bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redes sociais e atividade mercantil na América portuguesa (Minas Gerais, século XVIII)
Authors: Santos Raphael Freitas
Published: January 2017

Na América portuguesa a atividade comercial, sobretudo a de longa distância, demandava muitos recursos e informações relativamente precisas. Isso significa que era praticamente impossível agir individualmente nesse tipo de negócio. A organização das empresas em redes familiares e de amizade foi a solução mais comum adotada pelos agentes mercantis para a realização de seus negócios. Nesse artigo buscamos, a partir de fontes históricas de natureza bastante diversificada e de autores ligados à chamada escola neo-institucionalista, investigar a trajetória de alguns comerciantes que atuaram na América portuguesa no século XVIII, especialmente na região das Minas Gerais. O resultado foi a constatação de que era com base em informações transmitidas pelos agentes que integravam sua rede familiar e de sociabilidade que os homens de negócio encontravam financiamento para sua empreitada, elegiam os territórios e os circuitos mercantis onde iriam atuar, estipulavam o preço para os produtos, encontravam compradores para suas mercadorias, buscavam outras atividades econômicas para investir seu cabedal.
Expansões humanistas, retrações absolutistas
Authors: Lopes Marcos Antônio
Published: January 2017

Os humanistas inovaram o campo da escrita da história. Apoiando-se em fontes escritas, fazendo uso de uma rigorosa crítica documental, e renegando a tutela teológica que acompanhou a escrita da história por toda a Idade Média, a moderna história humanista alargou os horizontes de perspectivas e constitui-se em um elo rompido na cadeia da ficção épica dos mitógrafos da Idade Média. Mas, ao longo do século XVII, a narrativa histórica vinculou-se estreitamente à construção do Estado. As relações de subserviência da história com o centro do poder político acabaram por fazer dela um dos instrumentos de afirmação do absolutismo. Esse ensaio pretende contrastar alguns aspectos centrais de momentos tão distintos quanto o foram os da história humanista do século XVI e a fase dos panegíricos em louvor ao poder do príncipe por direito divino.
De Abraham Lincoln a Roosevelt: o processo de transição do eleitorado negro do Partido Republicano para o Democrata nas páginas do 'Chicago Defender' (1920-1940)
Authors: Francisco Flavio Thales Ribeiro
Published: January 2017

O objetivo deste artigo é o de retratar o processo de transição do eleitorado negro do Partido Republicano para o Partido Democrata durante o New Deal através do jornal afro-americano Chicago Defender. Este foi o principal periódico da imprensa negra nos Estados Unidos no período entre guerras. O jornal reproduziu um imaginário que sacralizou a figura de Abraham Lincoln e apoiou os candidatos do Partido Republicano em eleições nacionais e, principalmente, locais, na cidade de Chicago. A Grande Depressão, entretanto, criou uma conjuntura na qual o eleitorado negro questionou a postura dos republicanos e passou a considerar o Partido Democrata como uma alternativa, ainda que os democratas do Sul continuassem a apoiar a segregação racial.
Inspiring Future Program Evaluators through Innovative Curriculum for Undergraduates
Authors: McShane Kelly , Katona Noemi , Leroux Elisabeth J. , Tandon Reena
Published: January 2017

Abstract: Instruction in program evaluation is challenging given the inherent interdisciplinary nature of the field. As well, there is no one discipline typically dedicated to evaluation training, and few formal programs and university course offerings exist. Despite these limitations, training and education at the postsecondary level continues to be vital in supporting the professionalization of program evaluation, especially as it is a requirement for credentialing. The current article presents an innovative project comprising both education and hands-on training of program evaluation practices for undergraduate students. The project involved in-class lectures targeting specific program evaluation competencies and a program evaluation assignment in an upper-level undergraduate psychology course. Students were asked to develop a logic model and identify psychometrically sound evaluation measures based on an existing community organization's program or on a theoretical example. At the end of the course, students (N = 58) completed surveys to assess their achieved evaluation competencies and experience with program evaluation. Overall, students gained evaluation-specific skills and knowledge, and the assignment was successful in promoting interest in program evaluation as a discipline. It is our hope that the current project can support faculty to integrate program evaluation in engaging and meaningful ways into their own curriculum.
Challenges in Evaluating a Prototype Project in a Large Health Authority: Lessons Learned
Authors: Snow M. Elizabeth , Urbina-Beggs Michelle , Tent Tamara Van
Published: January 2017

Abstract: A developmental evaluation was undertaken to evaluate a prototype test of a new model of perinatal healthcare across acute maternity, public health, and primary care in two hospitals in a large health authority. The project was initiated to bridge gaps in care across the acute and community settings to ensure a seamless perinatal healthcare journey for women. The objective of the evaluation was to support the prototyping process by providing data to inform decisions as the prototype was developed and by documenting decisions as they were made. This article explores challenges faced during the evaluation, including unfamiliarity of the health sector with prototype projects and their inherent uncertainty, a disconnect between the rapid pace of a prototype project and bureaucratic hurdles of working within a large organization, and high leadership turnover throughout the project. How these challenges were addressed, and the lessons learned for future evaluations, are discussed.
Meeting at the Crossroads: Interactivity, Technology, and Evaluation Utilization
Authors: Svensson Kate , Cousins J. Bradley
Published: January 2017

