bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspectos hidrodinámicos del sector NE de la Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, España.
Authors: Cardoso Da Silva Junior Gerson , Custodio Gimena Emilio
Published: July 2015

La Isla de Mallorca tiene escasos manantiales de agua dulce debido a la permeabilidad de sus formaciones. Con fines de abastecimiento la Serra de Tramuntana tiene interesantes características hidrogeológicas. Está compuesta por rocas carbonatadas a lo largo de la costa NW de Mallorca, con buenos acuíferos y alta precipitación anual. Se estudian las características hidrogeológicas de tres zonas dentro del sector Nororiental de la Serra de Tramuntana: 1) Sa Costera, un importante manantial permanente; 2) Ses Ufanes de Gabellí, un conjunto de espectaculares manantiales intermitentes; y 3) S’Almadrava, una surgencia importante en la llanura costera de Pollença, que descarga una mezcla de agua dulce y marina. En Sa Costera la descarga neta del manantial puede alcanzar el 80% de la aportación media anual por la precipitación, cerca de 10,4 hm3/año, con un área de recarga de aproximadamente 10 km2. Ses Ufanes constituye la salida temporal principal del área de recarga de un sistema con n caudal de los manantiales de cerca de 17 hm3/año, de un total de 20 hm3/año de descarga media total. S’Almadrava muestra la existencia de un complejo y bien desarrollado sistema kárstico, que descarga aproximadamente 12 hm3/año, de los cuales 2,4 hm3/año son de agua marina.
La criticalidad autoorganizada y el análisis de datos históricos de lluvia en Córdoba (Andalucía)
Authors: García-Marín A. , Jiménez-Hornero F. , Ayuso J.L.
Published: July 2015

Se analizan en este trabajo datos históricos de lluvia registrados en Córdoba (Andalucía) durante el período 1980-2003, utilizando la teoría de la criticalidad auto-organizada (del inglés self-organized criticality, en adelante SOC). Según esta teoría, la distribución del tamaño de los eventos de lluvia puede describirse mediante una ley potencial. Para el caso analizado esta ley exhibe dos regímenes de escala diferentes. Las distribuciones de las duraciones extremas de los eventos de lluvia y de los períodos secos, también siguen leyes potenciales. La agrupación temporal de la lluvia se analiza mediante la estimación temporal de los factores de Fano y Allan. Todos los resultados obtenidos muestran que la teoría SOC puede utilizarse como una herramienta para describir tanto el fenómeno general de la precipitación en Córdoba, como aspectos más concretos de la misma: tormentas y sequías.
Modelización del efecto de fallas regionales sobre el flujo subterráneo
Authors: Mas-Pla J. , Folch A.
Published: July 2015

Los sistemas de flujo de agua subterránea en cuencas intramontañosas delimitadas por fallas son difícilmente descriptibles a partir de datos de campo, debido a la escasez de puntos de muestreo representativos y a la componente vertical del flujo que caracteriza este tipo de acuíferos. En este estudio se presenta la simulación numérica del flujo subterráneo en zonas de falla ubicadas entre relieves elevados y depresiones tectónicas, con el objetivo de representar las posibles líneas de flujo que se desarrollan entre ambos y que no pueden deducirse completamente mediante datos de campo. Un aspecto específico considerado es la conexión hidráulica con un río cuyo trazado se halla condicionado por la zona de falla. Con la finalidad de acomodarnos a posibles situaciones reales, se consideran rangos de conductividad hidráulica para cada uno de los principales dominios hidrogeológicos diferenciados: montaña zona de falla y depresión, y distintas anchuras en la zona de falla. Los resultados muestran la existencia de flujos ascendentes o descendentes en las distintas simulaciones, condicionando la recarga de los niveles sedimentarios de la depresión. También se observa el comportamiento de la zona de falla como preferencial de circulación y su influencia en los sistemas de flujo locales y regionales.
Verificación de modelos de producción de sedimentos en cuencas del N.O. Argentino
Authors: Olmos L.A. , Spalletti P. , Farias H.D. , Pilán M.T.
Published: July 2015

La erosión en cuencas es uno de los problemas ambientales más complejos a nivel mundial. Es así que ha sido tema de investigación durante décadas en los países con los más variados climas, y considerando una diversidad de factores tales como: amplios rangos de temperaturas, distribución temporal y espacial irregular de las lluvias, degradación de la cobertura vegetal, entre otros. Las metodologías desarrolladas (USLE, MUSLE, WEPP, etc.) y aplicadas principalmente en Estados Unidos y en Europa, tienen la limitación de ser aplicables bajo ciertas condiciones, por ejemplo: zonas agrícolas con los factores controlados, cuencas de superficies pequeñas (menores a 500 km2), disponibilidad de datos hidrológicos a nivel diario y en un período de tiempo representativo, entre las más importantes y con variables difícilmente de ser aplicadas de manera distribuida. En la mayoría de los casos su aplicación no es sencilla por el elevado número de parámetros y en ciertas instancias de planes de aprovechamiento hídrico (por ejemplo, estudios de factibilidad de sistemas de embalses) se requiere de una estimación expeditiva del aporte global potencial de sólidos al reservorio y no de una, modelación detallada. En el presente trabajo se analiza el comportamiento de una serie de modelos a escala distribuida (Gravilovic, USLE y Miraki) en un conjunto de cuencas en la región del Noroeste Argentino. Se utilizan para su validación los datos disponibles de relevamientos batimétricos de sus embalses, de manera de establecer los criterios de aplicación de cada metodología según el caso de estudio a tratar.
Un equipo para medidas de desagüe y muestreo de escorrentía en parcelas experimentales
Authors: Llanos Triviño I.
Published: July 2015

