bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceitos de interdisciplinaridade segundo professoras(es) de Ciências em Santarém – Pará
Authors: Parente Nathália Prado Oliveira , Novais Jaílson Santos de
Published: April 2017

Esse trabalho objetivou acessar os conceitos que professoras(es) de Ciências têm a respeito do termo interdisciplinaridade e palavras correlatas (multi, pluri e transdisciplinaridade). Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram professoras(es) de Ciências que atuam na rede municipal de ensino em Santarém, Pará. Os dados obtidos por meio de questionários foram analisados segundo a técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC). Constatou-se que as(os) professoras(es) já ouviram falar sobre o conceito de interdisciplinaridade, bem como o diferenciam de forma superficial de termos correlatos. As ideias centrais encontradas orientando os DSC foram: "Interdisciplinaridade é a interação entre as disciplinas ou áreas do conhecimento"; "Interdisciplinaridade como uma proposta de trabalho da escola, a fim de reunir as disciplinas"; "Multidisciplinaridade reúne várias disciplinas, sem relação direta, trabalhando o mesmo tema"; "Interdisciplinaridade envolve algumas disciplinas e multidisciplinaridade envolve todas as disciplinas"; "Pluridisciplinaridade é o agrupamento das disciplinas de forma ampla"; "Pluridisciplinaridade envolve relação entre diferentes disciplinas"; e "Na transdisciplinaridade, observamos o grau máximo de interação disciplinar". Conclui-se que iniciativas de formação continuada poderão ampliar a visão dos sujeitos entrevistados sobre o que é interdisciplinaridade, bem como sobre como cada um(a) pode, a partir da reflexão sobre suas práticas docentes, pô-la em ação.Palavras-chave: Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Ensino de Ciências. Multidisciplinaridade.
O ensino de conceitos e teorias matemáticas: uma aliança possível entre a investigação e a história
Authors: Mafra José Ricardo e Souza , Gonçalves Girlane Aires
Published: April 2017

Lançado em 2009, pela Editora Ciência Moderna, o livro “Investigação Histórica no Ensino de Matemática” surge a partir dos estudos e pesquisas desenvolvidas pelo autor, ao longo de três décadas, sobre a História da Matemática e suas relações com Educação, mais especificamente o campo da Educação Matemática. Logo na apresentação do livro é possível verificarmos o eixo norteador principal da temática discutida na obra: a relação entre a história da matemática, cognição e aprendizagem matemática via suporte de encaminhamentos metodológicos, através da investigação histórica. Investigação aqui concebida como um delineamento de ações, conforme abordagens e situações pedagógicas apoiadas na história e na matemática, como um elemento gerador de discussões e reflexões em um cenário educacional cujo o foco central é o ensino de conceitos e teorias matemáticas.
Implementing intelligent technical systems into smart homes by using model based systems engineering and multi-agent systems
Authors: J. Michael  , M. Hillebrand  , B. Wohlers  , C. Henke  , R. Dumitrescu  , M. Meyer  , A. Trächtler
Published: April 2017

This paper shows a methodologically interdisciplinary approach to develop smart homes by using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and a Multi-Agent-System (MAS) approach. Using the methods and techniques of MBSE/MAS leads to an efficient development of a smart home and intelligent consumption of energy of the involved appliances. At the beginning there is a specification technique used to specify an appliance. This contains analysing the requirements, evaluating the functionality of the system and choosing solution-elements. Each single system shows an intelligent, self-optimizing behaviour, which has to be up scaled to a so called global optimum. This is reached by implementing connections between the appliances and a negotiation for available energy. Physical simulation models deliver the required energy for different processes and enable to predict the need of energy in prospective time segments. These physical models again need to be controlled by the controller models, which are also developed exemplarily in this paper. Therefore a structure of the controller is explained, which among others contains the functionality of negotiation and optimization. This functionality is furthermore used to circumvent a defined energy-supply-bottleneck-situation.
Sobre el "Itinerario de la armada" y el descubrimiento de México. Los impresos de la relación de la expedición de Grijalva
Authors: Jiménez del Campo Paloma
Published: April 2017

Fecha de recepción: 4 de abril de 2014. Fecha de aceptación: 6 de marzo de 2015.  No se le ha otorgado suficiente relevancia al hecho de que el descubrimiento de México fuera difundido por las prensas europeas por medio del relatode la expedición de Juan de Grijalva escrito por el capellán de la armada,Juan Díaz. En este trabajo, se ahonda tanto en el momento de la génesis dela escritura de este texto como en las circunstancias de su difusión, con elobjeto de explicar por qué se silenció en España y fue, en cambio, tan divulgado en Italia. Dicho examen arroja nueva luz sobre esta relación en particulary sobre la propagación de la novedad indiana en general.
Bibliografía
Authors: Filología Hispánica Nueva Revista de
Published: April 2017