Abstract: This article is a review and integration of evaluation utilization literature with a new focus on the use of technology to increase evaluation utility. Scholarship on evaluation utilization embodies one of the major and ongoing quandaries in the evaluation profession: What constitutes usefulness and relevance to stakeholders? We think that a constructivist lens is helpful in making sense of the trajectory this literature has taken, where what is “useful” and what culminates in “use” have become much more flexible notions that are in a constant state of negotiation between evaluators and evaluation stakeholders. We posit that it may be important for evaluators who are closely engaged with stakeholders to pay greater attention to this interactivity to build a common vision of what is “useful” at that moment in time. While this is no small task, we posit that evaluators may have something to gain by exploring the wealth of digital technologies and social media tools that are available. The use of these tools in local level, participatory-oriented contexts may be valuable for encouraging interactivity, potentially encouraging learning, creativity, and ownership. This article aims to stress that integrating technology into everyday evaluation practice, where possible, may ultimately enhance evaluation usefulness and relevance.
Lessons on Decolonizing Evaluation from Kaupapa Māori Evaluation
Authors: Cram Fiona
Published: January 2017

Abstract: Kaupapa Māori is literally a Māori way. It is a reclaiming by Māori (Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand) of a future that is founded within a Māori worldview; a future where cultural knowledge and values inform understandings of and responses to Māori needs, priorities, and aspirations. Self-determination, cultural aspirations, and the importance of familial relationships and collectivity are among the central elements evident in Kaupapa Māori development initiatives. The culturally responsive evaluation of these initiatives builds upon traditional commitments to information management and the updating of Māori knowledge. Kaupapa Māori evaluation looks “inwards” to assess development on Māori terms, and “outwards” in a structural analysis of other facilitators of and barriers to that development. After more than 20 years of Kaupapa Māori evaluation, it is timely to ask what learning might helpfully be shared with other Indigenous peoples to support their desire for the culturally responsive evaluation of development initiatives they experience. A Kaupapa Māori evaluation lens will be described and then used to critique international development evaluation to facilitate decolonization. Audiences for this article include development efforts led by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the South Pacific, and international development efforts led by organizations such as UNESCO that are developing equity evaluation approaches.
Considering the Social Determinants of Equity in International Development Evaluation Guidance Documents
Authors: Robertson Kelly N.
Published: January 2017

Abstract: Several international development organizations have published equity-focused evaluation guidance documents to promote and meet an increased demand for equity-focused evaluation practice. Evaluating progress toward equity necessitates focusing on changes in the social determinants of equity (i.e., barriers and enabling factors). Thus, the purpose of this study is to describe how and the extent to which international development organizations recommend addressing the social determinants of equity in evaluation practice guidance documents. Implications for evaluation quality, cultural responsiveness, and the decolonization of evaluation are discussed and a summary of practical examples and guidance is presented.
Extending Analysis of Older Drivers’ Scanning Patterns at Intersections
Authors: Yamani Yusuke , Samuel Siby , Roman Gerardino Luis , Fisher Donald L.
Published: January 2017

Drivers 75 years old and older are overrepresented in fatal crashes at intersections, particularly while turning left. Previous research suggested that this event could occur because older drivers glance less frequently toward potential hazards in the right or left extremities (e.g., cross traffic) when navigating intersections than do middle-aged drivers. However, the previous research did not examine whether older drivers turning left at signalized four-way intersections glanced less frequently at the location from which opposing traffic could come than did middle-aged drivers. Nor did the previous research determine whether failure to glance (either at cross or opposing traffic) was associated with actual crashes since, at least in the driving simulator experiments, no hazards (threat vehicles) ever actually materialized. A driving simulator study involving 18 older and 11 middle-aged drivers examined age-related differences in drivers’ scanning patterns at intersections with both cross and opposing traffic and the effect of the failure to scan on simulator crashes. Drivers’ glances toward all potential hazards were recorded with an eye tracker at stop-controlled T-intersections and signalized four-way intersections. The results demonstrated that the older drivers were less likely to glance toward cross traffic when they first entered a stop-controlled T-intersection or a signalized four-way signalized intersection and also were less likely to glance toward opposing traffic as they turned into the far travel lane when making a left turn at a signalized four-way intersection, compared with the middle-aged drivers. The results also demonstrated that drivers (both older and middle-aged) were much more likely to crash if they failed to glance toward potential threats.
Caffeinated Chewing Gum as Countermeasure to Drivers’ Passive Task-Related Fatigue Caused by Monotonous Roadway
Authors: Gastaldi Massimiliano , Rossi Riccardo , Hadas Yuval , Fasan Davide , Keren Nir , Mulatti Claudio
Published: January 2017

