bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon as an Underrecognized and Treatable Source of Chest Pain: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Alvarez Chikezie , Siu Henry
Published: July 2018

Background. Coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSFP) is characterized by delayed distal vessel opacification of contrast, in the absence of significant epicardial coronary stenosis. CSFP has been reported as a cause of chest pain and abnormal noninvasive ischemic tests and is often underrecognized. Material and Methods. Charts and angiographic records from our institution were reviewed to identify 15 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with CSFP from January 2016 to January 2017. Results. Of the 15 patients (4 females and 11 males) studied, the mean age was 59.1 years (range = 45-86 years); all had left ventricular ejection fraction >45% and without significant valvular stenosis/regurgitation. The indication for coronary angiography for all 15 patients was chest pain with abnormal noninvasive tests. Of the 11 patients who underwent previous coronary angiograms, all revealed prior evidence of CSFP. None of these patients were on calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or long-acting nitroglycerin agents before angiography. Intracoronary CCBs were effectively utilized to alleviate the angiographic finding (improvement in Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction frame count) in all 15 patients. Oral CCBs were started with subsequent improvement in all 15 patients (mean follow-up time = 13.6 months). Conclusion. Coronary slow-flow should be a diagnostic consideration in patients presenting with chest pain and abnormal noninvasive ischemic testing with nonobstructive epicardial vessels. CSFP remains underrecognized, and the specific standard of care for treatment has not been established. In each of the 15 cases, intracoronary nifedipine resolved the angiographic manifestation of coronary slow-flow. Furthermore, in follow-up, all patients improved symptomatically from their chest pain after oral CCBs were initiated.
The Association Between Personality and Loneliness: Findings From a Community-Dwelling Chinese Aging Population
Authors: Wang Bei , Dong XinQi
Published: July 2018

The experience of loneliness is prevalent and detrimental. Personality may influence individual perceptions of loneliness, but the relationship has not been adequately examined among minority aging populations. In a representative sample of 3,157 Chinese older adults in Chicago, we examined the associations between two personality traits and loneliness. Independent variables were neuroticism and conscientiousness, and dependent variable was perceived loneliness. Logistic regressions were used to adjust for confounding factors. Both traits were significantly associated with loneliness. One unit increase in neuroticism was associated with a 1.15 times higher likelihood of feeling lonely (odds ratio [OR]: 1.15, 1.12-1.18), whereas a unit increase in conscientiousness was associated with 3% decrease in risk of loneliness (OR: 0.97, 0.96-0.99). Compared with a low level of neuroticism, individuals with middle and high levels were 1.51 and 3.59 times more likely to feel lonely (OR: 1.51, 1.17-1.95; OR: 3.59, 2.84-4.54). Participants with high conscientiousness had a 24% decreased risk of loneliness relative to those with a low level (OR: 0.76, 0.60-0.96). This study provides evidence supporting the close relationships between personality and loneliness among U.S. Chinese older adults. Rigorously designed longitudinal studies are needed to clarify different trajectories of loneliness over time and its associated factors.
Social Engagement and Sense of Loneliness and Hopelessness: Findings From the PINE Study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Lin , Tang Fengyan , Dong XinQi
Published: July 2018

Among older Chinese adults in the United States, depression is a common health problem. Using data from the first population-based survey of older Chinese Americans ( N = 2,929) and applying negative binomial and ordinary least squares regression models, this study examines the relationship between social engagement (including cognitive activity and social activity) and sense of loneliness and hopelessness. Findings reveal that social engagement is significantly and negatively related to both loneliness and hopelessness after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and health status. In addition, it is found that different aspects of social engagement present differential associations with sense of loneliness and hopelessness: Social activity is significantly associated with lower rate ratios of loneliness, whereas cognitive activity is significantly related to reduced levels of hopelessness. Our findings address the importance of engaging in cognitively stimulating and socially integrating activities in promoting psychological well-being for U.S. Chinese older adults.
Association Between Perceived Social Support and Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Americans
Authors: Chao Ying-Yu , Katigbak Carina , Zhang Ning Jackie , Dong XinQi
Published: July 2018

Purpose: This study examined the association between social support and depressive symptoms among U.S. Chinese older adults. Methods: Data were from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) study. Independent variables were positive and negative perceived social support (PSS). Dependent variable was depressive symptoms. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of participants were 3,157 Chinese older adults with the mean age of 72.8 years (range 60-105 years). After controlling for confounding factors, Chinese older adults with higher positive PSS were 12% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.85, 0.92]) and 18% (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = [0.79, 0.86]) less likely to report mild and moderate-severe depressive symptoms, respectively, compared to reporting minimal depressive symptoms; On the contrary, Chinese older adults with higher negative PSS were 34% (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = [1.24, 1.46]) and 38% (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = [1.26, 1.52]) more likely to report mild and moderate-severe depressive symptoms, respectively. Discussion: The study findings corroborate previous research that social support is significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Our findings reinforce the importance of developing strategies to utilize positive social support and limit negative support in practice for the depressed older adults. Further studies should be conducted to better understand the associations between different dimensions of social support and depression among U.S. Chinese older adults.
Perceived Stress and Cognitive Functions Among Chinese Older Adults: The Moderating Role of Health Status
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Wang Jiaxi , Liang Ying , Sun Fei , Dong XinQi
Published: July 2018

