bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical approach for the study of metabolic regulation
Authors: Macedo D.V. , Hohl R. , Tessutti L.S. , Lazarim F.L. , Silva F.O.C. , Gandra P.G. , Gadelha F. , Lourenço T.F. , Buscariolli R. , Ferrucci D.L. , Machado E.A. , Sarraipa M. , Lopes C.R. , Stancanelli M.
Published: February 2015

First year students in Physical Education must understand metabolic regulation to comprehend thewhole integration of biochemical pathways in attempt to establish the relation with exercise. Thiswhole view is not easy to learn and the task becomes even harder with the lack of time at theend of course, when normally the students think about metabolic integration. Trying to get thestudents attention to this important issue, we developed practical works beginning in the middle ofthe course, in parallel with theory classes. Blood and urine were collected for metabolite analysis ineach practice. The students were divided in groups (10 students) and they created the protocols in formthat they only have been guided and directed by the teacher and monitors. The practical activitiesand biochemical analysis were: six 30m sprints with dierent recovery times (blood lactate and meanvelocities), lactate removal from muscle to blood after high intensity exercise (blood lactate), anaerobicthreshold (blood lactate and heart rate), the eect of glycogen depletion after high and moderateintensity exercises (plasma glucose and urea concentrations) and low carbohydrate diet vs. normaldiet (plasma glucose and urine ketone bodies). After data collection, discussion and interpretation, thestudents presented orally each work in the same order above. Each presentation had the focus on themetabolic pathways involved in each practice. Group 1: phosphocreatine utilization and resynthesis.Group 2: anaerobic glycolysis, lactate production and removal. Group 3: transition between anaerobicglycolysis and oxidative metabolism. In attempt to promote the integration between muscle and liver-Group 4: protein catabolism after high intensity exercise with low muscular glycogen concentration(transamination, Cori Cycle and gluconeogenesis). Group 5: liver ketogenesis in low carbohydratediet. This sequence was intended to promote the comprehension of integrated metabolism. As a nalactivity, the students showed their results in the form of poster. All activities were part of disciplineevaluation. All students approved this practical approach.
Bayesian Estimation of Time-Changed Default Intensity Models
Authors: Gordy Michael , Szerszen Pawel
Published: February 2015

We estimate a reduced-form model of credit risk that incorporates stochastic volatility in default intensity via stochastic time-change. Our Bayesian MCMC estimation method overcomes nonlinearity in the measurement equation and state-dependent volatility in the state equation. We implement on firm-level time-series of CDS spreads, and find strong in-sample evidence of stochastic volatility in this market. Relative to the widely used CIR model for the default intensity, we find that stochastic time-change offers modest benefit in fitting the cross-section of CDS spreads at each point in time, but very large improvements in fitting the time-series, i.e., in bringing agreement between the moments of the default intensity and the model-implied moments. Finally, we obtain model-implied out-of-sample density forecasts via auxiliary particle filter, and find that the time-changed model strongly outperforms the baseline CIR model.
Which Way to Recovery? Housing Market Outcomes and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Authors: Schuetz Jenny , Spader Jonathan , Buell Jennifer Lewis , Burnett Kimberly , Buron Larry , Cortes Alvaro , DiDomenico Michael , Jefferson Anna , Redfearn Christian , Whitlow Stephen
Published: February 2015

To help communities recover from the foreclosure crisis, Congress enacted a set of policies known as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). NSP’s objective was to mitigate the impact of foreclosures on neighboring properties, through reducing the stock of distressed properties and removing sources of visual blight. This paper presents evidence on production outcomes achieved through the second round of NSP funding (NSP2), and discusses the housing market context under which the program operated from 2010 to 2013. Two key findings emerge. First, local grantees undertook quite different approaches to NSP2. The type and scale of activity, expenditures per property and spatial concentration vary widely across grantees. Second, census tracts that received NSP2 investment had poor economic and housing market conditions prior to the program, but generally saw improved housing markets during the program’s implementation period, as did non-NSP2 tracts in the same counties. Based on these findings, we outline topics and suggested approaches for additional research.
Network structure beyond food webs: mapping non‐trophic and trophic interactions on Chilean rocky shores
Authors: Kéfi Sonia , Berlow Eric L. , Wieters Evie A. , Joppa Lucas N. , Wood Spencer A. , Brose Ulrich , Navarrete Sergio A.
Published: February 2015

How multiple types of non‐trophic interactions map onto trophic networks in real communities remains largely unknown. We present the first effort, to our knowledge, describing a comprehensive ecological network that includes all known trophic and diverse non‐trophic links among >100 coexisting species for the marine rocky intertidal community of the central Chilean coast. Our results suggest that non‐trophic interactions exhibit highly nonrandom structures both alone and with respect to food web structure. The occurrence of different types of interactions, relative to all possible links, was well predicted by trophic structure and simple traits of the source and target species. In this community, competition for space and positive interactions related to habitat/refuge provisioning by sessile and/or basal species were by far the most abundant non‐trophic interactions. If these patterns are corroborated in other ecosystems, they may suggest potentially important dynamic constraints on the combined architecture of trophic and non‐trophic interactions. The nonrandom patterning of non‐trophic interactions suggests a path forward for developing a more comprehensive ecological network theory to predict the functioning and resilience of ecological communities.
Kelp canopy facilitates understory algal assemblage via competitive release during early stages of secondary succession
Authors: Benes Kylla M. , Carpenter Robert C.
Published: February 2015

Kelps are conspicuous foundation species in marine ecosystems that alter the composition of understory algal assemblages. While this may be due to changes in the competitive interactions between algal species, how kelp canopies mediate propagule supply and establishment success of understory algae is not well known. In Southern California, USA, Eisenia arborea forms dense kelp canopies in shallow subtidal environments and is associated with an understory dominated by red algal species. In canopy‐free areas, however, the algal assemblage is comprised of mostly brown algal species. We used a combination of mensurative and manipulative experiments to test whether Eisenia facilitates the understory assemblage by reducing competition between these different types of algae by changes in biotic interactions and/or recruitment. Our results show Eisenia facilitates a red algal assemblage via inhibition of brown algal settlement into the canopy zone, allowing recruitment to occur by vegetative means rather than establishment of new individuals. In the canopy‐free zone, however, high settlement and recruitment rates suggest competitive interactions shape the community there. These results demonstrate that foundation species alter the distribution and abundance of associated organisms by affecting not only interspecific interactions but also propagule supply and recruitment limitation.
Dispersal, environmental forcing, and parasites combine to affect metapopulation synchrony and stability
Authors: Duncan Alison B. , Gonzalez Andrew , Kaltz Oliver
Published: February 2015

Dispersal can have positive and negative effects on metapopulation stability and persistence. One prediction is that high levels of dispersal synchronize density fluctuations between subpopulations. However, little is still known about how biotic and abiotic factors combine to modify the effects of dispersal rate on synchrony and metapopulation dynamics.

In a fully factorial experimental design, we investigated the combined effects of (1) dispersal, (2) parasite infection, and (3) synchrony in temperature fluctuations on subpopulation synchrony, metapopulation instability, and minimum population size, in laboratory metapopulations of the ciliate Paramecium caudatum.

Metapopulations, comprising two subpopulations linked by high or low levels of dispersal, were exposed to daily fluctuations in temperature between permissive (23°C) and restrictive (5°C) conditions. Infected metapopulations started the experiment with one subpopulation uninfected, while the other was infected at a prevalence of 5% with the bacterial parasite Holospora undulata. The temperature synchrony treatment involved subpopulations within a metapopulation following the same (synchronous temperatures) or different (asynchronous temperatures) temporal sequences. Population size was tracked over the 56‐day experiment.

We found that subpopulation density fluctuations were synchronized by high dispersal in infected metapopulations, and by synchronous temperatures in all metapopulations. Subpopulation synchrony was positively correlated with metapopulation instability and minimum metapopulation size, highlighting the multiple consequences of our treatments for metapopulation dynamics.

Our results illustrate how parasites can generate dispersal‐driven synchrony in non‐cycling, declining populations. This “biotic forcing” via a natural enemy added to the temperature‐dependent environmental forcing. We therefore conclude that predictions of metapopulation persistence in natural populations require simultaneous investigation of multiple ecological and epidemiological factors.
Emerging technological and cultural shifts advancing drylands research and management
Authors: Browning Dawn M , Rango Albert , Karl Jason W , Laney Christine M , Vivoni Enrique R , Tweedie Craig E
Published: February 2015

Sustainable management of arid landscapes is complicated by extreme conditions that constrain biological responses to perturbation, great spatial complexity, and uncertain degrees of ecosystem resilience to climate change. Traditional approaches to the collection, management, and analysis of data from dryland monitoring efforts should consider these complications. Over the past century, research on drylands has gradually transitioned from short‐term, plot‐scale studies to long‐term, regional‐ and biome‐scale efforts. Two thresholds are imminent: a technological tipping point that will facilitate performing novel science using new techniques to collect, manage, and analyze data, and a cultural tipping point, where various research products are shared more freely and through different communication pathways. A new framework could be developed by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and implementing standardized practices regarding data collection, curation, and sharing.
Connectivity in dryland landscapes: shifting concepts of spatial interactions
Authors: Okin Gregory S , Heras Mariano Moreno-de las , Saco Patricia M , Throop Heather L , Vivoni Enrique R , Parsons Anthony J , Wainwright John , Peters Debra PC
Published: February 2015

Dryland ecosystems are often characterized by patchy vegetation and exposed soil. This structure enhances transport of soil resources and seeds through the landscape (primarily by wind and water, but also by animals), thus emphasizing the importance of connectivity – given its relation to the flow of these materials – as a component of dryland ecosystem function. We argue that, as with the fertile‐islands conceptual model before it, the concept of connectivity explains many phenomena observed in drylands. Further, it serves as an organizing principle to understand dryland structure and function at scales from individual plants to entire landscapes. The concept of connectivity also helps to organize thinking about interactions among processes occurring at different scales, such as when processes at one scale are overridden by processes at another. In these cases, we suggest that state change occurs when fine‐scale processes fail to adjust to new external conditions through resource use or redistribution at the finer scale. The connectivity framework has practical implications for land management, especially with respect to decision making concerning the scale and location of agricultural production or habitat restoration in the world's drylands.
Intimate Partner Violence in Transgender Couples: “Power and Control” in a Specific Cultural Context
Authors: Cook-Daniels Loree
Published: February 2015

Applying a “power and control” lens to high-stakes conflicts involving a trans1 person and their intimate partner can both illuminate and distort the true picture of what is going on. This article discusses 6 ways in which discriminatory societal structures and/or cultural beliefs specific to trans people and their families can be wielded as power and control weapons by both trans people and their non-trans partners. These same “abuse tactics” may, however, simply be evidence of a lack of collaborative problem-solving beliefs and skills. The difference between the two is illustrated using common issues likely to be faced by a couple undergoing or contemplating a gender transition. This article ends with specific issues and concerns that should be addressed when safety planning with a trans person or their partner.
Sexual Violence and Help-Seeking Among LGBQ and Heterosexual College Students
Authors: Richardson Hannah B. , Armstrong Jessica L. , Hines Denise A. , Reed Kathleen M. Palm
Published: February 2015

This study sought to address underserved victims of sexual violence by examining reports of sexual violence, substance use, and help-seeking events among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) and heterosexual college students. There were 2,790 students (2,482 heterosexual students and 308 LGBQ students) across 4 years who completed an online, anonymous survey measuring self-reports of sexual violence, substance use, and help-seeking. Chi-square analyses and Fisher’s exact tests were conducted to determine differences in reports of sexual violence between LGBQ and heterosexual participants. Events reported by LGBQ students were significantly more likely to involve threatened sexual intercourse and sexual contact while intoxicated as compared to events reported by heterosexual students. Similar low rates of help-seeking following a sexual violence event were found among LGBQ and heterosexual victims, with most victims citing that the event was not serious enough to warrant help. LGBQ victims were significantly more likely to report that they did not seek help because they thought they would be blamed. Both LGBQ and heterosexual college students would benefit from education on issues of sexual violence, particularly the relationship between substance use and consent.
The linear (n-1)-arboricity of Cartesian product graphs
Authors: Zuo Liancui , He Shengjie , Xue Bing
Published: February 2015

A linear k-forest of an undirected graph G is a subgraph of G whose
components are paths with lengths at most k. The linear k-arboricity of G,
denoted by lak(G), is the minimum number of linear k-forests needed to
partition the edge set E(G) of G. In this paper, the exact values of the
linear (n-1)-arboricity of Hamming graph, and Cartesian product graphs Cm nt
and Kn_Kn,n are obtained.
Evaluating the optimal sensor placement for smoke detection
Authors: Maksimovic Mirjana , Milosevic Vladimir
Published: February 2015

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) consist of wireless sensor nodes, where the
choice of their deployment scheme depends highly on the type of sensors,
their application, and the environment they will operate in. The performance
of WSNs can be affected if the network is deployed under different
topologies. In this paper various strategies for positioning nodes in WSNs
for fire detection (grid, triangular and strip) are discussed. We propose the
proper placement of the smoke sensors to satisfy two important network design
objectives: to maximize the network lifetime after fire ignition, and to
achieve full coverage by using a minimum number of sensors (especially in a
deterministic node deployment).
Polarization insensitive single mode Al2O3 rib waveguide design for applications in active and passive optical waveguides
Authors: Özden A. , Demirtaş M. , Ay F.
Published: February 2015

Both passive and active, single mode, wavelength and polarization insensitive design of Al2O3 rib waveguides on SiO2 substrate is reported. Influence of the waveguide height, etch depth, waveguide width and operation wavelength to the mode number, mode size, birefringence and polarization sensitivity were analyzed with Beam Propagation Method. Design parameters for targeted properties are computed for waveguide widths ranging from 0 to 10 µm, and for etch depth ranging from 0 to 0.5 µm for fixed waveguide height of 0.5 µm. A design window for a fixed width of 3.5 µm and etch depths between 0.325 to 0.375 µm is identified for single mode, wavelength and polarization insensitive operation of Al2O3 waveguides on thermal oxide. A novel rib TE mode selective filter design is also suggested as an output of the numerical simulations.
Discovery of Akt Kinase Inhibitors through Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Their Evaluation as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Chuang Chih-Hung , Cheng Ta-Chun , Leu Yu-Ling , Chuang Kuo-Hsiang , Tzou Shey-Cherng , Chen Chien-Shu
Published: February 2015

Akt acts as a pivotal regulator in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and represents a potential drug target for cancer therapy. To search for new inhibitors of Akt kinase, we performed a structure-based virtual screening using the DOCK 4.0 program and the X-ray crystal structure of human Akt kinase. From the virtual screening, 48 compounds were selected and subjected to the Akt kinase inhibition assay. Twenty-six of the test compounds showed more potent inhibitory effects on Akt kinase than the reference compound, H-89. These 26 compounds were further evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HCT-116 human colon cancer cells and HEK-293 normal human embryonic kidney cells. Twelve compounds were found to display more potent or comparable cytotoxic activity compared to compound H-89 against HCT-116 colon cancer cells. The best results were obtained with Compounds a46 and a48 having IC50 values (for HCT-116) of 11.1 and 9.5 µM, respectively, and selectivity indices (IC50 for HEK-293/IC50 for HCT-116) of 12.5 and 16.1, respectively. Through structure-based virtual screening and biological evaluations, we have successfully identified several new Akt inhibitors that displayed cytotoxic activity against HCT-116 human colon cancer cells. Especially, Compounds a46 and a48 may serve as useful lead compounds for further development of new anticancer agents.
Genetic Variants in the Apoptosis Gene BCL2L1 Improve Response to Interferon-Based Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 3 Infection
Authors: Clausen Louise , Weis Nina , Ladelund Steen , Madsen Lone , Lunding Suzanne , Tarp Britta , Christensen Peer , Krarup Henrik , Møller Axel , Gerstoft Jan , Clausen Mette , Benfield Thomas , The DANHEP group
Published: February 2015

Genetic variation upstream of the apoptosis pathway has been associated with outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We investigated genetic polymorphisms in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway to assess their influence on sustained virological response (SVR) to pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin (pegIFN/RBV) treatment of HCV genotypes 1 and 3 infections. We conducted a candidate gene association study in a prospective cohort of 201 chronic HCV-infected individuals undergoing treatment with pegIFN/RBV. Differences between groups were compared in logistic regression adjusted for age, HCV viral load and interleukin 28B genotypes. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the B-cell lymphoma 2-like 1 (BCL2L1) gene were significantly associated with SVR. SVR rates were significantly higher for carriers of the beneficial rs1484994 CC genotypes. In multivariate logistic regression, the rs1484994 SNP combined CC + TC genotypes were associated with a 3.4 higher odds ratio (OR) in SVR for the HCV genotype 3 (p = 0.02). The effect estimate was similar for genotype 1, but the association did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, anti-apoptotic SNPs in the BCL2L1 gene were predictive of SVR to pegIFN/RBV treatment in HCV genotypes 1 and 3 infected individuals. These SNPs may be used in prediction of SVR, but further studies are needed.
Quadratic Hedging of Basis Risk
Authors: Hulley Hardy , McWalter Thomas
Published: February 2015

This paper examines a simple basis risk model based on correlated geometric Brownian motions. We apply quadratic criteria to minimize basis risk and hedge in an optimal manner. Initially, we derive the Föllmer–Schweizer decomposition for a European claim. This allows pricing and hedging under the minimal martingale measure, corresponding to the local risk-minimizing strategy. Furthermore, since the mean-variance tradeoff process is deterministic in our setup, the minimal martingale- and variance-optimal martingale measures coincide. Consequently, the mean-variance optimal strategy is easily constructed. Simple pricing and hedging formulae for put and call options are derived in terms of the Black–Scholes formula. Due to market incompleteness, these formulae depend on the drift parameters of the processes. By making a further equilibrium assumption, we derive an approximate hedging formula, which does not require knowledge of these parameters. The hedging strategies are tested using Monte Carlo experiments, and are compared with results achieved using a utility maximization approach.
The Uneasy Marriage between Law and Equality
Authors: Westerman Pauline
Published: February 2015

There are two ways in which the social ideal of equality has found expression in the law: in the principle of equal treatment and in the principle of non-discrimination. In this article the meaning of these two legal principles is analysed, in order to answer the question to what extent they can be said to contribute to equality in the sense of an equal distribution of collective resources. It is argued that whereas the first just requires decision-making to be rule-based, the second principle demands that rules should be based on sound categorical distinctions. Neither of the two can, however, sensibly be linked to equality as equal distribution. The article concludes that the only way to establish such a link is by adding to the principle of non-discrimination “financial resources” as a suspect ground.
Haloarchaea and the Formation of Gas Vesicles
Authors: Pfeifer Felicitas
Published: February 2015

Halophilic Archaea (Haloarchaea) thrive in salterns containing sodium chloride concentrations up to saturation. Many Haloarchaea possess genes encoding gas vesicles, but only a few species, such as Halobacterium salinarum and Haloferax mediterranei, produce these gas-filled, proteinaceous nanocompartments. Gas vesicles increase the buoyancy of cells and enable them to migrate vertically in the water body to regions with optimal conditions. Their synthesis depends on environmental factors, such as light, oxygen supply, temperature and salt concentration. Fourteen gas vesicle protein (gvp) genes are involved in their formation, and regulation of gvp gene expression occurs at the level of transcription, including the two regulatory proteins, GvpD and GvpE, but also at the level of translation. The gas vesicle wall is solely formed of proteins with the two major components, GvpA and GvpC, and seven additional accessory proteins are also involved. Except for GvpI and GvpH, all of these are required to form the gas permeable wall. The applications of gas vesicles include their use as an antigen presenter for viral or pathogen proteins, but also as a stable ultrasonic reporter for biomedical purposes.
Synthesis of the Oligosaccharides Related to Branching Sites of Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfates from Sea Cucumbers
Authors: Ustyuzhanina Nadezhda , Fomitskaya Polina , Gerbst Alexey , Dmitrenok Andrey , Nifantiev Nikolay
Published: February 2015

Natural anionic polysaccharides fucosylated chondroitin sulfates (FCS) from sea cucumbers attract great attention nowadays due to their ability to influence various biological processes, such as blood coagulation, thrombosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, bacterial and viral adhesion. To determine pharmacophore fragments in FCS we have started systematic synthesis of oligosaccharides with well-defined structure related to various fragments of these polysaccharides. In this communication, the synthesis of non-sulfated and selectively O-sulfated di- and trisaccharides structurally related to branching sites of FCS is described. The target compounds are built up of propyl β-d-glucuronic acid residue bearing at O-3 α-l-fucosyl or α-l-fucosyl-(1→3)-α-l-fucosyl substituents. O-Sulfation pattern in the fucose units of the synthetic targets was selected according to the known to date holothurian FCS structures. Stereospecific α-glycoside bond formation was achieved using 2-O-benzyl-3,4-di-O-chloroacetyl-α-l-fucosyl trichloroacetimidate as a donor. Stereochemical outcome of the glycosylation was explained by the remote participation of the chloroacetyl groups with the formation of the stabilized glycosyl cations, which could be attacked by the glycosyl acceptor only from the α-side. The experimental results were in good agreement with the SCF/MP2 calculated energies of such participation. The synthesized oligosaccharides are regarded as model compounds for the determination of a structure-activity relationship in FCS.
Synthesis of Novel Triazoles, Tetrazine, Thiadiazoles and Their Biological Activities
Authors: Al-Omair Mohammed , Sayed Abdelwahed , Youssef Magdy
Published: February 2015

An expedient synthesis of novel triazoles, tetrazine and thiadiazoles, using conveniently accessible and commercially available starting materials has been achieved. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and elemental analyses, and screened for their antibacterial activities against four different strains, namely E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and B. megaterium. In particular, the compounds 5, 24 and 26h exhibited excellent antibacterial activities compared to the reference antibiotic. To get further insight about their behavior, these compounds were tested for their antioxidant activities via SOD-like activity, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, ABST and NO, which showed promising results. Furthermore, these compounds effectively promoted the cleavage of genomic DNA as well, in the absence of any external additives.
Wireless Integrated Biosensors for Point-of-Care Diagnostic Applications
Authors: Ghafar-Zadeh Ebrahim
Published: February 2015

Recent advances in integrated biosensors, wireless communication and power harvesting techniques are enticing researchers into spawning a new breed of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices that have attracted significant interest from industry. Among these, it is the ones equipped with wireless capabilities that drew our attention in this review paper. Indeed, wireless POC devices offer a great advantage, that of the possibility of exerting continuous monitoring of biologically relevant parameters, metabolites and other bio-molecules, relevant to the management of various morbid diseases such as diabetes, brain cancer, ischemia, and Alzheimer’s. In this review paper, we examine three major categories of miniaturized integrated devices, namely; the implantable Wireless Bio-Sensors (WBSs), the wearable WBSs and the handheld WBSs. In practice, despite the aforesaid progress made in developing wireless platforms, early detection of health imbalances remains a grand challenge from both the technological and the medical points of view. This paper addresses such challenges and reports the state-of-the-art in this interdisciplinary field.
Response to Tocilizumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Not Influenced by the Body Mass Index of the Patient
Authors: Pers Yves-Marie , Godfrin-Valnet Marie , Lambert Joseph , Fortunet Clémentine , Constant Elodie , Mura Thibault , Pallot-Prades Béatrice , Jorgensen Christian , Maillefert Jean-Francis , Marotte Hubert , Wendling Daniel , Gaudin Philippe
Published: February 2015

Objective.

To assess the relationship between the body mass index (BMI) and the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

We conducted a retrospective study in 222 patients with RA followed by 5 centers. The European League Against Rheumatism response was evaluated at 6 months. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed.

Results.

No significant association between the BMI and the response to TCZ at 6 months was found after adjustment for potential confounding factors (adjusted OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.16–1.24, p = 0.13 and OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.31–4.48, p = 0.78 for BMI 25–30 kg/m2 and BMI > 30 kg/m2, respectively, compared to BMI < 25 kg/m2).

Conclusion.

Response to TCZ in patients with RA is not influenced by the baseline BMI, in contrast to anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs.
Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: Subtypes, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcome
Authors: Knight Ann , Hjorton Karin , Sundström Christer , Höglund Martin , Backlin Carin , Smedby Karin E. , Askling Johan , Baecklund Eva
Published: February 2015

Objective.

Previous studies have shown that patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) have an increased risk of hematological malignancies, especially leukemia. Our aim was to assess clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with GPA complicated by hematological malignancies with focus on leukemia and to describe these malignancies in more detail.

Methods.

From the Swedish population-based patient register, all individuals with a diagnosis of GPA from 1964–2012 were identified (n = 3224). Through linkage with the Swedish Cancer Register, we searched for all cases of leukemia [International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 7: 204–207 and corresponding codes ICD 8–10] registered after the first discharge listing GPA. The GPA diagnosis was evaluated using the European Medical Association classification algorithm. To confirm the hematological malignancy, all diagnostic bone marrow samples were reclassified. Clinical data of both the GPA and hematological malignancy were collected from medical files.

Results.

Twenty-one cases were identified, all of myeloid origin, including 9 with myelodysplastic syndrome developing to acute myeloid leukemia (MDS-AML), 7 AML, 3 MDS, and 2 chronic myeloid leukemia. The median time from GPA diagnosis to hematological malignancy was 8 years (range 5–21). All patients had severe generalized GPA and had received high doses of cyclophosphamide (CYC; median cumulative dose 96.5 g). Cytopenia occurred in 76% of the patients prior to the hematological malignancy.

Conclusion.

The findings emphasize the longterm risk of leukemia and MDS in CYC-treated, severely ill patients with GPA. Cytopenia during the course of GPA may be a warning sign and warrants a liberal attitude toward bone marrow examination.
Intact Calibers of Retinal Vessels in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Aissopou Evaggelia K. , Bournia Vasiliki-Kalliopi , Protogerou Athanase D. , Panopoulos Stylianos , Papaioannou Theodoros G. , Vlachoyiannopoulos Panayiotis G. , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: February 2015

Objective.

A primary endothelial cell dysfunction is thought to be involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated fibroproliferative vasculopathy of the microcirculation and small arterioles, even in sites not affected by fibrosis. Because the role of fibroblasts in pathologic modifications and vascular wall remodeling is relatively unclear, and because the retina provides a unique opportunity to assess microcirculation in the absence of resident fibroblasts, we systematically evaluated retinal vessels in patients with SSc.

Methods.

Digital retinal images were obtained from both eyes of 93 consecutive patients with fully characterized SSc and 29 healthy controls matched 1:1 for age and sex with selected patients without diabetes, hypertension history, or antihypertensive treatment. Internal microvascular calibers (erythrocyte column width in μm) by central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents and arteriolar to venular ratio were measured using validated software.

Results.

Arteriolar and venular calibers were similar in patients and their matched controls (mean ± SEM; 187 ± 2 vs 184 ± 3, p = 0.444, and 211 ± 2 vs 216 ± 3, p = 0.314, respectively). Both arteriolar and venular calibers and their ratio in patients with SSc were not associated with disease duration, extent of skin involvement, pulmonary fibrosis, digital ulcers or pitting scars, amputations, digital capillaroscopic findings, inflammatory indices, or autoantibodies.

Conclusion.

The evidence that retinal microcirculation is spared in SSc suggests that fibroproliferative vasculopathy may depend on specific cellular or soluble factors not present in the retinal environment.
Drosophila models of metastasis
Authors: Murray Michael J.
Published: February 2015

An important goal in the fight against cancer is to understand how tumors become invasive and metastatic. A crucial early step in metastasis is thought to be the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), the process in which epithelial cells transition into a more migratory and invasive, mesenchymal state. Since the genetic regulatory networks driving EMT in tumors derive from those used in development, analysis of EMTs in genetic model organisms such as the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, can provide great insight into cancer. In this review I highlight the many ways in which studies in the fly are shedding light on cancer metastasis. The review covers both normal developmental events in which epithelial cells become migratory, as well as induced events, whereby normal epithelial cells become metastatic due to genetic manipulations. The ability to make such precise genetic perturbations in the context of a normal, in vivo environment, complete with a working innate immune system, is making the fly increasingly important in understanding metastasis.
Synthesis of geopolymer from spent FCC: Effect of SiO2/Al2O
Authors: Trochez J. J. , Mejía de Gutiérrez R. , Rivera J. , Bernal S. A.
Published: February 2015

This paper assesses the feasibility of using a spent fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (SFCC) as precursor for the production of geopolymers. The mechanical and structural characterization of alkali-activated SFCC binders formulated with different overall (activator + solid precursor) SiO2/Al2O3 and Na2O/SiO2 molar ratios are reported. Formation of an aluminosilicate ‘geopolymer’ gel is observed under all conditions of activation used, along with formation of zeolites. Increased SiO2/Al2O3 induces the formation of geopolymers with reduced mechanical strength, for all the Na2O/SiO2 ratios assessed, which is associated with excess silicate species supplied by the activator. This is least significant at increased alkalinity conditions (higher Na2O/SiO2 ratios), as larger extents of reaction of the spent catalyst are achieved. SiO2/Al2O3 and Na2O/SiO2 ratios of 2.4 and 0.25, respectively, promote the highest compressive strength (67 MPa). This study elucidates the great potential of using SFCC as precursor to produce sustainable ceramic-like materials via alkali-activation.
Towards AiP as a Service
Authors: Benmerzoug Djamel
Published: February 2015

The challenges that Cloud computing poses to business processes integration, emphasize the need for addressing two major issues: (i) which integration approach should be used allowing an adequate description of interaction aspects of the composed software components ? (ii) how are these interaction descriptions stored and shared to allow other software artifacts to (re)use them ? To address these issues, in this paper the authors propose an Agent Interaction Protocols (AiP)-based approach for reusing and aggregating existing Cloud services to create a new desired business application. The proposed approach facilitates rapid development and provisioning of composite Cloud services by specifying what to compose as an AiP. Furthermore, the authors develop an agent-based architecture that supports flexible scaling of business processes in a virtualized Cloud computing environment. The main goal of the proposed architecture is to address and tackle interoperability challenges at the Cloud application level. It solves the interoperability issues between heterogeneous Cloud services environments by offering a harmonized API. Also, it enables the deployment of applications at public, private or hybrid multi-Cloud environments.
Shared Services Management
Authors: Wang Shouhong , Wang Hai
Published: February 2015

The cloud computing technology has accelerated shared services in the government and private sectors. This paper proposes a research framework of critical success factors of shared services in the aspects of strategy identification, collaborative partnership networking, optimal shared services process re-designing, and new policies and regulations. A survey has been employed to test the hypotheses. The test results indicate that clear vision of strategies of shared services, long term business relationships among shared services partners, business process re-design, human resource structure re-design, effective governance and service center for shared services, effective cost distribution scheme, and ethical code and access control for shared services significantly positively contribute to the success of shared services.
Application of the Entropy Weight and TOPSIS Method on Al–12% SiC Metal Matrix Composite during EDM
Authors: Routara Bharat Chandra , Bhuyan Rajesh Kumar , Parida Arun Kumar
Published: February 2015

The objective of this paper is to find the optimum combination on different machining characteristics during electrical discharge machining process of Al-12%SiC Metal matrix composite. Central composite design (CCD) method is used to investigate the effect of three process parameters such as peak current (Ip), pulse on time (Ton), flushing pressure (Fp) on the four response parameters like Material removal rate (MRR), Tool wear rate (TWR), Radial over cut (ROC) and Surface roughness (SR). The multiple objective problems of machining characteristics are optimized by a combine approach of Technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) and entropy weight measurement method. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is implemented to identify the statistically significant of the Closeness-coefficient results. Finally confirmation test is conducted to compare the experimental data and the predicted data at its optimum parameter to identify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Predictors and Prevalence of Postconcussion Depression Symptoms in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Vargas Gray , Rabinowitz Amanda , Meyer Jessica , Arnett Peter A.
Published: February 2015

Context:

Depression is common after concussion and is associated with functional outcome and quality of life after injury. However, few baseline predictors of postconcussion depressive symptoms (PCDS) have been found.

Objective:

To describe the prevalence of depressive symptoms in a collegiate athlete sample at baseline and postconcussion, compare these levels of symptoms and change in symptoms with those of a control group with no reported concussions in the past year, and examine the baseline predictors for PCDS.

Design:

Case-control study.

Setting:

Undergraduate institution.

Patients or Other Participants:

Participants were 84 collegiate athletes (65 men, 19 women) with concussion and 42 individuals (23 men, 21 women) with no history of recent concussion who served as controls.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The Beck Depression Inventory–Fast Screen was administered to the concussion group at baseline and postconcussion and to the control group at 2 time points.

Results:

Seventeen athletes (20%) showed a reliable increase in depression, and more athletes reported clinically important depression postconcussion than at baseline. Only 2 participants (5%) in the control group showed a reliable increase in depression. Concussed athletes were more likely to show a reliable increase in depression symptoms than control participants (χ21 = 5.2, P = .02). We also found several predictors of PCDS in the athletes, including baseline depression symptoms (r = 0.37, P < .001), baseline postconcussion symptoms (r = 0.25, P = .03), estimated premorbid intelligence (full-scale IQ; r = −0.29, P = .009), and age of first participation in organized sport (r = 0.34, P = .002). For the control group, predictors of depression symptoms at time 2 were number of previous head injuries (r = 0.31, P = .05) and baseline depression symptoms (r = 0.80, P < .001).

Conclusions:

A large proportion of athletes showed a reliable increase in depression after concussion, and we identified several baseline predictors. Given that depression affects quality of life and recovery from concussion, more research is necessary to better understand why certain athletes show an increase in PCDS and how these can be better predicted and prevented.
Lefschetz and Hirzebruch–Riemann–Roch formulas via noncommutative motives
Authors: Cisinski Denis-Charles , Tabuada Gonçalo
Published: February 2015

V. Lunts has recently established Lefschetz fixed point theorems for Fourier–Mukai functors and dg algebras. In the same vein, D. Shklyarov introduced the noncommutative analogue of the Hirzebruch–Riemman–Roch theorem. In this article, we see how these constructions and computations formally stem from their motivic counterparts.
Una experiencia como profesor de ele en la secundaria eslovena: la literatura en el aula (Izkušnja učitelja španščine v slovenski srednji šoli: književnost v razredu)
Authors: Rodríguez Díaz del Real Alejandro
Published: February 2015

Na podlagi praktičnih izkušenj pri poučevanju španščine kot tujega jezika v slovenski srednji šoli, članek ponuja osebno razmišljanje o težavah in ovirah, s katerimi se sooča tematiziranje španske književnosti in drugih kulturnih vidikov španskega govorečega sveta. Začetna hipoteza je, da so te teme danes popolnoma nezaželene, tako za učitelje, ki so vedno bolj pod sistemskim pritiskom, kot za založbe, katerih materiali vse manj ustrezajo potrebam študentov in se uklanjajo zahtevam trga. Analiza posebnih ter splošnih dejavnikov pokaže, da so klasiki tudi povsem ustrezno orodje za izobraževalne namene v razredu.
Spregledani podnaslov: Gospa Bovary in Slovar splošno priznanih resnic
Authors: Fock Ignac
Published: February 2015