Se describe un sistema colector de muestras para la medida cualitativa de escorrentía superficial en pequeñas parcelas experimentales. El equipo permite complementar aforadores de tipo volumétrico con el fin de poder recoger muestras de vertido. El control de las operaciones de muestreo se realiza automáticamente por medio de un módulo, cuyo programa de ejecución en diagrama de bloques se detalla en el trabajo y con el que pueden realizarse de forma rápida y sencilla los ajustes de parámetros de control (frecuencia de muestreo, volumen y número de muestras). El diseño utilizado permite almacenar hasta 16 muestras, con un tamaño mínimo de muestra de 15 ml para un volumen de basculación de 662 ml. Se describen a su vez, distintas alternativas de mejora tras un análisis de los resultados obtenidos en los ensayos de comportamiento. El sistema está alimentado eléctricamente por una batería de 12V en carga permanente por medio de un panel solar.
Aplicación del análisis fractal al estudio de las estructuras dinámicas de fluidos medioambientales
Authors: Platónov Alexéi Konstantínovich , Grau Barceló Joan , Redondo Apraiz José Manuel
Published: July 2015

La aparición de múltiples escalas, que interactúan entre si en diversos fenómenos físicos medioambientales, especialmente cuando el régimen fluido es turbulento, exige métodos de análisis nuevos. El análisis multi-fractal permite cuantificar el nivel de complejidad geométrico y en algunos casos a partir de una caracterización geométrica se pueden predecir algunos aspectos dinámicos del fluido. Se aplica el método de Box-Counting (conteo de cajas) para calcular la dimensión fractal o capacidad de Kolmogorov a observaciones de nubes obtenidas mediante las imágenes de satélite de la Atmósfera (infrarojo IR y Visible) y de superficie del Océano (Radar de Apertura Sintética SAR). En todos los casos de diferencias en complejidad entre los distintos tonos de gris detectados en las imágenes de satélites de estructuras atmosféricas, derrames de crudo o penachos de aguas contaminadas en la superficie marina son un reflejo de las condiciones físicas ambientales del medio fluido atmosférico u oceánico y nos permiten entender mejor los procesos dinámicos y de transporte de energía a distintas escalas del flujo analizado.
Simulación del efecto de ataguías sumergidas sobre la futura operación de las turbinas Kaplan de la Central Hidroeléctrica Tocoma (Venezuela)
Authors: Montilla G. , Toscano M.A. , Sánchez R. , Shmueli A. , Stanko M. , Asuaje M.
Published: July 2015

La Central Hidroeléctrica de Tocoma, actualmente en construcción, está localizada en la zona sur oriental de Venezuela en el Estado Bolívar sobre las aguas del Río Caroní. Tocoma será equipada con 10 turbinas Kaplan, con potencia instalada de 2.160 MW y un Aliviadero con una capacidad de 28.750 m3/s, y junto con las presas de Macagua, Caruachi y Guri conformarán del Desarrollo Hidroeléctrico del Bajo Caroní. El bjetivo de esta investigación es evaluar los efectos hidrodinámicos de las Ataguías “A” y “B” sumergidas sobre la operación de las turbinas Kaplan de la Central Hidroeléctrica Tocoma utilizando la modelación hibrida Matemática – Física. La presencia de estas Ataguías sumergidas puede dar origen a comportamientos hidrodinámicos tridimensionales pudiendo causar pérdidas adicionales de energía y mal funcionamiento de las turbinas. Se desarrollaron 2 modelos matemáticos monofásicos utilizando la técnica de la Dinámica Computacional de los Fluidos (CFD) aplicando el código comercial ANSYS-CFX 10. El primer modelo matemático representó el embalse d la Central Hidroeléctrica y fue calibrado cualitativa y cuantitativamente con un modelo físico a escala 1:80 gobernado bajo la ley de similitud de Froude. Este modelaje hibrido determinó los patrones de flujo hidrodinámicos de aproximación a las tomas de las turbinas Kaplan, los cuales evidencian una asimetría en la distribución de velocidades en las tomas cercanas a la Ataguía B. El segundo modelo matemático representó la toma y la turbina Kaplan considerando la asimetría de velocidades reportadas por el primer modelo matemático. Los resultados reportaron que la asimetría de velocidades no ocasiona ninguna irregularidad en la distribución de velocidades y presiones en los dominios estudiados en comparación con el caso de aproximación uniforme. Esto puede ser un indicativo de que la condición hidrodinámica no uniforme en la entrada de las tomas de las turbinas Kaplan de Tocoma no afecta el funcionamiento normal de la unidad turbogeneradora.
Los sedimentos de los embalses españoles
Authors: Cobo Rafael
Published: July 2015