Las reseñas se consignan a continuación del libro (o artículo reseñado. Cuando éste se ha descrito en una entrega anterior de la Bibliografía, se pone entre paréntesis el número de ficha correspondiente. También se hacen referencias a ediciones anteriores de una obra, a tomos anteriores de una obra en curso de publicación, etc. En estos casos, la cifra que precede al número de referencia indica el volumen de laNRFHen que figura la ficha en cuestión. Así, el "núm. 39-39695" corresponde a la ficha 39695, la cual está en el volumen 39 de laNRFH.Cuando no hay cifra inicial, ha de entenderse que el número remite a una ficha incluida en el presente fascículo.
"Carta que un amigo escribe a otro": relación poética inédita de la dedicación de la iglesia jesuítica de San Pablo (Lima, 1638)
Authors: Cacho Casal Rodrigo
Published: April 2017

Fecha de recepción: 17 de julio de 2015.Fecha de aceptación: 10 de noviembre de 2015.La biblioteca de la Hispanic Society of America posee entre sus fondos un manuscrito poético, probablemente autógrafo, donde se contiene una epístola escrita en forma de romance. El autor, que se oculta detrás del seudónimo de Menandro, le hace relación a un amigo de la fiesta y las procesiones organizadas por la Compañía de Jesús con motivo de la dedicación de la iglesia de San Pablo en 1638. La Carta proporciona nuevos datos sobre este templo y sobre la sociedad limeña de la época. El presente artículo ofrece un estudio y edición crítica de este texto inédito.
Coincidencias léxicas entre el español de Canarias y el de la península de Yucatán
Authors: Pérez Aguilar Raúl Arístides
Published: April 2017

Fecha de recepción: 23 de noviembre de 2015.Fecha de aceptación: 22 de abril de 2016. Se analizan varias voces que, provenientes del Tesoro lexicográfico del español de Canarias de Corbella, Corrales y Álvarez, y del Diccionario del español yucateco de Güémez, aparecen como formas usuales tanto en las Islas canarias como en la península yucateca. en dicho análisis, se buscan coincidencias semánticas entre las palabras y se comentan, por un lado, atendiendo a los resultados de una serie de encuestas aplicadas en Mérida, Chetumal y Campeche en 2015 y, por otro, haciendo referencia a otras obras para proporcionar su distribución geolectal en la región.
ASPECTOS SIGNIFICATIVOS NO ENSINO DAS CIÊNCIAS NATURAIS: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Freitas Angleib Justino Figueiredo de , Figueiredo Gustavo De Alencar
Published: April 2017

Com o objetivo de analisar os aspectos epistemológicos inseridos no Ensino de Ciências Naturais, explicitando sua orientação teórico-metodológica e suas aplicações e implicações práticas, o presente trabalho buscou permear os aspectos que permeiam a relação Ensino-Aprendizagem que se desenvolve na escola Dom Moisés Coelho, no município de Cajazeiras - PB e os sujeitos para desenvolvimento do tema e da pesquisa foram à professora do Componente Curricular de “Ciências” do Ensino Fundamental e os/as estudantes da referida turma. Através das observações, e análises fundamentadas na leitura de diversos autores na literatura educacional, constatamos que a prática docente que estava sendo desenvolvida pela professora não se mostrou satisfatória, pois se apoiou num ensino fragmentado e descontextualizado, abrindo espaço, assim, para um “déficit” na construção de conhecimentos científicos por parte dos/as estudantes. Verificamos o distanciamento dos pressupostos construtivistas que anunciam a tendência da Pesquisa em Ensino de Ciências no que concerne a relação Ensino-Aprendizagem. A investigação também mostrou que através da intervenção de uma prática pedagógica contextualizada, apoiada nos moldes de um trabalho epistemológico inserido no Ensino de Ciências, os/as estudantes puderam corresponder significativamente no que diz respeito à aprendizagem dos conteúdos trabalhados pelo bolsista, embasado pela orientação de diversos aspectos sobre o tema: ensino de Ciências Naturais. As discussões promovidas no trabalho oferecem condições para que os alunos compreendam os assuntos estudados, bem como as relações estabelecidas entre os conteúdos direcionados a uma contraposição ao uso de regras memorísticas e livrescas que pouco contribuem paro o desenvolvimento da aprendizagem dos/as estudantes na escola.

 

Palavras-Chave: Ensino-Aprendizagem, Ciências Naturais, Epistemologia.
Situs Wonoboyo di Das Bengawan Solo, Wonogiri: Identifikasi Desa Paparahuan dalam Prasasti Tlaŋ (904 M).
Authors: Nastiti Titi Surti , Eriawati Yusmaini , Intan Fadhlan S. , Arfian Arfian
Published: April 2017