This study analyzed driver passive task-related fatigue caused by a monotonous environment and the effectiveness of caffeinated chewing gum as a countermeasure. Data collected by a driving simulator in the laboratory were used to measure changes in driving performance. A self-perceived measure of fatigue was also analyzed. Seventy-two subjects were asked to drive for 70 min along a straight road after receiving one of the following substances (treatments): caffeinated chewing gum, a cup of coffee, or placebo chewing gum. The 72 subjects were subdivided into three groups of 24 each, and all participants were asked to take part in two driving sessions: one control drive without administration (no treatment) and one with administration (one of the treatments). The negative effects on driving performance of prolonged driving and the effectiveness of the standard deviation of the lateral position in representing worsening driving performance were demonstrated. This analysis indicated that intake of caffeine in the form of caffeinated chewing gum (100 mg caffeine) improved driving performance in less than 10 min. Drinking an ordinary cup of coffee (with the same caffeine content) did not improve driving performance in the same short time interval.
Effectiveness of Cell Phone Restrictions for Young Drivers: Review of the Evidence
Authors: Ehsani Johnathon P. , Ionides Edward , Klauer Sheila G. , Perlus Jessamyn G. , Gee Benjamin T.
Published: January 2017

This research summarized the effect of cell phone restrictions on the prevalence of cell phone use and motor vehicle crashes involving young drivers. Multiple databases were searched with the use of terms related to cell phone restrictions, the prevalence of cell phone use, crashes, and young drivers. Fifty-three abstracts were reviewed. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies examined changes in the prevalence of cell phone use before and after a restriction was imposed; five studies used changes in crash rates as the outcome. The majority of prevalence studies found no change in young drivers’ cell phone use following the introduction of a restriction. Crash studies using multistate samples reported significant reductions in fatal crashes; single-state studies reported no change or small increases in crashes. Restrictions appeared to have no long-term effect on the prevalence of cell phone use among novice drivers. Conflicting findings from crash studies reflected differences in analytical approaches, limitations of existing data, and the challenges of quantifying the effect of young-driver restrictions in the presence of all-driver restrictions. Overall, evidence of the effectiveness of young drivers’ cell phone restrictions is inconclusive. There are relatively few studies, and the methodological limitations of the existing studies revealed no clear pattern of effects. Additional studies are needed to distinguish novice drivers (16- to 17-year olds) from experienced young drivers and to use distraction-related crashes as an outcome.
Attitudinal Determinants of Aberrant Driving Behaviors in Pakistan
Authors: Batool Zahara , Carsten Oliver
Published: January 2017

The aberrant behavior of drivers is regarded as the most significant contributory factor to traffic accidents in Pakistan. This research was conducted on the premise that personal attitudes were key determinants of driving behaviors. Consequently, the research attempted to identify the key sociocognitive determinants of aberrant driving. To do this, a quantitative study that used an attitudinal questionnaire (inspired by the theory of planned behavior and a modified driver behavior questionnaire) was conducted in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. The study obtained self-reports of attitudes, norms, perceived control, and opinions of drivers regarding a number of intentional road traffic violations and enforcement. The responses to the statements in the questionnaires were first factor analyzed to identify underlying attitudinal and behavioral constructs. Later, following a cluster analysis technique, the attitudinal constructs were used to classify drivers into four distinct groups: the autonomous, the opportunists, the regulators, and the risk averse. Sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral constructs of these groups were also studied. The results indicated that the behaviors of drivers could be interpreted in relation to their attitudes and were partly influenced by the drivers’ sociodemographic characteristics. Attitudes toward enforcement and compliance with rules specifically appeared to be the strongest determinants of Pakistani drivers’ behavior. In particular, the results indicate that being affluent, female, and a student negatively influenced driving behaviors.
Trajectory Prediction for Turning Vehicles at Intersections by Fusing Vehicle Dynamics and Driver’s Future Input Estimation
Authors: Wang Pin , Wang Junhua , Chan Ching-Yao , Fang Shou’en
Published: January 2017

The accuracy of vehicle trajectory prediction is a key factor that has a considerable effect on the reliability of collision warning systems. Most previous trajectory prediction studies relied mainly on vehicle dynamics and led to some prediction errors because of the lack of information about the driver’s future maneuvers, especially when a vehicle made turns. This paper reports a novel trajectory prediction approach for predicting vehicle movements at intersections; the approach relies on fusing vehicle dynamics and estimation of the driver’s future maneuvers. The current vehicle state was estimated by a double Kalman filter consisting of a yaw angle Kalman filter and a position Kalman filter. The estimation results were then used as the initial inputs to the trajectory prediction loop that was iterated over the prediction horizon. The kinematic parameters (e.g., velocity and yaw angle) used for the prediction at the next time step were corrected by the driver’s future operation inferred from the driver’s desired trajectory. The desired trajectory was in turn determined from prior information about road geometry and the particular driver’s driving behavior. Results show that the prediction accuracy of this proposed approach is noticeably improved compared with common trajectory prediction methods, especially for turning vehicles at intersections. The superiority of the proposed method can help improve the reliability of collision warning systems.
Steer or Brake?: Modeling Drivers’ Collision-Avoidance Behavior by Using Perceptual Cues
Authors: Venkatraman Vindhya , Lee John D. , Schwarz Chris W.
Published: January 2017

