bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Journalistic engagement patterns and power relations: Corpus evidence from Chinese and Australian hard news reporting
Authors: Huan Changpeng
Published: November 2015

In this article, I explore the ways in which journalists engage with different news sources in Chinese and Australian hard news. Based on the analysis of a comparable corpus of Chinese and Australian hard news reporting on risk events, the study investigates the cultural variability of engagement patterns and indicates how text patterns point to distinctions in the ways the power relations are reproduced in news production processes. Corpus findings show that Chinese and Australian journalists mediate news sources of different statuses in different ways. Chinese journalists tend to close down the dialogic space of elite sources but to open up that of ordinary citizens’ sources. Australian journalists tend to contract the dialogic space of elite sources as much as they expand it. It is argued that such different patterns of engaging with news sources are related to the power relations between journalists and news sources in each context.
Misattribution of Affective Coherence Versus Incoherence in Subsequent Judgments
Authors: Randell J. Adam , Randolph-Seng Brandon , Hurst Ashalee , Reich Darcy A.
Published: November 2015

People experience pleasantness when they act toward a stimulus in an affectively coherent (e.g., approaching positive stimuli and avoiding negative stimuli) versus incoherent manner. Nevertheless, it is unclear how misattributing this pleasantness resulting from affective coherence can impact human judgment. To this end, we examined the impact of misattributing the pleasantness of affective coherence to a subsequent target (Study 1), depending on the saliency of the target (Study 2). We found that experiencing affective coherence led to more positive impressions of subsequently encountered targets than did experiencing affective incoherence. These results expand our understanding of the role affect can play in human judgment. We discuss some limitations and implications of these findings.
Why do people engage in interpersonal emotion regulation at work?
Authors: Niven Karen
Published: November 2015

People in organizations often try to change the feelings of those they interact with. Research in this area has to date focused on how people try to regulate others’ emotions, with less attention paid to understanding the reasons why. This paper presents a theoretical framework that proposes three overarching dimensions of motivations for interpersonal emotion regulation at work, relating to the extent to which regulation is motivated by autonomy (intrinsic vs. extrinsic), relatedness (prosocial vs. egoistic), and competence (performance- vs. pleasure-oriented). Combining these dimensions suggests eight possible categories of motives that underlie interpersonal emotion regulation. The framework enables new predictions about how motives influence the types of emotions elicited in others, the strategies employed, and the effectiveness of interpersonal emotion regulation in organizations.
Data critique and analytical opportunities for very large Facebook Pages: Lessons learned from exploring “We are all Khaled Said”
Authors: Rieder Bernhard , Abdulla Rasha , Poell Thomas , Woltering Robbert , Zack Liesbeth
Published: November 2015

This paper discusses the empirical, Application Programming Interface (API)-based analysis of very large Facebook Pages. Looking in detail at the technical characteristics, conventions, and peculiarities of Facebook’s architecture and data interface, we argue that such technical fieldwork is essential to data-driven research, both as a crucial form of data critique and as a way to identify analytical opportunities. Using the “We are all Khaled Said” Facebook Page, which hosted the activities of nearly 1.9 million users during the Egyptian Revolution and beyond, as empirical example, we show how Facebook’s API raises important questions about data detail, completeness, consistency over time, and architectural complexity. We then outline an exploratory approach and a number of analytical techniques that take the API and its idiosyncrasies as a starting point for the concrete investigation of a large dataset. Our goal is to close the gap between Big Data research and research about Big Data by showing that the critical investigation of technicity is essential for empirical research and that attention to the particularities of empirical work can provide a deeper understanding of the various issues Big Data research is entangled with.
Confirmatory factor analysis and invariance testing between Blacks and Whites of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale
Authors: LaNoue Marianna , Harvey Abby , Mautner Dawn , Ku Bon , Scott Kevin
Published: November 2015

The factor structure of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale remains in question. Additionally, research on health belief differences between Black and White respondents suggests that the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale may not be invariant. We reviewed the literature regarding the latent variable structure of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale, used confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the three-factor structure of the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, and analyzed between-group differences in the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control structure and means across Black and White respondents. Our results indicate differences in means and structure, indicating more research is needed to inform decisions regarding whether and how to deploy the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control appropriately.
Medical History and Physical Findings in Football Players of Different Ages and Skill Levels
Authors: Junge Astrid , Dvorak Jiri , Chomiak Jiri , Peterson Lars , Graf-Baumann Toni
Published: November 2015