En el presente trabajo se realiza un estudio general de las principales características de los sedimentos depositados en los embalses: entrada y distribución de los materiales en el vaso, composición y tipología de los mismos, etc. Se analiza a continuación la pérdida de capacidad de cada una de las cuencas hidrográficas en España a partir de los estudios realizados en embalses de las mismas y se extrapola la posible pérdida de capacidad a lo largo de los primeros cincuenta años del presente siglo a partir de dichos estudios. Se repasan, a continuación, las diversas metodología que se pueden aplicar para evitar o atenuar la pérdida de capacidad de los embalses por acumulación de sedimentos y se finaliza dando criterios para la gestión de los sedimentos de emblases.
Does Growth Attract FDI?
Authors: Iamsiraroj Sasi , Doucouliagos Hristos
Published: July 2015

FDI is seen widely as a vital source of investment, technology transfer, and growth. The factors that attract FDI have been a longstanding source of debate. The authors present a comprehensive assessment of the accumulated evidence on one factor, the success of economic growth in attracting FDI. Meta-regression analysis is applied to 946 estimates from 140 empirical studies. The results confirm that, on average, economic growth is an important determinant of FDI. Overall, there is a positive correlation between growth and FDI and this is much larger among single country case studies than with cross-country analysis.
The relationship between cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration and light extinction of dried particles: indications of underlying aerosol processes and implications for satellite-based CCN estimates
Authors: Shinozuka Y. , Clarke A. D. , Nenes A. , Jefferson A. , Wood R. , McNaughton C. S. , Ström J. , Tunved P. , Redemann J. , Thornhill K. L. , Moore R. H. , Lathem T. L. , Lin J. J. , Yoon Y. J.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. We examine the relationship between the number concentration of boundary-layer cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and light extinction to investigate underlying aerosol processes and satellite-based CCN estimates. For a variety of airborne and ground-based observations not dominated by dust, regression identifies the CCN (cm−3) at 0.4 ± 0.1% supersaturation with 100.3α +1.3σ0.75 where σ (Mm−1) is the 500 nm extinction coefficient by dried particles and α is the Angstrom exponent. The deviation of 1 km horizontal average data from this approximation is typically within a factor of 2.0. ∂logCCN / ∂logσ is less than unity because, among other explanations, growth processes generally make aerosols scatter more light without increasing their number. This, barring special meteorology–aerosol connections, associates a doubling of aerosol optical depth with less than a doubling of CCN, contrary to previous studies based on heavily averaged measurements or a satellite algorithm.
Reviews and Syntheses: Ocean acidification and its potential impacts on marine ecosystems
Authors: Mostofa K. M. G. , Liu C.-Q. , Zhai W. D. , Minella M. , Vione D. , Gao K. , Minakata D. , Arakaki T. , Yoshioka T. , Hayakawa K. , Konohira E. , Tanoue E. , Akhand A. , Chanda A. , Wang B. , Sakugawa H.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Ocean acidification, a complex phenomenon that lowers seawater pH, is the net outcome of several contributions. They include the dissolution of increasing atmospheric CO2 that adds up with dissolved inorganic carbon (dissolved CO2, H2CO3, HCO3−, and CO32−) generated upon mineralization of primary producers (PP) and dissolved organic matter (DOM). The aquatic processes leading to inorganic carbon are substantially affected by increased DOM and nutrients via terrestrial runoff, acidic rainfall, increased PP and algal blooms, nitrification, denitrification, sulfate reduction, global warming (GW), and by atmospheric CO2 itself through enhanced photosynthesis. They are consecutively associated with enhanced ocean acidification, hypoxia in acidified deeper seawater, pathogens, algal toxins, oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species, and thermal stress caused by longer stratification periods as an effect of GW. We discuss the mechanistic insights into the aforementioned processes and pH changes, with particular focus on processes taking place with different time scales (including the diurnal one) in surface and subsurface seawater. This review also discusses these collective influences to assess their potential detrimental effects to marine organisms, and of ecosystem processes and services. Our review of the effects operating in synergy with ocean acidification will provide a broad insight into the potential impact of acidification itself on biological processes. The foreseen danger to marine organisms by acidification is in fact expected to be amplified by several concurrent and interacting phenomena.
Experiences with distributed computing for meteorological applications: grid computing and cloud computing
Authors: Oesterle F. , Ostermann S. , Prodan R. , Mayr G. J.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Experiences with three practical meteorological applications with different characteristics are used to highlight the core computer science aspects and applicability of distributed computing to meteorology. Through presenting cloud and grid computing this paper shows use case scenarios fitting a wide range of meteorological applications from operational to research studies. The paper concludes that distributed computing complements and extends existing high performance computing concepts and allows for simple, powerful and cost-effective access to computing capacity.
Modeling ocean response to an extreme Bora event in Northern Adriatic using one-way and two-way atmosphere-ocean coupling
Authors: Ličer M. , Smerkol P. , Fettich A. , Ravdas M. , Papapostolou A. , Mantziafou A. , Strajnar B. , Cedilnik J. , Jeromel M. , Jerman J. , Petan S. , Malačič V. , Sofianos S.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. We study the performances of (a) fully two-way coupled atmosphere–ocean modeling system and (b) one-way coupled ocean model (forced by the atmospheric model hourly output), as compared to the available in situ (mooring and CTD) measurements during and after an strong Bora wind event in February 2012, which led to extreme air–sea interactions and record breaking seawater cooling and dense water formation in Northern Adriatic. The simulations span the period between January and March 2012. The models used were ALADIN (4.4 km resolution) on the atmospheric side and Adriatic setup of POM (1°/30 × 1°/30 angular resolution) on the ocean side. The atmosphere–ocean coupling was implemented using the OASIS3-MCT model coupling toolkit. We show, using in situ seawater temperature measurements, that the two-way atmosphere–ocean coupling improves the ocean response to Bora because it captures transient Bora-induced cooling better than the one-way coupled version of the ocean model. We show that this difference stems mainly from an underestimation of air–sea temperature difference in one-way coupled system during the Bora episode, leading to an underestimation of sensible heat losses from the ocean in the one-way coupled system. We show these losses exhibit significant impact on baroclinic circulation on synoptic timescales. We use CTD observations in the Gulf of Trieste to show that when compared to the one-way setup, the two-way coupled system produces a similar estimation of salinities and density anomalies before the Bora episode, but a significantly better estimation of these quantities afterwards.
A new methodology to simulate subglacial deformation of water saturated granular material
Authors: Damsgaard A. , Egholm D. L. , Piotrowski J. A. , Tulaczyk S. , Larsen N. K. , Brædstrup C. F.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The dynamics of glaciers are to a large degree governed by processes operating at the ice–bed interface, and one of the primary mechanisms of glacier flow over soft unconsolidated sediments is subglacial deformation. However, it has proven difficult to constrain the mechanical response of subglacial sediment to the shear stress of an overriding glacier. In this study, we present a new methodology designed to simulate subglacial deformation using a coupled numerical model for computational experiments on grain-fluid mixtures. The granular phase is simulated on a per-grain basis by the discrete element method. The pore water is modeled as a compressible Newtonian fluid without inertia. The numerical approach allows close monitoring of the internal behavior under a range of conditions. The rheology of a water-saturated granular bed may include both plastic and rate-dependent dilatant hardening or weakening components, depending on the rate of deformation, the material state, clay mineral content, and the hydrological properties of the material. The influence of the fluid phase is negligible when relatively permeable sediment is deformed. However, by reducing the local permeability, fast deformation can cause variations in the pore-fluid pressure. The pressure variations weaken or strengthen the granular phase, and in turn influence the distribution of shear strain with depth. In permeable sediments the strain distribution is governed by the grain-size distribution and effective normal stress and is typically on the order of tens of centimeters. Significant dilatant strengthening in impermeable sediments causes deformation to focus at the hydrologically more stable ice–bed interface, and results in a very shallow cm-to-mm deformational depth. The amount of strengthening felt by the glacier depends on the hydraulic conductivity at the ice–bed interface. Grain-fluid feedbacks can cause complex material properties that vary over time, and which may be of importance for glacier stick-slip behavior.
Authorship in Cinema: Author & Reader
Authors: Göksel Demiray Başak
Published: July 2015

