bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-traumatic headaches correlate with migraine symptoms in youth with concussion
Authors: Heyer Geoffrey L , Young Julie A , Rose Sean C , McNally Kelly A , Fischer Anastasia N
Published: June 2015

Objective

The term “post-traumatic migraine” (PTM) has been used to describe post-traumatic headaches (PTHs) that have associated migraine features, but studies of this relationship are lacking. The objective of the present study was to determine whether PTH correlates strongly with migraine symptoms among youth with concussion.

Methods

Twenty-three symptoms were analyzed from a retrospective cohort of 1953 pediatric patients with concussion. A principal component analysis (PCA) with oblique Promax rotation was conducted to explore underlying symptom relationships in the full cohort and in subcohorts stratified by the presence ( n = 414) or absence ( n = 1526) of premorbid headache.

Results

The mean patient age was 14.1 years; 63% were male. Headache was the most common postconcussion symptom, acknowledged by 69.4% of patients. When considering the full cohort, the PCA demonstrated clustering of headache with photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, dizziness, and neck pain. Similar clustering was present among patients without premorbid headaches. Repeating the analysis in the patients with preconcussion headaches led to elimination of neck pain from the cluster.

Conclusions

PTH correlates strongly with other migraine symptoms among youth with concussion, regardless of premorbid headaches. This clustering of migraine symptoms supports the existence of PTM as a distinct clinical entity in some patients.
Tentations et mesures de prévention délivrées par l’industrie du jeu : Effets principaux et interactifs sur les joueurs
Authors: Lemarié Linda , Chebat Jean-Charles
Published: June 2015

Notre étude examine les effets des messages pro- versus- anti-jeu en provenance de l’industrie du jeu. De façon paradoxale, les messages anti-jeu accroissent l’intention de jouer des joueurs, de même que les messages pro-jeu. Les implications de ces résultats en termes de politique publique ouvrent la discussion.
Synthesis of bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers containing isosorbide and polycarbonate diol and their biocompatible properties
Authors: Oh So-Yeon , Kang Min-Sil , Knowles Jonathan C , Gong Myoung-Seon
Published: June 2015

A new family of highly elastic polyurethanes (PUs) partially based on renewable isosorbide were prepared by reacting hexamethylene diisocyanate with a various ratios of isosorbide and polycarbonate diol 2000 (PCD) via a one-step bulk condensation polymerization without catalyst. The influence of the isorsorbide/PCD ratio on the properties of the PU was evaluated. The successful synthesis of the PUs was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. The resulting PUs showed high number-average molecular weights ranging from 56,320 to 126,000 g mol−1 and tunable Tg values from −34 to −38℃. The thermal properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The PU films were flexible with breaking strains from 955% to 1795% at from 13.5 to 54.2 MPa tensile stress. All the PUs had 0.9–2.8% weight lost over 4 weeks and continual slow weight loss of 1.1–3.6% was observed within 8 weeks. Although the cells showed a slight lower rate of proliferation than that of the tissue culture polystyrene as a control, the PU films were considered to be cytocompatible and nontoxic. These thermoplastic PUs were soft, flexible and biocompatible polymers, which open up a range of opportunities for soft tissue augmentation and regeneration.
Infraordinary Ties and Place-Making at a Convenience Store in West Los Angeles
Authors: Hung Yiling
Published: June 2015

This article focuses on the quotidian interactions taking place at a seemingly unimportant location—a convenience store—and how these interactions animate the space as one of multiple frames. Based on ethnographic fieldwork at a convenience store in West Los Angeles, I argue that an important part of what makes an urban space such as the convenience store viable is how space and crowds align in a way that allows for relational fluidity. This argument is developed by a depiction of the coexistence and intersection of five different interactional units at the store, which facilitate “infraordinary ties” that cut across the interactional units. Mediating between the interactional units and the everyday trajectories that take one to other parts of the city, the infraordinary ties allow the individual to obtain a role that endures over the immediate interactions. As these ties allow interpersonal connections that can morph from one form to another, they animate the space as one of multiple frames. An appreciation of this mechanism of mutual intensification between space and crowds furthers understandings of the relationship among space, interactional patterns, and forms of sociality.
Effect of welding sequence to minimize fillet welding distortion in a ship’s small component fabrication using joint rigidity method
Authors: Park Jeong-Ung , An Gyu Baek
Published: June 2015

