bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Neural Basis of Aversive Pavlovian Guidance during Planning
Authors: Lally Níall , Huys Quentin J.M. , Eshel Neir , Faulkner Paul , Dayan Peter , Roiser Jonathan P.
Published: September 2017

Important real-world decisions are often arduous as they frequently involve sequences of choices, with initial selections affecting future options. Evaluating every possible combination of choices is computationally intractable, particularly for longer multistep decisions. Therefore, humans frequently use heuristics to reduce the complexity of decisions. We recently used a goal-directed planning task to demonstrate the profound behavioral influence and ubiquity of one such shortcut, namely aversive pruning, a reflexive Pavlovian process that involves neglecting parts of the decision space residing beyond salient negative outcomes. However, how the brain implements this important decision heuristic and what underlies individual differences have hitherto remained unanswered. Therefore, we administered an adapted version of the same planning task to healthy male and female volunteers undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine the neural basis of aversive pruning. Through both computational and standard categorical fMRI analyses, we show that when planning was influenced by aversive pruning, the subgenual cingulate cortex was robustly recruited. This neural signature was distinct from those associated with general planning and valuation, two fundamental cognitive components elicited by our task but which are complementary to aversive pruning. Furthermore, we found that individual variation in levels of aversive pruning was associated with the responses of insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices to the receipt of large monetary losses, and also with subclinical levels of anxiety. In summary, our data reveal the neural signatures of an important reflexive Pavlovian process that shapes goal-directed evaluations and thereby determines the outcome of high-level sequential cognitive processes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMultistep decisions are complex because initial choices constrain future options. Evaluating every path for long decision sequences is often impractical; thus, cognitive shortcuts are often essential. One pervasive and powerful heuristic is aversive pruning, in which potential decision-making avenues are curtailed at immediate negative outcomes. We used neuroimaging to examine how humans implement such pruning. We found it to be associated with activity in the subgenual cingulate cortex, with neural signatures that were distinguishable from those covarying with planning and valuation. Individual variations in aversive pruning levels related to subclinical anxiety levels and insular cortex activation. These findings reveal the neural mechanisms by which basic negative Pavlovian influences guide decision-making during planning, with implications for disrupted decision-making in psychiatric disorders.
MicroRNA-1906, a Novel Regulator of Toll-Like Receptor 4, Ameliorates Ischemic Injury after Experimental Stroke in Mice
Authors: Xu Xiaomeng , Wen Zhuoyu , Zhao Nan , Xu Xiaohui , Wang Fang , Gao Jie , Jiang Yongjun , Liu Xinfeng
Published: September 2017

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a proinflammatory cascade initiator in poststroke inflammation. In this study, miR-1906, a novel regulator of TLR4, was identified viain silicoanalysis and microRNA profiling in male adult mice and its expression was then quantitated in the ischemic hemisphere. We found miR-1906 to be significantly brain enriched in the ischemic hemisphere and even more drastically enriched in the peri-infarct regions. Furthermore,in vitroexperiments demonstrated that, during oxygen–glucose deprivation, miR-1906 expression was increased in glial cells but decreased in neurons. Surprisingly, despite the augmentation of intracellular abundance, miR-1906 expression in extracellular vesicles was decreased in astrocyte cell culture supernatants, suggesting reduced sources of miR-1906 from glia to neurons. When exogenous miR-1906 was administered, decreased TLR4 protein expression was observed bothin vitroandin vivo. Using Cy3 labeling, exogenous miR-1906 uptake by astrocytes, microglia, and neurons was visualized directlyin vivo. Reduced infarct volumes and improved functional outcomes were observed in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice receiving miR-1906. However, the protective effects of miR-1906 disappeared with the genetic knock-out of TLR4, suggesting that TLR4 is a major target of miR-1906 through which the microRNA exerts its therapeutic effects.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe current study identified miR-1906 as a novel specific regulator of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and depicted its distinct expression patterns in different cerebral regions and cell types during ischemic attack. Therefore, the therapeutic supplementation of miR-1906 can be beneficial in the modulation of poststroke inflammation. Using Cy3 labeling, exogenous miR-1906 expression was visualized and shown to enter astrocytes, microglia, and neurons successfullyin vivo. Supplemental therapeutic miR-1906 resulted in reduced TLR4 expression and improved outcomes after middle cerebral artery occlusion in a mouse model, but its neuroprotective function was TLR4 dependent, suggesting that TLR4 is a major target of miR-1906.
Nigral Glutamatergic Neurons Control the Speed of Locomotion
Authors: Ryczko Dimitri , Grätsch Swantje , Schläger Laura , Keuyalian Avo , Boukhatem Zakaria , Garcia Claudia , Auclair François , Büschges Ansgar , Dubuc Réjean
Published: September 2017