This study consists of an elaboration on authorship in cinema by employing the conceptions of the ‘author’ and the ‘reader’. Within the scope of this elaboration, for a better understanding of the ‘cinematic-author’, first, the literary origin of the concept of the ‘author’ will be examined. Then, ‘Who is an author in cinema?’ will be questioned both through the on-going debates about the conception and what the concept itself means to me. Finally, the focus of the study will shift to the concept of the ‘reader’ and its interdependent relationship with the concept of the ‘author’; and it will be stated that, unlike post-structuralist ideas, it is not necessary to kill the ‘author’ for the birth of the ‘reader’.
The 2012 US Presidential Election Polls And Stock Returns
Authors: Levy Tamir , Yagil Joseph
Published: July 2015

This study investigates the relationship between daily US presidential election poll results and stock returns. The sample consists of the daily presidential election polls published in the New-York Times for the period between May 31 and November 5, 2012. They include the percentage of support for the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, and the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney. The findings indicate that stock returns are positively related to the poll results that support the candidate favored to win the election.
Lessons Learnt from Metal-On-Metal Hip Arthroplasties will Lead to Safer Innovation for all Medical Devices
Authors: Hart Alister J. , Sabah Shiraz A. , Henckel Johann , Lloyd Gwynneth , Skinner John A.
Published: July 2015

Metal-on-metal bearings were re-popularised in the late 1990s with the introduction of modern hip resurfacing. Large diameter (LD) metal-on-metal (MoM) hips became more prevalent and have been the least successful group of hip implants ever used. They were rapidly adopted from 2004 until the British Hip Society stopped their use in 2012. Well functioning MoM hip results (including the BHR and Metasul) are hidden in the mire of poor results from the group of all MoM bearings.

We have reviewed what happened and we make 3 observations. Firstly, collaboration between surgeons and then between surgeons and other disciplines, first identified and then solved the clinical management problems. Secondly, the problems with MoM hips occurred because hip simulation was inadequate at predicting performance in patients. They gave no indications of the biological effects of wear in the human environment. Lastly, retrieval of failed implants was essential to understanding why failure occurred.