Objective: The primary purposes of the present study are (a) to investigate the stress–cognition relationship among U.S. Chinese older adults and (b) to examine the moderating role of health status on the stress–cognition relationship. Method: Data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE), which investigated 3,157 Chinese adults over 60 years old living in Chicago. Participants reported health status and completed the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale. Cognitive functions were measured by the East Boston Memory Test, the Digit Span Backward, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination. Results: Controlling for age, sex, education, and income, perceived stress was negatively associated with cognitive functions, whereas health status was positively associated with cognitive functions. In addition, older adults’ health status interacted with stress such that the negative relationships between perceived stress and cognitive functions were more pronounced for those who had poor health than for those who had good health. Conclusion: Findings suggest that physical health is a critical factor moderating the relationship between perceived stress and cognitive functions among U.S. Chinese older adults. Longitudinal research is needed to examine the complex relationships among stress, health, and cognitive functions of U.S. Chinese older adults.
Cost-effectiveness of internet-based cognitive–behavioural therapy and physical exercise for depression
Authors: Kraepelien Martin , Mattsson Simon , Hedman-Lagerlöf Erik , Petersson Ingemar F. , Forsell Yvonne , Lindefors Nils , Kaldo Viktor
Published: July 2018

Background

Both internet-based cognitive–behavioural therapy (ICBT) and physical exercise are alternatives to treatment as usual (TAU) in managing mild to moderate depression in primary care.

Aims

To determine the cost-effectiveness of ICBT and physical exercise compared with TAU in primary care.

Method

Economic evaluation of a randomised controlled trial (N = 945) in Sweden. Costs were estimated by a service use questionnaire and used together with the effects on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The primary 3-month healthcare provider perspective in primary care was complemented by a 1-year societal perspective.

Results

The primary analysis showed that incremental cost per QALY gain was €8817 for ICBT and €14 571 for physical exercise compared with TAU. At the established willingness-to-pay threshold of €21 536 (£20 000) per QALY, the probability of ICBT being cost-effective is 90%, and for physical exercise is 76%, compared with TAU.

Conclusions

From a primary care perspective, both ICBT and physical exercise for depression are likely to be cost-effective compared with TAU.

Declaration of interest

None.
Aldosterone Suppression by Dexamethasone in Patients With KCNJ5-Mutated Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma
Authors: Inoue Kosuke , Yamazaki Yuto , Kitamoto Takumi , Hirose Rei , Saito Jun , Omura Masao , Sasano Hironobu , Nishikawa Tetsuo
Published: July 2018

Context

Aldosterone biosynthesis is regulated principally by ACTH and gene mutations as well as by angiotensin II and serum potassium. In addition, previous studies have reported the potential effects of KCNJ5 mutations in aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) on cardiovascular diseases. However, responsiveness to ACTH in APAs according to potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 5 (KCNJ5) mutations remains unknown.

Objective

To investigate KCNJ5 genotype–specific differences in aldosterone biosynthesis in response to ACTH stimulation.

Design and Setting

A cross-sectional study through retrieval of clinical records.

Participants

One hundred forty-one patients aged ≥20 years with APA were examined.

Main Outcome Measures

Associations between KCNJ5 mutations and clinical parameters reflecting the renin-angiotensin system [saline infusion test (SIT)] and ACTH pathways [dexamethasone suppression test (DST)].

Results

KCNJ5 mutations were detected in 107 cases. In the crude comparison, patients with mutations in KCNJ5 had higher plasma aldosterone concentrations (PACs) both at baseline and after the SIT. PAC after the DST showed a significant inverse association with KCNJ5 genotypes after controlling for age, sex, tumor size, and PAC after the SIT. Immunohistochemical analysis of 101 cases revealed more abundant immunoreactivity of CYP11B1 and CYP17 in the KCNJ5-mutated group than in the KCNJ5 wild-type group.

Conclusion

This report of marked suppression of PAC by dexamethasone in patients with KCNJ5-mutated APAs indicates that such APAs respond to endogenous ACTH more readily than APAs in nonmutated cases. Further molecular and epidemiologic studies are required to validate our results and clarify the clinical effectiveness of the DST for predicting KCNJ5 mutations before adrenalectomy.
Length of stimulus presentation and visual angle are critical for efficient visual PER conditioning in the restrained honey bee,Apis mellifera
Authors: Lichtenstein Leonie , Lichtenstein Matthias , Spaethe Johannes
Published: July 2018