The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) plays a crucial role in locomotor control. In vertebrates, stimulation of the MLR at increasing intensities elicits locomotion of growing speed. This effect has been presumed to result from higher brain inputs activating the MLR like a dimmer switch. Here, we show in lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) of either sex that incremental stimulation of a region homologous to the mammalian substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) evokes increasing activation of MLR cells with a graded increase in the frequency of locomotor movements. Neurons co-storing glutamate and dopamine were found to project from the primal SNc to the MLR. Blockade of glutamatergic transmission largely diminished MLR cell responses and locomotion. Local blockade of D1receptors in the MLR decreased locomotor frequency, but did not disrupt the SNc-evoked graded control of locomotion. Our findings revealed the presence of a glutamatergic input to the MLR originating from the primal SNc that evokes graded locomotor movements.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) plays a crucial role in the control of locomotion. It projects downward to reticulospinal neurons that in turn activate the spinal locomotor networks. Increasing the intensity of MLR stimulation produces a growing activation of reticulospinal cells and a progressive increase in the speed of locomotor movements. Since the discovery of the MLR some 50 years ago, it has been presumed that higher brain regions activate the MLR in a graded fashion, but this has not been confirmed yet. Here, using a combination of techniques from cell to behavior, we provide evidence of a new glutamatergic pathway activating the MLR in a graded fashion, and consequently evoking a progressive increase in locomotor output.
The Change of Butonese Cultural Landscape in Negeri Kawa, Molucas
Authors: Syahadat Ray March
Published: September 2017

As a maritime ethnic, Butonese people migrated to some places. A rather large amount of them are in Province of Maluku, Indonesia. This study aims at investigating Butonese cultural landscape in their new migrant region. Is there any different? If this study also aims to know social interaction among ethnics and how it affects Butonese cultural landscape dynamics. This study took place in Negeri Kawa, western part of Seram Regency, Maluku Province, on November 2015. The method used in the study was a qualitative method with in depth interview by snowball and triangulation technique, observation participation, focus group discussion (FGD), and literature study. The result showed that there is a different between Butonese cultural landscape in Buton and Negeri Kawa. Stereotype, presumption, and prejudice to Butonese people also occur. However, it is not always negative because from those three things, the process of acculturation and adaptation as a form of respect and prevention of Butonese culture can occur in Negeri Kawa.
Community Rituals in Facing Volcanic Eruption Threat in Java
Authors: Permana Septian Aji , Liernoor Dewi , Slamet Achmad , Juhadi Juhadi
Published: September 2017

This research aims to explore the kinds of rituals done by the society in around Merapi mountain facing volcanic mountain eruption threat in Cangkringan and find educational meaning in the ritual. This research uses qualitative approach, phenomenology. Research informants are Cangkringan society, Merapi mountain caretaker, and Cangkringan figures.  Data collecting technique are participant observation; the researcher involved directly in the ritual. Data then analyzed by using domain, taxonomic, componential, and cultural theme. Research result shows that Cangkringan society in facing Merapi mountain eruption threat is still traditionally by labuhan ritual , laku topo bisu ritual, and sedekah Gunung ritual. These rituals are representation of educational values and local wisdom whose most fundamental objectives are to maintain nature, the values of togetherness, in order and respect to achieve outer and inner harmony.
Critiques on the Ideologies of Contemporary Bedhayan Dances
Authors: Sawitri Sawitri , Sudardi Bani , Abdullah Wakit , Chaya Nyoman
Published: September 2017

This present paper provides a descriptive analysis toward a traditional court dance called Bedhaya, one of the cultural products of the Javanese community in Surakarta which evolved into its modern version Bedhayan due to the flow of global culture. By applying the theories of hermeneutics, ideology, aesthetics and Semiotics, the data are inferred according to the purposed questions. The inquiry is directed to infer the factors encompassing Bedhaya dance such as its emergence and the development, relationship with the existence and its role in the society, the relationship with systems within the society or with various interests. The results as inferred from the data obtained views in looking at the development on the classical dance of Bedhaya into Bedhayan left worthy of critical assessments. The reality of Bedhayan dance in the view of art as an ideology, from the outside, appears that the choreograhers/artists can freely express their creative ideas in the context of the fight agains the classical culture which is strongly enacted by the myths and power of the rulling king. However, it should be noted that Bedhayan dance artists which have managed to bring the classical bedhaya dance out of the walls of the Kraton also in essence always work in the confines of the iron curtain of a creativity called ‘ideology’. Whether consciously or not, being forced or sincere in living it, these choreographers actually fall into the life orientation which solely  concerns the fulfillment of material needs.
Construction of Sexual Identity and Expression of Semarang Adolescents in the Global Economy: A City Ethnographic Adolescent Approach
Authors: Wicaksono Harto , Putri Noviani Achmad , Fatimah Nurul
Published: September 2017

Liminal identity is a problem faced by adolescence. Liminal events occur due to the reluctance of parents to share adolescent experiences with teenagers in the family. In addition to the transition period, the most noticeable development in adolescence is its physical growth. Physical growth is accompanied by an active hormone that influences the curiosity of adolescents about physical changes, psychological, and biological desires. This study aims to understand the construction of identity and sexual expression of adolescents in Semarang. This research employed descriptive qualitative research. The results of the study indicate that an inappropriate distribution of adolescents’ curiosity brings great consequences during adolescence period. Many adolescents express themselves by having sex outside of marriage and other sexual behaviors. This occurs as a result of wrong association and inaccurate distribution of curiosity. Misconceptions of adolescent behavior also happen due to misconceptions and miss-adaptation of the environment. The behavior is heavily influenced by their environment where they grow and develop, especially in the urban environments which are very complex due to global dynamics.
Strengthening the Role of Local Institutions in Protecting the Environment of ??Mount Lawu Areas for Tourism Purposes
Authors: Sari Suzanna Ratih , Sutirto Tunjung Wahadi , Sugiarti Rara
Published: September 2017