This study was performed to investigate the effect of welding sequence on fillet welding distortion. It proposes a new model of joint rigidity method, which can determine the welding sequence for minimum welding distortion, through a reliability validation done via experiments and welding distortion analysis using the equivalent load method. A new joint rigidity method considers the gap between base plate and stiffener and the fillet welding sequence at left/right bead. Fillet welding sequence at left/right bead could be considered by setting welding beads at left/right as a separate solid element after welding sequence was drawn by new joint rigidity method. Analysis and experiment for welding distortion for the test specimen with different stiffener distances were conducted. It was confirmed that the experimental and analysis results were well-matched. The validity of welding sequence using joint rigidity method was followed after the comparison of the welding distortion for the small components for ship building. Note that the welding sequence by which welding distortion became maximum and minimum was drawn using joint rigidity method for the small assembly components. Welding distortion was also analyzed using equivalent load method. Analysis results revealed that the maximum welding distortion less than 10 mm was generated. Welding distortion less than around 5 mm occurred in welding sequence which minimized welding distortion compared with welding sequence, generating maximum welding distortion.
Stabilisation of the high-energy orbit for a non-linear energy harvester with variable damping
Authors: Su Dongxu , Zheng Rencheng , Nakano Kimihiko , Cartmell Matthew P
Published: June 2015

The non-linearity of a hardening-type oscillator provides a wider bandwidth and a higher energy harvesting capability under harmonic excitations. Also, both low- and high-energy responses can coexist for the same parameter combinations at relatively high excitation levels. However, if the oscillator’s response happens to coincide with the low-energy orbit then the improved performance achieved by the non-linear oscillator over that of its linear counterpart, could be impaired. This is therefore the main motivation for stabilisation of the high-energy orbit. In the present work, a schematic harvester design is considered consisting of a mass supported by two linear springs connected in series, each with a parallel damper, and a third-order non-linear spring. The equivalent linear stiffness and damping coefficients of the oscillator are derived through variation of the damper element. From this adjustment the variation of the equivalent stiffness generates a corresponding shift in the frequency–amplitude response curve, and this triggers a jump from the low-energy orbit to stabilise the high-energy orbit. This approach has been seen to require little additional energy supply for the adjustment and stabilisation, compared with that needed for direct stiffness tuning by mechanical means. Overall energy saving is of particular importance for energy harvesting applications. Subsequent results from simulation and experimentation confirm that the proposed method can be used to trigger a jump to the desirable state, thereby introducing a beneficial addition to the performance of the non-linear hardening-type energy harvester that improves overall efficiency and broadens the bandwidth.
A multistate additive relative survival semi-Markov model
Authors: Gillaizeau Florence , Dantan Etienne , Giral Magali , Foucher Yohann
Published: June 2015

Medical researchers are often interested to investigate the relationship between explicative variables and times-to-events such as disease progression or death. Such multiple times-to-events can be studied using multistate models. For chronic diseases, it may be relevant to consider semi-Markov multistate models because the transition intensities between two clinical states more likely depend on the time already spent in the current state than on the chronological time. When the cause of death for a patient is unavailable or not totally attributable to the disease, it is not possible to specifically study the associations with the excess mortality related to the disease. Relative survival analysis allows an estimate of the net survival in the hypothetical situation where the disease would be the only possible cause of death. In this paper, we propose a semi-Markov additive relative survival (SMRS) model that combines the multistate and the relative survival approaches. The usefulness of the SMRS model is illustrated by two applications with data from a French cohort of kidney transplant recipients. Using simulated data, we also highlight the effectiveness of the SMRS model: the results tend to those obtained if the different causes of death are known.
Laboratizing the border: The production, translation and anticipation of security technologies
Authors: Bourne Mike , Johnson Heather , Lisle Debbie
Published: June 2015

This article critically interrogates how borders are produced by scientists, engineers and security experts in advance of the deployment of technical devices they develop. We trace how sovereign decisions are enacted as assemblages in the antecedent register of device development through the everyday decisions of scientists and engineers in the laboratory, the security experts they engage, and the material components of the device itself. Drawing on in-depth interviews, observations, and ethnographic research of the EU-funded Handhold project, we explore how assumptions about the way security technologies will and should perform at the border shape the development of a portable, integrated device to detect chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) threats at borders. In disaggregating the moments of sovereign decision-making across multiple sites and times, we question the supposed linearity of how science comes out of and feeds back into the world of border security. An interrogation of competing assumptions and understandings of security threats and needs, of competing logics of innovation and pragmatism, of the demands of differentiated temporalities in detection and identification, and of the presumed capacities, behaviours, and needs of phantasmic competitors and end-users reveals a complex, circulating and co-constitutive process of device development that laboratises the border itself.
Eyes Wide Shut? A Commentary on the Hypothesis That Never Was
Authors: Garud Raghu
Published: June 2015

