bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized Synchronization of Nonlinear Chaotic Systems through Natural Bioinspired Controlling Strategy
Authors: Li Shih-Yu , Chen Shi-An , Lin Chin-Teng , Ko Li-Wei , Yang Cheng-Hsiung , Chen Heng-Hui
Published: April 2015

A novel bioinspired control strategy design is proposed for generalized synchronization of nonlinear chaotic systems, combining the bioinspired stability theory, fuzzy modeling, and a novel, simple-form Lyapunov control function design of derived high efficient, heuristic and bioinspired controllers. Three main contributions are concluded: (1) apply the bioinspired stability theory to further analyze the stability of fuzzy error systems; the high performance of controllers has been shown in previous study by Li and Ge 2009, (2) a new Lyapunov control function based on bioinspired stability theory is designed to achieve synchronization without using traditional LMI method, which is a simple linear homogeneous function of states and the process of designing controller to synchronize two fuzzy chaotic systems becomes much simpler, and (3) three different situations of synchronization are proposed; classical master and slave Lorenz systems, slave Chen’s system, and Rossler’s system as functional system are illustrated to further show the effectiveness and feasibility of our novel strategy. The simulation results show that our novel control strategy can be applied to different and complicated control situations with high effectiveness.
Void Reactivity Coefficient Analysis during Void Fraction Changes in Innovative BWR Assemblies
Authors: Slavickas Andrius , Pabarčius Raimondas , Tonkūnas Aurimas , Stankūnas Gediminas , Ušpuras Eugenijus
Published: April 2015

The study of the void reactivity variation in innovative BWR fuel assemblies is presented in this paper. The innovative assemblies are loaded with high enrichment fresh UO2and MOX fuels. UO2fuel enrichment is increased above existing design limitations for LWR fuels (>5%). MOX fuel enrichment with fissile Pu content is established to achieve the same burnup level as that of high enrichment UO2fuel. For the numerical analysis, the TRITON functional module of SCALE 6.1 code with the 238-group ENDF/B-VI cross section data library was applied. The investigation of the void reactivity feedback is performed in the entire 0–100% void fraction range. Higher values of void reactivity coefficient for assembly loaded with MOX fuel are found in comparison with values for assembly loaded with UO2fuel. Moreover, coefficient values for MOX fuel are positive over 75% void fraction. The variation of the void reactivity coefficient is explained by the results of the decomposition analysis based on four-factor formula and neutron absorption reactions for main isotopes. Additionally, the impact of the moderation enhancement on the void reactivity coefficient was investigated for the innovative assembly with MOX fuel.
In VitroandIn VivoEffects of Metformin on Osteopontin Expression in Mice Adipose-Derived Multipotent Stromal Cells and Adipose Tissue
Authors: Śmieszek Agnieszka , Basińska Katarzyna , Chrząstek Klaudia , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: April 2015

Metformin is applied not only as antidiabetic drug, but also in the treatment of obesity or as antiaging drug. The first part of the research discussed the effect of metformin at concentrations of 1 mM, 5 mM, and 10 mM on the morphology, ultrastructure, and proliferation potential of mice adipose-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs)in vitro. Additionally, we determined the influence of metformin on mice adipose tissue metabolism. This study has shown for the first time that metformin inhibits the proliferative potential of ASCsin vitroin a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, we have found a significant correlation between the activity of ASCs and osteopontin at the mRNA and protein level. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that 5 mM and 10 mM metformin have cytotoxic effect on ASCs, causing severe morphological, ultrastructural, and apoptotic changes. The reduced level of OPN in the adipose tissue of metformin-treated animals strongly correlated with the lower expression of Ki67 and CD105 and increased caspase-3. The metformin influenced also circulating levels of OPN, which is what was found with systemic and local action of metformin. The results are a valuable source of information regarding thein vitroeffect of metformin on adipose-derived stem cells.
The Effects of Atorvastatin on Arterial Stiffness in Male Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Davenport Colin , Ashley David T. , O’Sullivan Eoin P. , McHenry Claire M. , Agha Amar , Thompson Christopher J. , O’Gorman Donal J. , Smith Diarmuid
Published: April 2015

Statin therapy improves lipid profiles and reduces vascular inflammation, but its effects on central arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes are unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether statin therapy reduces central arterial stiffness, in a dose-dependent manner, in male patients with type 2 diabetes. Fifty-one patients ceased statin therapy for 6 weeks, followed by randomisation to either 10 or 80 mg of atorvastatin. At randomization, 3 and 12 months, central arterial stiffness was measured via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), along with serum markers of vascular inflammation including high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). PWV decreased from 10.37 ± 1.30 to 9.68 ± 1.19 m/sec (p<0.01from baseline) at 3 months and 9.10 ± 1.17 m/sec (p<0.001from baseline) at 12 months. hsCRP and OPG decreased significantly at 3 and 12 months. Reductions in PWV did not differ significantly between the groups. Baseline PWV and OPG values correlated strongly (r=0.48,p<0.01), as did their response to atorvastatin over 12 months (r=0.36delta-OPG and delta-PWV,p<0.01). Atorvastatin therapy appeared to reduce central arterial stiffness in male type 2 diabetes, with no dose-dependent effect observed. The correlation observed between reductions in PWV and OPG suggests that atorvastatin reduces PWV via direct anti-inflammatory effects on the vasculature.
Impact of Gender on the Association of Epicardial Fat Thickness, Obesity, and Circadian Blood Pressure Pattern in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Shim In Kyoung , Cho Kyoung-Im , Kim Hyun-Su , Heo Jung-Ho , Cha Tae Joon
Published: April 2015