Strengthening the role of local institutions in protecting the environment of Mount Lawu areas is become an important thing that has to do by local government together with local people, especially to increase the value of local resources for tourism purposes. This suitable to encourage young generation to protect and manage their environment so that the function of the environment can be sustained and promoted to tourists. Presently, many local people are not aware of their enviroment. Many activities tend to destruct and exploit the environment. If such condition is being allowed, then, tourists and young generation will not have a chance to enjoy and experiance the beauty of the environment. Based on the above statement, this study is done to explore in detail how local people in Mt. Lawu through their local organization tried to protect their very useful and worthfull environment and promote it as tourism assets.
‘Morning Sen’: Interaction, Habitus and the Importance of Uniform as Identity in Aviation College
Authors: Sari Nanik Rianandita
Published: September 2017

Uniform is a brand of identity. STTKD is a semi military aviation college which has a unique interaction as habitus among them and academic staff. This study examines of STTKD’s cadets experiences by exploring how his uniform become his habitus and influenced his social and academic integration into higher education. This research found that by using Uniform, cadets provides professional and discipline, and to be a responsible individual who will demand of themselves, high standards of achievement. There are some unique interaction and habitus that found in this research, like: ‘morning sen’ as daily interaction between cadet and even academic staff, morning parade, and sweeping that every junior need to attend. Of all these interactions make cadets respect others.
ZOO MANAGEMENT WITH SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PRINCIPLE FOR THE ANIMAL WELFARE
Authors: Demartoto Argyo
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Zoological garden is a zoo requiring nurturing and proliferating attempt over the types of animals maintained based on animal welfare ethics and norms as the means of protecting and conserving species and utilized as educational, research, science and technology development as well as health recreation media. This research aimed to study the management of zoo in Surakarta called Taman Satwa Taru Jurug (Taru Jurug Zoo). The methods employed used was exploratory qualitative were observation, in-depth interview, and Focus Group Discussion. The result of research showed that the management of Zoo in Surakarta or Taru Jurug Zoostill belonged to poor category because it had not applied The Five Freedoms yet to support sustainable tourism particularly to bring animal welfare into reality. For that reason, a variety of attempts should be taken to realize the management of zoo with a sustainable tourism principle for animal welfare. The first attempt was to give the visitors and the zoo officer aneducation about animal welfare using enrichment method and environment (infrastructure) enrichment.The second one was to develop the regulation related toanimal welfare.

 
Commodification of Tri Datu Bracelets Talisman in Balinese Community
Authors: Atmadja Anantawikrama Tungga , Ariyani Luh Putu Sri , Atmadja Nengah Bawa
Published: September 2017

This article is the result of qualitative research with critical paradigm on two issues, the meaning of tri datu bracelet talisman as well as commodities and reasons of its use. Informants were set purposively, i.e. tri datu bracelet talisman makers, sellers, users, and religious leaders. Data collection techniques were interview, observation and document study. The data analysis followed the steps of conceptualization, the results of conceptualization, verification, and objectivation. The results show that the commodification of tri datu bracelet talisman created commodity or popular tri datu bracelet talisman refers to its position as an artifact for the fulfillment of human basic needs on security. This situation raises the creative industries of tri datu bracelet talisman. The use of this talisman is associated with the meaning of tri datu = Tri Murti = Tri Sakti = Om = Ganesha and reinforced by Pancadewata = kepeng (ancient coin). Therefore, its magical power becomes a supreme power in order to overcome danger from niskala (bhuta Kala and black magic). The joy of wearing this talisman is not only because it is easy to buy, but also because the Balinese still believe in its magical power. More importantly, Tri datu bracelet is also the identity of Balinese ethnic as the identity of hope and resistance in the context of Ajeg Bali movement.
Reflecting in the Woods: Can it Help to Enhance the Formulation of (our) Research Questions?
Authors: Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R.
Published: September 2017

Nowadays, reflecting and reflective practice are being incorporated into undergraduate and postgraduate learning across disciplines, and thus, both can be seen as prerequisite(s) to achieving effective research activity. On the other hand, trees represent organisms characterized by a perennial lifestyle to produce a majority of terrestrial biomass. Trees, when put together as a group, take on the identity as “the woods”, which can be seen in many parts of the globe. In science, the choice and use of research questions has been considered as very useful in the definition, collection and reporting of (relevant) information. But, can reflecting in the woods enhance the formulation of (our) research questions? In this editorial, an attempt is made to respond to this question, to show that the woods has promising potential to provide a positive atmosphere for effective reflective activity for any (scientific) researcher.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2-Wrapped Cotton Nanofiber Composite Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Liruhua , Wan Junmin , Hu Zhiwen , Jiang Wenbin
Published: September 2017