Why would anyone want to (or have to) motivate a study with hypotheses that emerged from the analyses of data and then claim support for the hypotheses? What damage is done? Is this practice unethical, and if so, where does responsibility lie? And, what can we do about this practice, if anything? Addressing these questions requires an ongoing discussion among members of any disciplinary field. To foster such a discussion in the management field, I offer some observations based on the article titled “The Hypothesis That Never Was: Uncovering the Deceptive Use of Post Hoc Hypotheses.”
Clinical Validation of the “Sedentary Lifestyle” Nursing Diagnosis in Secondary School Students
Authors: de Oliveira Marcos Renato , da Silva Viviane Martins , Guedes Nirla Gomes , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venícios
Published: June 2015

This study clinically validated the nursing diagnosis of “sedentary lifestyle” (SL) among 564 Brazilian adolescents. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were calculated for defining characteristics, and Mantel–Haenszel analysis was used to identify related factors. The measures of diagnostic accuracy showed that the following defining characteristics were statistically significant: “average daily physical activity less than recommended for gender and age,” “preference for activity low in physical activity,” “nonengagement in leisure time physical activities,” and “diminished respiratory capacity.” An SL showed statistically significant associations with the following related factors: insufficient motivation for physical activity; insufficient interest in physical activity; insufficient resources for physical activity; insufficient social support for physical activity; attitudes, beliefs, and health habits that hinder physical activity; and insufficient confidence for practicing physical exercises. The study highlighted the four defining characteristics and six related factors for making decisions related to SL among adolescents.
Control integrated design of active deformation and intrinsic elasticity for morphing waverider
Authors: Liu Yanbin , Hua Bing
Published: June 2015

The hypersonic waverider using the morphing configuration can improve the overall performance and broaden the flight range. On the other hand, the hypersonic waverider belongs to the lightweight construction, leading to the presence of the intrinsic elasticity. As a result, the integrated consideration of the active deformation and elastic action is important for the morphing waverider to realize global optimization. In this paper, the contro-integrated design methods are proposed for the morphing waverider to implement the trade-off analysis between the active deformation and intrinsic elasticity. First, the parametric model is built to describe the hypersonic flight characteristics. Then, the elastic dynamics is introduced to quantify the coupling responses associated with the angle of attack and elevon deflection. Furthermore, the integrated design is considered for the active deformation and inherent elastic action, and also the control law is designed to suppress the active and passive morphing disturbances. Finally, the simulation is conducted to test the effectiveness of the presented methods for the morphing waverider.
Sexual Assault Perpetrators’ Justifications for Their Actions
Authors: Wegner Rhiana , Abbey Antonia , Pierce Jennifer , Pegram Sheri E. , Woerner Jacqueline
Published: June 2015

Perpetrators use rape supportive attitudes and sexual assault incident characteristics to justify forcing sex on their victims. Perpetrators who can justify their behaviors are at increased risk for future perpetration. This study examined the relationships between rape supportive attitudes, sexual assault incident characteristics, and the post-assault justifications of 183 men sampled from the community who self-reported committing at least one act of sexual aggression. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that rape supportive attitudes, expectations for having sex, misperceptions of sexual intent, victims’ alcohol consumption, attempts to be alone with her, and the number of consensual sexual activities prior to the unwanted sex were significant predictors of perpetrators’ post-assault use of justifications. Greater use of justifications was a significant predictor of sexual aggression over a 1-year follow-up interval. These findings demonstrate the need for further research exploring when and why perpetrators use post-assault justifications and whether they are amenable to change.
A Case of Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus With Distinct Erythematous Borders
Authors: Surkan Megan , Hull Peter
Published: June 2015

Background:

Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is a chronic inflammatory and fibrosing condition that mostly affects the genital mucosa. Nongenital skin may be affected either in isolation or in association with genital involvement. A distinct, brightly red border may be seen but is poorly documented in major dermatology texts. In the case presented, such a border was noted in all of the patient’s very extensive lesions.

Objective:

To draw attention to this clinical manifestation and to stimulate future observations as to its clinical and prognostic significance.

Methods and Results:

A 67-year-old woman presented with disseminated LSA with genital involvement. All the lesions had a distinct red border. A review of major textbooks available to the authors revealed that the presence of a marginal erythema is regularly not mentioned.