The physical and physiologic demands of football on its participants become more pronounced as the level of competition increases. The aim of this study was to compare the medical history and physical findings in players from different levels of play as well as to analyze the relationship between pathologic findings in the joints of the lower extremities and the medical history. Five hundred eighty-eight football players from eight age and skill levels were investigated. The medical histories of the players were obtained by questionnaire. A physical examination conducted by specially trained physicians incorporated anthropometric and body fat measurements and examination of the spine and the hip, knee, foot, and great toe joints. On average, the players reported 6.6 (SD, 8.8) previous injuries. At the time of the examination, 136 players (24%) still felt the effects of a previous injury. Almost one-quarter of the players (134, 23%) had a pathologic finding in either the right or left knee, and even more players (162, 28%) had a pathologic anterior drawer sign either in the right or left ankle. A correlation was found between the location of the pathologic findings and the preferred leg for playing football. We recommend that further research should address the prevalence of pathologic findings and complaints in football players as well as the secondary structural changes that may occur as the result of playing football.
Assessment and Evaluation of Football Performance
Authors: Rosch Dieter , Hodgson Roy , Peterson Lars , Graf-Baumann Toni , Junge Astrid , Chomiak Jiri , Dvorak Jiri
Published: November 2015

The most important variables for measuring performance in team sports such as football are physical condition and technical and tactical performance. However, because of the complexity of the game of football it is difficult to ascertain the relative importance of each of these variables. The aim of the present study was to develop a standardized test battery to evaluate physical performance in football players. The F-MARC test battery was designed to closely relate to the football player's normal activity and comprised a functional, structured training session of approximately 2.5 hours. It included a “quality rating” of the warm-up procedure, tests of flexibility, football skills, power, speed, and endurance. The players finished with a cool-down. A total of 588 football players underwent the F-MARC test battery. Mean values for performance on each test are presented for groups of differing age and skill levels. The test battery proved to be a feasible instrument to assess both physical performance and football skills. This study supports the proposal by Balsom (1994) that analysis of an individual player's physical profile, in relation to mean values for a similar age group and skill level, might be of assistance to the coach in objectively evaluating the effects of a specific training program. It may also be of use to the physician and physical therapist responsible for monitoring progress during rehabilitation after football injuries.
Incidence of Football Injuries in Youth Players
Authors: Junge Astrid , Chomiak Jiri , Dvorak Jiri
Published: November 2015

Several authors have investigated the frequency of football injuries in youth players. However, the results of these studies are inconsistent because of the different age groups investigated and the different methods applied. The aim of the present study was to compare the incidence and characteristics of football injuries in youth players of two European regions. A total of 444 youth players from the Czech Republic and the Alsace region of France and Germany were followed weekly for 1 year. In 311 players (70%), complete weekly follow-ups over the 1-year period were available. The comparison of injury data revealed no substantial differences between players from the Alsace region and the Czech Republic in injury incidence per 1000 hours of exposure, degree of injury severity, or the circumstances in which the injuries occurred. However, players from the Czech Republic spent more time in training and playing football than did players from the Alsace region, and in the Czech Republic a higher proportion of injuries was caused by foul play. With only a few exceptions, the statistics were similar in the amount of football played as well as in the incidence of injury between different age and skill levels in both European regions.
Incidence of Football Injuries and Complaints in Different Age Groups and Skill-Level Groups
Authors: Peterson Lars , Junge Astrid , Chomiak Jiri , Graf-Baumann Toni , Dvorak Jiri
Published: November 2015

In this study, the incidence of football injuries and complaints as related to different age groups and skill levels was studied over the period of 1 year. All injuries and complaints as well as the amount of time players spent in training and games were recorded. All injured players were examined weekly by physicians, and all injuries were assessed according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), which describes them in terms of injury type and location, the treatment required, and the duration of subsequent performance limitations. A total of 264 players of different age groups and skill levels was observed for 1 year. Five hundred fifty-eight injuries were documented. Two hundred sixteen players had one or more injuries. Only 48 players (18%) had no injury. The average number of injuries per player per year was 2.1. Injuries were classified as mild (52%), moderate (33%), or severe (15%). Almost 50% of all injuries were contact injuries; half of all the contact injuries were associated with foul play. The majority of injuries were strains and sprains involving the ankle, knee, and lumbar spine. Nearly all players (91%) suffered from complaints related to football. Only 23 players reported no injuries and no complaints. Prevention programs, fair play, and continuing education in techniques and skills may reduce the incidence of injuries over time.
Severe Injuries in Football Players
Authors: Chomiak Jiri , Junge Astrid , Peterson Lars , Dvorak Jiri
Published: November 2015