Desa Paparahuan yang disebutkan dalam Prasasti Tlaŋ (904 M) oleh W.F. Stutterheim diidentifikasikan dengan Dukuh Praon yang berada di sebelah barat Gunung Gandul, di Kabupaten Wonogiri. Akan tetapi dari hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa di sebelah barat Gunung Gandul tidak ada dukuh yang bernama Dukuh Praon. Sehubungan dengan itu maka tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mencari lokasi Desa Paparahuan yang harusnya berada di DAS Bengawan Solo, karena dalam prasasti disebutkan sebagai desa yang dijadikan tempat penyeberangan. Metode yang dipakai adalah metode deskriptif dan metode komparatif. Dari hasil penelitian diketahui bahwa Desa Paparahuan diidentifikasikan dengan Situs Wonoboyo yang terletak di DAS Bengawan Solo, di Dusun Jatirejo, Kelurahan Wonoboyo, Kecamatan Wonogiri, Kabupaten Wonogiri. Wonoboyo Site along the Bengawan Solo (Solo River), Wonogiri: The Identification of Desa Paparahuan in Tlaŋ Inscription (904 AD). Paparahuan village, which is mentioned in the inscription Tlan (904 AD), was identified by WF Stutterheim with the Hamlet of Praon, which is located west of Mt. Gandul in Wonogiri. However, from research revealed that in the west of Mount Gandul there is no hamlet named Praon. In connection with that matter, this paper aims to locate Paparahuan village, which should have been within the Bengawan Solo River Basin, because the inscription village mentions that the village was used as a river crossing place. The methods used in this paper are descriptive and comparative. The results revealed that the PaparahuanVillage was identified with Wonoboyo Site, which is located at the Bengawan Solo Basin, in the hamlet of Jatirejo,Wonoboyo Village, District Wonogiri, Wonogiri Regency.
Econometric Analysis of Effects of Nitrogenous Fertilizer Usage on Tomato Yield in Tokat, Turkey
Authors: Gözener Bilge , Parlakay Oğuz
Published: April 2017

This study aims to investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer application on tomato yield by using econometric models. The data obtained by questionnaire from 53 farmers who produce tomatoes in Tokat province constitute the main material of the study. The Simple Random Sampling Method was used to determine the sample size with a 90% confidence interval and 10% margin of error. Nine models were tried to determine the best model to explain the effect of nitrogenous fertilizer usage in tomato cultivation. The data in the models were used to calculate the growers’ optimal fertilizer amount of use (physical optimum and economical optimum values were calculated) and the results were compared to the ones suggested by the experts. As a result, through the statistical studies, quadratic model was found to be the most suitable one. It has been determined that tomato farmers use less (10.54 kg da-1) or excess (23.48 kg da-1) N fertilizer than the level at which economic optimum is achieved.
Transmedia Storytelling Initiatives in Brazilian Media
Authors: Gambarato Renira Rampazzo , Alzamora Geane Carvalho
Published: April 2017

This paper is presented in order to understand the evolution of media dynamics in Brazil and investigate its perspectives for the future. Brazil, among the BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), will be our focus. From a mono-mediatic paradigm to a convergent one, Brazil is developing new practices in fictional and non-fictional media. Our hypothesis is that the transmedia storytelling strategy is both the reality – although still timid – and the most probable future scenario for media development in Brazil. We can assert that transmedia storytelling is a tendency. Therefore, we will explore examples of transmedia storytelling initiatives in Brazilian media mainly related to journalism, entertainment, branding and advertisement.
Nation Branding:
Authors: Cánepa Gisela K.
Published: April 2017

Nation branding plays a central role within neoliberal governmentality, operating as a technology of power in the configuration of emerging cultural and political formations such as national identity, citizenship and the state. The discussion of the advertising spot Perú, Nebraska  released as part of the Nation Branding campaign Marca Perú  in May of 2011, constitutes a great opportunity to: (i) argue about the way in which audiovisual advertisement products, designed as performative devises, operate as technologies of power; and (ii) problematize the terms in which it founds a new social contract for the Peruvian multicultural national community. This analysis will allow me to approach neoliberalism as a cultural regime in order to discuss the ideological nature of the uncontested celebratory discourse that has emerged in Perú and which explains the economic growth of the last decades as the outcome of a national entrepreneurial spirit that would be distinctive of Peruvian cultural identity.
Pharmacological Activity and Clinical Use of PDRN
Authors: Squadrito Francesco , Bitto Alessandra , Irrera Natasha , Pizzino Gabriele , Pallio Giovanni , Minutoli Letteria , Altavilla Domenica
Published: April 2017

PDRN is a proprietary and registered drug that possesses several activities: tissue repairing, anti-ischemic, and anti-inflammatory. These therapeutic properties suggest its use in regenerative medicine and in diabetic foot ulcers. PDRN holds a mixture of deoxyribonucleotides with molecular weights ranging between 50 and 1,500 KDa, it is derived from a controlled purification and sterilization process of Oncorhynchus mykiss (Salmon Trout) or Oncorhynchus keta (Chum Salmon) sperm DNA. The procedure guarantees the absence of active protein and peptides that may cause immune reactions. In vitro and in vivo experiments have suggested that PDRN most relevant mechanism of action is the engagement of adenosine A2A receptors. Besides engaging the A2A receptor, PDRN offers nucleosides and nucleotides for the so called “salvage pathway.” The binding to adenosine A2A receptors is a unique property of PDRN and seems to be linked to DNA origin, molecular weight and manufacturing process. In this context, PDRN represents a new advancement in the pharmacotherapy. In fact adenosine and dipyridamole are non-selective activators of adenosine receptors and they may cause unwanted side effects; while regadenoson, the only other A2A receptor agonist available, has been approved by the FDA as a pharmacological stress agent in myocardial perfusion imaging. Finally, defibrotide, another drug composed by a mixture of oligonucleotides, has different molecular weight, a DNA of different origin and does not share the same wound healing stimulating effects of PDRN. The present review analyses the more relevant experimental and clinical evidences carried out to characterize PDRN therapeutic effects.
Saturation Mapping of a Major Effect QTL for Stripe Rust Resistance on Wheat Chromosome 2B in Cultivar Napo 63 Using SNP Genotyping Arrays
Authors: Wu Jianhui , Wang Qilin , Liu Shengjie , Huang Shuo , Mu Jingmei , Zeng Qingdong , Huang Lili , Han Dejun , Kang Zhensheng
Published: April 2017