Driver models have been developed to capture collision-avoidance behaviors, yet there is a lack of understanding of what perceptual processes influence drivers’ choices to brake or steer. A statistical model of these decisions was developed with cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regression with data from a simulator study of drivers’ responses to rear-end collisions. Drivers’ choices of responses were clustered on the basis of the maximum values of the magnitude of braking and steering forces, starting from the time at which the driver looked back to the road, just before initiating the avoidance maneuver, to the end of the maneuver. The clusters identified three types of responses: medium to high braking with medium to high steering, medium to high braking with mild steering, and mild braking with medium to high steering. The perceptual variables such as the optical angle, the expansion rate of the optical angle, and their ratio were used to predict the drivers’ choice of response. The results show that, of the perceptual variables, the combination of optical angle and tau performs as well as or better than others in predicting the choice of response. The mode and timing of an alert from a collision-warning system did not influence the drivers’ choices. These results can inform driver behavior models to guide design and assess benefits of advanced driver assistance systems.
Effects of a PC-Based Attention Maintenance Training Program on Driver Behavior Can Last Up to Four Months: Simulator Study
Authors: Divekar Gautam , Samuel Siby , Pollatsek Alexander , Thomas F. Dennis , Korbelak Kristopher , Blomberg Richard D. , Fisher Donald L.
Published: January 2017

There are numerous reports in the literature of an increase in crash risk associated with the performance of a secondary in-vehicle task while driving. Recently, it has been shown that the excessively long glances away from the forward roadway are the primary cause of the crashes that occur while the driver performs in-vehicle tasks. Driver training has proved successful over the short term in teaching novice drivers to limit the duration of their glances inside the vehicle, both in a driving simulator and on the open road. However, it is not known how well such training would work for novice drivers over the longer term. It is also not known whether training both the novice driver and his or her parent would have a positive impact over the long term. This driving simulator study was designed to address these questions. Half of the parent–teenager driver dyads received PC-based forward concentration and attention learning training while the other half completed placebo training. Eye tracking was used to measure in-vehicle glances at secondary tasks while participants navigated drives on a simulator. It was found that training had an effect on novice drivers over the short and long term and that trained novice drivers had glance patterns indistinguishable from those of their experienced parents at the end of 4 months.
Auswirkungen des Douglasienanbaus auf die Biodiversität: wichtige Forschungsfragen (Essay)
Authors: Holderegger Rolf , Bollmann Kurt , Brang Peter , Wohlgemuth Thomas
Published: January 2017

Effects of Douglas fir cultivation on biodiversity: important research questions (essay)

Relevant scientific knowledge is still missing for a sound assessment of whether Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) can be silviculturally integrated in Switzerland without having negative effects on forest biodiversity. This includes the assessment of dispersal distances and the extent and locations of natural regeneration as well as the possible negative impacts on biodiversity of Douglas fir in different mixing ratios with other tree species. In this article, we show with what kinds of methods these research questions can be addressed.
Using Force-Field Grids for Sampling Translation/Rotation of Partially Rigid Macromolecules
Authors: Mezei Mihaly
Published: January 2017

An algorithm is presented for the simulation of two partially flexible macromolecules where the interaction between the flexible parts and rigid parts is represented by energy grids associated with the rigid part of each macromolecule. The proposed algorithm avoids the transformation of the grid upon molecular movement at the expense of the significantly lesser effect of transforming the flexible part.
An Experimental Validated Control Strategy of Maglev Vehicle-Bridge Self-Excited Vibration
Authors: Wang Lianchun , Li Jinhui , Zhou Danfeng , Li Jie
Published: January 2017

This study discusses an experimentally validated control strategy of maglev vehicle-bridge vibration, which degrades the stability of the suspension control, deteriorates the ride comfort, and limits the cost of the magnetic levitation system. First, a comparison between the current-loop and magnetic flux feedback is carried out and a minimum model including flexible bridge and electromagnetic levitation system is proposed. Then, advantages and disadvantages of the traditional feedback architecture with the displacement feedback of electromagnet yE and bridge yB in pairs are explored. The results indicate that removing the feedback of the bridge’s displacement yB from the pairs (yE − yB) measured by the eddy-current sensor is beneficial for the passivity of the levitation system and the control of the self-excited vibration. In this situation, the signal acquisition of the electromagnet’s displacement yE is discussed for the engineering application. Finally, to validate the effectiveness of the aforementioned control strategy, numerical validations are carried out and the experimental data are provided and analyzed.
Measurements and Modeling of the Nonlinear Behavior of a Guitar Pickup at Low Frequencies †
Authors: Novak Antonin , Guadagnin Leo , Lihoreau Bertrand , Lotton Pierrick , Brasseur Emmanuel , Simon Laurent
Published: January 2017