The aims of this prospective study were to analyze factors related to the occurrence of severe football injuries in players of different ages (14 to 42 years) and different skill levels (local teams to first league teams). In the Czech Republic, 398 players were followed up for 1 year, during which time they sustained 686 injuries. Of these, 113 (16.5%) were severe injuries. Ninety-seven severe injuries (86%) were able to be documented in detail. Trauma was the cause of 81.5% of the injuries and overuse was the cause of 18.5%. Joint sprains predominated (30%), followed by fractures (16%), muscle strains (15%), ligament ruptures (12%), meniscal tears and contusions (8%), and other injuries. Injuries to the knee were most prevalent (29%), followed by injuries to the ankle (19%) and spine (9%). More injuries occurred during games (59%) than in practice. Twenty-four percent of the injured players had suffered a previous injury of the same body part. Forty-six percent of injuries were caused by contact and 54% involved no body contact. Thirty-one percent of severe injuries were caused by foul play. From these results and the analysis of injuries in specific body parts, the following factors were determined to influence the occurrence of severe injuries: 1) personal factors (intrinsic): age of player, previous injuries, joint instability, abnormality of the spine, poor physical condition, poor football skills, or inadequate treatment and rehabilitation of injuries; 2) environmental factors (extrinsic): subjective exercise overload during practices and games, amount and quality of training, playing field conditions, equipment (wearing of shin guards and taping) and violations of existing rules (foul play).
Risk Factor Analysis for Injuries in Football Players
Authors: Dvorak Jiri , Junge Astrid , Chomiak Jiri , Graf-Baumann Toni , Peterson Lars , Rosch Dieter , Hodgson Roy
Published: November 2015

Review of the literature shows that information concerning risk factors for football injuries is incomplete and partly contradictory. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of medical history, physical findings, football skills, and football performance, as well as psychosocial characteristics on the occurrence and severity of football injuries. The prospective outline of the study was as follows: after a baseline examination was performed to ascertain possible predictors of injury, all players were followed up weekly for 1 year to register subsequent injuries and complaints. Two hundred sixty-four of 398 players (67%) had complete weekly follow-ups over 1 year. A majority of the players ( N = 216; 82%) were injured during the observation period. In comparing injured and uninjured players, several differences were observed. To create a multidimensional predictor score for football injuries, 17 risk factors were selected. These risk factors covered a wide spectrum, such as previous injuries, acute complaints, inadequate rehabilitation, poor health awareness, high life-event stress, playing characteristics, poor reaction time, poor endurance, and insufficient preparation for games. By summing up the individual risk factors, a predictive sum was calculated for each player. The more risk factors present at the baseline examination, the higher the probability of that player incurring an injury in the ensuing year. Using two risk factors as the cut-off score, more than 80% of the players were correctly classified as to whether they went on to incur an injury. Based on these findings, knowledge from the literature, and practical experience, possibilities for a prevention program are suggested.
Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents: improving the therapeutic index
Authors: Kelly Kara M.
Published: November 2015

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a highly curable form of childhood cancer, with estimated 5 year survival rates exceeding 98%. However, the establishment of a “standard of care” approach to its management is complicated by the recognition that long-term overall survival declines in part from delayed effects of therapy and that there continue to be subgroups of patients at risk for relapse for which prognostic criteria cannot adequately define. This challenge has resulted in the development of various strategies aimed at identifying the optimal balance between maintaining overall survival and avoidance of long-term morbidity of therapy, often representing strategies quite different from those used for adults with HL. More precise risk stratification and methods for assessing the chemosensitivity of HL through imaging studies and biomarkers are in evolution. Recent advances in the understanding of the biology of HL have led to the introduction of targeted therapies in both the frontline and relapsed settings. However, significant barriers exist in the development of new combination therapies, necessitating collaborative studies across pediatric HL research consortia and in conjunction with adult groups for the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population with HL.
Eliminating minimal residual disease as a therapeutic end point: working toward cure for patients with CLL
Authors: Thompson Philip A. , Wierda William G.
Published: November 2015

Deep remission and prolonged disease-free survival can be achieved with first-line chemoimmunotherapy (CIT), such as combined fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab, in the majority of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). More modest results are reported with less intense regimens like obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil. Clinical assessment has limited sensitivity in detecting residual disease responsible for subsequent relapse, even including morphologic bone marrow (BM) evaluation. Multicolor flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods can detect minimal residual disease (MRD) to a sensitivity of ≥1:10 000 (10−4). Achieving BM MRD-negative complete remission (CR) is associated with superior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival; MRD status is the single best posttreatment predictor of long-term outcomes after CIT. Newer oral B-cell receptor signaling pathway inhibitors are highly effective at controlling disease, but best monotherapy responses are typically partial remission, and patients must remain on treatment to maintain disease control. Therapeutic progress is still needed for CLL. We propose that targeting MRD provides opportunity to realize this progress. Achieving BM MRD-negative CR is a prerequisite for long-term unmaintained disease-free survival and potential for cure. We review available methodologies for detecting MRD and correlations with posttreatment outcomes. We discuss the potential utility of MRD to direct individualized therapy. Finally, we discuss the importance of MRD-negative status as a surrogate marker for longer PFS in clinical studies to allow more rapid determination of clinical benefit.
Inductive properties of fixed point sets of mappings on posets and on partially ordered topological spaces
Authors: Li Jinlu
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we prove several fixed point theorems on both posets and partially ordered topological spaces for set-valued mappings. We also provide the inductive properties of the sets of fixed points for some order-increasing mappings.
Proposing Essential Medicines to Treat Cancer: Methodologies, Processes, and Outcomes
Authors: Shulman Lawrence N. , Wagner Claire M. , Barr Ronald , Lopes Gilberto , Longo Giuseppe , Robertson Jane , Forte Gilles , Torode Julie , Magrini Nicola
Published: November 2015