Stripe rust or yellow rust (YR), caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most important diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Widespread deployment of resistant cultivars is the best means of achieving durable disease control. The red grain, spring wheat cultivar Napo 63 produced by CIMMYT in the 1960s shows a high level of adult-plant resistance to stripe rust in the field. To elucidate the genetic basis of resistance in this cultivar we evaluated 224 F2:3 lines and 175 F2:6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Napo 63 and the Pst-susceptible line Avocet S. The maximum disease severity (MDS) data of F2:3 lines and the relative area under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC) data of RILs were collected during the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 wheat growing seasons, respectively. Combined bulked segregant analysis and 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays placed 275 of 511 polymorphic SNPs on chromosome 2B. Sixty four KASP markers selected from the 275 SNPs and 76 SSR markers on 2B were used to identify a chromosome region associated with rust response. A major effect QTL, named Qyrnap.nwafu-2BS, was identified by inclusive composite interval mapping and was preliminarily mapped to a 5.46 cM interval flanked by KASP markers 90K-AN34 and 90K-AN36 in chromosome 2BS. Fourteen KASP markers more closely linked to the locus were developed following a 660K SNP array analysis. The QTL region was finally narrowed to a 0.9 cM interval flanked by KASP markers 660K-AN21 and 660K-AN57 in bin region 2BS-1-0.53. The resistance of Napo 63 was stable across all environments, and as a QTL, explained an average 66.1% of the phenotypic variance in MDS of F2:3 lines and 55.7% of the phenotypic variance in rAUDPC of F5:6 RILs. The short genetic interval and flanking KASP markers developed in the study will facilitate marker-assisted selection, gene pyramiding, and eventual positional cloning of Qyrnap.nwafu-2BS.
Improved Ultrasonic Computerized Tomography Method for STS (Steel Tube Slab) Structure Based on Compressive Sampling Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Baofeng , Zhao Wen , Wang Wentao
Published: April 2017

This paper developed a new ultrasonic computerized tomography (CT) method for damage inspections of a steel tube slab (STS) structure based on compressive sampling (CS). CS is a mathematic theory providing an approximate recovery for a sparse signal with minimal reconstruction error from under-sampled measurements. Considering the natural sparsity of the damage, CS algorithm is employed to image the defect in the concrete-filled steel tube of Shenyang Metro line 9 for reducing the work time. Thus, in the measurement stage, far fewer ultrasonic measurement paths were selected from the dense net of conventional ultrasonic CT techniques to capture the underlying damage information. Then, in the imaging stage, ℓ1-norm minimization algorithm of CS theory is selected to recover the internal damage via fusing measurement data and solving optimization problem. The functionality of the proposed method is validated by three numerical concrete tube models with various conditions. Additionally, both the conventional ultrasonic CT technique and the proposed one are employed for ultrasonic inspection of the STS structure in Shenyang Metro line 9. Both the numerical and experimental results indicate that the proposed ultrasonic CT improved by CS has a great potential for damage detection, which provides an alternative accurate and effective way for non-destructive testing/evaluation (NDT/E).
Significant Tic Reduction in An Otherwise Treatment-Resistant Patient with Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome Following Treatment with Nabiximols
Authors: Kanaan Ahmad , Jakubovski Ewgeni , Müller-Vahl Kirsten
Published: April 2017

Early anecdotal reports and preliminary studies suggested that cannabinoid-based medicines such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are effective in the treatment of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (TS). We report a single case study of a patient with otherwise treatment-resistant TS successfully treated with nabiximols. Our patient was a 22-year-old male suffering from severe and complex TS. Treatment with nabiximols was commenced at a dose of 1 puff/day (= 100 μL containing 2.7 mg THC and 2.5 mg cannabidiol (CBD)) and slowly increased up to a dosage of 3 × 3 puffs/day (= 24.3 mg THC and 22.5 mg CBD). Several clinical measures for tics, premonitory urges, and global impairment were acquired before and after two weeks of treatment. Treatment with nabiximols resulted in major improvements of both tics and premonitory urges, but also global impairment and health-related quality of life according to all used measurements without causing relevant adverse effects. Our results provide further evidence that treatment with nabiximols may be effective in the treatment of patients with TS. Given the positive response exhibited by the patient highlighted in this report, further investigation of the effects of nabiximols is proposed on a larger group of patients in a clinical trial setting.
Field Evaluation of Red-Coloured Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements for Bus Rapid Transit Lanes in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Liu Qingfan , Varamini Sina , Tighe Susan
Published: April 2017