Description of the physical behavior of electric guitars is still not very widespread in the scientific literature. In particular, the physical models describing a nonlinear behavior of pickups still requires some refinements. The study presented in this paper is focused on nonlinear modeling of the pickups. Two main issues are raised. First, is the currently most used nonlinear model (a Hammerstein model) sufficient for the complex nonlinear behavior of the pickup? In other words, would a more complex model, such as a Generalized Hammerstein that can deal better with the nonlinear memory, yield better results? The second troublesome issue is how to measure the nonlinear behavior of a pickup correctly. A specific experimental set-up allowing for driving the pickup in a controlled way (string displacement perpendicular to the pickup) and to separate the nonlinear model of the pickup from other nonlinearities in the measurement chain is proposed. Thanks to this experimental set-up, a Generalized Hammerstein model of the pickup is estimated for frequency range 15–500 Hz and the results are compared with a simple Hammerstein model. A comparison with experimental results shows that both models succeed in describing the pickup when used in realistic conditions.
Hemoglobin-Based Blood Substitutes and the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease: More Harm than Help?
Authors: Alayash Abdu
Published: January 2017

Intense efforts have been made by both industry and academia over the last three decades to produce viable hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), also known as “blood substitutes”. Human trials conducted so far by several manufactures in a variety of clinical indications, including trauma, and elective surgeries have failed and no product has gained the Food and Drug Administration approval for human use. Safety concerns due to frequent incidences of hemodynamic, cardiac events, and even death led to the termination of some of these trials. Several second generation HBOC products that have been chemically and/or genetically modified (or in some cases ligated with carbon monoxide (CO)) found a new clinical application in conditions as complex as sickle cell disease (SCD). By virtue of higher oxygen affinity (P50) (R-state), and smaller size, HBOCs may be able to reach the microvasculature unload of oxygen to reverse the cycles of sickling/unsickling of the deoxy-sickle cell Hb (HbS) (T-state), thus preventing vaso-occlusion, a central event in SCD pathophysiology. However, biochemically, it is thought that outside the red blood cell (due to frequent hemolysis), free HbS or infused HBOCs are capable of interfering with a number of oxidative and signaling pathways and may, thus, negate any benefit that HBOCs may provide. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using HBOCs in SCD.
Aptamer Sensors
Authors: Marrazza Giovanna
Published: January 2017

In the last years, great progress has been accomplished in the development of aptamer sensors with different transducers. In order to improve the sensitivity of these biosensors, several methodologies have been employed. In this Special Issue, the state of art and the future trends in the field of aptamer sensors have been explored.
Estimation and Minimization of Embodied Carbon of Buildings: A Review
Authors: Akbarnezhad Ali , Xiao Jianzhuang
Published: January 2017

Building and construction is responsible for up to 30% of annual global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, commonly reported in carbon equivalent unit. Carbon emissions are incurred in all stages of a building’s life cycle and are generally categorised into operating carbon and embodied carbon, each making varying contributions to the life cycle carbon depending on the building’s characteristics. With recent advances in reducing the operating carbon of buildings, the available literature indicates a clear shift in attention towards investigating strategies to minimize embodied carbon. However, minimizing the embodied carbon of buildings is challenging and requires evaluating the effects of embodied carbon reduction strategies on the emissions incurred in different life cycle phases, as well as the operating carbon of the building. In this paper, the available literature on strategies for reducing the embodied carbon of buildings, as well as methods for estimating the embodied carbon of buildings, is reviewed and the strengths and weaknesses of each method are highlighted.
Advances in Single-Crystal Fibers and Thin Rods Grown by Laser Heated Pedestal Growth
Authors: Maxwell Gisele , Ponting Bennett , Gebremichael Eminet , Magana Ruben
Published: January 2017

Single-crystal fibers are an intermediate between laser crystals and doped glass fibers. They have the advantages of both guiding laser light and matching the efficiencies found in bulk crystals, which is making them ideal candidates for high-power laser and fiber laser applications. This work focuses on the growth of a flexible fiber with a core of dopant (Er, Nd, Yb, etc.) and a polycrystalline clad of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) that will exhibit good wave guiding properties. Direct growth or a combination of growth and cladding experiments are described. Scattering loss measurements at visible wavelengths, along with dopant profile characterization with damage threshold results, are also presented. For single-pass amplification, a single-pass linear gain of 7.4 was obtained for 29 nJ pulses of 5 ns duration at 1 MHz repetition rate. We also obtained a laser efficiency of over 58% in a diode-pumped configuration. These results confirm the potential for single-crystal fibers to overcome the limitations of the glass fibers commonly used in fiber lasers, making them prime candidates for high-power compact fiber lasers and amplifiers.
Regime Switching Vine Copula Models for Global Equity and Volatility Indices
Authors: Fink Holger , Klimova Yulia , Czado Claudia , Stöber Jakob
Published: January 2017