Purpose

A great proportion of the world's cancer burden resides in low- and middle-income countries where cancer care infrastructure is often weak or absent. Although treatment of cancer is multidisciplinary, involving surgery, radiation, systemic therapies, pathology, radiology, and other specialties, selection of medicines that have impact and are affordable has been particularly challenging in resource-constrained settings. In 2014, at the invitation of the WHO, the Union for International Cancer Control convened experts to develop an approach to propose essential cancer medicines to be included in the WHO Model Essential Medicines Lists (EML) for Adults and for Children, as well as a resulting new list of cancer medicines.

Methods

Experts identified 29 cancer types with potential for maximal treatment impact, on the basis of incidence and benefit of systemic therapies. More than 90 oncology experts from all continents drafted and reviewed disease-based documents outlining epidemiology, diagnostic needs, treatment options, and benefits and toxicities.

Results

Briefing documents were created for each disease, along with associated standard treatment regimens, resulting in a list of 52 cancer medicines. A comprehensive application was submitted as a revision to the existing cancer medicines on the WHO Model Lists. In May 2015, the WHO announced the addition of 16 medicines to the Adult EML and nine medicines to the Children's EML.

Conclusion

The list of medications proposed, and the ability to link each recommended medicine to specific diseases, should allow public officials to apply resources most effectively in developing and supporting nascent or growing cancer treatment programs.
Cancer Genomics: Diversity and Disparity Across Ethnicity and Geography
Authors: Tan Daniel S.W. , Mok Tony S.K. , Rebbeck Timothy R.
Published: November 2015

Ethnic and geographic differences in cancer incidence, prognosis, and treatment outcomes can be attributed to diversity in the inherited (germline) and somatic genome. Although international large-scale sequencing efforts are beginning to unravel the genomic underpinnings of cancer traits, much remains to be known about the underlying mechanisms and determinants of genomic diversity. Carcinogenesis is a dynamic, complex phenomenon representing the interplay between genetic and environmental factors that results in divergent phenotypes across ethnicities and geography. For example, compared with whites, there is a higher incidence of prostate cancer among Africans and African Americans, and the disease is generally more aggressive and fatal. Genome-wide association studies have identified germline susceptibility loci that may account for differences between the African and non-African patients, but the lack of availability of appropriate cohorts for replication studies and the incomplete understanding of genomic architecture across populations pose major limitations. We further discuss the transformative potential of routine diagnostic evaluation for actionable somatic alterations, using lung cancer as an example, highlighting implications of population disparities, current hurdles in implementation, and the far-reaching potential of clinical genomics in enhancing cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. As we enter the era of precision cancer medicine, a concerted multinational effort is key to addressing population and genomic diversity as well as overcoming barriers and geographical disparities in research and health care delivery.
Medical Education and Training: Building In-Country Capacity at All Levels
Authors: Chite Asirwa Fredrick , Greist Anne , Busakhala Naftali , Rosen Barry , Loehrer Patrick J.
Published: November 2015

Poorly trained workers and limited workforce capacity contribute immensely to barriers in cancer control in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Because of an increasing disease burden and the gap in trained personnel, it is critical that LMICs must develop appropriate in-country training programs at all levels to adequately address their cancer-related outcomes. The training in LMICs of cancer health personnel should address priority cancer diseases in the specific country by developing caregivers, trainers, researchers, and administrators at all levels of health care and all cadres of staff, from the community level to the national level. The Academic Model of Providing Access to Health care is a representative model of how a public tertiary hospital like the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in an LMIC setting can leverage its resources, collaborate with partners from high-resource countries, and assist in the development of a training center to spearhead a sustainable education program.
On the Relationship between the Normal Incidence Airborne Sound-excited and the Structurally-excited Sound Radiation from a Wall: A Theoretical Trial with Simplified Models
Authors: Yairi Motoki , Sakagami Kimihiro , Nishibara Kosuke , Okuzono Takeshi
Published: November 2015