A novel TiO2-wrapped nanofiber composite catalyst, which possessed a unique porous structure and mixed crystalline phase, was prepared by the combination of superficial sol–gel and post-calcination processes. By means of the superficial sol–gel process, TiO2 layers were deposited on the surface of each nanofiber-like cellulose fiber, and then the TiO2-wrapped nanofiber composite catalysts were calcined at different temperatures under a nitrogen atmosphere. With temperature increasing, the original cotton nanofiber composites were converted into porous carbon nanofiber catalysts wrapped by a TiO2 mixed crystalline phase, which was accompanied by a crystal transformation. The photocatalytic activity of the new catalysts was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The results demonstrated that the new catalysts had good photocatalytic ability, and the TNC-700 catalyst showed a superior photocatalytic ability compared with the other catalysts; the new catalysts had a unique porous structure, high specific surface area, and mixed crystalline phase. Additionally, the synergistic photocatalytic effect of the TiO2 and activated carbon nanofiber resulted in the efficient degradation of organic pollutants in water or air.
Static Bending Strength of Heat-Treated and Chromated Copper Arsenate-Treated Plywood
Authors: Ferreira Bruno Santos , Silva João Vitor Felippe , De Campos Cristiane Inácio
Published: September 2017

Plywood can be used in the furniture industry and in civil construction due to its structural strength. However, for long useful life in construction, especially in tropical countries, it needs to undergo treatments against xylophagous organisms. The most common preservative treatment is the chemical chromated copper arsenate (CCA); there are alternatives, such as heat treatment, that do not use chemicals. The objective of this work was to evaluate the mechanical resistance of CCA and heat-treated plywood prepared at three different temperatures (160 °C, 180 °C, and 200 °C). Pinus taeda plywood with seven veneers and phenol-formaldehyde adhesive was produced and subjected to the preservative treatments. The results showed that the CCA treatment reduced the mechanical strength of the panels, while the heat treatment did not. Heat treatment also decreased panel hygroscopicity, indicating a better dimensional stability.
Bioenergy Production from Bamboo: Potential Source from Malaysia’s Perspective
Authors: Chin Kit Ling , Ibrahim Shamsudin , Hakeem Khalid Rehman , H’ng Paik San , Lee Seng Hua , Mohd Lila Mohd Azmi
Published: September 2017

Global energy sectors are facing the crucial challenge of sustainability and diversification of energy resources. Seeking renewable resources with a sustainable supply is therefore a matter of the utmost concern. In this respect, bamboo, a renewable lignocellulosic material and non-food biomass, has great potential to be utilized to produce energy. Several studies have been conducted on a wide range of bamboo species and the results have shown that bamboo could potentially be used as a suitable fuel because it shares desirable fuel characteristics present in other woody biomass. Bamboo can be used as an energy source by converting it into solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. However, to utilize bamboo as a high promise energy crop resource for biofuels, a secure and stable supply is required. Therefore, additional information on the availability, cultivation, and harvesting operations of bamboo is vital to ensure the practicability of the idea. The objective of this review is to highlight the potential of bamboo as an alternative source of bioenergy production, particularly in a Malaysian context, with emphasis on the concepts, pretreatment, and conversion technologies.
Association Between Insurance and Transfer of Injured Children From Emergency Departments
Authors: Huang Yunru , Kissee Jamie L. , Dayal Parul , Wang Nancy Ewen , Sigal Ilana S. , Marcin James P.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVES:

To determine if injured children presenting to nondesignated trauma centers are more or less likely to be transferred relative to being admitted based on insurance status.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross-sectional study by using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. Pediatric trauma patients receiving care in emergency departments (EDs) at nontrauma centers who were either admitted locally or transferred to another hospital were included. We performed logistic regression analysis adjusting for injury severity and other confounders and incorporated nationally representative weights to determine the association between insurance and transfer or admission.

RESULTS:

Nine thousand four hundred and sixty-one ED pediatric trauma events at 386 nontrauma centers met inclusion criteria. EDs that treated a higher proportion of patients with Medicaid had higher odds of transfer relative to admission (odds ratio [OR]: 1.2 per 10% increase in Medicaid; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–1.4), resulting in overall higher odds of transfer among patients with Medicaid compared with patients with private insurance (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0–1.5). A patient’s insurance status was not associated with different odds of transfer relative to admission within individual EDs after adjusting for the ED’s proportion of patients with Medicaid (Medicaid OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.8–1.1).