These lessons must never be forgotten and must form the basis by which new or altered implants are introduced and how they should be monitored. This will enable safer innovation for patients, surgeons and manufacturers. The problems with MoM hips will not have been in vain.
Skin Staples versus Intradermal Wound Closure following Primary Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomised Trial Including 231 Cases
Authors: Buttaro Martin A. , Quinteros Mauricio , Martorell Gabriel , Zanotti Gerardo , Comba Fernando , Piccaluga Francisco
Published: July 2015

Intradermal wound closure is controversial in primary total hip arthroplasty. Randomised, controlled trials in wound closure following a total hip arthroplasty (THA) are scarce.

Our hypothesis was that skin staples closure would be related to a similar complication rate and operative time as intradermal closure with polypropylene.

From September 2011 to May 2012, 231 THAs in 219 patients with an average age of 62 years old (range: 21-91) were performed. No differences were observed in both groups according to sex, age, BMI and comorbidities (p = 0,82). Cases were divided into 3 groups according to medical factors that influence wound healing: group 1 (no medical history, 70.5%), group 2 (diabetes, tobacco smokers, obesity, corticosteroids, rheumatoid disease, 25%) and group 3 (organ transplantation, neoplastic patients or 2 or factors of group 2, 4.5%). Once randomised using a computer-generated method, all patients remained within the group to which they were allocated to wound closure with skin staples (Leukosan® SkinStapler PTW-35, BSN, Germany) that were used in 112 THAs in 105 patients (48%), or continuous 3.0 intradermal non-absorbable polypropylene suture (Prolene™ 0, Ethicon Inc. Somerville, New Jersey, USA) in 119 THA's in 115 patients (52%).

A 3.8% wound complication rate was observed in this series, with a 2.1% complication rate for the group that was closed with skin staples and a 1.7% rate for the group with intradermal suture (p = 0.7). All the complications were treated conservatively except for one acute deep infection (0.4%) that was successfully treated with debridement, component retention and intravenous antibiotics. There were no differences in both groups related to operative time or wound length.

In these series of primary elective THAs, skin staples were associated with a similar complication rate to an intradermal closure technique.
Role of Androgen and Estrogen Receptors as Prognostic and Potential Predictive Markers of Ductal Carcinoma in Situ of the Breast
Authors: Tumedei Maria Maddalena , Silvestrini Rosella , Ravaioli Sara , Massa Ilaria , Maltoni Roberta , Rocca Andrea , Folli Secondo , Buggi Federico , Curcio Annalisa , Serra Luigi , Puccetti Maurizio , Amadori Dino , Bravaccini Sara
Published: July 2015

Background

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a heterogeneous disease that has not been investigated as widely as invasive breast cancer. Thus, the search for biomarkers capable of identifying DCIS lesions that may recur or progress to invasive cancer is ongoing. Although conventional steroid hormone receptors, cell proliferation and other important tumor markers have been extensively studied in invasive tumors, little is known about the role played by androgen receptors (ARs), widely expressed in breast cancer, in DCIS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study in a series of 43 DCIS patients treated with quadrantectomy only and followed up for a period ranging from 5 to 13 years, to evaluate the prognostic relevance of conventional biomarkers (estrogen receptor [ER], progesterone receptor [PgR], Ki67, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]) and AR.

Results

Our findings showed that AR and ER were not independent prognostic variables and that an AR/ER ratio cutoff of 1.13 showed a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 94% in predicting in situ relapse or progression to the invasive phenotype. Moreover, while the variables considered singly showed area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.52% to 0.77%, the AR/ER ratio reached a very high AUC (0.92%).

Conclusions

These preliminary results highlight the potentially important role of AR and ER and, in particular, of their ratio, as prognostic indicators of DCIS evolution.
Three Patients with Multiple Myeloma Developing Secondary Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Junxun Li , Junru Liu , Meilan Chen , Chujia Liang , Shaoqian Chen , Jieyu Zhan , Zhuangjian Ye , Fan Zhang , Juan Ouyang , Jing Cheng , Juan Li
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Secondary lymphoblastic leukemia has been rarely reported in patients with multiple myeloma.

Case Reports

We report 3 cases of secondary lymphoblastic leukemia in multiple myeloma patients. They shared a similar phenotype of myeloma cells and secondary lymphoblasts. The chemotherapy treatments in the 3 patients were complex due to various factors.

Conclusions

Multiple immune defects caused by exposure to a variety of agents can play an important role in the development of secondary lymphoblastic leukemia. Microscopic morphology and flow cytometry are important means to detect secondary malignancies in multiple myeloma. Further clinical, experimental and genetic studies of secondary malignancies in multiple myeloma will be necessary in the future.
Synchronous Primary Endometrial and Ovarian Cancers: A Multicenter Review of 63 Cases
Authors: Solmaz Ulas , Karatasli Volkan , Mat Emre , Dereli Levent , Hasdemir Pinar Solmaz , Ekin Atalay , Gezer Cenk , Sayhan Sevil , Sanci Muzaffer , Guvenal Tevfik
Published: July 2015

Aims

To investigate clinicopathologic characteristics, therapeutic methods, and prognostic factors in women with synchronous primary endometrial and ovarian cancers (SEOCs).