Sound transmission and sound radiation by force excitation of a plate are both basic and important problems in acoustics. Both the sound transmission and force excited sound radiation are basically the same phenomena, i.e., sound radiation from a vibrating plate, and the difference is the type of the excitation force, i.e., surrounding sound field or mechanical force. However, their relationship has not been explicitly discussed. If the relationship is known, it should be useful for comprehensive understanding of those phenomena, and to gain insight into relevant problems. In this study, simplified theoretical analyses to find a possibility to obtain a relationship between the sound transmission and force-excited sound radiation of a sigle-leaf plate of infinite extent are carried out with simplified models. As a result, it is suggested that there is a conversion factor which relates the sound transmission and force-excited sound radiation, and its behavior is discussed through numerical examples. Even though the present analyses are approximated and simple, this result suggests that there is a possibility, with further sophisticated studies, for practical applications.
Improvement of Façades' Sound Insulation of Schools near the Bergamo - Orio al Serio International Airport: Case Study
Authors: Torchia Francesca , Ricciardi Paola , Scrosati Chiara , Scamoni Fabio
Published: November 2015

In recent years the acoustic qualification of buildings has gained more and more importance at international level. Building renovation is one of the most common ways to improve the acoustic quality of the existing buildings; in particular, schools buildings are the ones that need more attention. In this context, the sound insulation requirements, especially for buildings near airport zones, play a role of primary importance.

This paper analyses the data of a campaign of inspections and on-site measurements of façade sound insulation, concerning five public school buildings, close to the international airport of Bergamo - Orio al Serio.

The analysis consisted in checking the sound insulation of buildings, after selecting classrooms with common characteristics, based on an accurate preliminary investigation involving more than 395 different characteristics of frames and glass windows. After having determined the D2 m,nT,w, the most appropriate technological solutions for a refurbishment project were determined. Finally, the improved façade sound insulation was verified.

The refurbishment project took place in 15 classrooms, characterised by a pre-treatment D2 m,nT,w lower than 38 dB. Experimental post-treatment results showed that all classrooms satisfied the required basic performance of D2 m,nT,w, and 13 of them fulfilled the high performance requirement of 43 dB, established in the Italian acoustic classification.
Systematic study of cis-antisense miRNAs in animal species reveals miR-3661 to target PPP2CA in human cells
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Zongcheng , Liu Bailong , Chen Guangnan , Shao Ningsheng , Ying Xiaomin , Wang Ya
Published: November 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) suppress targeting gene expression through blocking translation or triggering mRNA degradation and, in general, act in trans, through a partially complementary interaction with the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) or coding regions of a target gene. Although it has been reported previously that some miRNAs suppress their target genes on the opposite strand with a fully complementary sequence (i.e., natural antisense miRNAs that act in cis), there is no report to systematically study such cis-antisense miRNAs in different animal species. Here we report that cis-antisense miRNAs do exist in different animal species: 48 in Caenorhabditis elegans, 17 in Drosophila, 36 in Mus musculus, and 52 in Homo sapiens using a systematical bioinformatics approach. We show that most of these cis-antisense miRNAs can efficiently reduce the expression levels of their target genes in human cells. We further investigate hsa-miR-3661, one of the predicted cis-antisense miRNAs, in detail and demonstrate that this miRNA directly targets the coding sequence of PPP2CA located on the opposite DNA strand and inhibits the PPP2CA expression. Taken together, these results indicate that cis-antisense miRNAs are conservative and functional in animal species including humans.
Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship of anesthetic drugs: from modeling to clinical use
Authors: Billard Valerie
Published: November 2015

Anesthesia is a combination of unconsciousness, amnesia, and analgesia, expressed in sleeping patients by limited reaction to noxious stimulations. It is achieved by several classes of drugs, acting mainly on central nervous system. Compared to other therapeutic families, the anesthetic drugs, administered by intravenous or pulmonary route, are quickly distributed in the blood and induce in a few minutes effects that are fully reversible within minutes or hours. These effects change in parallel with the concentration of the drug, and the concentration time course of the drug follows with a reasonable precision mathematical models based on the Fick principle.

Therefore, understanding concentration time course allows adjusting the dosing delivery scheme in order to control the effects.  

The purpose of this short review is to describe the basis of pharmacokinetics and modeling, the concentration-effects relationship, and drug interactions modeling to offer to anesthesiologists and non-anesthesiologists an overview of the rules to follow to optimize anesthetic drug delivery.
Current controversies in infective endocarditis
Authors: Cahill Thomas J. , Prendergast Bernard D.
Published: November 2015

Infective endocarditis is a life-threatening disease caused by a focus of infection within the heart. For clinicians and scientists, it has been a moving target that has an evolving microbiology and a changing patient demographic. In the absence of an extensive evidence base to guide clinical practice, controversies abound. Here, we review three main areas of uncertainty: first, in prevention of infective endocarditis, including the role of antibiotic prophylaxis and strategies to reduce health care-associated bacteraemia; second, in diagnosis, specifically the use of multimodality imaging; third, we discuss the optimal timing of surgical intervention and the challenges posed by increasing rates of cardiac device infection.
Solving the real eigenvalues of hermitian quadratic eigenvalue problems via bisection
Authors: Li Hao , Cai Yunfeng
Published: November 2015