This study aimed to investigate the effects of gender on the association between epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and circadian blood pressure (BP) changes in patients with recently diagnosed essential hypertension (EH). A total of 441 patients with EH (male/female: 236/205, mean age: 50.7 ± 13.8) and 83 control patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring and echocardiography. Obese EH patients had higher circadian BP profile with BP variability, wall thickness, and left ventricular mass than nonobese EH patients and controls (allp’s<0.05) without gender differences. EFT was higher in female than in male patients (7.0 ± 2.5 versus 5.9 ± 2.2 mm,p<0.001) and higher in the obese female EH group (7.5 ± 2.6 mm) than in the control (6.4 ± 2.8 mm) or nonobese EH group (6.7 ± 2.8 mm) among women, whereas EFT did not vary among males (5.9 ± 1.9 versus 6.0 ± 2.7 versus 5.9 ± 2.4 mm,p=0.937). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the 24-hour mean BP variability was associated with SBP (p=0.018) and EFT (p=0.016) in female patients, but not in male patients. The relationships among circadian BP variability, obesity, and EFT were affected by gender in different manners. EFT may be a more valuable parameter in the evaluation of BP severity and obesity in women than in men.
Variable Step-Size Method Based on a Reference Separation System for Source Separation
Authors: Xu Pengcheng , Yuan Zhigang , Jian Wei , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2015

Traditional variable step-size methods are effective to solve the problem of choosing step-size in adaptive blind source separation process. But the initial setting of learning rate is vital, and the convergence speed is still low. This paper proposes a novel variable step-size method based on reference separation system for online blind source separation. The correlation between the estimated source signals and original source signals increases along with iteration. Therefore, we introduce a reference separation system to approximately estimate the correlation in terms of mean square error (MSE), which is utilized to update the step-size. The use of “minibatches” for the computation of MSE can reduce the complexity of the algorithm to some extent. Moreover, simulations demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits superior convergence and better steady-state performance over the fixed step-size method in the noise-free case, while converging faster than classical variable step-size methods in both stationary and nonstationary environments.
Effect of Sodium Alginate Addition to Resveratrol on Acute Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Wang Peng , Ren Dunlin , Chen Ying , Jiang Meiju , Wang Robin , Wang Yan-Gang
Published: April 2015

Objective: Resveratrol has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while sodium alginate is a common pharmaceutic adjuvant with antioxidative and immunomodulatory properties. We performed an animal study to investigate the effect of sodium alginate addition to resveratrol on acute gouty arthritis. Methods: Twenty-four SPF Wistar mice were randomized to four groups receiving the combination of sodium alginate and resveratrol, resveratrol alone, colchicine, and placebo, respectively. Acute gouty arthritis was induced by injection of 0.05 ml monosodium urate (MSU) solution (25g/mL) into ankle joint cavity. IL-1β, CCR5, and CXCL10 levels in both serum and synovial fluid were measured using ELISA. NLRP3 expression in the synovial tissues was measured using western plot. Results: The combination of sodium alginate and resveratrol significantly reduced synovial levels of IL-1β, CCR5, and CXCL10 when compared with colchicines, and all P values were less than 0.0001. The combination of sodium alginate and resveratrol was also superior to resveratrol in terms of both serum levels and synovial levels of IL-1β, CCR5, and CXCL10. In addition, resveratrol, with or without sodium alginate, could reduce NLRP3 expression obviously in the synovial tissues. Conclusion: The combination of sodium alginate and resveratrol has better effect over colchicines in treating MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis.
Chronic-Leptin Attenuates Cisplatin Cytotoxicity in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Nadal-Serrano Mercedes , Sastre-Serra Jorge , Valle Adamo , Roca Pilar , Oliver Jordi
Published: April 2015