For nearly every major stock market there exist equity and implied volatility indices. These play important roles within finance: be it as a benchmark, a measure of general uncertainty or a way of investing or hedging. It is well known in the academic literature that correlations and higher moments between different indices tend to vary in time. However, to the best of our knowledge, no one has yet considered a global setup including both equity and implied volatility indices of various continents, and allowing for a changing dependence structure. We aim to close this gap by applying Markov-switching R-vine models to investigate the existence of different, global dependence regimes. In particular, we identify times of “normal” and “abnormal” states within a data set consisting of North-American, European and Asian indices. Our results confirm the existence of joint points in a time at which global regime switching between two different R-vine structures takes place.
Wireless Sensor Network Based Smart Grid Communications: Cyber Attacks, Intrusion Detection System and Topology Control
Authors: Chhaya Lipi , Sharma Paawan , Bhagwatikar Govind , Kumar Adesh
Published: January 2017

The existing power grid is going through a massive transformation. Smart grid technology is a radical approach for improvisation in prevailing power grid. Integration of electrical and communication infrastructure is inevitable for the deployment of Smart grid network. Smart grid technology is characterized by full duplex communication, automatic metering infrastructure, renewable energy integration, distribution automation and complete monitoring and control of entire power grid. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are small micro electrical mechanical systems that are deployed to collect and communicate the data from surroundings. WSNs can be used for monitoring and control of smart grid assets. Security of wireless sensor based communication network is a major concern for researchers and developers. The limited processing capabilities of wireless sensor networks make them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The countermeasures against cyber-attacks must be less complex with an ability to offer confidentiality, data readiness and integrity. The address oriented design and development approach for usual communication network requires a paradigm shift to design data oriented WSN architecture. WSN security is an inevitable part of smart grid cyber security. This paper is expected to serve as a comprehensive assessment and analysis of communication standards, cyber security issues and solutions for WSN based smart grid infrastructure.
The Implementation of a High-Frequency Radio Frequency Identification System with a Battery-Free Smart Tag for Orientation Monitoring
Authors: Svete Tilen , Suhadolnik Nejc , Pleteršek Anton
Published: January 2017

Energy-harvesting passive RFID (radio frequency identification) tags provide countless possibilities as so-called smart tags. Smart tags can communicate with existing RFID readers or interrogators while providing a battery-less platform for internal and external sensors to enrich available information about the environment and smart tag it. A reduced cost and size as well as an increased lifespan and durability of battery-free smart tags offer improvements in areas such as transportation and product tracking. Battery-free smart tags can ideally support arbitrarily complex sensor measurements, but in reality energy limitations can introduce great reductions in operating range and thus application range. In this work, we present an example application of a smart tag with a passive HF (high-frequency) RFID tag IC (integrated circuit) and MEMS (micro electro-mechanical structure) sensor. A standard HF RFID reader connected to a PC (personal computer) allowed the RF (radio frequency) field to power and communicate with the smart tag. A Kalman filter, implemented on a PC, was used to correct and improve the raw sensor data of smart tag orientation. Measurement results showed that the MEMS sensor on the smart tag could be powered for continuous operation and that raw smart tag orientation data could be read while in the RF field of a standard HF RFID reader, but at a limited range.
Thermal Impact Analysis of Circulating Current in High Power Modular Online Uninterruptible Power Supplies Application
Authors: Zhang Chi , Guerrero Josep , Vasquez Juan
Published: January 2017

In modular uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), several DC/AC modules are required to work in parallel. This structure allows the system to be more reliable and flexible. These DC/AC modules share the same DC bus and AC critical bus. Module differences, such as filter inductor, filter capacitor, control parameters, and so on, will make it possible for the potential zero sequence current to flow among the modules. This undesired type of circulating current will bring extra losses to the power semiconductor devices in the system, which should be paid special attention in high power application scenarios. In this paper, plug’n’play modules and cycle control are discussed and validated through experimental results. Moreover, potential zero sequence circulating current impact on power semiconductor devices thermal performance is also analyzed in this paper.
mRNA Expression and DNA Methylation Analysis of Serotonin Receptor 2A (HTR2A) in the Human Schizophrenic Brain
Authors: Cheah Sern-Yih , Lawford Bruce , Young Ross , Morris Charles , Voisey Joanne
Published: January 2017

Serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A) is an important signalling factor implicated in cognitive functions and known to be associated with schizophrenia. The biological significance of HTR2A in schizophrenia remains unclear as molecular analyses including genetic association, mRNA expression and methylation studies have reported inconsistent results. In this study, we examine HTR2A expression and methylation and the interaction with HTR2A polymorphisms to identify their biological significance in schizophrenia. Subjects included 25 schizophrenia and 25 control post-mortem brain samples. Genotype and mRNA data was generated by transcriptome sequencing. DNA methylation profiles were generated for CpG sites within promoter-exon I region. Expression, genotype and methylation data were examined for association with schizophrenia. HTR2A mRNA levels were reduced by 14% (p = 0.006) in schizophrenia compared to controls. Three CpG sites were hypermethylated in schizophrenia (cg5 p = 0.028, cg7 p = 0.021, cg10 p = 0.017) and HTR2A polymorphisms rs6314 (p = 0.008) and rs6313 (p = 0.026) showed genetic association with schizophrenia. Differential DNA methylation was associated with rs6314 and rs6313. There was a strong correlation between HTR2A DNA methylation and mRNA expression. The results were nominally significant but did not survive the rigorous Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple testing. Differential HTR2A expression in schizophrenia in our study may be the result of the combined effect of multiple differentially methylated CpG sites. Epigenetic HTR2A regulation may alter brain function, which contributes to the development of schizophrenia.
Determinants of Quality of Life in High-Dose Benzodiazepine Misusers
Authors: Tamburin Stefano , Federico Angela , Faccini Marco , Casari Rebecca , Morbioli Laura , Sartore Valentina , Mirijello Antonio , Addolorato Giovanni , Lugoboni Fabio
Published: January 2017

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are among the most widely prescribed drugs in developed countries, but they have a high potential for tolerance, dependence and misuse. High-dose BZD misuse represents an emerging addiction phenomenon, but data on quality of life (QoL) in high-dose BZD misusers are scant. This study aimed to explore QoL in high-dose BZD misuse. We recruited 267 high-dose BZD misusers, compared the QoL scores in those who took BZD only to poly-drug misusers, and explored the role of demographic and clinical covariates through multivariable analysis. Our data confirmed worse QoL in high-dose BZD misusers and showed that (a) QoL scores were not negatively influenced by the misuse of alcohol or other drugs, or by coexisting psychiatric disorders; (b) demographic variables turned out to be the most significant predictors of QoL scores; (c) BZD intake significantly and negatively influenced QoL. Physical and psychological dimensions of QoL are significantly lower in high-dose BZD misusers with no significant effect of comorbidities. Our data suggest that the main reason for poor QoL in these patients is high-dose BZD intake per se. QoL should be considered among outcome measures in these patients.
d,l-Sulforaphane Induces ROS-Dependent Apoptosis in Human Gliomablastoma Cells by Inactivating STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Miao Ziwei , Yu Fei , Ren Yahao , Yang Jun
Published: January 2017

d,l-Sulforaphane (SFN), a synthetic analogue of broccoli-derived isomer l-SFN, exerts cytotoxic effects on multiple tumor cell types through different mechanisms and is more potent than the l-isomer at inhibiting cancer growth. However, the means by which SFN impairs glioblastoma (GBM) cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of SFN in GBM cells and determined the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cell viability assays, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot results revealed that SFN could induced apoptosis of GBM cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, via up-regulation of caspase-3 and Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Mechanistically, SFN treatment led to increase the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in GBM cells. Meanwhile, SFN also suppressed both constitutive and IL-6-induced phosphorylation of STAT3, and the activation of upstream JAK2 and Src tyrosine kinases, dose- and time-dependently. Moreover, blockage of ROS production by using the ROS inhibitor N-acetyl-l-cysteine totally reversed SFN-mediated down-regulation of JAK2/Src-STAT3 signaling activation and the subsequent effects on apoptosis by blocking the induction of apoptosis-related genes in GBM cells. Taken together, our data suggests that SFN induces apoptosis in GBM cells via ROS-dependent inactivation of STAT3 phosphorylation. These findings motivate further evaluation of SFN as a cancer chemopreventive agent in GBM treatment.
Molecular Biomarkers for Prediction of Targeted Therapy Response in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Trick or Treat?
Authors: Toss Angela , Venturelli Marta , Peterle Chiara , Piacentini Federico , Cascinu Stefano , Cortesi Laura
Published: January 2017

In recent years, the study of genomic alterations and protein expression involved in the pathways of breast cancer carcinogenesis has provided an increasing number of targets for drugs development in the setting of metastatic breast cancer (i.e., trastuzumab, everolimus, palbociclib, etc.) significantly improving the prognosis of this disease. These drugs target specific molecular abnormalities that confer a survival advantage to cancer cells. On these bases, emerging evidence from clinical trials provided increasing proof that the genetic landscape of any tumor may dictate its sensitivity or resistance profile to specific agents and some studies have already showed that tumors treated with therapies matched with their molecular alterations obtain higher objective response rates and longer survival. Predictive molecular biomarkers may optimize the selection of effective therapies, thus reducing treatment costs and side effects. This review offers an overview of the main molecular pathways involved in breast carcinogenesis, the targeted therapies developed to inhibit these pathways, the principal mechanisms of resistance and, finally, the molecular biomarkers that, to date, are demonstrated in clinical trials to predict response/resistance to targeted treatments in metastatic breast cancer.
Preface—Plant Proteomic Research
Authors: Komatsu Setsuko , Hossain Zahed
Published: January 2017