Conclusion:

An erythematous border to LSA may be a notable feature. Its frequency and clinical significance remain to be determined.
Conceptualising curricular space in busyness education: An aesthetic approximation
Authors: Blasco Maribel
Published: June 2015

This article outlines a conceptual framework for conceptualising students' experiences of curricular space from an aesthetic perspective. The curriculum is conceived as a three-dimensional, aesthetic artefact that elicits sensory responses and judgements about meaning that can impact learning. Space is conceived in terms of three dimensions that may either be produced or foreclosed by curricular structures and content: autonomy space, reflective space and cognitive space. Together, these spaces enable imaginative space, which is important for innovative and creative thinking. The Japanese concept of ma is proposed as a fruitful way of thinking about space in curricula not as a wasteful, inefficient or mere void to be filled but as the element that enables learning to result from exposing students to structures and content.
Sustainability marketing myopia
Authors: Villarino Javiera , Font Xavier
Published: June 2015

Sustainability communication in accommodation businesses tends to be factual and descriptive, as companies are concerned with product-based messages that focus on what they do, and they appear not to understand the potential benefits of constructing messages that would influence consumers to behave more sustainably, which is effectively sustainability marketing myopia. An analysis of 1835 sustainability messages from award-winning businesses shows that messages communicate facts not emotions and benefits for society as a whole rather than for the individual customer. The messages are explicit but passive and not experiential, hence they positively affect the cognitive but not the affective image of the business. The lack of message normalization and customer focus reinforces the image of sustainability being a niche concern. We reflect on the reasons for these shortcomings and highlight opportunities to improve persuasive communication, which we have now applied commercially in more than 400 website analyses and 60 training courses.
Influence of the Home Food Environment on Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Authors: Amuta Ann O. , Jacobs Wura , Idoko Ehikowoicho E. , Barry Adam E. , McKyer E. Lisako J.
Published: June 2015

Background. This investigation sought to identify micro-level built and sociocultural characteristics of a home food environment that have been theoretically linked with fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption. Method. We examined rural families (n = 298) from the southeastern United States. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses determined the association between the outcome variable (F&V consumption) and micro-level built and sociocultural characteristics of a home food environment. Results. Demographic characteristics were entered at Step 1, explaining 14% of variance in vegetable consumption and 9% in fruit consumption. After entry of sociocultural factors in the home food environment, such as parenting styles and so on, in Block 2, the total variance explained increased by 25% for vegetable consumption and 12% for fruit consumption. Micro-level built environmental factors such as the availability of F&V in the home was entered at Block 3, total variance explained by the model for vegetable consumption was 67%, F(17, 111) = 13.5, p < .001, and for fruit consumption was 57%, F(17, 160) = 12.5, p < .001. Conclusion. F&V availability was the most important variable influencing a child’s consumption of F&V. There are modifiable factors within the rural low-income home that could serve as priorities for intervention to improve F&V consumption.
Modeling a nuclear detonation in a conventional campaign simulation
Authors: Hefty Kiley E , Dickey Thomas M , Gallagher Mark A , Garcia Fred E
Published: June 2015

Military analysts use large simulation models to evaluate potential conventional wars. The proliferation of nuclear weapons has increased the potential for one or a few of them to be employed in a conventional conflict. While complex nuclear effects models exist, their damage levels and measures are not commensurate with what is found in conventional campaign simulations. In this article, we use simple range-to-effects approximations that can be scaled for detonation yield and height of burst (HOB) for the impact of nuclear effects on various combat unit types. We incorporate these relationships in the synthetic theater operations research model (STORM), a widely used conventional campaign simulation. We demonstrate that nuclear detonations can be integrated into campaign simulations and show the impact that a single nuclear weapon may have on conventional force operations.
Is Using Threshold-Crossing Method and Single Type of Features Sufficient to Achieve Realistic Application of Seizure Prediction?
Authors: Zheng Yang , Wang Gang , Wang Jue
Published: June 2015