Background/Aims: Large-scale epidemiological studies support a correlation between obesity and breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Circulating leptin levels are increased in obese and it has been suggested to play a significant role in mammary tumor formation and progression. Moreover, regulation of oxidative stress is another important factor in both tumor development and responses to anticancer therapies. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between oxidative stress and chronic leptin exposure. Methods: We treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells with 100 ng/mL leptin for 10 days and analyzed cell growth, ROS production and oxidative damage, as well as, some of the main antioxidant systems. Furthermore, since the hyperleptinemia has been associated with a worse pathology prognosis, we decided to test the influence of leptin in response to cisplatin anticancer treatment. Results: Leptin signalling increased cell proliferation but reduced ROS production, as well as, oxidative damage. We observed an upregulation of SIRT1 after leptin exposure, a key regulator of stress response and metabolism. Additionally, leptin counteracted cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in tumor cells, showing a decrease in cell death. Conclusion: Chronic leptin could contribute to the effective regulation of endogenous and treatment-induced oxidative stress, and it contributes to explain in part its proliferative effects.
The Ten-Year History of the Asklepios Study
Authors: Park Jeong Bae
Published: April 2015

The Asklepios study started 10 years ago when 2,500 subjects were screened between 2002 and 2004. And all of the 90+ publications we have for the moment are from those cross-sectional data. This is called round 1. Since 2011, in round 2, all of those patients have started to come back for a 10-year follow-up. At this moment, approximately 1,750 of those patients have been seen. The patients were followed by general practitioners (GP), and the GP again provided the information about what has happened with the medical status in the past 10 years including drug therapy: not only the drugs that they are taking at the moment were evaluated, but, because patients often use many drugs, the chronicles of drugs for major risk factors, for hypertension, lipids, contraceptives and more. Then, patients come to the study center where the same cluster of examinations are undertaken by one single doctor, Prof. Ernst R. Rietzschel and one study nurse, just like 10 years ago. Again, using a single observer at the two time frames has kept the methodology very strict.
A metrópole de São Paulo no início do século XXI
Authors: Marques Eduardo César Leão
Published: April 2015

O artigo analisa as transformações recentes da metrópole de São Paulo em termos sociais, demográficos, de segregação residencial e de acesso a serviços. As transformações recentes sugerem melhoras em vários indicadores, mas também a permanência e a reconstituição de desigualdades. A metrópole se mostra mais diversificada e crescentemente heterogênea, sendo cada vez mais necessário escaparmos de categorias dualistas de análise.
Differentiation of Papillary Muscle From Fascicular and Mitral Annular Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients With and Without Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Al’Aref Subhi J. , Ip James E. , Markowitz Steven M. , Liu Christopher F. , Thomas George , Frenkel Daniel , Panda Nikhil C. , Weinsaft Jonathan W. , Lerman Bruce B. , Cheung Jim W.
Published: April 2015

Background—

Idiopathic left ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and those caused by structural heart disease can originate from the papillary muscles, fascicles, and mitral annulus. Differentiation of these arrhythmias can be challenging because they present with a right bundle branch block morphology by electrocardiography. We sought to identify clinical, electrocardiographic, and electrophysiological features that distinguish these left VAs in patients with and without structural heart disease.

Method and Results—

Patients undergoing catheter ablation for papillary muscle, fascicular, or mitral annular VAs were studied. Demographic data and electrocardiographic and electrophysiological findings were analyzed. Fifty-two VAs in 51 patients (32 [63%] male; mean age 61±15 years) with papillary muscle (n=18), fascicular (n=15), and mitral annular (n=19) origins were studied. Patients with papillary muscle VAs were older and had higher prevalence of left ventricular dysfunction (67% versus 13% of fascicular VA patients [
P
=0.009]) and coronary artery disease (78% versus 37% of mitral annular VA patients [
P
=0.036]). Papillary muscle VAs were distinguished electrocardiographically from fascicular VAs by longer QRS durations and lower prevalence of r<R′ V
1
QRS morphology, and from mitral annular VAs by lower prevalence of positive precordial lead concordance. Using a stepwise electrocardiographic algorithm, the accuracy rates for the diagnosis of papillary muscle VAs, fascicular VAs, and mitral annular VAs were 83%, 87%, and 89%, respectively.

Conclusions—

Specific electrocardiographic characteristics, including QRS morphology and precordial lead morphology, can help distinguish between papillary muscle, fascicular, and mitral annular VAs.
Incidence and Predictors of Cognitive Decline in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Fendler Timothy J. , Spertus John A. , Gosch Kensey L. , Jones Philip G. , Bruce Jared M. , Nassif Michael E. , Flint Kelsey M. , Dunlay Shannon M. , Allen Larry A. , Arnold Suzanne V.
Published: April 2015

Background—

After left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement for advanced heart failure, increased cerebral perfusion should result in improved cognitive function. However, stroke (a well-known LVAD complication) and subclinical cerebral ischemia may result in transient or permanent cognitive decline. We sought to describe the incidence and predictors of cognitive decline after LVAD using a valid, sensitive assessment tool.

Methods and Results—

Among 4419 patients in the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support who underwent LVAD implantation between May 2012 and December 2013, cognitive function was assessed in 1173 patients with the Trail Making B Test before LVAD and at 3, 6, and 12 months. The test detects several forms of cognitive impairment, including subclinical stroke. Cognitive decline was defined as a clinically important increase during follow-up using a moderate Cohen
d
effect size of 0.5×baseline SD (32 s). The cumulative incidence of cognitive decline in the year after LVAD implantation, treating death and transplantation as competing risks, was 29.2%. In adjusted analysis, older age (≥70 versus <50 years; hazard ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval 1.46–3.44;
P
trend
<0.001) and destination therapy (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.92) were significantly associated with greater risk of cognitive decline.

Conclusions—

Cognitive decline occurs commonly in patients in the year after LVAD and is associated with older age and destination therapy. These results could have important implications for patient selection and improved communication of risks before LVAD implantation. Additional studies are needed to explore the association between cognitive decline and subsequent stroke, health status, and mortality in patients after LVAD.
The genus Sphegina Meigen (Diptera, Syrphidae) in a biodiversity hotspot: the thirty-six sympatric species in Kambaiti, Myanmar
Authors: HIPPA HEIKKI , STEENIS JEROEN VAN , MUTIN VALERI A.
Published: April 2015

The material of Sphegina collected by René Malaise in Kambaiti, Myanmar, in 1934 includes S. (Sphegina) kumaoniensis Mutin and the following 35 new species: S. (Sphegina) uncinata, S. (Asiosphegina) achaeta, S. (A.) adusta, S. (A.) atricolor, S. (A.) bidens, S. (A.) bilobata, S. (A.) carinata, S. (A.) cerina, S. (A.) crassispina, S. (A.) crucivena, S. (A.) culex, S. (A.) cultrigera, S. (A.) ensifera, S. (A.) falcata, S. (A.) forceps, S. (A.) forficata, S. (A.) furva, S. (A.) gigas, S. (A.) index, S. (A.) malaisei, S. (A.) minuta, S. (A.) mirifica, S. (A.) nasuta, S. (A.) pollex, S. (A.) pollinosa, S. (A.) parvula, S. (A.) pusilla, S. (A.) radula, S. (A.) raduloides, S. (A.) siculifera, S. (A.) simplex, S. (A.) sinesmila, S. (A.) subradula, S. (A.) trichaeta and S. (A.) trispina. A key to the studied species is given. The world fauna of Sphegina now comprises 120 species.
The effect of thymoquinone treatment on the combined renal and pulmonary toxicity of cisplatin and diesel exhaust particles
Authors: Ali Badreldin H , Al Za'abi Mohammed , Shalaby Asem , Manoj Priyadarsini , Waly Mostafa I , Yasin Javed , Fahim Mohamed , Nemmar Abderrahim
Published: April 2015

Particulate air pollution (PAP) exposure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with renal disease. However, there are only a few studies on the interaction between PAP and renal injury, and none on agents that may ameliorate it. We studied the interaction between cisplatin (CP) nephrotoxicity and a single exposure to diesel exhaust particle (DEP) in rats 24 h before sacrifice, and assessed the effect of co-treatment with the active ingredient in Nigella Sativa seed oil, thymoquinone (TQ) thereon. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with CP (6 mg/kg) and four days later, they were exposed intratracheally to DEP (0.5 mg/kg), and were sacrificed 24 h later. Oral TQ (20 mg/kg) was given daily throughout the experimental period. CP alone caused several physiological, biochemical, and histopathological changes that included reduced growth and creatinine clearance, and raised plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine and urea concentrations, and urinary N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities. It adversely affected several indices of oxidative damage in the kidneys, and induced renal tubular necrosis. Most of these actions were significantly potentiated in rats given both CP and DEP. TQ significantly abrogated many of the effects of CP and DEP, given alone and in combination. These results provide experimental evidence that subjects with renal diseases can be at higher risk from PAP, and that TQ, pending further pharmacological and toxicological studies, can be considered a useful agent in patients with renal diseases and exposed to PAP.
Altered lymphopoiesis and immunodeficiency in miR-142 null mice
Authors: Kramer Nicholas J. , Wang Wei-Le , Reyes Estefany Y. , Kumar Bijender , Chen Ching-Cheng , Ramakrishna Chandran , Cantin Edouard M. , Vonderfecht Steven L. , Taganov Konstantin D. , Chau Nelson , Boldin Mark P.
Published: April 2015

Key Points

miR-142 is an essential regulator of lymphocyte ontogenesis and is required for the generation of humoral and cellular immunity in mice. miR-142-3p regulates B-cell homeostasis by controlling expression of BAFF-R.
Mansion Tax: The Effect of Transfer Taxes on the Residential Real Estate Market
Authors: Kopczuk Wojciech , Munroe David
Published: April 2015

Using discontinuities in housing transaction taxes in New York and New Jersey we find robust price bunching. Incidence for transactions local to the notch falls on sellers, with no evidence of evasion. The volume of missing transactions above the notch exceeds those bunching (beyond the usual extensive-margin response), indicating incentives for buyers and sellers not to transact (market unravels). The possibility of unraveling affects interpretation and estimation of bunching. Away from the threshold, we find increased discounts and weaker relationship between listing and sale prices. Equilibrium bargaining framework highlights that taxation affects the ultimate allocation in this search market. (JEL H71, R21, R31)
Nurse-led practice rated outstanding by CQC
Authors: Benison Liam
Published: April 2015

Vulnerable patients and people with mental health problems receive outstanding care at a nurse-led general practice in Exeter. Liam Benison reports
Who should work with the surgeon in a one-stop neck lump clinic?
Authors: Takhar AS , Jones M , Vaidhayanath R , Conboy PJ , Alun-Jones T
Published: April 2015

An experiment to compare the use of an on-site radiologist with a cytologist
Streamlining theatre sets for total knee replacement
Authors: Green G , Bhabra G , Vinayakam P , Jeer C
Published: April 2015

Does this dramatically reduce theatre running costs?
The apoplectic surgeon
Authors: Garner Amy
Published: April 2015

After headaches at her local hospital, one surgeon went out of her way to seek help at her own teaching hospital.
Observational analysis of trauma and orthopaedic research output in the UK
Authors: Parkola MJ , Marson BA
Published: April 2015

How important is knowledge of local research output for prospective core trainees?
The role of the traditional healer in developing countries
Authors: Walker Geoffrey
Published: April 2015

How can we improve their treatments?
Association Between Low IQ Scores and Early Mortality in Men and Women: Evidence From a Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Maenner Matthew J , Greenberg Jan S , Mailick Marsha R
Published: April 2015

Lower (versus higher) IQ scores have been shown to increase the risk of early mortality, however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood and previous studies underrepresent individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and women. This study followed one third of all senior-year students (approximately aged 17) attending public high school in Wisconsin, U.S. in 1957 (n  =  10,317) until 2011. Men and women with the lowest IQ test scores (i.e., IQ scores ≤ 85) had increased rates of mortality compared to people with the highest IQ test scores, particularly for cardiovascular disease. Importantly, when educational attainment was held constant, people with lower IQ test scores did not have higher mortality by age 70 than people with higher IQ test scores. Individuals with lower IQ test scores likely experience multiple disadvantages throughout life that contribute to increased risk of early mortality.
The learning curve: Distinctive opportunities and challenges posed by university-based community radio stations
Authors: David Deborah Wilson
Published: April 2015

Siren FM is based at the University of Lincoln, in the centre of the historic cathedral city in the East Midlands, UK. It was one of the first full-time community radio stations to be founded by a British university and be fully located on the university’s campus. Once a student radio station, it was re-launched with a full community radio licence, with students forming one of the communities served. Using Siren FM as a case study, this article will document the challenges and potential benefits to operation and governance specific to a community radio station located on a university campus. It will look at the ways in which the station has been used as a mechanism for curriculum delivery and assessment, and explore how the students themselves engage with the station.

The article will argue that Siren FM, and other community radio stations that are located on university campuses, offer an interesting model for the relatively new third tier of radio in the UK, placing the stations in a unique position to effect social gain by enhancing students’ learning experience and empowering young people.
Online film circulation, copyright enforcement and the access to culture: The Italian case
Authors: Re Valentina
Published: April 2015

Despite the general emphasis on the positive implications of digital disruption in terms of freedom, democratization, disintermediation and cultural diversity, the digital impact on film production and distribution is more complex and nuanced, and maybe less disruptive, than what we would be inclined to believe. With respect to the effects of digital media on the film industry this article aims to provide an insight into film circulation in the digital environment, and into the multiple ways in which the Internet can affect and especially undermine the traditional system of film distribution. Based on this general framework, the article also aims to map the main features of contemporary Italian online distribution ecology, with particular reference to the quality of access to film culture and to the copyright issue. The article is structured into six sections. The first three sections provide a general contextualization and address in particular the relationships between the Internet and the window release system (Section 1), the question of piracy (Section 2), the changes in gatekeeping mechanisms and patterns of demand, and the issue of access (Section 3). The remaining three sections focus on the Italian context: Section 4 presents the main theoretical categories used to map contemporary Italian online film distribution; Section 5 discusses the main features of the map; finally, Section 6 provides an insight into the current legal framework and scope of the new Italian ‘Regulation about copyright protection in electronic communication networks’, ratified by AGCOM in December 2013.
From documentary truth to historical evidence: The images of the Genoa G8 protests and the construction of public memory
Authors: Capelli Claudia
Published: April 2015

This article looks at the process of construction of a national memory of the 2001 Genoa G8 Summit Conference in Italy through the analysis of the audio-visual documentation of the event and of the meanings and forms it has acquired over the years. I argue that the context of production of these documents and the prolonged conflict over their interpretation has made them a fundamental element for the public memory of the event. In fact, the specificities of this case make it comparable to other divisive historical events that have represented ‘difficult pasts’ or ‘cultural traumas’ for entire nations, and can therefore be analysed within the same theoretical framework. In particular, I examine the documentaries produced by Global Justice Movement activists in the wake of the two days of violence and riots that accompanied the works of the conference, and the first docudrama to be entirely dedicated to the event, Diaz. Don’t Clean Up This Blood (2012) by Daniele Vicari.
Exploring Aggressive Legalism: Is Now A Good Time to Promote This Approach in Greater Asia?
Authors: Lu Yi
Published: April 2015

Aggressive legalism, a trade policy-making strategy targeted at actively utilizing WTO rules to defend trade interests, has greatly benefited major Eastern Asian countries in past years. This paper examines whether this strategy should be promoted around greater Asia in this era. First, this paper updates the status of adoption of aggressive legalism in East Asian countries including Japan, Korea and China. Second, it looks into the current and possible future utilization of the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism by selected countries which are frequent “targets” of trade remedy measures, namely India, Thailand and Indonesia. Finally, it discusses the participation of Asian developing countries in the WTO. Relying upon case studies and statistical analysis, the author finds that Asian countries’ rising image in international trade signals a trend of adopting aggressive legalism in Great Asia. This trend will undoubtedly promote the energetic development of international trade globally. However, room for more progressive participation in the WTO still exists, especially in developing countries.
Rationale for using data on biological variation
Authors: Ricós Carmen , Álvarez Virtudes , Perich Carmen , Fernández-Calle Pilar , Minchinela Joana , Cava Fernando , Biosca Carmen , Boned Beatriz , Doménech Mariví , García-Lario José Vicente , Simón Margarita , Fernández Pilar Fernández , Diaz-Garzón Jorge , González-Lao Elisabet
Published: April 2015

The aims of this study are: 1) to use the data included in the biological variation (BV) database to address the usability of BV estimates; and 2) to use different examples from the authors’ laboratories to illustrate the use and the usefulness of BV data in laboratory medicine. The BV database is an essential tool for laboratory management. Examples of application of data derived from BV are given in this paper, such as analytical performance specifications that have been included in various quality control software designed to optimize operative rules; also they have been incorporated as acceptability limits in external quality assurance reports. BV data from pathological status are of utmost interest for monitoring patients and differences between the intra-individual coefficients of variation (CV
Performance criteria for reference measurement procedures and reference materials
Authors: Schimmel Heinz , Zegers Ingrid
Published: April 2015

The concept of metrological traceability of measurement results to property values assigned to measurement standards of higher metrological order or to the International System of Units (SI) through sequential calibrations, using reference materials and reference measurement procedures, plays a key role in ensuring that end user measurement procedures perform at an acceptable level in the clinical context. The aim is that measurement results produced over time or by different end users or with different end user measurement procedures for the same measurand will be equivalent within their corresponding uncertainties. These goals can only be reached under certain conditions and if requirements laid down in international standards on calibration concepts, reference measurement procedures and reference materials are fulfilled. Calibration hierarchies have to be implemented correctly and parameters contributing to measurement uncertainty and systematic bias need to be controlled and eliminated, respectively, by technically improving methods and reference materials and intermediate calibrators used for effectively achieving equivalence of measurement results and for meeting analytical performance requirements for in vitro diagnostic devices.
University students’ plurilingual profiles in a French frontier city: Similarities and differences between more and less plurilingual students
Authors: Toffoli Denyze
Published: April 2015

Plurilingualism has been targeted as an objective of the European Commission and its deployment is naturally thought to originate in the education sector. A recent study of the Commission (
Multilingual and multicultural task-based learning scenarios: A pilot study from the MAGGIC project
Authors: Álvarez Inma , Pérez-Cavana María Luisa
Published: April 2015

In this article we report on the results of a pilot study on the use of task-based multilingual and multicultural professional scenarios for higher education teachers and learners at BA and MA level. The scenarios reflect new learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the presently under-conceptualised domain of communication in multilingual and multicultural settings (as opposed to monolingual regimes). The study was conducted as part of the work of the MAGICC project (Modularising Multilingual and Multicultural Academic Communication Competence for BA and MA level), which focused on the design of a conceptual framework based on existing practices, initiatives, tools, projects and elements from the
Collaborative learning and the joint construction of knowledge and understanding
Authors: Burkert Anja
Published: April 2015

This article reports on a small-scale study conducted among first and second-year students of English at the University of Graz in the winter semester 2013–2014. The aim of the study was to determine the extent to which students in their peer-group interactions were using language efficiently as a means of thinking and learning together. To this end, audio-recordings were made of pairs and groups of students working collaboratively on various tasks in three different English language classes. The article begins by briefly reviewing previous work on the joint construction of knowledge and understanding via learner-to-learner talk. Although this work pertains to collaborative learning in learners’ L1, the participants in the study, most of whom were future teachers of English, communicated in the target language at B2 level and thus seemed to constitute a group of learners to whom the literature equally applied. The next part of the article describes the teaching/learning context and the pedagogical approach followed, which is guided by the principles of learner autonomy. This is followed by an analysis of three transcripts of audio-recordings, and the article concludes by considering the implications for future practice of the insights gained.
Role taking for teletandem pairs involved in multimodal online conversation: Some proposals for counseling practice
Authors: Cappellini Marco , Mompean Annick Rivens
Published: April 2015

In this article we consider how the roles of learner and teacher are configured in a teletandem exchange between two students working in a university language centre with no external tutor present. Teletandem is a multilateral exchange (
Racing for the Target
Authors: Han Lifeng
Published: April 2015

The imperial boat-racing event, known as ‘Racing for the Target’ in the Northern Song capital Kaifeng in spring, was created at the close of the reunification campaign when the focus of the state policy was shifted towards internal cohesion. It signified the power and great order of the newly reunited empire. Through the re-interpretation of the event and its emulation at the local level, an imperial cultural language of boat racing was forged. It also allowed the imperial symbolism of ‘Racing for the Target’ to be communicated through the fabric of society. This paper treats performance and pageantry as a field of meaning production. It uses ‘Racing for the Target’ as an example to examine how symbols can be manipulated in the display of power. It argues that through the performance of ‘Racing for the Target’ the Song state with its political apparatus sought to establish its dominance over the symbolism of boat racing. Other versions of interpretation therefore were compelled to be confined within the imperial context.
The Mirror in-between Picture and Mind
Authors: Sonesson Göran
Published: April 2015

The claim of cognitive semiotics to offer something new to semiotics rests on the ambition to bring together the research traditions of semiotics and cognitive science. Our focus has been on using the empirical approach of cognitive science in investigating semiotic issues. At the same time, however, phenomenological description plays a major part in preparing the studies and integrating their results, which is what is offered here. Eco has claimed that the mirror is not a sign, but once the notion of sign is specified, the mirror image is seen to be a perfect instance of it. It is no accident that the Gallup test, which is supposed to demonstrate the emergence of the self, starts having a positive result concurrently with the picture understanding. In contrast, mental images are not images and thus not signs. They are presentifications, i.e., a means for making something present, in the sense characterized by Husserl, and by such followers as Marbach and Thompson. We however argue that Husserl’s model of picture consciousness is incomplete, and that Thompson’s study of mental images lacks clarity because of the absence of any real comparison to pictures.
Product graphs, sum-product graphs and sum-product estimates over finite rings
Authors: Vinh Le Anh
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we study the product and sum-product graphs defined over the residue ring mod m. We show that all (or almost all) systems of dot-product equations are solvable in any sufficiently large subset ℰ ⊂ ℤ
m

d
. We also prove some results on sum-product estimates in ℤ
m
.
How the Goodman Read His Bible
Authors: Sutherland Bobbi
Published: April 2015

Though best known for its “cookbook” portion, the Menagier de Paris contains a wide miscellany of information. Written by a man for his fifteen-year-old wife, it teaches her to be a good wife in every sense of the word. It includes a treatise on the seven deadly sins and stories of good and bad women, many of which are drawn from the Bible. Recent scholarship has shown that contrary to long-standing assumptions, the Bible was widely known and read by the laity of the Middle Ages, especially in France and the Low Countries. The Menagier provides further support for these observations, as well as a fleshed-out example of how one member of the bourgeoisie interacted with the biblical text. Using the biblical text and commentaries, the author clearly interprets the church's teachings so as to fit his own lay context. He is unafraid to add to the biblical text in order to bring his characters to life or strengthen his points. The author of the Menagier is only one person, but he demonstrates the degree of devotion to and familiarity with the Bible that was possible for laymen of the late Middle Ages.
Stravinsky and U2 Fix Psalm 40
Authors: Lewis Andrew Zack
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the reception of Psalm 40 by Igor Stravinsky in the second movement of his “Symphony of Psalms” and by U2 in their song “40,” the final track on their 1983 album War. Though both limit their reception to only the first three verses of the psalm, their appropriation of the text indicates two different interpretations of the psalm within the Canon. Stravinsky places the verses between the concluding verses of Psalm 39 and the entirety of Psalm 150, the result of which is a typical personal lament psalm made up of lament, petition, assurance, and praise—a very different structure than the canonical Psalm 40's assurance followed by lament. U2's appropriation, on the other hand, is arguably more faithful to the text of the canonical Psalm 40 in that its concluding lyrics hearken back to the harrowing opening track of their album, the “lament” “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” The paper concludes by arguing that both Stravinsky and U2 remain faithful to the spirit of the psalter as a whole by re-appropriating the words of the psalmist for each musician's own Sitz I’m Leben.
Childhood and Eternity: On Unamuno's Tragic Pedagogy
Authors: Ariso José María
Published: April 2015