This paper considers solving the real eigenvalues of the Quadratic Eigenvalue Problem (QEP) Q(\lambda)x =(\lambda^2M+\lambdaC+K)x = 0 in a given interval (a, b), where the coefficient matrices M, C, K are Hermitian and M is nonsingular. First, an inertia theorem for the QEP is proven, which characterizes the difference of inertia index between Hermitian matrices Q(a) and Q(b). Several useful corollaries are then obtained, where it is shown that the number of real eigenvalues of QEP Q(\lambda)x = 0 in the interval (a, b) is no less than the absolute value of the difference of the negative inertia index between Q(a) and Q(b); furthermore, when all real eigenvalues in (a, b) are semi-simple with the same sign characteristic, the inequality becomes an equality. Based on the established theory, the bisection method (with preprocessing) can be used to compute the real eigenvalues of the QEP by computing the inertia indices. Applications to the calculation of the equienergy lines with k.p model, and also a non-overdamped mass-spring system are presented in the numerical tests.
Sur le pavé la fibre optique: Para uma (In)Definição da Arqueologia dos Media
Authors: Neves Nuno Miguel
Published: November 2015

Recensão crítica de Jussi PARIKKA, What is Media Archaeology?, London: Polity, 2012, 200 pp. ISBN 978-0745650265.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_3-1_24
“Buying a Pig in a Poke”: The Problem of Elasmobranch Meat Consumption in Southern Brazil
Authors: Bornatowski Hugo , Braga Raul Rennó , Kalinowski Carolina , Vitule Jean Ricardo Simões
Published: November 2015

In Brazil, the demand for sustainably certified seafood is increasing and retailers have promised to source all seafood from sustainable sources by 2015. In the southern portion of the country, elasmobranch meat is sold as cação, and consumers are often unaware that cação refers to any type of elasmobranch. The present study used questionnaires to investigate the lay public’s knowledge of elasmobranch meat sold in a Brazilian city. Shoppers were surveyed at supermarkets in Curitiba, the largest city in southern Brazil. The study revealed that people do not link commercialized cação meat to sharks and rays (Elasmobranchii), with more than half of respondents who claimed to have already eaten cação did not think they had ever eaten shark or ray. The educational profile of interviewees suggests that this lack of knowledge may be even more common in other segments of Brazilian society. Therefore, we suggest that ecological information about elasmobranchs should be included in Brazilian elementary and high school curricula. Such a measure has the potential to modify behavior, create awareness, and stimulate responsibility throughout society, with the primary goal of reducing shark meat consumption and, ultimately, guaranteeing the long term conservation of marine resources.
Versatile microsphere attachment of GFP-labeled motors and other tagged proteins with preserved functionality
Authors: Bugiel Michael , Fantana Horatiu , Bormuth Volker , Trushko Anastasiya , Schiemann Frederic , Howard Jonathon , Schäffer Erik , Jannasch Anita
Published: November 2015

Microspheres are often used as handles for protein purification or force spectroscopy. For example, optical tweezers apply forces on trapped particles to which motor proteins are attached. However, even though many attachment strategies exist, procedures are often limited to a particular biomolecule and prone to non-specific protein or surface attachment. Such interactions may lead to loss of protein functionality or microsphere clustering. Here, we describe a versatile coupling procedure for GFP-tagged proteins via a polyethylene glycol linker preserving the functionality of the coupled proteins. The procedure combines well-established protocols, is highly reproducible, reliable, and can be used for a large variety of proteins. The coupling is efficient and can be tuned to the desired microsphere-to-protein ratio. Moreover, microspheres hardly cluster or adhere to surfaces. Furthermore, the procedure can be adapted to different tags providing flexibility and a promising attachment strategy for any tagged protein.
Comprehensive analysis of signal transduction in three-dimensional ECM-based tumor cell cultures
Authors: Eke Iris , Hehlgans Stephanie , Zong Yaping , Cordes Nils
Published: November 2015

Analysis of signal transduction and protein phosphorylation is fundamental to understand physiological and pathological cell behavior as well as identification of novel therapeutic targets. Despite the fact that more physiological three-dimensional cell culture assays are increasingly used, particularly proteomics and phosphoproteomics remain challenging due to easy, robust and reproducible sample preparation. Here, we present an easy-to-perform, reliable and time-efficient method for the production of 3D cell lysates without compromising cell adhesion before cell lysis. The samples can be used for Western blotting as well as phosphoproteome array technology. This technique would be of interest for researchers working in all fields of biology and drug development.
Reproductive traits of Porcellio variabilis Lucas,
1946 (Isopoda, Oniscidea) from Tunisia
Authors: Medini-Bouaziz Lamia , El-Gtari Mohamed , Charfi-Cheikhrouha Faouzia
Published: November 2015