Objective. This study aims to verify whether the simple threshold-crossing method can work well enough to achieve the realistic application of seizure prediction on the basis of a large public database, and examines how a more complex classifier can improve prediction performance. It also verified whether the combination of multiple types of features with a complex classifier can improve prediction performance. Method. Phase synchronization and spectral power features were extracted from electroencephalogram recordings. The threshold-crossing method and a support vector machine (SVM) were used to identify preictal and interictal samples. Based on the type of selected features and the manner of classification, 5 different methods were conducted on 19 patients. The performances of these methods were directly compared and tested using a random predictor. In-sample optimization problems were avoided in the feature and parameter selection procedure to obtain credible results. Results. The threshold-crossing method could only obtain satisfying prediction results for approximately half of the selected patients. The SVM classifier could significantly improve prediction performance compared with the threshold-crossing method for both types of features. Although the average performance was further improved when both types of features were combined with the SVM classifier, the improvement was insignificant. Conclusion. A complex classifier, such as the SVM, is recommended in a realistic prediction device, although it will increase the complexity of the device. Indeed, the simple threshold-crossing method performs well enough for some of the patients. The combination of phase synchronization and spectral power features is unnecessary because of the increased computation complexity.
Dynamic fault tree analysis based on continuous-time Bayesian networks under fuzzy numbers
Authors: Li Yan-Feng , Mi Jinhua , Liu Yu , Yang Yuan-Jian , Huang Hong-Zhong
Published: June 2015

In the calculation of dynamic fault trees, the existing state space–based methods, such as Markov chain method, are basically global-state models, which make the solution procedure very complex. Bayesian networks have become a popular tool to build probability models and conduct inference for reliability design and analysis in various industry fields. The “state explosion” problem can be alleviated by Bayesian networks. Furthermore, to obtain sufficient failure data sets in real engineering systems is extremely difficult and thus causes the parametric uncertainty in failure data. To address these issues, a novel dynamic fault tree analysis method based on the continuous-time Bayesian networks under fuzzy numbers is proposed in this article. The probability distributions under fuzzy numbers for the output variable of dynamic logic gates are determined. The calculation of fuzzy failure probability of a system is presented. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Peripheral blood neutrophil cytokine hyper-reactivity in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Ling Martin R , Chapple Iain LC , Matthews John B
Published: June 2015

Pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) by peripheral blood neutrophils, isolated from periodontitis patients (before/after therapy) and matched controls, was determined after 18 h culture in the presence/absence of Escherichia coli LPS, opsonised Staphylococcus aureus, heat-killed Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis. All cultures demonstrated differences in the amounts of each cytokine detected ( P < 0.0001), with a clear release pattern (IL-8 > IL-6 > TNF-α = IL-1β). Median cytokine release from unstimulated patient neutrophils was consistently, but non-significantly, higher than from control cells. Stimulated cytokine release from untreated patient neutrophils was also consistently higher than from control cells. This hyper-reactivity was significant for all tested cytokines when data for all stimuli were combined ( P < 0.016). In terms of individual stimuli, significant hyper-reactivity was detected with LPS (IL-8), F. nucleatum (IL-8, TNF-α), opsonised S. aureus (IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β) and P. gingivalis (IL-8, IL-1β). Cytokine production by patient neutrophils did not reduce following successful non-surgical periodontal therapy and, except for responses to F. nucleatum, the cytokine hyper-reactivity detected pre-therapy was retained. These data demonstrate that chronic periodontitis is characterised by neutrophils that constitutively exhibit cytokine hyper-reactivity, the effects of which could modulate local and systemic inflammatory-immune responses and influence the risk and severity of periodontitis-associated systemic inflammatory diseases.
B-cell survival factors in autoimmune rheumatic disorders
Authors: Morais Sandra A. , Vilas-Boas Andreia , Isenberg David A.
Published: June 2015

Autoimmune rheumatic disorders have complex etiopathogenetic mechanisms in which B cells play a central role. The importance of factors stimulating B cells, notably the B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) axis is now recognized. BAFF and APRIL are cytokines essential for B-cell proliferation and survival from the immature stages to the development of plasma cells. Their levels are increased in some subsets of patients with autoimmune disorders. Several recent biologic drugs have been developed to block this axis, namely belimumab [already licensed for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatment], tabalumab, atacicept and blisibimod. Many clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these drugs in several autoimmune disorders are ongoing, or have been completed recently. This review updates the information on the use of biologic agents blocking BAFF/APRIL for patients with SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome and myositis.
Agricultural Subsidies for Non-farm Interests: An Analysis of the US Agro-industrial Complex
Authors: Lima Thiago
Published: June 2015