Plants, being sessile in nature, are constantly exposed to environmental challenges resulting in substantial yield loss[...]
Expression, Purification, and Biophysical Characterization of a Secreted Anthrax Decoy Fusion Protein in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Karuppanan Kalimuthu , Duhra-Gill Sifti , Kailemia Muchena , Phu My , Lebrilla Carlito , Dandekar Abhaya , Rodriguez Raymond , Nandi Somen , McDonald Karen
Published: January 2017

Anthrax toxin receptor-mediated drug development for blocking anthrax toxin action has received much attention in recent decades. In this study, we produced a secreted anthrax decoy fusion protein comprised of a portion of the human capillary morphogenesis gene-2 (CMG2) protein fused via a linker to the fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of human immunoglobulin G1 in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using a transient expression system. Using the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S promoter and co-expression with the p19 gene silencing suppressor, we were able to achieve a high level of recombinant CMG2-Fc-Apo (rCMG2-Fc-Apo) protein accumulation. Production kinetics were observed up to eight days post-infiltration, and maximum production of 826 mg/kg fresh leaf weight was observed on day six. Protein A affinity chromatography purification of the rCMG2-Fc-Apo protein from whole leaf extract and apoplast wash fluid showed the homodimeric form under non-reducing gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the molecular integrity of the secreted protein. The N-glycosylation pattern of purified rCMG2-Fc-Apo protein was analysed; the major portion of N-glycans consists of complex type structures in both protein samples. The most abundant (>50%) N-glycan structure was GlcNAc2(Xyl)Man3(Fuc)GlcNAc2 in rCMG2-Fc-Apo recovered from whole leaf extract and apoplast wash fluid. High mannose N-glycan structures were not detected in the apoplast wash fluid preparation, which confirmed the protein secretion. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that high-level production of rCMG2-Fc-Apo can be achieved by transient production in Nicotiana benthamiana plants with apoplast targeting.
Three-Dimensional Electrodes for High-Performance Bioelectrochemical Systems
Authors: Yu Yang-Yang , Zhai Dan-Dan , Si Rong-Wei , Sun Jian-Zhong , Liu Xiang , Yong Yang-Chun
Published: January 2017

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are groups of bioelectrochemical technologies and platforms that could facilitate versatile environmental and biological applications. The performance of BES is mainly determined by the key process of electron transfer at the bacteria and electrode interface, which is known as extracellular electron transfer (EET). Thus, developing novel electrodes to encourage bacteria attachment and enhance EET efficiency is of great significance. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) electrodes, which provide large specific area for bacteria attachment and macroporous structures for substrate diffusion, have emerged as a promising electrode for high-performance BES. Herein, a comprehensive review of versatile methodology developed for 3D electrode fabrication is presented. This review article is organized based on the categorization of 3D electrode fabrication strategy and BES performance comparison. In particular, the advantages and shortcomings of these 3D electrodes are presented and their future development is discussed.
The Distribution of Lectins across the Phylum Nematoda: A Genome-Wide Search
Authors: Bauters Lander , Naalden Diana , Gheysen Godelieve
Published: January 2017

Nematodes are a very diverse phylum that has adapted to nearly every ecosystem. They have developed specialized lifestyles, dividing the phylum into free-living, animal, and plant parasitic species. Their sheer abundance in numbers and presence in nearly every ecosystem make them the most prevalent animals on earth. In this research nematode-specific profiles were designed to retrieve predicted lectin-like domains from the sequence data of nematode genomes and transcriptomes. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that play numerous roles inside and outside the cell depending on their sugar specificity and associated protein domains. The sugar-binding properties of the retrieved lectin-like proteins were predicted in silico. Although most research has focused on C-type lectin-like, galectin-like, and calreticulin-like proteins in nematodes, we show that the lectin-like repertoire in nematodes is far more diverse. We focused on C-type lectins, which are abundantly present in all investigated nematode species, but seem to be far more abundant in free-living species. Although C-type lectin-like proteins are omnipresent in nematodes, we have shown that only a small part possesses the residues that are thought to be essential for carbohydrate binding. Curiously, hevein, a typical plant lectin domain not reported in animals before, was found in some nematode species.
Targeting IRES-Mediated p53 Synthesis for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapeutics
Authors: Ji Bai , Harris Benjamin , Liu Yahui , Deng Yibin , Gradilone Sergio , Cleary Margot , Liu Jianhua , Yang Da-Qing
Published: January 2017

While translational regulation of p53 by the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) at its 5′-untranslated region following DNA damage has been widely accepted, the detailed mechanism underlying the translational control of p53 by its IRES sequence is still poorly understood. In this review, we will focus on the latest progress in identifying novel regulatory proteins of the p53 IRES and in uncovering the functional connection between defective IRES-mediated p53 translation and tumorigenesis. We will also discuss how these findings may lead to a better understanding of the process of oncogenesis and open up new avenues for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics.