1∙yr-1 and a maximum of 10,925 MJ∙mm∙Ha-1∙Hr-1∙yr-1. The average erosivity factor R for the department of Atlántico was 8,697 MJ∙mm∙Ha-1∙Hr-1∙yr-1. This methodology might be used for estimating the erosion factor R in different Colombian regions where high-resolution precipitation data is limited, but seasonal and orographic conditions should be considered for selecting the rain gages and the area of study.
Effect of pH on the rheological response of reconstituted gastric mucin
Authors: Caicedo Jonathan Argenis , Perilla Jairo Ernesto
Published: August 2015

The rheological response of reconstituted gastric mucin was studied by time dependent rheological experiments as function of pH. Mucin concentrations of 5% and 10% were prepared in buffer dispersions at pH of 1.15, 2.00, 2.55, 4.00 and 7.67.  The isoelectric point was identified by z-potential between pH 2.00 to 2.55. Dynamic light scattering showed that as pH reduced, a second population of larger mucin aggregates was formed indicating the presence of new structures. Steady shear rheological measurements reflected the pseudoplastic behavior of mucin dispersions and the effect of concentration on viscosity. Creep-recovery measurements were performed on the regenerated mucus at different levels of pH. By creep, it was possible to determine the values of zero-shear-viscosity of mucin suspensions, with higher precision and in a lower experimental time than steady shear measurements. Additionally, it was found that at pH ~1.15, the viscosity of the mucus increased to high values, which is an indicative of a gel-like structure. By recovery experiments, it was possible to find that even the very low viscosities the mucin suspensions at pH ~1.15 possessed a defined elastic character. By the use of a four-element mechanistic viscoelastic model, it was concluded that this elasticity underwent retardation due to the combined effect of viscous and elastic responses.
Friend or Foe?
Authors: Clarke Matthew
Published: August 2015

Religious belief is a common human characteristic with 80 percent of the world’s population professing some religious affiliation. Indeed, global surveys report an increase in ‘religiosity’ across the globe in recent decades. Within Christianity, Pentecostalism has experienced considerable growth in contrast with the more traditional Christian churches. This growth is occurring across the globe, but is extremely evident within developing countries. Within development studies (both the theory and practice), religion has been negatively portrayed, misunderstood, or set aside as not being of importance to development outcomes. Such an approach towards religion is misguided and limits development effectiveness. While religion is certainly not the ‘answer’ to eradicating poverty or overcoming global injustices, authentic engagement by development actors with religion does provide important opportunities to enhance development outcomes. This paper will consider the basic tenets of development theory and practice and contrast those against Pentecostal theological teaching in order to determine where there exists common ground and where there exists misalignment of values and thus tension. Such assessment is important in order to enhance the religious literacy of the development sector to better understand how to authentically engage with communities expressing this belief.
Aplicação de silício, em hidroponia, na conservação pós-colheita de alface americana 'Lucy Brown' minimamente processada
Authors: Galati Vanessa Cury , Guimarães João Emmanuel Ribeiro , Marques Kelly Magalhães , Fernandes Joana Diniz Rosa , Cecílio Filho Arthur Bernardes , Mattiuz Ben-Hur
Published: August 2015

Este trabalho teve por objetivo verificar o efeito da aplicação de silício em hidroponia na conservação pós-colheita de alface americana 'Lucy Brown' minimamente processada. As alfaces foram cultivadas hidroponicamente e a fonte de silício utilizada foi o silicato de potássio nas concentrações de 0; 28; 56; e 84mg L-1. Após a colheita, as folhas selecionadas foram lavadas em água corrente, semiprocessadas mediante o corte de 20mm de largura e sanitizadas por imersão em Sumaveg(r). Estas foram centrifugadas manualmente e acondicionadas em sacos de polipropileno, que, posteriormente, foram selados e armazenados a 3ºC e 85±3% de umidade relativa (UR). Durante 16 dias de armazenamento, foram avaliadas a cada quatro dias e em triplicata, a composição gasosa, a firmeza, o teor de clorofila e de acidez titulável, as atividades das enzimas polifenoloxidase e peroxidase e as análises microbiológicas. Até o 4odia de armazenamento, observaram-se reduções nos níveis de O2para todos os tratamentos, no entanto, para os níveis de CO2, houve aumentos percentuais de 5% no tratamento com 28mg L-1de silício. As maiores concentrações de silício mantiveram maior firmeza das folhas. Os teores de clorofila total se mantiveram estáveis durante o período de armazenamento. A atividade da enzima polifenoloxidase reduziu até o 8° dia. A atividade da peroxidase apresentou aumento durante o período avaliado, na concentração de 84mg L-1de silício. A contagem microbiana de coliformes termotolerantes e totais manteve-se baixa durante o armazenamento. A concentração de 84mg L-1de silício propiciou maior firmeza das folhas das alfaces minimamente processadas, deixando-as mais túrgidas e conservando sua vida útil por 16 dias
Bioactive compounds and quality characteristics of five apples cultivars
Authors: Zucoloto Moises , Ku Kang-Mo , Kushad Mosbah M. , Sawwan Jamal
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate bioactive compounds in five apple cultivars and to analyze correlation of their quality characteristics with concentration of bioactive compounds. Phenolic compounds measurements were made in a spectrophotometer compared to a standard curve of gallic acid and expressed as gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100g of dry weight. Sugar and organics acids in five cultivars were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC). Antioxidant activities were evaluated using three complementary tests 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). 'GoldRush' had the highest total phenolic compared to the other four cultivars. Additionally, 'GoldRush' had slightly higher, DPPH activity followed by 'Crimson Crisp' and 'Wine Crisp'. 'GoldRush' and 'Crimson Crisp' cultivars also have higher antioxidant capacity based on the ABTS and FRAP methods. The antioxidant capacity was significantly correlated with total polyphenols present in the different cultivars, while organic acids and fruit color showed slightly significant correlation to total phenols
Embate dialógico entre leitura e escrita: manifestação de uma ética da ação discursiva a partir do Círculo bakhtiniano
Authors: Fanini Angela Maria Rubel
Published: August 2015