Learning visual cues is an essential capability of bees for vital behaviors such as orientation in space and recognition of nest sites, food sources and mating partners. To study learning and memory in bees under controlled conditions, the proboscis extension response (PER) provides a well-established behavioral paradigm. While many studies have used the PER paradigm to test olfactory learning in bees because of its robustness and reproducibility, studies on PER conditioning of visual stimuli are rare. In this study, we designed a new setup to test the learning performance of restrained honey bees and the impact of several parameters: stimulus presentation length, stimulus size (i.e. visual angle) and ambient illumination. Intact honey bee workers could successfully discriminate between two monochromatic lights when the color stimulus was presented for 4, 7 and 10 s before a sugar reward was offered, reaching similar performance levels to those for olfactory conditioning. However, bees did not learn at shorter presentation durations. Similar to free-flying honey bees, harnessed bees were able to associate a visual stimulus with a reward at small visual angles (5 deg) but failed to utilize the chromatic information to discriminate the learned stimulus from a novel color. Finally, ambient light had no effect on acquisition performance. We discuss possible reasons for the distinct differences between olfactory and visual PER conditioning.
Multiple Goals as Reference Points: One Failure Makes Everything Else Feel Worse
Authors: Weingarten Evan , Bhatia Sudeep , Mellers Barbara
Published: July 2018

It is well known that goals serve as reference points, and their influence on pleasure can be understood with prospect theory’s value function. We examine how people feel about their progress on two goals (i.e., academics and fitness). What happens when they achieve one goal but fail to reach another? In four studies, we test the assumptions needed to explain hedonic reactions to progress along two goals. Loss aversion and diminishing sensitivity hold on each variable separately. However, we find violations of additivity in the integration of the emotions about outcomes. A success in one goal and a failure in another feel worse than the sum of the pleasure and pain associated with the gain and loss, respectively.

The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2018.3097 .

This paper was accepted by Elke Weber, judgment and decision making.
Strategic Inventory and Supplier Encroachment
Authors: Guan Huiqi , Gurnani Haresh , Geng Xin , Luo Yadong
Published: July 2018

Problem definition: In a two-period model of a dyadic supply chain, we study the interaction between the use of strategic inventory withholding by the buyer and the use of a direct selling channel (encroachment) by the supplier in the second period. Academic/practical relevance: While the extant OM literature has individually examined the two strategies, the system-wide combined effect of these strategies has not been studied. Methodology: We fill the gap by building and analyzing two decentralized models of vertical competition. The main model focuses on sequential quantity decisions where the buyer decides on its order quantity and sets its selling quantity, with a first-mover advantage, before the supplier decides on its direct selling quantity. In an extension, we also consider an alternative timing structure of simultaneous quantity competition. Results: For the sequential model, we find that for any finite holding cost, the buyer may withhold strategic inventory in certain cases. This makes the supplier less aggressive in using its direct selling strategy compared to the case when strategic inventory is not an option. Moreover, there exist situations where both the supplier and the buyer make higher profits from the combined use of their respective strategies at the same time. For the simultaneous model, the buyer can achieve higher profit than in the sequential model in certain scenarios. However, the supplier’s profit may drop below the benchmark case (when neither strategic inventory nor direct selling is present), which is not seen in the sequential model. As such, the buyer can benefit from losing its first-mover advantage, whereas the supplier may be worse off. Managerial implications: Our study provides useful managerial insights into the strategic (joint) moves of the players in a supply chain. We show that both the supplier and the buyer can benefit from vertical competition. Moreover, the first-mover advantage may not always increase profits for the players.
NOMENCLATURAL STUDY OF TETRASTIGMA LEUCOSTAPHYLUM AND TETRASTIGMA RAFFLESIAE (VITACEAE): TWO COMMON HOSTS OF RAFFLESIA IN SUMATRA
Authors: Rahayu Yeni , Chikamawati Tatik , Widjaja Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2018

RAHAYU, Y., CHIKMAWATI, T. & WIDJAJA, E. A. 2018. Nomenclatural study of Tetrastigma leucostaphylum and Tetrastigma rafflesiae (Vitaceae): two common hosts of Rafflesia in Sumatra. Reinwardtia 17(1): 59–66. – A study of Tetrastigma (Miq.) Planch. (Vitaceae) conducted in Sumatra has revealed a number of species records. There are two species were misinterpreted. Two species names are here discussed: T. leucostaphylum (Dennst.) Alston ex Mabb. and T. rafflesiae (Miq.) Planch., which formerly united with T. lanceolarium.
Implication of Human Induced Activities on Ecotourism in Ikogosi Warm Spring Centre, Ekiti State, Southern western, Nigeria
Authors: Adetoro Olusola Olufayo
Published: July 2018

The magnitude effect of human activities on the environment is of great concern. In this study investigation on the pattern of land use land cover change in the Ikogosi Ekiti, South Western and Nigeria was carried out. A 30 meter Landsat image of TM 1991, ETM+ 2002 and OLI 2015 were used for the study. The satellite images were digitally processed using Arcgis10.3 and Idrisi Selva 17.0 while Markov Chain Modeler was employed for prediction. Supervised Classification was performed through Maximum Likelihood Classification resulting into identification of five LULC classes which were built-up, rock outcrop, dense vegetation, light vegetation and water body; fragmentation analysis was done using Fragstat 4.0.