Methods

A retrospective review of 2 cancer registry databases in Turkey was conducted to identify patients diagnosed with SEOCs between January 1995 and December 2012. Patients with recurrent, metastatic, and metachronously occurring tumors were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic predictors for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

The analysis included 63 women with SEOCs. Seventy-six percent of the patients had stage I endometrial cancer, and 60% of the patients had stage I ovarian cancer. Thirty-seven patients (58.7%) had endometrioid/endometrioid histology. Optimal cytoreduction was obtained in 47 (74.6%) patients. Recurrence developed in 17 patients (27%). Multivariate analysis confirmed lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) as an independent poor prognostic factor for OS (odds ratio [OR] 3.1, p = 0.045), whereas early-stage disease and optimal cytoreduction were found to be independent good prognostic factors for both PFS (OR 12.85, p<0.001 and OR 4.58, p = 0.004, respectively) and OS (OR 7.31, p = 0.002 and OR 2.95, p = 0.028, respectively). The 3- and 5-year OS rates were 74% and 69%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that optimal cytoreduction, early-stage disease, and LVSI are the most significant factors affecting survival in women with SEOC.
Oral Chemotherapy and Patient Perspective in Solid Tumors: A National Survey by the Italian Association of Medical Oncology
Authors: Aurilio Gaetano , Gori Stefania , Nolè Franco , Pruneri Giancarlo , Coati Francesca , Torri Valter , Lunardi Gianluigi , Atzori Francesco , La Verde Nicla , Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Rossi Antonio , Del Mastro Lucia , Di Fabio Francesca , Marcon Ilaria , Gebbia Vittorio , Loupakis Fotios , Orlando Laura , Ciuffreda Libero , Amadio Placido , Luppi Gabriele , Redana Stefania , Filippelli Gianfranco , Gentile Annalisa , Collovà Elena
Published: July 2015

Aim

To assess patient perception toward oral chemotherapy for solid tumors, the Italian Association of Medical Oncology performed a large multi-institutional national survey.

Methods

A 17-item anonymous questionnaire including 7 general and 10 investigational questions with free-text, single-choice, or multiple-choice answers was administered. Analysis of response distribution according to predefined factors was described by summary measures and conducted by χ2 test and other nonparametric tests.

Results

From January to June 2010, 581 patients completed the questionnaire; data of 404 patients constituted the final study sample. Three groups could be distinguished according to treatment: IV chemotherapy (IV group, n = 313), oral chemotherapy (oral group, n = 48), or combined therapy (combined group, n = 43). Thirty-one (72%) patients in the combined group and 187 (60%) in the IV group expressed preference for oral therapy (p = 0.028). Limitations in family and work commitment were more frequently perceived by patients on IV than oral chemotherapy (147 (47%) vs 14 (29%) patients, p<0.05, and 134 (43%) vs 11 (23%) patients, p<0.05). A total of 134 (43%) patients on IV chemotherapy versus 15 (31%) patients in the oral group did not point out any limitation for number of tablets per day (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

We observed a propensity from the patient perspective in favor of oral chemotherapy that was considered to have a lower impact on family and work commitments than IV chemotherapy. The treatment that patients were taking when the questionnaire was administered likely influenced their perception and related results.
Urological Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: What We Need to Know?
Authors: Cai Tommaso , De Nunzio Cosimo , Salonia Andrea , Pea Federico , Mazzei Teresita , Concia Ercole , Battaglia Michele , Mirone Vincenzo ,   on behalf of the Italian Urologic Association (SIU) Guidelines Committee on Urological Infections
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Recent epidemiological data have confirmed the increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance not only for hospitalized, healthcare-associated patients, but also for outpatients. In particular, the progressive increase in resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones or carbapenems in Enterobacteriaceae, is an alarming situation for all urologists and general practitioners. Here, we aimed to review the epidemiological data of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the urological setting, in order to summarize all diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations to use in everyday clinical practice.

Methods

We collected all recent publications from Medline and Cochrane Library from January 2000 to December 2013. Moreover, data from the abstracts presented at the EAU and AUA Congresses during the last 5 years have also been analyzed. All papers were evaluated by an expert panel on urological infections on behalf of the Italian Urological Association (SIU).

Results

Fluoroquinolone and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria prevalence is normally very high in the lower urinary tract infection patients. In particular, multidrug-resistant bacteria prevalence in urological practice contributes to infectious morbidity increasing the financial costs to healthcare system. The expert panel on urological infections on behalf of the Italian Urological Association formulated new diagnostic pathway and therapeutic protocol in patients affected by urological tract infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Conclusions

The recent emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is an alarming public health issue also in urological practice with socioeconomic importance. Our practice should be revised on the basis of these new acquisitions.
Publication Productivity in the Supply Chain Management Discipline: 2011–13
Authors: Maloni Michael , Carter Craig , Kaufmann Lutz , Rogers Zachary
Published: July 2015