CONCLUSIONS:

Injured pediatric patients presenting to nondesignated trauma centers are slightly more likely to be transferred than admitted when the ED treats a higher proportion of Medicaid patients. In this study, ongoing concerns about inequities in the delivery of care among hospitals treating high proportions of children with Medicaid are reinforced.
Near-peer mentoring: a reflection on the benefits and challenges from both sides of the table. A discursive piece from a mentor and four learners
Authors: Stevenson Katherine , Bugg Ian , Kurian Merina , Naguleswaran Kirushthiga , Patmore Charlotte
Published: September 2017

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Medical students are more and more involved in informal near-peer mentoring schemes. At Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (PUPSMD), a programme has been set up to encourage fifth-year medical students to mentor fourth-year students towards their final-year exams. This reflective piece analyses the experiences of one group of learners and their mentor during their near-peer mentoring journey. Group size, mentor personality, diversity of learners, content and style of sessions, frequency of sessions and evaluation processes all play an important role in the benefits and challenges reported by this group. There is not a one size fits all for near-peer mentoring but we hope that these reflections provide some transferrable insights into the challenges and benefits from all involved.
New Ultrasound Techniques Promise Further Advances in AKI and CKD
Authors: Hull Travis D. , Agarwal Anupam , Hoyt Kenneth
Published: September 2017

AKI and CKD are important clinical problems because they affect many patients and the associated diagnostic and treatment paradigms are imperfect. Ultrasound is a cost-effective, noninvasive, and simple imaging modality that offers a multitude of means to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of both AKI and CKD, especially considering recent advances in this technique. Ultrasound alone can attenuate AKI and prevent CKD by stimulating the splenic cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Additionally, microbubble contrast agents are improving the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for diagnosing kidney disease, especially when these agents are conjugated to ligand-specific mAbs or peptides, which make the dynamic assessment of disease progression and response to treatment possible. More recently, drug-loaded microbubbles have been developed and the load release by ultrasound exposure has been shown to be a highly specific treatment modality, making the potential applications of ultrasound even more promising. This review focuses on the multiple strategies for using ultrasound with and without microbubble technology for enhancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of AKI and CKD.
potential of South African timber products to reduce the environmental impact of buildings
Authors: Crafford Philip L. , Blumentritt Melanie , Wessels C. Brand
Published: September 2017

South Africa was the first country in Africa to implement a locally developed green building rating tool and has a growing number of rated green building projects. The method of life-cycle assessment can help to compare and assess the environmental performance of building products. At present, more than 70% of all sawn timber in South Africa is used in buildings, mainly in roof structures. Light gauge steel trusses have recently also been gaining market share. However, to date, no studies have been conducted that quantify and compare the environmental impacts of the different roof truss systems in South Africa. We thus compared several roof truss systems (South African pine, Biligom and light gauge steel) found in low- and medium-income house designs in South Africa using a simplified life-cycle assessment approach. Our results show that the two timber systems had overall the lowest environmental impact. Although the difference between the timber systems was small, light gauge steel had a 40% higher normalised impact over all assessed environmental impact categories. The benefit of biogenic carbon dioxide present in timber proved to play a significant positive role in the global warming potential impact and could even be further reduced if wood were used to generate energy at its end-of-life. This study demonstrates the potential advantage of using local timber products to reduce the environmental impact of the truss and building industry in South Africa.

Significance: 

Timber truss systems showed overall lower environmental impact than light gauge steel trusses, with implications for green building.
High Efficiency Transformation Protocol using NEB 10-beta Competent E. coli (C3019H) v3
Authors: England Biolabs New
Published: September 2017

This is the correct protocol if you are using the C3019H cells. If you are using the C3019I cells, please refer to this protocol.
Perspectives on the European Border Regime: Mobilization, Contestation and the Role of Civil Society
Authors: Youkhana Eva , Sutter Ove
Published: September 2017

This issue examines politics and practices that challenge the European border regime by contesting and negotiating asylum laws and regulations, practices of separation in refugee camps and accommodation centers, as much as political acts by undocumented migrants and activists seeking alternative ways of cohabitation. The different contributions all highlight the role of civil society initiatives during the migration movements in 2015 and 2016 in Europe by discussing critical perspectives on the European border regime and by looking at migration as a contesting political force. Topics related to mobilization and the appropriation of public spaces to actively declare one’s solidarity, political activism to contest borders and boundary-making approaches (no border movements) and the engagement into voluntary work are critically reflected.
Die Maximum-Entropie-Methode zur Bestimmung von Mischanteilen
Authors: Duller Christine
Published: September 2017

Die Anforderungen an die Daten, Realisierungen von unabhängig und identisch verteilten Zufallsvariablen zu sein, sind Voraussetzung für eine Vielzahl statistischer Ansätze. In der Praxis erfüllen Daten nur sehr selten diese Bedingungen, meistens unterscheiden sich die Meßobjekte aber in Dimensionen, die bei der Datengewinnung nicht beachtet werden bzw. nicht beachtet werden konnten. Damit stellt sich folgende Aufgabe: Ausgangspunkt ist eine beobachtete Verteilung. Über die Struktur der Verteilung der Komponenten wird eine Hypothese formuliert. Ziel ist es, die Verteilung des unbeobachteten Parameters zu erfassen, also die Mischanteile festzustellen. Die Lösung erfolgt über eine Regularisierung mittels Maximum-Entropie-Methode, die anhand einiger theoretischer Überlegungen vorgestellt wird. Anschließend wird an einem Beispiel veranschaulicht, daß die so gefundene Lösung tatsächlich die Anforderungen einer Verteilung erfüllt.
Skew Generalized Secant Hyperbolic Distributions: Unconditional and Conditional Fit to Asset Returns
Authors: Fischer Matthias
Published: September 2017