Coloured pavements have been implemented by metropolitan areas to denote dedicated lanes for bus rapid transit to maintain a high level of safety. Transit benefits of these installations are well documented. However, field performance of various types of coloured pavement has not been investigated systematically, with questions not being answered. In collaboration with the Regional Municipality of York (ON, Canada) where red pavement sections have been in operation for years for its bus rapid transit lanes, the Centre for Pavement and Transportation Technology at the University of Waterloo (Waterloo, ON, Canada) assessed the performance of various types of red pavements including epoxy paint and red asphalt mixes. It was found that, with significant lower texture depth, epoxy paint surface has disadvantages to red asphalt pavement from a pavement texture and safety perspective. The red asphalt sections in this study were observed as lower yet compatible frictional levels to conventional black pavement. Various types of contamination onto the red pavement were observed during field survey. In addition, the ultraviolet radiation degraded the colour of red asphalt pavement over time and may make it less effective for lane designation. Long-term monitoring is recommended to evaluate the functional and structural performance of red asphalt pavement.
The Role of the MAPK Signaling, Topoisomerase and Dietary Bioactives in Controlling Cancer Incidence
Authors: Selim Khaled , Abdelrasoul Hend , Aboelmagd Mohamed , Tawila Ahmed
Published: April 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are common products of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, xenobiotics metabolism and are generated in response to several environmental stress conditions. Some of them play important biochemical roles in cellular signal transduction and gene transcription. On the other hand, ROS are known to be involved in a wide range of human diseases, including cancer. The excessive production of such ROS together with disruption of homeostasis detoxifying mechanisms can mediate a series of cellular oxidative stresses. The oxidative stress of redundant free radicals production can lead to oxidative denaturation of cellular macromolecules including proteins, lipids and DNA. Moreover, oxidative damage is one of the major causes of DNA mutations, replication errors and genomic abnormalities which result in either inhibition or induction of transcription, and end with the disturbance of signal transduction pathways. Among affected signaling pathways are redox-sensitive kinases. The stimulation of these kinases induces several transcription factors through the phosphorylation of their module proteins. The activation of such pathways induces proliferation and cellular transformation. A diet rich in antioxidant compounds has potential health benefits, and there is a growing interest in the role of natural antioxidants in nutrition for prevention and cure of cancer diseases. A controversy has risen regarding the relation between antioxidants and the significant decrease in the risk of cancer incidence. In this review, we will focus on redox-sensitive kinases signaling pathways, highlighting the effects of dietary antioxidant on the prevention, incidence, prognosis or even treatment of human cancers. In addition, we will place emphasis on the chemical classes of pterocarpans as natural anti-oxidants/cancers as well as their underlying mechanisms of action, including their effects on MAPKs and topoisomerase activities.
Recognition of Traveling Surges in HVDC with Wavelet Entropy
Authors: Luo Guomin , Lin Qizhi , Zhou Lin , He Jinghan
Published: April 2017

Traveling surges are commonly adopted in protection devices of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. Lightning strikes also can produce large-amplitude traveling surges which lead to the malfunction of relays. To ensure the reliable operation of protection devices, recognition of traveling surges must be considered. Wavelet entropy, which can reveal time-frequency distribution features, is a potential tool for traveling surge recognition. In this paper, the effectiveness of wavelet entropy in characterizing traveling surges is demonstrated by comparing its representations of different kinds of surges and discussing its stability with the effects of propagation distance and fault resistance. A wavelet entropy-based recognition method is proposed and tested by simulated traveling surges. The results show wavelet entropy can discriminate fault traveling surges with a good recognition rate.
On the Anonymity Risk of Time-Varying User Profiles
Authors: Puglisi Silvia , Rebollo-Monedero David , Forné Jordi
Published: April 2017

Websites and applications use personalisation services to profile their users, collect their patterns and activities and eventually use this data to provide tailored suggestions. User preferences and social interactions are therefore aggregated and analysed. Every time a user publishes a new post or creates a link with another entity, either another user, or some online resource, new information is added to the user profile. Exposing private data does not only reveal information about single users’ preferences, increasing their privacy risk, but can expose more about their network that single actors intended. This mechanism is self-evident in social networks where users receive suggestions based on their friends’ activities. We propose an information-theoretic approach to measure the differential update of the anonymity risk of time-varying user profiles. This expresses how privacy is affected when new content is posted and how much third-party services get to know about the users when a new activity is shared. We use actual Facebook data to show how our model can be applied to a real-world scenario.
Image Bi-Level Thresholding Based on Gray Level-Local Variance Histogram
Authors: Zheng Xiulian , Ye Hong , Tang Yinggan
Published: April 2017

Thresholding is a popular method of image segmentation. Many thresholding methods utilize only the gray level information of pixels in the image, which may lead to poor segmentation performance because the spatial correlation information between pixels is ignored. To improve the performance of thresolding methods, a novel two-dimensional histogram—called gray level-local variance (GLLV) histogram—is proposed in this paper as an entropic thresholding method to segment images with bimodal histograms. The GLLV histogram is constructed by using the gray level information of pixels and its local variance in a neighborhood. Local variance measures the dispersion of gray level distribution of pixels in a neighborhood. If a pixel’s gray level is close to its neighboring pixels, its local variance is small, and vice versa. Therefore, local variance can reflect the spatial information between pixels. The GLLV histogram takes not only the gray level, but also the spatial information into consideration. Experimental results show that an entropic thresholding method based on the GLLV histogram can achieve better segmentation performance.
Potential of Windbreak Trees to Reduce Carbon Emissions by Agricultural Operations in the US
Authors: Ballesteros-Possu William , Brandle James , Schoeneberger Michele
Published: April 2017

