Complex question answering on semi-structured repositories: a user centric process enhanced with context

A Teia Mundial (Web) foi prevista como uma rede de documentos de hipertexto interligados de forma a criar uma espaço de informação onde humanos e máquinas poderiam comunicar. No entanto, a informação contida na Web tradicional foi/é armazenada de forma não estruturada o que leva a que apenas os humanos a possam consumir convenientemente. Consequentemente, a procura de informações na Web sintáctica é uma tarefa principalmente executada pelos humanos e nesse sentido nem sempre é fácil de concretizar. Neste contexto, tornou-se essencial a evolução para uma Web mais estruturada e mais significativa onde é dado significado bem definido à informação de forma a permitir a cooperação entre humanos e máquinas. Esta Web é usualmente referida como Web Semântica. Além disso, a Web Semântica é totalmente alcançável apenas se os dados de diferentes fontes forem ligados criando assim um repositório de Dados Abertos Ligados (LOD). Com o aparecimento de uma nova Web de Dados (Abertos) Ligados (i.e. a Web Semântica), novas oportunidades e desafios surgiram. Pergunta Resposta (QA) sobre informação semântica é actualmente uma área de investigação activa que tenta tirar vantagens do uso das tecnologias ligadas à Web Semântica para melhorar a tarefa de responder a questões. O principal objectivo do projecto World Search passa por explorar a Web Semântica para criar mecanismos que suportem os utilizadores de domínios de aplicação específicos a responder a questões complexas com base em dados oriundos de diferentes repositórios. No entanto, a avaliação feita ao estado da arte permite concluir que as aplicações existentes não suportam os utilizadores na resposta a questões complexas. Nesse sentido, o trabalho desenvolvido neste documento foca-se em estudar/desenvolver metodologias/processos que permitam ajudar os utilizadores a encontrar respostas exactas/corretas para questões complexas que não podem ser respondidas fazendo uso dos sistemas tradicionais. Tal inclui: (i) Ultrapassar a dificuldade dos utilizadores visionarem o esquema subjacente aos repositórios de conhecimento; (ii) Fazer a ponte entre a linguagem natural expressa pelos utilizadores e a linguagem (formal) entendível pelos repositórios; (iii) Processar e retornar informações relevantes que respondem apropriadamente às questões dos utilizadores. Para esse efeito, são identificadas um conjunto de funcionalidades que são consideradas necessárias para suportar o utilizador na resposta a questões complexas. É também fornecida uma descrição formal dessas funcionalidades. A proposta é materializada num protótipo que implementa as funcionalidades previamente descritas. As experiências realizadas com o protótipo desenvolvido demonstram que os utilizadores efectivamente beneficiam das funcionalidades apresentadas: ▪ Pois estas permitem que os utilizadores naveguem eficientemente sobre os repositórios de informação; ▪ O fosso entre as conceptualizações dos diferentes intervenientes é minimizado; ▪ Os utilizadores conseguem responder a questões complexas que não conseguiam responder com os sistemas tradicionais. Em suma, este documento apresenta uma proposta que comprovadamente permite, de forma orientada pelo utilizador, responder a questões complexas em repositórios semiestruturados.The World Wide Web (WWW) was envisioned as a network of interlinked hypertext documents thus creating an information space where humans and machines should be able to communicate. However, information published in the traditional WWW was/is unstructured and therefore is (mostly) consumable by humans only. As a consequence, searching and retrieving information in this syntactic and ever evolving WWW is a task that is mainly performed by humans and therefore it may not be trivial. In this sense, the evolution to a more structured and meaningful web where information is given well-defined meaning thus enabling cooperation between humans and machines is mandatory. This web is usually referred to as Semantic Web. Moreover, the Semantic Web is only fully achievable if data from different resources is connected in order to create a Linked Open Data (LOD) repository. This new Web of Linked (Open) Data (i.e. the Semantic Web) has opened a new set of opportunities but also some new challenges. Question Answering (QA) over semantic information is now an active research field that tries to take advantage of the Semantic Web technologies to improve the question answering task. In this sense, the main goal of this work is to help users finding accurate answers for complex questions that may not be answered using traditional systems. To achieve this goal, it is proposed a user centric process comprehending a set of functionalities that are iteratively, incrementally and interactively exploited. The proposed process and functionalities aim to help users building complex queries against semi-structured repositories (e.g. LOD repositories)

Search for agglutinating antibodies to Leptospira and Leptonema in horses, São Paulo, Brazil

Soros de 922 eqüinos aparentemente sadios, mantidos na Fazenda do Instituto Butantan (São Roque, SP) para produção de soros hiperimunes, foram analisados quanto à presença de anticorpos para sorovares de Leptospira interrogans e para Leptonema illini, através da reação de aglutinação microscópica (MA). Entre os 807 (87,5%) animais positivos, 659 (81,7%) reagiram com mais de um sorovar, com títulos entre 1:100 e 1:6.400, havendo predomínio de títulos baixos (≤ 1:400); 84% dos soros positivos reagiram com representantes do sorogrupo Icterohaemorrhagiae e 79,2% com Leptonema illini. Dos 23 sorovares utilizados, apenas o tarassovi não reagiu.Sera from 922 apparently health equines intended for therapeutic sera production in a farm of the Instituto Butantã in São Roque, State of São Paulo. Brazil, were examined for detection of antibodies to serovars of Leptospira interrogans and to Leptonema illini by the microscopic agglutination (MA) test. Significant antibody titres were found in 807 sera (87.5%) and 659 (81.7%) of those sera reacted to more than one serovar at titres ranging from 1: 100 to 1:6,400 with predominance of low titres (≤ 1:400). From the 23 screening serovars, only tarassovi did not react. The most common reactions among positive sera occurred to antigens from the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup (84%) and to Leptonema illini (79.2%)

Colon tumor CD31 expression is associated with higher disease-free survival in patients with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is recognized as a risk factor for colon cancer (CC). However, how does the interplay between metabolic dysfunction caused by MS and its individual components affect CC microenvironment and prognosis remains unexplored. Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are fundamental processes for tumor progression and dissemination, ensuring oxygen and nutrient delivery and supporting one of the most important pathways of tumor dissemination, contributing to metastasis. Thus, our aim was to evaluate whether the expression of molecular biomarkers involved in angiogenic and lymphangiogenic processes influenced CC clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with MS. Clinical and pathological data of 300 patients submitted to CC surgical resection at a single tertiary hospital were retrospectively retrieved from hospital records. Tumor tissue microarrays of archived paraffin-embedded blocks were used to assess CD31, VEGF-A and D2–40 tissue expression by immunohistochemistry. The percentage of stained area was quantified by computerized morphometric analysis. No association between tissue expression of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis biomarkers and tumor clinical and pathological characteristics was found. However, in subgroup analysis of patients with MS, dysglycemia was associated with lower D2–40 expression (p = 0.007) and high waist-circumference was associated with higher D2–40 (p = 0.0029) and VEGF-A expression (p = 0.026). In an adjusted Cox proportional hazard model CD31 expression was significantly associated with greater disease-free survival (HR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.41–0.95, p = 0.028). No association was found between D2–40 and VEGF-A expression and CC prognosis. Our data reinforces previous reports that suggest the potential use of CD31 as a CC prognostic biomarker. Additionally, our data further supports the evidence for an interplay between metabolic dysfunction, tumor microenvironment, and vascularization pathways.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Krantz palaeontological collections from the University of Coimbra (Portugal) : a century of teaching and museological activities

XX Bienal de la Real Sociedad Española de Historia Natural, Madrid, del 4 al 7 de septiembre de 201

Análise do comportamento térmico de um banco de Taipa de Pilão

A primeira abordagem ao trabalho consiste numa recolha e análise de informação relativa à construção em terra crua desde a sua origem ao seu uso atual, na qual se irá aprofundar com a técnica da Taipa de Pilão. Sua composição apresenta uma elevada inércia térmica que dadas características climáticas do nordeste do Brasil, poderá melhorar o comportamento térmico das construções que as integram. Neste trabalho procurou-se analisar o comportamento térmico de um banco de Taipa de Pilão. Para o seu desenvolvimento física, foram preparadas diversas composições de terra (areia, cal e cimento) com a incorporação em grande parte de argila natural sem comprometer a necessária resistência mecânica. Com a conclusão do banco, foram realizadas as análises do comportamento térmico, através da utilização de sensores de temperatura e umidade instalados em seu interior e na sua superfície.  Após 80h de análise, os resultados foram tabulados e gerados gráficos representativos. Os resultados alcançados possibilitaram identificar qualitativamente e quantitativamente as características das variações térmicas no banco.

Fatty Liver and Autoimmune Hepatitis: Two Forms of Liver Involvement in Lipodystrophies