The article argues that the US agricultural subsidies are sustained by a coalition of forces larger than is normally asserted by mainstream analysis. Using the concept of agro-industrial complex, the article sustains that subsidies are a state policy intended to keep farms functional. The subsidies push farmers into a technological treadmill, an economic dynamic by which farmers must keep investing in expensive inputs and expanding scale. All this investment and expansion makes farmers highly indebted and places downward pressure on the price of commodities, creating a tendency that, if it were not for the subsidies, would probably lead to bankruptcy. A generalized farm bankruptcy would be a grave setback for many interests: input suppliers, commodity merchants, food suppliers, landowners, banks and the state itself, among others. Thus, agricultural subsidies should be seen through a broader political economy perspective, not one that traces subsidies only to the connections between farm interest groups and key members of Congress.
Linking Decisions with Standardization
Authors: Veszteg Róbert F.
Published: June 2015

This article proposes a simple mechanism that can be operated without monetary transfers in situations where a group of agents have to decide over a series of common projects and they are not informed about each other’s valuations. It is shown that efficient public decisions can be made by aggregating the standardized values of the declared individual valuations if the number of agents and the number of decision problems are sufficiently large.
A Simple Model of Bank Behaviour—With Implications for Solvency Regulation
Authors: Zweifel Peter , Pfaff Dieter , Kühn Jochen
Published: June 2015

A simple model of bank behaviour is shown to have implications for solvency regulation of the Basel type. The investment division seeks to maximize RORAC, with higher solvency S lowering the cost of refinancing but tying costly capital. In period 1, exogenous changes in expected returns d[Formula: see text] and in volatility d[Formula: see text] occur, causing optimal adjustments dS*/ d[Formula: see text] and dS*/ d[Formula: see text] in period 2. In period 3, the actual adjustment dS* creates an endogenous trade-off with slope d[Formula: see text]/ d[Formula: see text]. Basel-type regulation modifies this slope, inducing senior management to opt for a higher value of σ in several situations. Solvency regulation can thus run counter its stated objective.
Introducing Intransitivities in Social Choice Theory
Authors: Baigent Nicholas
Published: June 2015

This expository note offers two diagrams that may be helpful when introducing students to social choice theory. The first diagram may help students get a feel for preferences and the Kemeny distance between preferences. This diagram is then used to discuss intransitivities arising from aggregating the preferences of two individuals. It is argued that this provides a better introduction to Arrow’s theorem than the common use of Condorcet cycles. An alternative diagram that can be used for the same purpose or for further exercises is also offered.
Fibrosis Progression in Paired Liver Biopsies from HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients without Prior Treatment of Hepatitis C
Authors: Leite Andréa G. B. , Duarte Maria Irma S. , Mendes-Correa Maria Cássia
Published: June 2015

Several studies have demonstrated that HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients experience more rapid fibrosis progression. In this study, to estimate the annual rate of direct liver fibrosis progression, we used analyses of paired biopsy samples from HIV/HCV-coinfected patients without prior treatment of hepatitis and assessed the possible association of fibrosis progression with certain clinical variables. We evaluated 30 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, with no history of prior treatment of hepatitis C, who underwent paired liver biopsies. All patients were under antiretroviral therapy at first and second biopsies. The average annual progression rate was 0.13 fibrosis unit/year, with 36.7% of patients defined as progressors. Liver fibrosis progression was associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT; P < .001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; P < .0340) levels over 3 times the upper limit of normal present at first biopsy. Elevated ALT and AST levels appear to be associated with more accelerated liver fibrosis progression among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.
TORC2 mediates the heat stress response in Drosophila by promoting the formation of stress granules
Authors: Jevtov Irena , Zacharogianni Margarita , van Oorschot Marinke M. , van Zadelhoff Guus , Aguilera-Gomez Angelica , Vuillez Igor , Braakman Ineke , Hafen Ernst , Stocker Hugo , Rabouille Catherine
Published: June 2015

The kinase TOR is found in two complexes, TORC1, involved in growth control, and TORC2 with less well defined roles. Here, we ask whether TORC2 has a role in sustaining cellular stress. We show that TORC2 inhibition in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a reduced tolerance to heat stress, whereas sensitivity to other stresses is not affected. Accordingly, we show that upon heat stress, both in the animal and Drosophila cultured S2 cells, TORC2 is activated and is required for the stability of its known target Akt/PKB. We show that the phosphorylation of the stress activated protein kinases is not modulated by TORC2, nor is the heat-induced upregulation of heat shock proteins. Instead, we show, both in vivo and in cultured cells, that TORC2 is required for the assembly of heat-induced cytoprotective ribonucleoprotein particles, the pro-survival stress granules. These granules are formed in response to protein translation inhibition imposed by heat stress that appears less efficient in the absence of TORC2 function. We propose that TORC2 mediates heat resistance in Drosophila by promoting the cell autonomous formation of stress granules.
Some properties of Choquet integral based probability functions
Authors: Torra Vicenç
Published: June 2015

The Choquet integral permits us to integrate a function with respect to a non-additive measure. When the measure is additive it corresponds to the Lebesgue integral. This integral was used recently to define families of probability-density functions. They are the exponential family of Choquet integral (CI) based class-conditional probability-density functions, and the exponential family of Choquet– Mahalanobis integral (CMI) based class-conditional probability-density functions. The latter being a generalization of the former, and also a generalization of the normal distribution.In this paper we study some properties of these distributions, and study the application of a few normality tests.
The Metaphor in the Public (Political) Discourse in the Macedonian Language at the Time of Elections
Authors: Venovska‑Antevska Snežana
Published: June 2015

Cognitive linguistic researches basically place metaphors as tool and as a cognitive ability to join the motivation and the real message they convey on one hand, and the textual analysis which serves to view metaphor as a result of the cultural and communication experience in expressing attitudes motivated by previously acquired knowledge. The use of the conceptual and conventional metaphor expressions in the public (political) discourse through examples in the Macedonian language portrays the conceptual integration as an inevitable approach in the interpretation of the metaphor in a minimal context. The examples of metaphors are increasingly present at time of elections. What is characteristic of the Macedonian political discourse is that during the last six years there is continuity in the dynamics. The appearance of the metaphors is integrated within the rhetoric strategy, which appears to be effective. There is a selection and a qualitative analysis of the metaphors in the Macedonian language which are used in the public (political) discourse.
UNESCO Architectural Objects on the Territory of the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Ickiewicz-Sawicka Magdalena
Published: June 2015

Stereotypically, international society identifies the Republic of Macedonia as a former Yugoslavian area marked by the independence stigma during tragic events in the Balkans. Therefore, various scientific publications appear (particularly in the fields of international law, political science or international relations), concerning mainly the Greek‑Macedonian conflict over the official name of the country. However, it is rather rare to find in Polish literature texts on remarkable cultural and architectural richness of this small but extremely important – for the Slavic‑Orthodox culture – country. It is possible to observe, in Polish works, compilations on art history of South and West Slavs, but it does not extend its own scientific discipline, except the indication of necessary legal or political background. In the following discourse several considerations on culture and art objects on the territory of the modern Republic of Macedonia (FYROM official name) are presented. The text consists of three main parts with an emphasis that the last part possesses also an internal structure. Basic information concerning the main tasks and aims of UNESCO is presented in the first part of the work. The following part is concerned with the historical context of the city of Ohrid. Finally, the third part of the paper contains considerations on the architectonical objects of UNESCO located in the historical city of Ohrid. The analysis ends with final conclusions.
An Outline of Serbian‑Macedonian Relations in the First Decade of 21st Century
Authors: Vučković Zoran
Published: June 2015

The first decade of the 21st century in Serbian‑Macedonian relations was characterized by significant number of problems which mostly influenced them in negative way. As both countries began to cooperate on eliminating one problem, many other problems emerged – an issue of recognizing independence of Kosovo and conflict between national churches. Political structures in both countries in the beginning of the studied period were not eager to compromise. Over time, as national issues in Serbia have lost their influence in favor of economic and as the MPC was consolidating its influence in Macedonian society (and as the threat from Ohrid Archdiocese was weakening), relations began to improve. It led to a paradoxical situation in which political leaders of both countries were appealing to clergymen to solve the conflict. Further perspectives for cooperation between Macedonia and Serbia look promising. Positive changes can be achieved through developing economic cooperation and maintaining close cultural and social ties which were not broken under influence of 1990s. On the other hand, different positions about the independence of Kosovo will still have negative impact on them, especially because of the hard line of Albanian minority in Macedonia. Also, the Albanian minority which is actively participating in the Macedonian government will not only indirectly influence the relations with Serbia (through close cooperation with Kosovo on the international level). Also, due to significant Albanian minority in the South Serbia it will continue to influence bilateral cooperation.
Turkish Foreign Policy Towards Macedonia after the Cold War
Authors: Bieniek Karol
Published: June 2015