The results showed that anthropogenic activities resulted in 25.93% increase in built-up between the periods of 1991 and 2015 with a substantial loss (29.97%) of dense vegetation within the study area were detected. Fragmentation metric showed that the Number of Patches (NP) increased by 257, 268 and 281 while Shannon Diversity Index (SHIDI) correspondingly showed a decreased of 0.54, 0.47 and 0.21 for species diversity in year 1991, 2002 and 2015 respectively; indigenous respondents (70.1%) affirmed the extinction of biodiversity. Furthermore, the Markov Chain Modeler revealed that built-up was expected to increase by 36.7, 39.1 and 69.6% while dense vegetation will correspondingly decrease by 25.4, 22.9 and 18.7% in year 2030, 2050 and 2065 respectively. The result revealed that anthropogenic activities in the study area had contributed to massive removal of vegetation and this pattern had negatively affected the biomass condition of the study area indicting the region to experience an ecosystem imbalance and incidence of global warming. The changing spatial pattern was attributed to the tourism developmental phases in-around Ikogosi community which had increased deforestation, exotic plants and poaching by Ikogosi inhabitants and tourist visits to the study area.

The study concluded that various tourism development activities had adversely affected the nature of biodiversity, threatened land-use management and vegetation in the study area.
Repercussão da área específica de conhecimento na constituição e expressividade docente
Authors: Barbosa Mirian Haubold , Isaia Silvia Maria De Aguiar , Quadros Claudia Terezinha
Published: July 2018

Este trabalho tem como tema, a influência da área específica do conhecimento na concepção e na atuação docente. A pessoa docente engloba todas as suas facetas mentais, psicológicas e relacionais, traçadas em um perfil próprio, elaborando e reelaborando a si mesma. Esse processo vivencial ancora-se nessa matriz pessoal, através de experiências sensíveis ao meio relacional, integrando as três dimensões: pessoal, espacial-temporal e qualidade de ambiência. Objetivamos compreender a maneira e em que medida o conhecimento específico interfere na construção da trajetória docente no exercício da atividade formativa. Utilizamos a abordagem qualitativa de cunho narrativo envolvendo a análise de entrevistas de docentes das áreas de Ciências Exatas e da Terra e das Ciências Sociais e Aplicadas. Para metodologia escolhemos a análise textual discursiva, a partir de um processo elaborativo de sentido e significado, ressaltam a importância da relação pessoa-professor-área específicas.
Diversidade na formação inicial de professores: experiências do cotidiano escolar no Pibid
Authors: Silva Fabrício Oliveira da , Rios Jane Adriana Vasconcelos Pacheco , Nuñez Joana Maria Leôncio
Published: July 2018

O artigo tem como objeto de estudo as experiências formativas relacionadas à diversidade de estudantes da licenciatura, bolsistas do Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (Pibid) da Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB). Analisa as compreensões de licenciandos de Pedagogia e de Ciências Sociais na iniciação à docência, considerando suas vivências no subprojeto interdisciplinar: “Diversidade e Docência na Educação Básica”. Ancora-se na pesquisa qualitativa, tendo como dispositivos observações, rodas de conversas e entrevistas. Utiliza a abordagem metodológica da (auto)biografia relacionada à diversidade no contexto escolar, particularmente as ligadas às relações étnico/raciais, diversidade de gênero e sexualidades sob o ponto de vista da afirmação dos direitos humanos. Como resultado, tem-se o foco de análise dos estudantes ancorado numa perspectiva de entendimento intercultural sobre a diversidade, fato que favorece o desenvolvimento de análise que considera a realidade dos estudantes da escola básica.
Editorial
Authors: Santos Pricila Kohls dos , Vitória Maria Inês Côrte
Published: July 2018

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Párvulos guerrilleros. Las huelgas estudiantiles de 1980 en el Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica
Authors: Molina Jiménez Iván
Published: July 2018

En 1980, los estudiantes del Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR) llevaron a cabo dos huelgas en demanda de mejores condiciones de estudio y una mayor representación estudiantil en los órganos decisorios de esa casa de enseñanza superior. Ambos conflictos, que tuvieron una extraordinaria repercusión mediática y llevaron a que por vez primera en la historia costarricense una universidad estatal fuera intervenida por la policía, obligaron a que Poder Legislativo se involucrara en la resolución de la confrontación. Mediante un acuerdo logrado entre diputados de distintos partidos políticos, se conminó a las autoridades del ITCR a negociar con los estudiantes e iniciar un proceso que culminaría en 1982 con un cambio en la estructura de gobierno del ITCR.
PROGNOSTIC FACTORS FOR THE RESPONSE TO TOCILIZUMAB THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS WITHOUT SYSTEMIC MANIFESTATIONS: A COHORT STUDY
Authors: Alexeeva Ekaterina I. , Dvoryakovskaya Tatyana M. , Isaeva Kseniya B. , Sleptsova Tatyana V. , Denisova Rina V. , Soloshenko Margarita A. , Lomakina Olga L. , Fetisova Anna N. , Rudnickaya Mariya G. , Vankova Dariya D. , Alshevskaya Alina A. , Moskalev Andrei V. , Mamutova Anna V.
Published: July 2018

Background. To assign genetically engineered biologic drugs, we need data on the predictors for response to therapy. Prognostic factors for the response to tocilizumab in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) without systemic symptoms are poorly studied.