The present article seeks to describe the main lines of what Unamuno regarded as an adequate pedagogy for the child to enjoy a genuine and long childhood, which makes it easier for him to become a man of intense interior life and great historical value, provided that such childhood remains close to his heart. To show more clearly what a suitable pedagogy for Unamuno would consist of, it will also be explained why he considered an excessive submission to scientific pedagogy as pernicious for children's development.
Encuentro de dos mundos y sistema de valores
Authors: Pleszkun-Olejniczakowa Elżbieta , Grzegorzewska Kinga
Published: April 2015

El texto empieza recordando brevemente la clasificación de culturas de alto y de bajo contexto con una descripción de estos fenómenos. Asimismo se reflexiona sobre la cuestión de contactos entre distintas culturas. Para llegar a la esencia del tema, se hizo un viaje atrás en la historia para demostrar la causa del encuentro entre el Viejo y el Nuevo Mundo y las premisas que llevaron a los españoles durante la conquista. Se analizaron también los valores de los conquistadores españoles que salían a América. Dichas prioridades se compararon con la jerarquía de valores asumida por los anglosajones durante la conquista de la América del Norte.
Kindred Narratives
Authors: Durham Aisha
Published: April 2015

Durham reinterprets home and reimagines the storied lives of black women by fusing her experience with those described by author Robin M. Boylorn in Sweetwater. Boylorn privileges African diasporic storytelling traditions, such as orality. Durham employs them and provides a complementary performance narrative to recount Southern black girlhood in Sweetwater NC, and Tidewater, VA.
An Unsettled I
Authors: Spry Tami
Published: April 2015

Robin M. Boylorn's Sweetwater caused me to examine stereotypes that claw at my own background—deeply racist aunts and uncles refused to think beyond an ignorance of the other, allowing them to find some class-based solace in relation to their own feelings of sociocultural worthlessness. In the tradition of good scholarship, Robin's work invites me to unnerve my own whitegirlness, to unsettle this racially reifying practice and, with all of the pedagogical potentiality of performance, hopefully, to engage a conversation privileging a continued critical and communal reflexivity.
Staging Black Girl Utopias
Authors: Brown Ruth Nicole , Callier Durell Maurice , Garner Porshe R. , Hill Dominique C. , Olayiwola Porsha , Robinson Jessica L.
Published: April 2015

This performative text places in conversation the work of Saving Our Lives Hear Our Truths (SOLHOT), a practice of black girlhood celebration, with Robin M. Boylorn's Sweetwater. Both SOLHOT's archive of original poetry, movement, and music and Boylorn's Sweetwater document the power and potential of listening to and being transformed by black women and girls' truths. Building on the legacy of black feminist writing traditions, this piece celebrates brilliant women and girls who testify to their lives, the labor of writing and creating (sometimes alone and sometimes collectively), and ourselves as critical witnesses to the people, rural spaces, and imaginations that have grown us up.
Identification of target genes for a prolactin family paralog in mouse decidua
Authors: Alam S M Khorshed , Konno Toshihiro , Soares Michael J
Published: April 2015

Prolactin family 8, subfamily a, member 2 (PRL8A2; also called decidual prolactin-related protein; dPRP) is a member of the expanded prolactin family. PRL8A2 is expressed in the uterine decidua and contributes to pregnancy-dependent adaptations to hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to identify gene targets for PRL8A2 action within the uteroplacental compartment. Affymetrix DNA microarray analysis was performed for RNA samples from WT andPrl8a2null tissues. Validation of the DNA microarray was performed using quantitative RT-PCR. Nine genes were confirmed with decreased expression inPrl8a2null tissues (e.g.Klk7,Rimklb,Arhgef6,Calm4,Sprr2h,Prl4a1,Ccl27,Lipg,andHtra3). These include potential decidual, endothelial and trophoblast cell targets positively regulated by PRL8A2. A significant upregulation ofDerl3,Herpud1,Creld2,Hsp90b1,Ddit3andHspa5was identified inPrl8a2null tissues, reflecting an increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. ER stress genes were prominently expressed in the uterine decidua. We propose that PRL8A2 is a mediator of progesterone-dependent modulation of intrauterine responses to physiological stressors.
Classic Tumor Markers in Gastric Cancer. Current Standards and Limitations
Authors: Căinap Călin , Nagy Viorica , Gherman Alexandra , Cetean Sanziana , Laszlo Istvan , Constantin Anne-Marie , Căinap Simona
Published: April 2015

The progress made in the last few years made available a large amount of information that needs to be integrated and ordered by oncologists. Tumor markers are one of the pieces that physicians need to fit into the bigger puzzle. This article will detail the most frequent etiologies for the surges in the AFP, HCG, PSA, CEA, CA 15-3, CA 19-9 serum levels and their indications.Although tumor markers are an invaluable asset to medical practice, their role in screening, diagnosis and oncologic treatment remains poorly standardized. Ongoing or future clinical trials will shed light on pending problems.