The breeding phenology and
reproductive strategies of Porcellio variabilis
were investigated, both in field and laboratory,
in the population of Béja (North of Tunisia).
P. variabilis Lucas, 1946 is characterized by a seasonal
reproduction period followed by a sexual rest phase
during November, December and January. Mean fecundity
showed a great seasonal variation ranging between 29.612
eggs for females caught in the late summer, and 125.920
eggs for those collected in the spring. P. variabilis is an
iteroparous species; females were able to produce one
(95% of females), two (40% of females) or three broods
(20% of females) during their reproduction period. The
duration of the gestation period ranged from 34 days in
the first brood to 14 days in the third one. Energy allocated
to reproduction decreased from the first brood (26.29%)
to the last one (4.618%). During the sampling period,
eight cohorts were identified, each exhibiting a variable
life span estimated around 6 months for cohorts born
in early spring, and 12 months for those born in the fall.
According to our present results and previous studies in
another population of P. variabilis in Tunisia, we discuss
factors of variability in breeding phenology in this species.
Differences in haematology and respiratory
system morphology at three neogobiid species
Authors: Halačka Karel
Published: November 2015

Gill characteristics and the size and number
of erythrocytes were observed for three species of goby:
Neogobius melanostomus, N. fluviatilis and N. kessleri.
While erythrocyte size was similar in all species, N.
fluviatilis had a statistically higher erythrocyte count.
Significant differences were found in gill apparatus
structure, with N. melanostomus having 25% and 50%
greater gill contact area than N. kessleri and N. fluviatilis,
respectively. Secretory goblet cells, which produce a
protective mucous, were also present in highest numbers
in N. melanostomus gill tissues. These physiological
and morphological differences may be one reason for
differences observed in the invasiveness of these three
species.
Topography and nanostructural evaluation of chemically and thermally modified titanium substrates
Authors: Salemi Hoda , Behnamghader Aliasghar , Afshar Abdollah
Published: November 2015

In this research, the effects of chemical and thermal treatment on the morphological and compositional aspects of titanium substrates and so, potentially, on development of biomimetic bone like layers formation during simulated body fluid (SBF) soaking was investigated. The HF, HF/HNO
New patterns of relapse in multiple myeloma: a case of “light chain escape” in which FLC predicted relapse earlier than urine and serum immunofixation
Authors: Caldini Anna , Nozzoli Chiara , Terreni Alessandro , Staderini Michela , Berardi Margherita , Biagioli Tiziana , Brogi Marco , Bosi Alberto
Published: November 2015

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized, in about 80% of cases, by the production of monoclonal intact immunoglobulin and more than 95% of them have elevated concentrations of involved (i.e. of the same class of intact immunoglobulin) free light chain (FLC). The introduction of novel therapeutic strategies has changed the natural history of the disease, leading to new manifestations of relapse. Light chain escape (LCE) is a pattern of relapse in which the FLC increase is not accompanied by a concomitant raise of the original monoclonal component (MC). Here we present a case of a 55-year-old man with an IgG kappa MM stage III diagnosed in September 2007. At presentation an IgG kappa MC and urine Bence Jones protein (BJP) kappa were present. Bone marrow biopsy (BMB) showed the presence of 80% monotypic kappa plasma cells (PCs). The patient received bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone before undergoing a double autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in October 2008 and April 2009. In May 2011 he relapsed showing the same pattern of presentation and treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone was started. ln May 2013 serum and urine immunofixation and FLC became negative. In September 2014, an increase of kappa FLC was observed, while serum and urine immunofixations remained negative until January 2015, when urine immunofixation became positive. Eventually, in February 2015, serum immunofixation revealed the presence of a free kappa MC. After a new BMB showing 80% of monotypic kappa PCs, a LCE relapse was diagnosed and the patient started the treatment with bendamustine, bortezomib and dexamethasone. In the present case, the increase of kappa FLC has indicated relapse 4 and 5 months earlier than urine and serum IFE, respectively. Our observation confirms that it is advisable to routinely perform FLC or BJP during follow up of MM patients undergoing ASCT and/or treatment with biological drugs to ensure that LCE is not missed.
Adsorption desulphurisation of dimethyl sulphide using nickel-based Y zeolites pretreated by hydrogen reduction
Authors: Yu Xiao-Ling , Lu Yan-Nan , Huang Huan , Yi De-Zhi , Shi Li , Meng Xuan
Published: November 2015

A series of nickel-modified Y zeolites were prepared for the adsorption of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in liquid hydrocarbon streams. The adsorption desulphurisation performance was investigated under ambient conditions of nickel-based adsorbents developed by the liquid-phase ion exchange (LPIE) method and the incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) method with and without the ultrasonic aid technique. It was found that the nickel-modified Y zeolite prepared by the IWI method with the ultrasonic aid technique with hydrogen reduction demonstrated a high sulphur capacity of 69.9 mg of S per g of sorbent at a break-through sulphur level of 10 μg g
A new high-temperature inorganic–organic proton conductor: lanthanum sulfophenyl phosphate
Authors: Song Ming-Feng , Li Zhong-Fang , Liu Guo-Hong , Wang Su-Wen , Yin Xiao-Yan , Wang Yu-Xin
Published: November 2015