Objective. Our aim was to reveal early predictors for the response to tocilizumab therapy in patients with JIA without systemic symptoms.

Methods. A retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with JIA without systemic symptoms who received tocilizumab therapy between July 2009 and August 2017. We assessed the association between the initial demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters in patients and the best response (according to the ACR90 criteria) to treatment after a year.

Results. The study included 95 (girls 85%) patients; the mean age was 10.3 (6.0; 13.6). During the first year of therapy, 71 (75%), 55 (58%), 38 (40%), and 22 (23%) patients achieved the improvement according to ACR30/50/70/90 criteria, respectively; 22 (23%) patients reached disease inactive stage according to the Wallace criteria. When performing multivariate analysis, the following improvement predictors were revealed based on the ACR90 criteria after a year of treatment: decrease in serum C-reactive protein level during the first month of therapy [odds ratio (OR) 1.024; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007–1.051], decrease in disease activity score on the visual analogue scale according to the parent/patient assessment (OR 1.048; 95% CI 1.005–1.105), early onset of the disease (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.16–0.72), persistent oligoarthritis according to the ILAR (OR 9.9; 95% CI 1.5–109.3). During the first year of tocilizumab administration, neutropenia was registered in one patient, leukopenia — in three cases, and urticaria — in one case.

Conclusion. The variant of JIA, the age at the disease onset, and the disease course pattern in the first month of tocilizumab therapy are the predictors of treatment efficacy throughout the year.
NUTRITION OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH OBESITY: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Lir Darya N. , Novoselov Vladimir G. , Mishukova Tatiana A.
Published: July 2018

Background.The prevalence of obesity in children continues to increase. The study of dietary habits of pre-school children allow to assess or establish the relationship between the dietary factor and obesity in this age group.

Objective.Our aim was to determine the relationship between dietary habits and obesity in pre-school children.

Methods.The study included pre-school children with primary exogenous obesity of the first degree and healthy children attending pre-school educational institutions. Based on the parent survey results, we determined the frequency of consumption of certain food groups, portion size (using the display material «Album of Meal and Food Portions»), the chemical composition, and energy value of diets (in the program «The Analysis of Human Nutritional Status»). The hygienic assessment of nutrition is performed in accordance with the age norms of physiological needs (NPNs) approved for the population of the Russian Federation.

Results.The energy value and content of basic macronutrients of food rations for children with obesity (n = 40) were 45–58% higher than the NPNs. In the structure of the fat component of diets for children with obesity, saturated fatty acids predominated which caloric quota was significantly higher than in healthy children (n = 40). In healthy children with a normal energy value of diets, the total fat was 12% higher and the total carbohydrates was 12% lower than the NPNs. A general negative trend in a part of excess (2.5–4.4 times higher than the NPNs) consumption of mono- and disaccharides was revealed. The study revealed that obesity was associated with frequent (> 5 times/day) consumption of bakery products [odds ratio (OR) 6.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4–18.2], confectionery products (> 3 times/day) (OR 28.8; 95% CI 7.4–111.8), and products with a high fat content (mayonnaise, cream butter, etc. > 2 times/day) (OR 10.3; 95% CI 3.7–29.0).

Conclusion.Obesity in pre-school children is associated with excessive and unbalanced nutrition with frequent consumption of bakery, confectionery, and high-fat foods.
EPILEPSY IN CHILDREN WITH MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSIS: EPIDEMIOLOGY, CLINICAL AND ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC FEATURES
Authors: Aysina Victoriya A. , Buksh Aleksandr A. , Kuzenkova Ludmila M. , Kozhevnikova Olga V. , Lebedev Vladislav V. , Gazaryan Andrey A. , Podkletnova Tatyana V. , Popovich Sofiya G.
Published: July 2018

The current knowledge of the causes and progression of epilepsy in patients with different types of mucopolysaccharidosis are presented. The article discusses the dynamics of electroencephalographic changes with age and in connection with the disease progression.
Effects of habitat fragmentation on the persistence of medium and large mammal species in the Brazilian Savanna of Goiás State
Authors: Rocha Ednaldo Cândido , Brito Daniel , Silva Paulo Machado e , Silva Jhefferson , Bernardo Paulo Vitor dos Santos , Juen Leandro
Published: July 2018