This article continues an established series of analyses across 48 years of institutional research productivity in supply chain management (SCM) journals, ranking the top 25 schools producing SCM research in 2011–13, in comparison to previous editions of the study. The current results illustrate that a core set of SCM academic institutions consistently retain strong research productivity, ranking in the top 10 across decades. However, there is significant variability in the remaining top 25 in comparison to previous editions, which is corroborated by an analysis of the concentration (i.e., diversity) of authors in the discipline that indicates that a greater number of authors and institutions continue to contribute SCM publications. However, this diversity is concentrated primarily among North American institutions as international institutions are not increasing publication productivity in the established journal set. Ultimately, the combined results provide a benchmark of the current status of the SCM discipline and present insights into its continued maturation.
Coping Strategies for Overcoming Constrained Supply Chain Technology: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Saldanha John P. , Mello John E. , Knemeyer A. Michael , Vijayaraghavan T.A.S.
Published: July 2015

Conditions experienced in developing countries are characterized by high levels of uncertainty and differ considerably from those encountered in developed countries. Specifically, operational environments in developing countries constrain the supply chain technology (SCT) used by firms to manage supply chain operations. Hence, it is reasonable to conjecture that firm's operating in these types of environments might rely on and use SCT and the information they provide to manage their supply chain operations differently from firms in less constraining environments. To explore this phenomenon we conducted a grounded theory study collecting interview data from 46 logistics and supply chain managers at 16 firms across India, one of the largest and most dynamic of the developing countries. Our analysis of the data establishes that SCT constraints arise from external, internal, and relationship conditions. Emerging from the data we observed managerial emphasis on a phenomenon whereby management utilizes coping strategies to relax constraints that adversely affect their use of SCT. While our findings also revealed human intervention as a negative externality arising from the use of coping strategies, we found that management were aware of this externality and were actively addressing it as part of their efforts to relax the constraints on SCT.
Air Pollution and Childhood Asthma
Authors: Pałczyński Cezary , Kuna Piotr
Published: July 2015

The prevalence of childhood asthma and allergies has dramatically increased worldwide during the last decades [...]
Indoor Air Pollution and Asthma in Children at Delhi, India
Authors: Kumar Raj , Nagar Jitendra , Goel Nitin , Kumar Pawan , Kushwah Alka , Gaur Shailendra
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Several studies in developed countries have shown association between indoor air pollution and asthma in children. The present research was undertaken to study this association at Delhi, India. Materials and Methods: This study took place at Delhi, capital of India. Eight locations based on the source of pollution such as industrial, residential and villages were included. Recording of the demographic profile and clinical examination of each child was conducted at their residence. Indoor SO₂, NO₂ and SPM (suspended particulate matter) levels were measured by using Handy Air Sampler (Low Volume Sampler). Results: A total of 3104 children were examined of which 60.3% were male and 39.7% were female. 32.4% children were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. 31.5% children’s families were using biomass fuels for cooking. History of respiratory symptoms included cough (43.9%), phlegm production (21.9%), shortness of breath (19.3%) and wheezing (14.0%). 7.9% children were diagnosed as having asthma, which was highest in industrial areas (11.8%), followed by residential (7.5%) and village areas (3.9%). The mean indoor SO₂, NO₂ and SPM levels were 4.28 ± 4.61 mg/m³, 26.70 ± 17.72 mg/m³ and 722.0 ± 457.6 mg/m³ respectively. Indoor SPM was the highest in industrial area followed by residential area and urban village area. Indoor SPM level was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the asthmatic children’s houses. Conclusion: This study suggests that industry plays an important role in increasing the concentration of indoor suspended particulate matter and occurrence of asthma in children in developing countries like India.
Polish Respiratory Society Guidelines for the Methodology and Interpretation of the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Authors: Przybyłowski Tadeusz , Tomalak Waldemar , Siergiejko Zenon , Jastrzębski Dariusz , Maskey-Warzęchowska Marta , Piorunek Tomasz , Wojda Emil , Boros Piotr
Published: July 2015

Podstawowym celem tego dokumentu jest opracowanie spójnych wytycznych dotyczących wskazań, przeciwwskazań, metodyki i zasad interpretacji testu 6-minutowego chodu (6MWT, 6 min walk test) w ramach codziennej praktyki szpitalnej i ambulatoryjnej [...]
Squamous Cell Lung Cancer in a Male with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Skowroński Marcin , Iwanik Katarzyna , Halicka Anna , Barinow-Wojewódzki Aleksander
Published: July 2015

Lung cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) are highly prevalent and representing major public health issues. They share common risk factors and clinical manifestations. It is also suggested that TB predicts raised lung cancer risk likely related to chronic inflammation in the lungs. However, it does not seem to influence the clinical course of lung cancer provided that it is properly treated. We present a case report of a 57-year old male with concurrent TB and lung cancer. He was diagnosed with positive sputum smear for acid fast bacilli (AFB) and subsequent culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Besides, his comorbid conditions were chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Later while on anti-tuberculous treatment (ATT) squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) was confirmed with computed tomography (CT) guided biopsy. Due to poor general condition the patient was not fit for either surgery or radical chemo- and radiotherapy. He was transferred to hospice for palliative therapy. We want to emphasize that both TB and lung cancer should be actively sought for in patients with either disorder. In addition, there is no doubt that these patients with lung cancer and with good response to TB treatment should be promptly considered for appropriate anticancer therapy.
The Statement of the Polish Society of Allergology Experts on the Treatment of Difficult-To-Treat Asthma
Authors: Bodzenta-Łukaszyk Anna , Fal Andrzej , Jassem Ewa , Kowalski Marek , Kuna Piotr , Kupczyk Maciej
Published: July 2015