Along with sequestering C in forest, trees on farms are able to contribute to greenhouse mitigation through emission avoidance mechanisms. To evaluate the magnitude of these contributions, emission avoidance contributions for field and farmstead windbreak designs in regions across the United States were estimated, along with greenhouse gas (GHG) emission budgets for corn, soybean, winter wheat, and potato operations. We looked at farming scenarios with large (600 ha), mid (300 ha), and small-size (60 ha) farms containing farmsteads built before and after 2000, and growing different cropping systems. Windbreak scenarios were assumed to be up to 5% of the crop area for field windbreaks, while emission avoidance for farmstead windbreaks were assumed to provide a 10% and 25% reduction in energy usage for space conditioning and heating, respectively. Total reduction of C equivalent (CE) emissions by windbreaks on farm systems ranged from a low of 0.9 Mg CE year−1 for a 60-ha farm with a home built before 2000 to 39.1 Mg CE year−1 for a 600-ha farm with a home built after 2000. By reducing fossil fuel usage from farm operations, windbreaks provide a promising strategy for reducing GHG emissions from agriculture in the USA.
Bioactive Peptides
Authors: Daliri Eric , Oh Deog , Lee Byong
Published: April 2017

The increased consumer awareness of the health promoting effects of functional foods and nutraceuticals is the driving force of the functional food and nutraceutical market. Bioactive peptides are known for their high tissue affinity, specificity and efficiency in promoting health. For this reason, the search for food-derived bioactive peptides has increased exponentially. Over the years, many potential bioactive peptides from food have been documented; yet, obstacles such as the need to establish optimal conditions for industrial scale production and the absence of well-designed clinical trials to provide robust evidence for proving health claims continue to exist. Other important factors such as the possibility of allergenicity, cytotoxicity and the stability of the peptides during gastrointestinal digestion would need to be addressed. This review discusses our current knowledge on the health effects of food-derived bioactive peptides, their processing methods and challenges in their development.
Algal Proteins: Extraction, Application, and Challenges Concerning Production
Authors: Bleakley Stephen , Hayes Maria
Published: April 2017

Population growth combined with increasingly limited resources of arable land and fresh water has resulted in a need for alternative protein sources. Macroalgae (seaweed) and microalgae are examples of under-exploited “crops”. Algae do not compete with traditional food crops for space and resources. This review details the characteristics of commonly consumed algae, as well as their potential for use as a protein source based on their protein quality, amino acid composition, and digestibility. Protein extraction methods applied to algae to date, including enzymatic hydrolysis, physical processes, and chemical extraction and novel methods such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, pulsed electric field, and microwave-assisted extraction are discussed. Moreover, existing protein enrichment methods used in the dairy industry and the potential of these methods to generate high value ingredients from algae, such as bioactive peptides and functional ingredients are discussed. Applications of algae in human nutrition, animal feed, and aquaculture are examined.
Impact of Chitosan Molecular Weight and Attached Non-Interactive Chains on the Formation of α-Lactalbumin Nanogel Particles
Authors: Du Juan , Cho Young-Hee , Murphy Ryan , Jones Owen
Published: April 2017

Thermal treatment of protein–polysaccharide complexes will form nanogel particles, wherein the polysaccharide controls nanogel formation by limiting protein aggregation. To determine the impact of the chitosan molecular weight and non-interactive chains on the formation of nanogels, mixtures of α-lactalbumin were prepared with selectively-hydrolyzed chitosan containing covalently-attached polyethylene glycol chains (PEG) and heated near the protein’s isoelectric point to induce formation of nanogels. Turbidity of heated mixtures indicated the formation of suspended aggregates, with greater values observed at higher pH, without attached PEG, and among samples with 8.9 kDa chitosan. Mixtures containing 113 kDa chitosan-PEG formed precipitating aggregates above pH 5, coinciding with a low-magnitude colloidal charge and average hydrodynamic radii > 400 nm. All other tested mixtures were stable to precipitation and possessed average hydrodynamic radii ~100 nm, with atomic force microscopy showing homogeneous distributions of spherical nanogel aggregates. Over all of the tested conditions, attached PEG led to no additional significant changes in the size or morphology of nanogels formed from the protein and chitosan. While PEG may have interfered with the interactions between protein and the 113 kDa chitosan, prompting greater aggregation and precipitation, PEG did not indicate any such interference for shorter chitosan chains.
Telomerase Inhibitory Effects of Red Pigment Rubropunctatin and Statin Monacolin L Isolated from Red Yeast Rice
Authors: Xu Baojun , Wang Qijun , Sung Changkeun
Published: April 2017