Abstract: Habitat loss and fragmentation are the main threats to the conservation of Cerrado biodiversity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implications of habitat loss on the persistence of medium and large mammal species, considering the spatial and temporal changes (years 1985, 2000 and 2014) to the evaluated fragments. The study was carried out in 14 fragments (10.5 - 618 ha), located in Southeastern Goiás, Brazil. Records for 24 mammal species were obtained and revealed the two sites with the largest habitat amount in the landscape contained higher species richness than the remaining sites. The three mammal groups based on body mass (weight < 5 kg; weight between 5 and 20 kg; and weight > 20 kg) analyzed in this study showed different responses regarding landscape changes. For larger mammals (between 5 - 20 kg and > 20 kg), there was significant association between current species richness and the amount of habitat in 2014, while the species richness of smaller mammals did not significantly correlate with any of the variables assessed for any of the years. Therefore, the amount of habitat present within the current landscape was the most important variable regarding mammal species richness, especially for the larger species. The time lag was not evident at the time scale evaluated, and this delay in response may have occurred in a relatively short time (< 15 years). For the remaining fragments in the studied landscapes, most are too small to support populations of some larger mammal species and may also leave individuals more vulnerable to anthropogenic actions (e.g. hunting), whose effects may accelerate local extinctions.
Anurans from preserved and disturbed areas of Atlantic Forest in the region of Etá Farm, municipality of Sete Barras, state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Fiorillo Bruno Ferreto , Faria Carolina Sconfienza , Silva Bruno Rocha , Martins Marcio
Published: July 2018

Abstract: We provide information on the diversity and natural history of anurans from preserved and disturbed habitats in the region of Etá Farm, municipality of Sete Barras, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The region is covered by rainforest and plantations of banana and peach palm. From April, 2013 to March, 2014 we sampled amphibians mainly with pitfall traps with drift fences and visual and auditory surveys. A total of 9813 individuals of 36 species of anurans from nine families were recorded in this study. A larger number of species was found in forests (29 species), followed by peach palm plantations (21 species), and banana plantations (17 species). The areas of peach palm plantation and forests showed the greatest similarity in species composition. The vegetation type with the highest number of exclusive species was the forest, whereas only four species were exclusive of the peach palm plantation, and none was exclusive of the banana plantation. Species accumulation curves indicated that our sampling effort was not enough to sample all the species that occur in the region. Our results reinforce the importance of forested habitats for the maintenance of anuran diversity in the Atlantic forest. The preservation of large fragments of forest in the region of Etá Farm is necessary to preserve the diverse amphibian fauna of this region.
Environmental perception of fishermen: use and conservation of fisheries resources
Authors: Cantanhêde Lorrane Gabrielle , Pereira Luane Raisa de Moraes , Veras Polliana Farias , Silva Wallacy Borges Teixeira , Carvalho-Neta Raimunda Nonata Fortes , Almeida Zafira da Silva de
Published: July 2018

Abstract: The principal aim was to assess the environmental perception of the fishermen, and implement educational activities, on an island in Brazil. Twelve people between the ages of 23 and 63 were interviewed, of whom 75% were male, and 58.33% did not complete their elementary education. Regarding social benefits, 33.33% receive a family allowance and 16.66% receive the so-called 'green allowance' (financial assistance to extremely poor families who live in areas of environmental preservation). Fishing remains the main economic activity (58.73%). The most common types of fishing gear are the 'zangarias' (41.66%) and 'muruadas' (41.66%), used to catch white shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti), the main resource traded on the island (83.33%). All those interviewed reported a change in the size and weight of the catch in recent years (100%), and 75% attribute this to the types of trap used. Talks, films and booklets, as environmental education activities, contributed to community awareness. The population is familiar with the effects of fishing traps, and shows an interest in changing the situation.
Entomogen galls in a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest area in Sorocaba, Southeast of São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Ansaloni Leticia Salvioni , Salmazo Julia Rodrigues , Guimarães Maria Virginia Urso
Published: July 2018

Abstract: In this paper we studied the occurrence of insect galls and gall makers in a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest area in Sorocaba Municipality, Southeast of São Paulo State, Brazil. One hundred and thirteen morphotypes of galls on 54 species of host plants of 24 different families were found. The families of host plants richer in gall morphotypes were Fabaceae (N = 26) and Malpighiaceae (N = 19); the super host plants species were Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (Fabaceae) (N = 16), Stigmaphyllon lalandianum (Aubl.) Marchand (Malpighiaceae) (N = 11), Protium heptaphyllum A. Juss. (Burseraceae) (N = 10), Serjania lethalis A.St.-Hil. (Sapindaceae) (N = 5). Most of the galls were found empty, but insects of the family Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) were responsible for the induction of 92% (N = 11) of the galls and Hymenoptera (N = 1) for 8%. We registered insects of the order Hymenoptera (N = 11) as parasitoids and as successors Hemiptera (N = 8), Acari (N = 7), Psocoptera (N = 4), Hymenoptera (Formicidae, N = 2), Collembola and Thysanoptera (N = 1 each). Two species of Cecidomyiidae with inquiline habit were also obtained, Neolasioptera sp. and Trotteria sp. Five plant species were registered as hosts for cecidomyiids for the first time: Aloysia virgata (Ruiz & Pav.) Juss., Calliandra foliolosa Benth., Myrcia splendens (Sw.) DC., Serjania lethalis A.St.-Hil., and Tapirira guianiensis Aubl. This is the first study of gall characterization, gall makers and associated fauna of the Southeast of the State of São Paulo.
Eliciting Single-Peaked Preferences Using Comparison Queries
Authors: Conitzer V.
Published: July 2018