A generalization of the hyperbolic secant distribution which allows for both skewness and leptokurtosis was given by Morris (1982). Recently, Vaughan (2002) proposed another flexible generalization of the hyperbolic secant distribution which has a lot of nice properties but is not able to allow for skewness. For this reason, Fischer and Vaughan (2002) additionally introduced a skewness parameter by means of splitting the scale parameter and showed that most of the nice properties are preserved. We briefly reviewthis class of distributions and apply them to financial return data. By means of the Nikkei225 data, it will be shown that this class of distributions, the socalled skew generalized secant hyperbolic distribution, provides an excellent fit in the context of unconditional and conditional return models.
Nachruf: Prof. Ing. Dr. Adolf ADAM
Authors: Grossmann Wilfried , Rozsenich Norbert
Published: September 2017

Nachruf: Prof. Ing. Dr. Adolf ADAM (* 9. Februar 1918, †7. August 2004)
Sequential Probability Ratio Test for Fuzzy Hypotheses Testing with Vague Data
Authors: Torabi Hamzeh , Behboodian Javad
Published: September 2017

In hypotheses testing, such as other statistical problems, we may confront imprecise concepts. One case is a situation in which both hypotheses and observations are imprecise.In this paper, we redefine some concepts about fuzzy hypotheses testing, and then we give the sequential probability ratio test for fuzzy hypotheses testing with fuzzy observations. Finally, we give some applied examples.
A Comparison of Three Procedures for Robust PCA in High Dimensions
Authors: Engelen S. , Hubert M. , Vanden Branden K.
Published: September 2017

In this paper we compare three procedures for robust Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The first method is called ROBPCA (see Hubert et al., 2005). It combines projection pursuit ideas with robust covariance estimation. The original algorithm for its computation is designed to construct an optimal PCA subspace of a fixed dimension k. If instead the optimal PCA subspace is searched within a whole range of dimensions k, this algorithm is not computationally efficient. Hence we present an adjusted algorithm that yields several PCA models in one single run. A different approach is the LTS-subspace estimator (see Wolbers, 2002; Maronna, 2005). It seeks for the subspace that minimizes an objective function based on the squared orthogonal distances of the observations to this subspace. It can be computed in analogy with the computation of the LTS regression estimator (see Rousseeuw and Van Driessen, 2000). The three approaches are compared by means of a simulation study.
A Small Macroeconometric Model of the Lithuanian Economy
Authors: Rudzkis Rimantas , Kvedaras Virmantas
Published: September 2017

A small vector error correction model of the Lithuanian economy is presented aimed at forecasting and explaining the macroeconomic fluctuations. Various aspects of model building are discussed in the light of specificity of the Lithuanian economy. The adequacy of the model is evaluated using in- and out-of-sample empirical data. The model is used to produce short-term forecasts of the main Lithuanian macroeconomic indicators evaluating, in addition, the impact of the European Union funds on the growth.
Antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles against biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa on archaeological textiles
Authors: Pietrzak Katarzyna , Otlewska Anna , Puchalski Michał , Gutarowska Beata , Guiamet Patricia
Published: September 2017

The aims of this work were to: (i) microscopically analyse the pre- and post-Columbian archaeological textiles using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM-EDX); (ii) microbiologically analyse the archaeological textiles (from the Southern Andean Area, La Plata Museum); (iii) determine the ability of Pseudomonas sp. isolates from archaeological textiles to biofilm formation by SEM; (iv) assess the anti-biofilm properties of AgNPs protecting cotton against Pseudomonas sp. Results showed the presence of bacteria with proteolytic and lipolytic activities on archaeological textiles, including Clostridium sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Two nucleotide sequences of 16S ribosomal RNA gene of P. aeruginosa strains were deposited in GeneBank NCBI database with accession numbers: KP842564 (strain 1) and KP842565 (strain 2). Those strains exhibited different morphological and growth characteristics: strain 1 with ability to form biofilms on archaeological textiles was rod-shaped, produced bluish-green pigment, and smaller than strain 2; and strain 2 was pleomorphic and produced brown pigment. The use of silver nanoparticles (90 ppm, φ 10–80 nm) allowed to protecting textiles against P. aeruginosa growth by 63%–97%, depending on the strain and exposition time.
The diversity of hydrogen-producing microorganisms in a high temperature oil reservoir and its potential role in promoting the in situ bioprocess
Authors: Liu Jin-Feng , Mbadinga Serge Maurice , Ke Wen-Ji , Gu Ji-Dong , Mu Bo-Zhong
Published: September 2017