Introduction: Lipodystrophies are a heterogeneous group of rare diseases (genetic or acquired) characterized by a partial or generalized deficit of adipose tissue, resulting in less energy storage capacity. They are associated with severe endocrine-metabolic complications with significant morbidity and mortality. In the pathogenesis of the acquired forms, immunological disorders may be involved. Case 1: A 13-year-old female was diagnosed with acquired generalized lipodystrophy and observed for suspicion of portal hypertension. She presented with generalized absence of adipose tissue, cervical and axillary acanthosis nigricans, and massive hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory tests revealed AST 116 IU/L, ALT 238 IU/L, GGT 114 IU/L, HOMA-IR 28.2, triglycerides 491 mg/L, and leptin < 0.05 ng/mL. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy saw no signs of portal hypertension. Hepatic histology showed macrovesicular fatty infiltration (60% of hepatocytes) and advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. Her clinical condition worsened progressively to diabetes requiring treatment with subcutaneous insulin and hepatopulmonary syndrome. Case 2: A 15-year-old female, diagnosed with acquired partial lipodystrophy, Parkinson syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, and autoimmune thrombocytopenia was observed for hypertransaminasemia since the age of 8 years. She had absence of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the upper and lower limbs and ataxia. Laboratory tests showed AST 461 IU/L, ALT 921 IU/L, GGT 145 IU/L, HOMA-IR 32.6, triglycerides 298 mg/dL, normal leptin levels, platelets 84,000/μL, IgG 1,894 mg/dL, positive anti-LKM and anti-LC-1. Hepatic histology was suggestive of autoimmune hepatitis, without steatosis. She progressed favorably under metformin and immunosuppressive treatment. Conclusion: Early recognition and adequate characterization of liver disease in lipodystrophies is essential for a correct treatment approach. In acquired generalized lipodystrophy, the severe endocrine-metabolic disorder, which leads to steatohepatitis with cirrhotic progression, may benefit from recombinant leptin treatment

Fatty Liver Caused by Glycogen Storage Disease Type IX: A Small Series of Cases in Children

Background: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affecting children and adolescents has increased dramatically in recent years. This increase is most probably related to the obesity pandemic and the high consumption of fructose. However, hepatic steatosis has some rare causes (e.g., some metabolic diseases) of which clinicians should be aware, particularly (but not only) when patients are non-obese or non-overweight. Differential diagnosis is notably important when pathologies have a specific treatment, such as for glycogenosis type IX (GSD-IX). Aims: To contribute to the knowledge on the differential diagnosis of NAFLD in paediatric age and to the clinical, biochemical, molecular, and histological characterisations of GSD-IX, a rare metabolic disorder. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of a small series of cases (n = 3) of GSD-IX diagnosed in the past 6 years, who were currently being followed up in the Units of Gastroenterology or Metabolic Diseases of the Paediatric Division of our hospital and whose clinical presentation was NAFLD in paediatric age. Results: Three male patients were diagnosed with NAFLD before 2 years of age, 2 with confirmed diagnosis before the age of 3 years (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], liver ultrasound, and molecular analysis) and 1 whose diagnosis was confirmed at 11 years (ALT, liver ultrasound, liver histology, and molecular analysis). None of the patients were obese or overweight, and the daily fructose consumption was unknown. The outcome was favourable in all 3 patients, with follow-up periods ranging from 2 to 6 years. Conclusion: The decision on how far the search for secondary causes of NAFLD should go can be difficult, and GSD-IX must be on the list of possible causes

UNA NUEVA ESPECIE DE TRINIBACULUM (MONOGENEA: DACTYLOGYRIDAE) PARÁSITO DE LAS BRANQUIAS DE ASTYANAX FASCIATUS (CUVIER, 1819) (CHARACIFORMES: CHARACIDAE) EN UN RÍO NEOTROPICAL, ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO, BRASIL

A new species of Monogenea - Trinibaculum pinctiarum n. sp. is described from the gills of Astyanax fasciatus known as "lambari do rabo vermelho", sampled in the Paranapanema River, Jurumirim reservoir, São Paulo State, Brazil. The new species is allocated to the genus Trinibaculum because it has a double ventral bar and dextro-lateral vagina. It is the second species (first species is Trinibaculum altiparanae) belonging to this genus that parasitizes the gills of the fish genus Astyanax. This monogenean is similar to T. altiparanae regarding the haptor structures and the bulbous distal vagina. However, Trinibaculum pinctiarum n. sp. differs in having: (1) coiled male copulatory organ, (2) accessory structure shaped as tweezers, (3) absence of postmedian process in the ventral bar, and (4) hooks with depressed thumb. The phylogenetic hypothesis of the genus Trinibaculum (Consistency index = 87%, Retention index = 80%, length = 16) based on 13 transformation series is (Trinibaculum rotundus, T. brazilensis, T. altiparanae, T. pinctiarum n. sp.). Such hypothesis corroborates current phylogenies of characiformes fishes. Moreover, this study includes a new identification key for the species of the genus Trinibaculum based in morphological characters.Una nueva especie de Monogenea Trinibaculum pinctiarum n. sp. fue reportada parasitando las branquias de Astyanax fasciatus, conocido popularmente como "lambarí de rabo rojo", capturado en el río Paranapanema, reservatorio Jurumirim, São Paulo, Brasil. La nueva especie se asigna al género Trinibaculum por la presentación de una barra ventral doble y la apertura vaginal dextrolateral. Esta es la segunda especie, junto con T. altiparanae, perteneciente a este género que parasita las branquias de los peces del género Astyanax. Esta especie se parece con T. altiparanae en las partes del haptor y la presencia de la vagina distal con el bulbo, pero difiere por tener: (1) un órgano copulador masculino enrollado, (2) pieza accesoria en forma de pinza, (3) proceso posteroventral ausente en la barra dorsal, (4) ganchos con el pulgar deprimido. La filogenia hipotética de especies de Trinibaculum (Índice de Consistencia = 87%, Índice de Retención = 80%, longitud = 16) sobre la base de 13 series de transformación es (Trinibaculum rotundus (T. brazilensis (T. altiparanae, Trinibaculum pinctiarum n. sp.))). Esta hipótesis se corrobora con la actual filogenia de los peces characiformes. Además en este estudio se presenta una nueva clave de identificación para las especies del género Trinibaculum basada en caracteres morfológicos