Voting is a general method for aggregating the preferences of multiple agents. Each agent ranks all the possible alternatives, and based on this, an aggregate ranking of the alternatives (or at least a winning alternative) is produced. However, when there are many alternatives, it is impractical to simply ask agents to report their complete preferences. Rather, the agents' preferences, or at least the relevant parts thereof, need to be elicited. This is done by asking the agents a (hopefully small) number of simple queries about their preferences, such as comparison queries, which ask an agent to compare two of the alternatives. Prior work on preference elicitation in voting has focused on the case of unrestricted preferences. It has been shown that in this setting, it is sometimes necessary to ask each agent (almost) as many queries as would be required to determine an arbitrary ranking of the alternatives. In contrast, in this paper, we focus on single-peaked preferences. We show that such preferences can be elicited using only a linear number of comparison queries, if either the order with respect to which preferences are single-peaked is known, or at least one other agent's complete preferences are known. We show that using a sublinear number of queries does not suffice. We also consider the case of cardinally single-peaked preferences. For this case, we show that if the alternatives' cardinal positions are known, then an agent's preferences can be elicited using only a logarithmic number of queries; however, we also show that if the cardinal positions are not known, then a sublinear number of queries does not suffice. We present experimental results for all elicitation algorithms. We also consider the problem of only eliciting enough information to determine the aggregate ranking, and show that even for this more modest objective, a sublinear number of queries per agent does not suffice for known ordinal or unknown cardinal positions. Finally, we discuss whether and how these techniques can be applied when preferences are almost single-peaked.
Optimal Value of Information in Graphical Models
Authors: Krause A. , Guestrin C.
Published: July 2018

Many real-world decision making tasks require us to choose among several expensive observations. In a sensor network, for example, it is important to select the subset of sensors that is expected to provide the strongest reduction in uncertainty. In medical decision making tasks, one needs to select which tests to administer before deciding on the most effective treatment. It has been general practice to use heuristic-guided procedures for selecting observations. In this paper, we present the first efficient optimal algorithms for selecting observations for a class of probabilistic graphical models. For example, our algorithms allow to optimally label hidden variables in Hidden Markov Models (HMMs). We provide results for both selecting the optimal subset of observations, and for obtaining an optimal conditional observation plan.

Furthermore we prove a surprising result: In most graphical models tasks, if one designs an efficient algorithm for chain graphs, such as HMMs, this procedure can be generalized to polytree graphical models. We prove that the optimizing value of information is $NP^{PP}$-hard even for polytrees. It also follows from our results that just computing decision theoretic value of information objective functions, which are commonly used in practice, is a #P-complete problem even on Naive Bayes models (a simple special case of polytrees).

In addition, we consider several extensions, such as using our algorithms for scheduling observation selection for multiple sensors. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on several real-world datasets, including a prototype sensor network deployment for energy conservation in buildings.
Variable Forgetting in Reasoning about Knowledge
Authors: Su K. , Sattar A. , Lv G. , Zhang Y.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we investigate knowledge reasoning within a simple framework called knowledge structure. We use variable forgetting as a basic operation for one agent to reason about its own or other agents\' knowledge. In our framework, two notions namely agents\' observable variables and the weakest sufficient condition play important roles in knowledge reasoning. Given a background knowledge base and a set of observable variables for each agent, we show that the notion of an agent knowing a formula can be defined as a weakest sufficient condition of the formula under background knowledge base. Moreover, we show how to capture the notion of common knowledge by using a generalized notion of weakest sufficient condition. Also, we show that public announcement operator can be conveniently dealt with via our notion of knowledge structure. Further, we explore the computational complexity of the problem whether an epistemic formula is realized in a knowledge structure. In the general case, this problem is PSPACE-hard; however, for some interesting subcases, it can be reduced to co-NP. Finally, we discuss possible applications of our framework in some interesting domains such as the automated analysis of the well-known muddy children puzzle and the verification of the revised Needham-Schroeder protocol. We believe that there are many scenarios where the natural presentation of the available information about knowledge is under the form of a knowledge structure. What makes it valuable compared with the corresponding multi-agent S5 Kripke structure is that it can be much more succinct.
The Complexity of Circumscription in DLs
Authors: Bonatti P. A. , Lutz C. , Wolter F.
Published: July 2018