The main objective of asthma treatment is to control symptoms of the disease; however, despite the availability of guidelines and many groups of medications, the degree of control of this condition is insufficient. In difficult-to-treat asthma, the optimal control cannot be achieved due to reasons independent of the disease. Factors worsening asthma control include: inadequate treatment plan (low therapy adherence and compliance), inappropriate inhalation technique, insufficient symptom control using the available classes of medications, incomplete response to treatment (non-responders, steroid-resistance), incorrect diagnosis of asthma or comorbidities, and environmental factors. In order to achieve the optimal asthma control, it is recommended to: take therapeutic decisions with the patient, assess the probability of non-compliance, perform detailed diagnostics and initiate treatment of concomitant diseases, carry out differential diagnosis of conditions mimicking asthma, educate the patient as to the inhalation technique and check it, eliminate unfavourable environmental factors, and modify current treatment. New treatment options for patients with asthma include: ultra-long-acting beta2-agonists, long-acting muscarine receptor antagonists (LAMA), monoclonal antibodies, and non-pharmacological interventions. The only LAMA approved for treatment of asthma is tiotropium bromide. The analyses performed demonstrated a high efficacy of tiotropium in terms of improved lung function parameters and prolonged time to the first asthma exacerbation. It is recommended as an add-on therapy at asthma treatment steps 4 and 5 according to GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) 2014. The optimal asthma control is important from the medical as well as the economical point of view.
Multiple-Cylindrical Electrode System for Rotational Electric Field Generation in Particle Rotation Applications
Authors: Benhal Prateek , Chase Geoffrey , Gaynor Paul , Oback Björn , Wang Wenhui
Published: July 2015

Lab-on-a-chip micro-devices utilizing electric field-mediated particle movement provide advantages over current cell rotation techniques due to the flexibility in configuring micro-electrodes. Recent technological advances in micro-milling, three-dimensional (3D) printing and photolithography have facilitated fabrication of complex micro-electrode shapes. Using the finite-element method to simulate and optimize electric field induced particle movement systems can save time and cost by simplifying the analysis of electric fields within complex 3D structures. Here we investigated different 3D electrode structures to obtain and analyse rotational electric field vectors. Finite-element analysis was conducted by an electric current stationary solver based on charge relaxation theory. High-resolution data were obtained for three-, four-, six- and eight-cylindrical electrode arrangements to characterize the rotational fields. The results show that increasing the number of electrodes within a fixed circular boundary provides larger regions of constant amplitude rotational electric field. This is a very important finding in practice, as larger rotational regions with constant electric field amplitude make placement of cells into these regions, where cell rotation occurs, a simple task – enhancing flexibility in cell manipulation. Rotation of biological particles over the extended region would be useful for biotechnology applications which require guiding cells to a desired location, such as automation of nuclear transfer cloning.
Human Activity-Understanding: A Multilayer Approach Combining Body Movements and Contextual Descriptors Analysis
Authors: Granata Consuelo , Ibanez Aurélien , Bidaud Philippe
Published: July 2015

A deep understanding of human activity is key to successful human-robot interaction (HRI). The translation of sensed human behavioural signals/cues and context descriptors into an encoded human activity remains a challenge because of the complex nature of human actions. In this paper, we propose a multilayer framework for the understanding of human activity to be implemented in a mobile robot. It consists of a perception layer which exploits a D-RGB-based skeleton tracking output used to simulate a physical model of virtual human dynamics in order to compensate for the inaccuracy and inconsistency of the raw data. A multi-support vector machine (MSVM) model trained with features describing the human motor coordination through temporal segments in combination with environment descriptors (object affordance) is used to recognize each sub-activity (classification layer). The interpretation of sequences of classified elementary actions is based on discrete hidden Markov models (DHMMs) (interpretation layer). The framework assessment was performed on the Cornell Activity Dataset (CAD-120) [ 1 ].

The performances of our method are comparable with those presented in [ 2 ] and clearly show the relevance of this model-based approach.
A Robotic Mobile Platform for Service Tasks in Cultural Heritage
Authors: Carbone Giuseppe , Tedeschi Franco , Gallozzi Arturo , Cigola Michela
Published: July 2015

Recently, the preservation and survey of cultural heritage goods is attracting increasing interest from the media. Several famous historical sites seem to require an increased effort to maintain their preservation. Nevertheless, it is very difficult to find sufficient funds and human resources to fulfil these needs. Accordingly, this paper outlines a specific application of service robotics to cultural heritage, with the aim to reduce the required time and costs for surveying and maintaining cultural heritage goods. These applications require careful attention paid to the proper design of a robotic mobile platform with the features necessary to fulfil tasks of architectonic survey and preservation. To this end, specific operation scenarios have been carefully described in order to identify the specific design requirements and constraints that are raised by, for example, the necessity of operation over delicate surfaces, or the presence of unevenness or obstacles. The authors then propose a design solution for a service robot fit for the analysis, survey and conservation of historical sites, as based on the characteristics of the outlined scenarios. A preliminary prototype is also described herewith, in order to show its engineering feasibility in relation to the simulated operation scenarios.