Molecular Identification and Traceability of Illegal Trading in Lignobrycon myersi

Lignobrycon myersi is a threatened freshwater fish species and endemic of a few coastal rivers in northeastern Brazil. Even though the Brazilian laws prohibit the fisheries of threatened species, L. myersi is occasionally found in street markets, being highly appreciated by local population. In order to provide a reliable DNA barcode dataset for L. myersi, we compared mitochondrial sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) from fresh, frozen, and salt-preserved specimens. Phylogenetically related species (Triportheus spp.) and other fish species (Astyanax fasciatus) commonly mixed with L. myersi in street markets were also included to test the efficiency of molecular identification. In spite of the differences in conservation processes and advanced deterioration of some commercial samples, high-quality COI sequences were obtained and effective in discriminating L. myersi specimens. In addition, while populations from Contas and Almada River basins seem to comprise a single evolutionary lineage, the specimens from Cachoeira River were genetically differentiated, indicating population structuring. Therefore, DNA barcoding has proved to be useful to trace the illegal trading of L. myersi and to manage threatened populations, which should focus on conservation of distinct genetic stocks and mitigation on human impacts along their range

A Determinação do Perfil Climatológico do Município de Santo Antônio de Pádua-RJ e Sua Aplicabilidade na Recuperação de Áreas Degradadas

The municipality of Santo Antonio de Padua, located in the northwest State of Rio de Janeiro-RJ has been and iscurrently characterized by economic activities highly degrading the environment. As a consequence of process, it is possibleto highlight the decline of springs, reduced biodiversity, increased frequency of floods and changes in temperature andwater balance, culminating in a process of desertification in the region.The present study was conducted through analysisof historical series of temperature (1980-1995) and (2001-2010) precipitation (1980-1985) and determined the climaticclassification of the municipality according to Thornthwaite methodology, which has also been used in calculating theclimatic water balance to estimate water availability in the municipality. The present study aimed to investigate the trendsof climatic parameters and their impact on the physical environment, as well as its applicability in planning the recoveryof degraded lands. According to the analysis of the water balance and the historical series of temperature and rainfall, theregion presents marked water deficit during the winter, when there is an upward trend of average monthly temperatures.Knowing the climatological profile has allowed us to define the best methodological alternatives for reforestation of theregion, demonstrating the importance of evaluating these parameters in any kind of recovery planning forest.O município de Santo Antônio de Pádua, localizado no noroeste do Estado do Rio de Janeiro-RJ foi e é atualmente caracterizado por atividades econômicas altamente degradantes ao meio ambiente. Como consequências desse processo, é possível destacar a diminuição de nascentes, redução da biodiversidade, aumento da frequência de enchentes e alterações na temperatura e no balanço hídrico, culminando em um processo de desertificação na região.O presente estudo foi realizado através da análise de séries históricas de temperatura (1980 a 1995) e (2001 a 2010) e precipitação (1980 a 1985), sendo determinada a classificação climática do município segundo Thornthwaite. Também se utilizou o cálculo do balanço hídrico climatológico para se estimar as disponibilidades hídricas do município. O presente estudo teve como objetivo averiguar as tendências dos parâmetros climáticos e as suas repercussões no meio físico, bem como a sua aplicabilidade no planejamento de recuperação de áreas degradadas. De acordo com as análises do balanço hídrico e das séries históricas de temperatura e precipitação, a região apresenta deficiência hídrica acentuada durante o inverno quando há uma tendência de elevação das temperaturas médias mensais. O conhecimento do perfil climatológico permitiu definir melhores alternativas metodológicas para o reflorestamento da região, demonstrando a importância da avaliação desses parâmetros em qualquer tipo de planejamento de recuperação florestal