Pričujoči članek je intertekstualna študija Flaubertovega romana Gospa Bovary in njegovega fragmentarnega, postumno izdanega dela Slovar splošno priznanih resnic. Avtor s primeri ponazori tematska sovpadanja in podobnost formulacij ter dokaže prisotnost socioloških, zgodovinskih in literarnih vzorcev, ki so v Slovarju konkretizirani – skorajda teoretsko – kot splošno priznane resnice, v romaneskni obliki pa izgrajujejo »družbeno scenografijo«, katere parafraza je tudi podnaslov Gospe Bovary: Značaji s podeželja. Zato opozarja, da Gospa Bovary ni (samo) roman o Emmi Bovary in da zgodbo osmislijo, če ne celo upravičijo, šele poteze omenjenih značajev s podeželja. Pri Flaubertu se konceptualizacija in literarizacija »splošno priznanega« odvijata vzporedno, zato o časovni primarnosti ene ali druge ni mogoče govoriti. Vendar v Gospe Bovary ravno kot družbena scenografija dobi podobo zgoščena satira Slovarja, ki ga avtor vidi kot presek in sintezo pisateljevega opusa, hkrati pa kot komplementarno čtivo k dotičnemu romanu.
Strokovna terminologija v italijanskem jeziku – učbenika za višješolski študijski program gostinstvo in turizem
Authors: Stanič Daša
Published: February 2015

Maričić, Maja (2009) Strokovna terminologija v italijanskem jeziku. Ljubljana: Zavod IRC. ISBN 978-961-6820-18-9, 182 strani, prosto dostopno na: http://www.impletum.zavod-irc.si/sl/gradiva/Gomzi Praprotnik, Silvana (2011) Strokovna terminologija v italijanskem jeziku III. Ljubljana: Zavod IRC. ISBN 978-961-6857-75-8, 186 strani, prosto dostopno na: http://www.impletum.zavod-irc.si/sl/gradiva/
Turcizmi v slovenščini
Authors: Pintarič Miha
Published: February 2015

Članek povzema najosnovnejše turcizme v slovenščini in ugotavlja razlike v jezikovni politiki in praksi med slovenščino in turščino.
Perception of success among participants to the national contest in Italian ad a foreign and as second language
Authors: Mertelj Darja , Stanič Daša
Published: February 2015

The paper aims, first, to offer a brief sketch of the history of the national foreign- language competition in Slovenia, and, second, to describe the structure of the competition in Italian as a foreign and second language. In the main part of article, some results of the questionnaire given to the participants of the 2013 competition are presented and discussed, focusing specifically on the perceptions of success (or lack of it) in relation to the participants’ performance in the following areas: reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, intercultural knowledge, oral communication (in written form) and written composition.Key words: Italian, foreign/second language, language testing, successful learners, perception of success.
Nuovo Magari B2 in Nuovo Magari C1/C2
Authors: Stanič Daša
Published: February 2015

De Giuli, A., Guastala C., Naddeo, C. M. (2013) Nuovo Magari B2. Firenze: Alma. (128 strani, 16.90 EUR)De Giuli, A., Guastala C., Naddeo, C. M. (2013) Nuovo Magari C1/C2. Firenze: Alma.(288 strani, 24.90 EUR)
Introduction
Authors: Lah Meta
Published: February 2015

Spoštovana bralka, cenjeni bralec,pred vami je peta dvojna številka revije Vestnik za tuje jezike. Tudi tokrat je revija obsežna, saj prinaša kar sedemnajst člankov: po dva s področja jezikoslovja in književnosti, enajst s področja didaktike tujih jezikov ter dva v rubriki Iz prakse za prakso, ki jo uvajamo, je pa že obstajala pod prejšnjim izdajateljem. Recenzenti so štirinajst člankov uvrstili med izvirne ali pregledne znanstvene prispevke.V razdelku Jezikoslovje lahko preberete prispevka Svetlane Jakimovske in Ioane Jieanu. S. Jakimovska obravnava primerjavo francoske in makedonske pravne terminologije, s poudarkom na sinonimiji, Ioana Jieanu pa se v svojem članku posveča kodnemu preklapljanju med romunščino in španščino. Raziskavo je izpeljala na osnovi korpusa medmrežnih besedil.Razdelek Književnost prinaša članek Jureta Požgana, ki obravnava sodobno delo švicarskega avtorja Lukasa Bärfussa in članek Andreje Bole, ki posega na področje starejše književnosti, saj obravnava potopise 16. in 17. stoletja.Obsežnejši od prejšnjih dveh je letos razdelek, namenjen Didaktiki tujih jezikov. Prinaša tako teoretične kot bolj aplikativne članke, ki posegajo na zelo različna področja in se dotikajo različnih stopenj poučevanja. Prispevki bodo pritegnili raziskovalce, pa tudi učitelje, zlasti tiste, ki jih zanima raziskovanje učnega procesa. Posebej bi vas rada opozorila na članka Lucije Križaj in Jureta Požgana; oba članka sta napisana na osnovi diplomskih nalog, za kateri sta bila avtorja nagrajena s Prešernovo nagrado.Rubrika Iz prakse za prakso je namenjena strokovnim člankom učiteljev praktikov. Tokrat sta v njej objavljena dva strokovna članka avtoric Katarine Paternost in Vanje Šepec. Prispevka se nanašata na delo v razredu in prinašata nove ideje; Katarina Paternost piše o motivaciji pri pouku tujega jezika, Vanja Šepec pa se ukvarja z veččutnim poučevanjem.V zadnjem delu revije boste lahko prebrali pet recenzij knjig, ki so izšle v zadnjem obdobju. Ker je revija namenjena tudi doktorandom, objavljamo zanimivo poročilo z doktorskega seminarja v Londonu.Prijetno in koristno branje vam želim,Meta Lah