In addition to the cholesterol-lowering activity of red yeast rice (RYR), its anticancer activities have been frequently reported. However, the mechanism of action of the anticancer activity of RYR is not yet fully understood. The objective of the current study was to elucidate anticancer compositions and anticancer mechanism of actions of RYR. The isolated compounds from RYR were subjected to anti-proliferation assay, apoptosis assay via flow cytometry, and telomerase inhibitory assay via telomeric repeat amplification protocol-PCR (TRAP-PCR) assay, and Western blotting assay in an in vitro cell culture system. The results showed that a statin, monacolin L, and a red pigment, rubropunctatin, from RYR exhibited very strong cancer cell proliferation inhibitory effects; the rubropunctatin was comparable with anticancer drug cis-platinum, taxol, and 10-hydroxy-camptothecin (HCPT) in their IC50 values. Monacolin L and rubropunctatin exerted their anticancer activity via telomerase inhibitory effects. Monacolin L and rubropunctatin presented the similar telomerase inhibitory effects as the anticancer drug cis-platinum, while the anticancer drug HCPT presented a weak telomerase inhibitory effect in the TRAP-PCR assay. Meanwhile, rubropunctatin and cis-platinum did not present strong apoptosis induction activity as the momacolin L and HCPT did. These results indicate that the RYR may exert anticancer effects through the telomerase inhibitory effect of rubropunctatin and the apoptosis-induction effect of monacolin L.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Clinical Manifestations, Dietary Influences, and Management
Authors: Ikechi Ronald , Fischer Bradford , DeSipio Joshua , Phadtare Sangita
Published: April 2017

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by symptoms of chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits in the absence of an overtly identifiable cause. It is the most commonly diagnosed functional gastrointestinal disorder, accounting for about one third of gastroenterology visits. It generally presents as a complex of symptoms, including psychological dysfunction. Hypersensitivity to certain foods, especially foods that contain high amounts of fructose, plays a role in the pathophysiology of IBS. Elevated consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been discussed in this aspect. The treatment options for IBS are challenging and varied. In addition to dietary restrictions for HFCS-induced IBS, such as low-FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharide, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) diets, existing drug therapies are administered based on the predominant symptoms and IBS-subtype. Patients with IBS are likely to suffer from issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic-stress disorder. Biopsychosocial factors particularly socioeconomic status, sex, and race should, thus, be considered for diagnostic evaluation of patients with IBS.
Association of Long-Term Near-Highway Exposure to Ultrafine Particles with Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes and Hypertension
Authors: Li Yu , Lane Kevin , Corlin Laura , Patton Allison , Durant John , Thanikachalam Mohan , Woodin Mark , Wang Molin , Brugge Doug
Published: April 2017

Ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations are elevated near busy roadways, however, their effects on prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension are not well understood. To investigate these associations, data on demographics, diseases, medication use, and time of activities were collected by in-home surveys for 704 participants in three pairs of near-highway and urban background neighborhoods in and near Boston (MA, USA). Body mass index (BMI) was measured for a subset of 435 participants. Particle number concentration (PNC, a measure of UFP) was collected by mobile monitoring in each area. Intra-neighborhood spatial-temporal regression models (approximately 20 m resolution) were used to estimate hourly ambient PNC at the residences of participants. We used participant time activity information to adjust annual average residential PNC values and assign individualized time activity adjusted annual average PNC exposures (TAA-PNC). Using multivariate logistic regression models, we found an odds ratio (OR) of 1.35 (95% CI: 0.83, 2.22) of TAA-PNC with stroke and ischemic heart diseases (S/IHD), an OR of 1.14 (95% CI: 0.81, 1.62) with hypertension, and an OR of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.46, 1.10) for diabetes. A subset analysis controlling for BMI produced slightly stronger associations for S/IHD (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 0.88, 2.92) and hypertension (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.81, 2.02), and no association with diabetes (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.61, 1.96). Further research is needed with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-up.
Assessing Diabetes and Factors Associated with Foregoing Medical Care among Persons with Diabetes: Disparities Facing American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, Low Income, and Southern Adults in the U.S. (2011–2015)
Authors: Towne Samuel , Bolin Jane , Ferdinand Alva , Nicklett Emily , Smith Matthew , Ory Marcia
Published: April 2017

Objective: Identify individual- and place-based factors associated with diagnosed diabetes and forgone medical care among those diagnosed with diabetes. Background: Diabetes affects millions of individuals globally. In the U.S. alone the prevalence rate of diagnosed diabetes has more than doubled over the past 20 years (4.2% in 1994 to 10% in 2014). Methods: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2011–2015) was used to identify factors associated with self-reported diabetes diagnoses (ever diagnosed) among U.S. adults. Logistic regression modeled: (1) the likelihood of having diabetes; (2) the likelihood of forgone medical care among those with diabetes, given appropriate medical care has been linked to preventing complications associated with diabetes. Results: Rates of diabetes remained relatively stable from 2011 to 2015. The likelihood of diabetes was higher (p < 0.01) among racial and ethnic minority groups, men, those with lower incomes and those with lower education. Place-based disparities indicating a higher likelihood of having a diagnosis of diabetes were found for those living in rural areas (urban versus rural, unadjusted OR = 0.844–0.908; p < 0.01) and those living in the South (North, Midwest, and Western/Pacific regions versus the South, unadjusted OR = 0.794–0.889; p < 0.01). Similar results were found with forgone medical care among those diagnosed with diabetes being more likely in the South (North, Midwest, and Western/Pacific regions versus the South, unadjusted OR = 0.542–0.819). In fully-adjusted analyses, the prevalence of diabetes and forgone medical care among those diagnosed with diabetes was higher for those with lower incomes, from several racial/ethnic minority groups, and in the South versus most other regions. Conclusions: Identifying at-risk groups informs targets for prevention and assists efforts to address chronic disease self-management among those already diagnosed with diabetes.
Reducing Building Conflicts in Map Generalization with an Improved PSO Algorithm
Authors: Huang Hesheng , Guo Qingsheng , Sun Yageng , Liu Yuangang
Published: April 2017