Hydrogen-producing microorganisms are believed to play an important role in energy metabolism of micro-organisms in anaerobic environments and hence are one of the crucial factors for influencing the activity and develop-ment of these microorganisms. Consequently, they provide the biological foundation for the biotechnology such as MEOR (Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery) and microbial fixation of CO2 and conversion of it into CH4 and etc. How-ever, knowledge on the community of hydrogen-producing microorganisms and their potential in subsurface formations are still limited. In this study, hydrogen-producing microorganisms in the production water from an oilfield as well as enrichment cultures were analyzed with clone library analysis of [FeFe]-hydrogenase encoding genes. The results show that [FeFe]-hydrogenase genes in production water are diverse and related to Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes and uncultured. Anaerobic incubations established within the oil reservoir production water and generating 202 mmol H2/mol glucose during 7-day incubation at 55°C indicate a high frequency of members of the Firmicutes. This study implies that hydrogen-producing microorganisms in oil reservoir may play a positive role in promoting the in situ bio-process via hydrogen production once common nutrients are available. These data are helpful for evaluating, developing, and utilizing hydrogen-producing microorganisms in oil reservoirs for biological fixation and conversion of CO2 into CH4 as well as MEOR.
Evaluation of nose and paranasal sinus disease, anatomical variations by computerized tomography
Authors: Handi Prakash S. , Patil Mallikarjun N.
Published: September 2017

Background: The anatomy of paranasal sinuses is very complicated. Evaluation of the location, extent of sino nasal diseases and anatomical variations by preoperative radiologic evaluation of the paranasal sinuses is essential in planning surgical intervention. Meticulous radiographic delineation of the small structures in this region, coupled with endoscopic evaluation, provides detailed preoperative information regarding morphology and pathology.

Methods: Patients with sinonasal symptoms indicating requirement of CT scan evaluation and aged more than 10 years were included in the study. Each CT scan was interpreted by an otolaryngologist and a radiologist and interpretation was by consensus. The data collected was evaluated and results are reported as rates and proportions.  

Results: Sinusitis (single or multiple sinus involvement), nasal polyposis, frontal mucocele and ethmoidal carcinoma with destruction of medial wall of maxilla were the pathologies observed in these CT scans with sinusitis [22 (43.1%)] being the most common pathology observed. Deviated nasal septum [21 (41.2%)] was the most common anatomical variation observed. All patients who had concha bullosa [5 (9.8%)] were observed to have sinusitis involving multiple bilateral PNS. Based on Keros’ classification, olfactory fossa depth type I was most commonly observed followed by type II and type III.

Conclusions: CT scan is important in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for sinonasal diseases where it acts as a road map in identifying the presence, extent of disease and any anatomical variations. This pre-operative CT scan evaluation improves planning and helps in significantly reducing morbidity and possible complications during surgery. 
Eficiencia del transporte público en la ciudad de Morelia, Michoacán (México) en el año 2015: un análisis de la envolvente de datos
Authors: Ortega Odette Delfin , Melo Vázquez Analí
Published: September 2017

Este artículo es el resultado de una investigación que se realiza para conocer el nivel de eficiencia del transporte público en la ciudad de Morelia, Michoacán (México) en el año 2015, abarcando las 46 rutas de colectivo urbano que circulan en la ciudad. Para ello se utilizó la metodología del Análisis de la Envolvente de Datos (DEA), llevando a cabo el cálculo de la Eficiencia Técnica Global mediante el modelo de Charnes, Cooper y Rhodes (CCR), la Eficiencia Técnica Pura con el modelo de Banker, Charnes y Cooper (BCC), y la Eficiencia de Escala (EE). Los resultados se obtuvieron a partir de las variables unidades, horas, frecuencia, viajes y kilómetros recorridos. Con los resultados obtenidos se pudo observar que la eficiencia técnica global estuvo determinada por la eficiencia de escala, donde se tuvo en promedio un nivel de eficiencia de 0,93 y la mayor parte de las unidades operaron bajo rendimientos crecientes.
Perspectiva multivariante de los pronósticos en las pymes industriales de Ibagué (Colombia)
Authors: Rubio Guerrero Germán
Published: September 2017

El objetivo del presente artículo de investigación es presentar un sistema multidimensional de pronósticos para las pymes industriales de Ibagué (Tolima, Colombia) a través de la caracterización de estas herramientas en dichas empresas. Se utilizó el método mixto de investigación que comprendió elementos cualitativos y cuantitativos. La muestra fue de 42 empresas pequeñas y medianas seleccionadas a través del muestreo aleatorio estratificado de una población de 93 organizaciones. Las técnicas de investigación utilizadas fueron la observación directa, una encuesta y entrevistas a los directivos de estas pymes. El resultado de este proyecto de investigación fue la propuesta de un sistema multidimensional de pronósticos para las pymes de Ibagué, que incluyó aspectos relacionados con la importancia de las predicciones en la estrategia y el desempeño organizacional, capacitación y software de pronósticos, y exactitud y combinación de los pronósticos, todos ellos como parte de la dimensión “planeación y estrategia de pronósticos”.
Causalidad entre las importaciones y el crecimiento económico: evidencia empírica para el departamento del Cauca (Colombia)
Authors: Gómez Sánchez Andrés Mauricio , Ramírez Gutiérrez Zoraida
Published: September 2017