As fragments of first-order logic, Description logics (DLs) do not provide nonmonotonic features such as defeasible inheritance and default rules. Since many applications would benefit from the availability of such features, several families of nonmonotonic DLs have been developed that are mostly based on default logic and autoepistemic logic. In this paper, we consider circumscription as an interesting alternative approach to nonmonotonic DLs that, in particular, supports defeasible inheritance in a natural way. We study DLs extended with circumscription under different language restrictions and under different constraints on the sets of minimized, fixed, and varying predicates, and pinpoint the exact computational complexity of reasoning for DLs ranging from ALC to ALCIO and ALCQO. When the minimized and fixed predicates include only concept names but no role names, then reasoning is complete for NExpTime^NP. It becomes complete for NP^NExpTime when the number of minimized and fixed predicates is bounded by a constant. If roles can be minimized or fixed, then complexity ranges from NExpTime^NP to undecidability.
Solving Weighted Constraint Satisfaction Problems with Memetic/Exact Hybrid Algorithms
Authors: Gallardo J. E. , Cotta C. , Fernández A. J.
Published: July 2018

A weighted constraint satisfaction problem (WCSP) is a constraint satisfaction problem in which preferences among solutions can be expressed. Bucket elimination is a complete technique commonly used to solve this kind of constraint satisfaction problem. When the memory required to apply bucket elimination is too high, a heuristic method based on it (denominated mini-buckets) can be used to calculate bounds for the optimal solution. Nevertheless, the curse of dimensionality makes these techniques impractical on large scale problems. In response to this situation, we present a memetic algorithm for WCSPs in which bucket elimination is used as a mechanism for recombining solutions, providing the best possible child from the parental set. Subsequently, a multi-level model in which this exact/metaheuristic hybrid is further hybridized with branch-and-bound techniques and mini-buckets is studied. As a case study, we have applied these algorithms to the resolution of the maximum density still life problem, a hard constraint optimization problem based on Conway's game of life. The resulting algorithm consistently finds optimal patterns for up to date solved instances in less time than current approaches. Moreover, it is shown that this proposal provides new best known solutions for very large instances.
Bounds Arc Consistency for Weighted CSPs
Authors: Zytnicki M. , Gaspin C. , De Givry S. , Schiex T.
Published: July 2018

The Weighted Constraint Satisfaction Problem (WCSP) framework allows representing and solving problems involving both hard constraints and cost functions. It has been applied to various problems, including resource allocation, bioinformatics, scheduling, etc. To solve such problems, solvers usually rely on branch-and-bound algorithms equipped with local consistency filtering, mostly soft arc consistency. However, these techniques are not well suited to solve problems with very large domains. Motivated by the resolution of an RNA gene localization problem inside large genomic sequences, and in the spirit of bounds consistency for large domains in crisp CSPs, we introduce soft bounds arc consistency, a new weighted local consistency specifically designed for WCSP with very large domains. Compared to soft arc consistency, BAC provides significantly improved time and space asymptotic complexity. In this paper, we show how the semantics of cost functions can be exploited to further improve the time complexity of BAC. We also compare both in theory and in practice the efficiency of BAC on a WCSP with bounds consistency enforced on a crisp CSP using cost variables. On two different real problems modeled as WCSP, including our RNA gene localization problem, we observe that maintaining bounds arc consistency outperforms arc consistency and also improves over bounds consistency enforced on a constraint model with cost variables.
Relaxed Survey Propagation for The Weighted Maximum Satisfiability Problem
Authors: Chieu H.L. , Lee W.S.
Published: July 2018

The survey propagation (SP) algorithm has been shown to work well on large instances of the random 3-SAT problem near its phase transition. It was shown that SP estimates marginals over covers that represent clusters of solutions. The SP-y algorithm generalizes SP to work on the maximum satisfiability (Max-SAT) problem, but the cover interpretation of SP does not generalize to SP-y. In this paper, we formulate the relaxed survey propagation (RSP) algorithm, which extends the SP algorithm to apply to the weighted Max-SAT problem. We show that RSP has an interpretation of estimating marginals over covers violating a set of clauses with minimal weight. This naturally generalizes the cover interpretation of SP. Empirically, we show that RSP outperforms SP-y and other state-of-the-art Max-SAT solvers on random Max-SAT instances. RSP also outperforms state-of-the-art weighted Max-SAT solvers on random weighted Max-SAT instances.
Soft Goals Can Be Compiled Away
Authors: Keyder E. , Geffner H.
Published: July 2018

Soft goals extend the classical model of planning with a simple model of preferences. The best plans are then not the ones with least cost but the ones with maximum utility, where the utility of a plan is the sum of the utilities of the soft goals achieved minus the plan cost. Finding plans with high utility appears to involve two linked problems: choosing a subset of soft goals to achieve and finding a low-cost plan to achieve them. New search algorithms and heuristics have been developed for planning with soft goals, and a new track has been introduced in the International Planning Competition (IPC) to test their performance. In this note, we show however that these extensions are not needed: soft goals do not increase the expressive power of the basic model of planning with action costs, as they can easily be compiled away. We apply this compilation to the problems of the net-benefit track of the most recent IPC, and show that optimal and satisficing cost-based planners do better on the compiled problems than optimal and satisficing net-benefit planners on the original problems with explicit soft goals. Furthermore, we show that penalties, or negative preferences expressing conditions to avoid, can also be compiled away using a similar idea.