In map generalization, road symbolization and map scale reduction may create spatial conflicts between roads and neighboring buildings. To resolve these conflicts, cartographers often displace the buildings. However, because such displacement sometimes produces secondary spatial conflicts, it is necessary to solve the spatial conflicts iteratively. In this paper, we apply the immune genetic algorithm (IGA) and improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) to building displacement to solve conflicts. The dual-inheritance framework from the cultural algorithm is adopted in the PSO algorithm to optimize the topologic structure of particles. We generate Pareto optimal displacement solutions using the niche Pareto competition mechanism. The results of experiments comparing IGA and the improved PSO show that the improved PSO outperforms IGA; the improved PSO results in fewer graphic conflicts and smaller movements that better satisfy the movement precision requirements.
Prevention of Colorectal Cancer by Targeting Obesity-Related Disorders and Inflammation
Authors: Shirakami Yohei , Ohnishi Masaya , Sakai Hiroyasu , Tanaka Takuji , Shimizu Masahito
Published: April 2017

Colorectal cancer is a major healthcare concern worldwide. Many experimental and clinical studies have been conducted to date to discover agents that help in the prevention of this disease. Chronic inflammation in colonic mucosa and obesity, and its related metabolic abnormalities, are considered to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Therefore, treatments targeting these factors might be a promising strategy to prevent the development of colorectal cancer. Among a number of functional foods, various phytochemicals, including tea catechins, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties, and medicinal agents that ameliorate metabolic disorders, might also be beneficial in the prevention of colorectal cancer. In this review article, we summarize the strategies for preventing colorectal cancer by targeting obesity-related disorders and inflammation through nutraceutical and pharmaceutical approaches, and discuss the mechanisms of several phytochemicals and medicinal drugs used in basic and clinical research, especially focusing on the effects of green tea catechins.
Radiation and Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Albi Elisabetta , Cataldi Samuela , Lazzarini Andrea , Codini Michela , Beccari Tommaso , Ambesi-Impiombato Francesco , Curcio Francesco
Published: April 2017

Radiation-induced damage is a complex network of interlinked signaling pathways, which may result in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and cancer. The development of thyroid cancer in response to radiation, from nuclear catastrophes to chemotherapy, has long been an object of study. A basic overview of the ionizing and non-ionizing radiation effects of the sensitivity of the thyroid gland on radiation and cancer development has been provided. In this review, we focus our attention on experiments in cell cultures exposed to ionizing radiation, ultraviolet light, and proton beams. Studies on the involvement of specific genes, proteins, and lipids are also reported. This review also describes how lipids are regulated in response to the radiation-induced damage and how they are involved in thyroid cancer etiology, invasion, and migration and how they can be used as both diagnostic markers and drug targets.
Residue Modification and Mass Spectrometry for the Investigation of Structural and Metalation Properties of Metallothionein and Cysteine-Rich Proteins
Authors: Irvine Gordon , Stillman Martin
Published: April 2017

Structural information regarding metallothioneins (MTs) has been hard to come by due to its highly dynamic nature in the absence of metal-thiolate cluster formation and crystallization difficulties. Thus, typical spectroscopic methods for structural determination are limited in their usefulness when applied to MTs. Mass spectrometric methods have revolutionized our understanding of protein dynamics, structure, and folding. Recently, advances have been made in residue modification mass spectrometry in order to probe the hard-to-characterize structure of apo- and partially metalated MTs. By using different cysteine specific alkylation reagents, time dependent electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and step-wise “snapshot” ESI-MS, we are beginning to understand the dynamics of the conformers of apo-MT and related species. In this review we highlight recent papers that use these and similar techniques for structure elucidation and attempt to explain in a concise manner the data interpretations of these complex methods. We expect increasing resolution in our picture of the structural conformations of metal-free MTs as these techniques are more widely adopted and combined with other promising tools for structural elucidation.
Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Fusarium: A Practical Approach
Authors: Al-Hatmi Abdullah , Curfs-Breuker Ilse , De Hoog G. , Meis Jacques , Verweij Paul
Published: April 2017

In vitro susceptibility testing of Fusarium is becoming increasingly important because of frequency and diversity of infections and because resistance profiles are species-specific. Reference methods for antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) are those of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility (EUCAST), but breakpoints (BPs) have not yet been established. One of the problems is that phylogenetic distances between Fusarium species are much smaller than between species of, e.g., Candida. Epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) for some Fusarium species have been determined in order to differentiate wild-type from non-wild-type isolates. In clinical routine, commercially available assays such as Etest, Sensititre or others provide essential agreement with reference methods. Our objective is to summarize antifungal susceptibility testing of Fusarium genus in the clinical laboratory: how to do it, when to do it, and how to interpret it.