RESUMOEsta investigação, fundamentada em conceitos de Bahktin e Volochinov, discute a relação entre leitura e escrita. A partir dos conceitos de dialogismo, exotopia, autoria, dentre outros, percebeu-se que leitura e escrita constituem uma ação social de dimensão ética. Para o Círculo, leitura e escrita são processos criativos e dialógicos, visto que leitor e autor entram em profundo diálogo em que posições, muitas vezes díspares, se confrontam. Ao ler um texto, o leitor o faz com seu repertório cultural, mediando a leitura por vieses: contexto, gênero, classe social, axiologia, etc., recriando-o a partir dos seus parâmetros. O texto, entretanto, resiste, visto que foi concebido por outrem, cujo horizonte axiológico, temporal e contextual é outro. Qual a possibilidade de convergência e/ou discordância entre autor e leitor? As respostas a essa problematização demonstraram que o processo leitura/escrita é constituído por uma perspectiva ética de base dialógica: a presença do outro ocorre como alteridade, levando à necessidade de se fazer escolhas, intervenções, opções que podem destruir, carnavalizar, exaltar e idealizar esse outro. A centralidade da linguagem na constituição do ser social mostrou a ética discursiva dialógica como categoria fundamental para a compreensão da leitura e da escrita.
CURRÍCULO POR COMPETENCIAS EN LAS CARRERAS DE INGENIERÍA ESTUDIO DE CASO: “CREATIVIDAD E INNOVACIÓN TECNOLÓGICA”
Authors: Carrizo Enrique , Walas Mateo Federico , Caresani Darío , Binstock Miguel
Published: August 2015

Durante el desarrollo de la asignatura “Creatividad e Innovación Tecnológica” de la carrera de Ingeniería Industrial de la Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche (UNAJ), se llevó a cabo una experiencia donde se puso en práctica una propuesta innovadora de metodología de la enseñanza. La práctica consistió en que un panel integrado por cuatro expertos realizara las clases aplicando un método basado en competencias. Como resultado de este proceso se generaron tres proyectos formulados de manera grupal por los alumnos, con el objetivo de lograr impacto en el medio socio-productivo local. Los proyectos fueron presentados en el Programa de Voluntariado “Diseño y Desarrollo Productivo” de la Secretaría de Políticas Universitarias (SPU), del Ministerio de Educación de la Nación Argentina, aprobados luego de la evaluación respectiva. Como consecuencia, obtuvieron financiamiento para su ejecución. Debe destacarse el hecho innovador de lograr la validación de los proyectos por parte de un evaluador externo.
A Theoretical Review of CRM Effects on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty
Authors: M. Kamrul Islam Shaon S. , Hasebur Rahman Md.
Published: August 2015

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Species interactions regulate the collapse of biodiversity and ecosystem function in tropical forest fragments
Authors: Bregman Tom P. , Lees Alexander C. , Seddon Nathalie , MacGregor Hannah E. A. , Darski Bianca , Aleixo Alexandre , Bonsall Michael B. , Tobias Joseph A.
Published: August 2015

Competitive interactions among species with similar ecological niches are known to regulate the assembly of biological communities. However, it is not clear whether such forms of competition can predict the collapse of communities and associated shifts in ecosystem function in the face of environmental change. Here, we use phylogenetic and functional trait data to test whether communities of two ecologically important guilds of tropical birds (frugivores and insectivores) are structured by species interactions in a fragmented Amazonian forest landscape. In both guilds, we found that forest patch size, quality, and degree of isolation influence the phylogenetic and functional trait structure of communities, with small, degraded, or isolated forest patches having an increased signature of competition (i.e., phylogenetic and functional trait overdispersion in relation to null models). These results suggest that local extinctions in the context of fragmentation are nonrandom, with a consistent bias toward more densely occupied regions of niche space. We conclude that the loss of biodiversity in fragmented landscapes is mediated by niche‐based competitive interactions among species, with potentially far‐reaching implications for key ecosystem processes, including seed dispersal and plant damage by phytophagous insects.
A Critical Review of Attentional Threat Bias and Its Role in the Treatment of Pediatric Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Roy Amy Krain , Dennis Tracy A. , Warner Carrie Masia
Published: August 2015

Threat bias, or exaggerated selective attention to threat, is considered a key neurocognitive factor in the etiology and maintenance of pediatric anxiety disorders. However, upon closer examination of the literature, there is greater heterogeneity in threat-related attentional biases than typically acknowledged. This is likely impacting progress that can be made in terms of interventions focused on modifying this bias and reducing anxiety, namely attention bias modification training. We suggest that the field may need to “take a step back” from developing interventions and focus research efforts on improving the methodology of studying attention bias itself, particularly in a developmental context. We summarize a neurocognitive model that addresses the issue of heterogeneity by broadly incorporating biases toward and away from threat, linking this variation to key neurodevelopmental factors, and providing a basis for future research aimed at improving the utility of threat bias measures and interventions in clinical practice.