Lanthanum sulfophenyl phosphate (LaSPP) was synthesized by m-sulfophenyl phosphonic acid and lanthanum nitrate. UV-Vis spectrophotometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicate that the desired product was obtained and its elementary composition and typical layered structure were determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) proved its typical layered structure and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy indicated its good crystallinity and the interlayer distance of about 15.67 Å , which matches the value obtained by TEM (2.0 nm). Thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis revealed good thermal stability of LaSPP. Proton conductivity of LaSPP was measured at different temperatures and relative humidities (RH), reaching values of 0.123 S cm
Autonomous Flyback Converter for Energy Harvesting from Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Khaled F. , Allard B. , Ondel O. , Vollaire C.
Published: November 2015

Cover letter

An autonomous flyback converter was designed for energy harvesting from Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). The circuit was optimized to minimize the losses and maximize the efficiency. A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm was implanted in the converter to extract the maximum power available from MFC. Discontinuous conduction mode operation of the flyback allows controlling the MPP operation by impedance matching. The flyback can start-up at low voltage, around 300 mV. The output open circuit voltage is about 20 V and the voltage at MPP is 6.4 V with a maximum efficiency of 71.2%.

Abstract: Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) use bacteria as the catalysts to oxidize organic matter and generate electricity. This energy can be used to supply low power electronic systems. A power management unit between the MFCs and the load is required to adapt the voltage and control the operation. The low voltage and low power characteristics of MFCs prohibit the use of standard converter topologies since the threshold voltage of standard CMOS transistors in CMOS technology is higher than the output voltage of MFCs. A low-voltage start-up sub-circuit is required to charge a primary capacitor to supply the driver. A specific sub-circuit is also required to control the operation of MFCs for Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) issues. An optimized Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) autonomous flyback converter for energy harvesting is presented for ambient sources, like MFCs. The converter is designed, fabricated, and tested. An MPPT algorithm is integrated in the system to control the operation and to extract the maximum available power from the MFC. The converter is able of start and step-up MFC output voltage to a value higher than 3 V under load. The peak efficiency of the converter is 71.2%.
Quantifying Gains in the War on Cancer Due to Improved Treatment and Earlier Detection
Authors: Seabury Seth A. , Goldman Dana P. , Gupta Charu N. , Khan Zeba M. , Chandra Amitabh , Philipson Tomas J. , Lakdawalla Darius N.
Published: November 2015

Introduction:There have been significant improvements in both treatment and screening efforts for many types of cancer over the past decade. However, the effect of these advancements on the survival of cancer patients is unknown, and many question the value of both new treatments and screening efforts.

Methods:This study uses a retrospective analysis of SEER Registry data to quantify reductions in mortality rates for cancer patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2007. Using variation in trends in mortality rates by stage of diagnosis across cancer types, we use logistic regression to decompose separate survival gains into those attributable to advances in treatment versus advances in detection. We estimate the gains in survival due to gains in both treatment and detection overall and separately for 15 of the most common cancer types.

Results:We estimate that 3-year cancer-related mortality of cancer patients fell 16.7% from 1997 to 2007. Overall, advances in treatment reduced mortality rates by approximately 12.2% while advances in early detection reduced mortality rates by 4.5%. The relative importance of treatment and detection varied across cancer types. Improvements in detection were most important for thyroid, prostate and kidney cancer. Improvements in treatment were most important for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, lung cancer and myeloma.

Conclusion:Both improved treatment options and better early detection have led to significant survival gains for cancer patients diagnosed from 1997 to 2007, generating considerable social value over this time period.
Nonparametric Instrumental Variable Estimation in Practice
Authors: Shaw Philip , Cohen Michael Andrew , Chen Tao
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates recent developments in the literature on nonparametric instrumental variables estimation and considers the practical importance of the features of these estimators in the context of typically applied econometric models. Our primary focus is on the estimation of econometric models with endogenous regressors, and their marginal effects, without a known functional form. We develop an estimator for the marginal effects and investigate its finite sample performance. We show that when instruments are weak, in the classic sense, the nonparametric estimates of the marginal effect outperforms the classic two-stage least squares estimator, even when the model is correctly specified. When the instruments are strong, we show that the nonparametric estimator for the partial effects is still effective compared to the two-stage least squares estimator even as the number of IVs increases. We also investigate bandwidth choice and find that a rule-of-thumb bandwidth performs relatively well. Whereas cross-validation leads to a better fit when the number of instruments is small, as the number of instruments increases the rule-of-thumb standard actually results in better model fit. In an empirical application we estimate the work-horse aggregate logit demand model, discuss the required nonparametric identification properties, and document the differences between nonparametric and parametric specifications on the estimation of demand elasticities.