Este documento investiga si el crecimiento económico en el departamento del Cauca determina el incremento de sus importaciones o si por el contrario son las importaciones las que han impulsado el PIB en el periodo 1960-2013. Para lograr este objetivo, se recurre a un modelo SVAR con su previo análisis de cointegración. Se implementa también una función impulso-respuesta para reforzar los hallazgos. Los resultados sugieren que el PIB per cápita del Cauca contemporáneo incide en las importaciones futuras y no viceversa, lo que implica, por ejemplo, que los tratados de libre comercio no son suficientes para impulsar dichas importaciones en el largo plazo.
A propósito de los modelos de madurez de gestión del conocimiento
Authors: Montañez Carrillo Luis , Lis Gutiérrez Jenny Paola
Published: September 2017

Este artículo tiene como propósito comparar los 24 Modelos de Madurez de Gestión del Conocimiento (MMGC), encontrados en la literatura académica de acceso abierto en: JSTOR, Emerald, Scopus, Science Direct, Taylor & Francis, Scielo, Google Académico, EBSCO Business Source Premier y Engineering Village, entre los años 2001 y 2016. Los criterios de comparación utilizados correspondieron a los propuestos por Martínez (2015). Se identificó que el MMGC más apropiado para la realización del diagnóstico de madurez de GC es el Modelo general de madurez de GC (G-KMMM) de Teah, Pee & Kankanhalli (2006).
Can Hyperpolarized 13C-Urea Be Used to Assess Glomerular Filtration Rate? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Mariager Christian Østergaard , Nielsen Per Mose , Qi Haiyun , Schroeder Marie , Bertelsen Lotte Bonde , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: September 2017

This study investigated a simple method for calculating the single-kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using dynamic hyperpolarized 13C-urea magnetic resonance (MR) renography. A retrospective data analysis was applied to renal hyperpolarized 13C-urea MR data acquired from control rats, prediabetic nephropathy rats, and rats in which 1 kidney was subjected to ischemia-reperfusion. Renal blood flow was determined by the model-free bolus differentiation method, GFR was determined using the Baumann–Rudin model method. Reference single-kidney and total GFRs were measured by plasma creatinine content and compared to 1H dynamic contrast-enhanced estimated GFR and fluorescein isothiocyanate-inulin clearance GFR estimation. In healthy and prediabetic nephropathy rats, single-kidney hyperpolarized 13C-urea GFR was estimated to be 2.5 ± 0.7 mL/min in good agreement with both gold-standard inulin clearance GFR (2.7 ± 1.2 ml/min) and 1H dynamic contrast-enhanced estimated GFR (1.8 ± 0.8 mL/min), as well as plasma creatinine measurements and literature findings. Following ischemia-reperfusion, hyperpolarized 13C-urea revealed a significant reduction in single-kidney GFR of 57% compared with the contralateral kidney. Hyperpolarized 13C MR could be a promising tool for accurate determination of GFR. The model-free renal blood flow and arterial input function-insensitive GFR estimations are simple to implement and warrant further translational adaptation.
Three‐Dimensional Reconstruction of the Posterior Mandible After Implant Removal: A Case Report of a Simplified Protocol
Authors: Surmenian Jerome , Choukroun Joseph
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Peri‐implantitis has become a prominent challenge among clinicians worldwide, leading to severe bone loss and potential implant removal. Such cases require extensive regenerative surgical procedures to replace the ridge prior to implant replacement. This case report introduces a novel protocol after implant removal for the vertical and horizontal regeneration of the posterior mandible.

Case Presentation

A 43‐year‐old female patient was referred to Dr. Surmenian's clinic after severe peri‐implantitis was detected in her left mandible. Implants were atraumatically removed; however, major bone atrophy resulted after implant removal. The patient was scheduled for a ridge augmentation procedure utilizing a combination of titanium mesh to maintain space and an allograft rehydrated in platelet rich fibrin (PRF).

Results

Both vertical and horizontal bone regeneration were achieved with a bone gain of 8.2 mm in height. Thereafter, 3 × 10 mm implants were successfully placed.

Conclusion

This case report describes a simplified protocol used to obtain drastic vertical and horizontal bone gain of the posterior mandible, without requiring autogenous bone, expensive recombinant growth factors, and/or non‐resorbable membranes.
La educación para los medios es una educación para la democracia
Authors: Morduchowicz Roxana
Published: September 2017

La necesidad de una educación para los medios sin duda alguna, debe comenzar desde la escuela primaria. Una alfabetización en medios trata del mundo y sus representaciones; debe contribuir a la formación de la conciencia de lo público en los alumnos. Lo que pasa es que, muchas veces, el currículo escolar ignora a los medios y sus tecnologías, que son las formas culturales y de comunicación en el siglo XXI.
Formação de professores na escola básica: desafios cotidianos na atuação
Authors: Proença Heloísa Martins
Published: September 2017

O artigo apresenta alguns apontamentos sobre a formação de professores que ocorre no interior da escola básica, alicerçados na experiência de um grupo de professoras coordenadoras que atuam nas redes pública e privada de ensino, que se reúne para dialogar e refletir sobre o próprio trabalho. A realidade multifacetada e desafiadora da instituição escolar atravessa o papel da professora coordenadora e influencia as ações de formação que decorrem de sua função. Para compor os apontamentos, as professoras-coordenadoras rememoram e constroem uma narrativa de seu trabalho, apresentando quais princípios norteiam seus saberes e fazeres.