The provided paper describes main features of the Turkish foreign policy towards Macedonia after the Cold War. The strategic character of the bilateral Turkish‑Macedonian partnership has been underlined. This partnership has its roots in the pragmatic tendency of the Turkish foreign policy to strengthen its influence and provide stability in the Balkan Peninsula. It is also a part of the broader context of the Turkey’s foreign policy which is determined by global factors and centuries‑lasting history of bilateral relations. A particular dynamism of the Turkey’s foreign policy under Justice and Development Party’s rule has been underlined in this paper. It has been clarified that implementation of the “strategic depth” conception – that forms a normative base for Turkey’s foreign activities under prime minister R.T. Erdoğan’s rule – has largely contributed to the deepening of bilateral relations.
Influence of Glycosylation on Diagnostic and Prognostic Accuracy of N-Terminal Pro–B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Acute Dyspnea: Data from the Akershus Cardiac Examination 2 Study
Authors: Røsjø Helge , Dahl Mai Britt , Jørgensen Marit , Røysland Ragnhild , Brynildsen Jon , Cataliotti Alessandro , Christensen Geir , Høiseth Arne Didrik , Hagve Tor-Arne , Omland Torbjørn
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

The N-terminal part of pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is glycosylated, but whether glycosylation influences the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of NT-proBNP measurements is not known.

METHODS

We measured NT-proBNP concentrations of 309 patients with acute dyspnea by use of standard EDTA tubes and EDTA tubes pretreated with deglycosylation enzymes. The primary cause of dyspnea was classified as heart failure (HF) or non-HF, and the diagnosis was adjudicated by 2 independent physicians. We collected information on all-cause mortality during follow-up.

RESULTS

In all, 142 patients (46%) were diagnosed with HF. NT-proBNP concentrations in nondeglycosylated samples distinguished HF patients from patients with non-HF related dyspnea [median 3588 (quartiles 1–3 1578–8404) vs 360 (126–1139) ng/L, P < 0.001], but concentrations were markedly higher in samples pretreated with deglycosylation enzymes (total NT-proBNP) [7497 (3374–14 915) vs 798 (332–2296) ng/L, P < 0.001]. The AUC to separate HF patients from patients with non-HF related dyspnea was 0.871 (95% CI 0.829–0.907) for total NT-proBNP compared with 0.852 (0.807–0.890) for NT-proBNP measurements in standard EDTA plasma. During a median follow-up of 816 days, 112 patients (36%) died. Both NT-proBNP and total NT-proBNP concentrations were associated with mortality in separate multivariate models, but only total NT-proBNP concentrations provided added value to the basic risk model of our dataset as assessed by the net reclassification index: 0.24 (95% CI 0.003–0.384). There was a graded increase in risk across total NT-proBNP quartiles, in contrast with the results for NT-proBNP measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

NT-proBNP concentrations were higher, and diagnostic and prognostic accuracy was improved, by pretreating tubes with deglycosylation enzymes.
Residuos de catastro romano en Sax
Authors: Ponce Herrero Gabino
Published: June 2015

El área donde se localizan los restos de un posible parcelario romano forma parte de uno de los corredores intramontanos enclavado en las últimas estribaciones nororientales del dominio prebético, y se encuentra atravesada por el hipotético trazado de la Vía Augusta desde que ésta, bifurcada en Fuente la Higuera, penetra en el valle del Vinalopó hacia Ilici y Chartago. Lapresente investigación sobre residuos de catastro romano en Sax continúa otra anterior delprofesor Rosselló en áreas muy próximas y con caracteres similares, que sin duda forman unconjunto de colonización romana a lo largo del valle del Vinalopó, apoyada en el trazado de laVía Augusta.
El alud de Peña Gabarda (Balneario de Panticosa, Huesca) del dos de marzo de 2001
Authors: Cancer Pomar Luis
Published: June 2015

El alud producido en la vertiente ESE de Peña Gabarda, cerca del Balneario de Panticosa (Pirineo central, provincia de Huesca, España) en la mañana del dos de marzo de 2001, se deslizó sobre una canal donde la frecuencia de aludes es muy alta y en la que se han construido varias obras de defensa antialudes. Se trata de un alud de fusión favorecido por las altas temperaturas y lluvias precedentes, que inestabilizaron un manto nival a su vez depositado sobre otro preexistente de características físicas diferentes. Este alud afecta a una carretera bastante transitada, por lo que su grado de riesgo es elevado.
El uso de los diarios de navegación como instrumento de reconstrucción climática. La marina catalana del siglo XIX
Authors: Prohom Duran Marc
Published: June 2015

La necesidad de obtener mayor información sobre los climas del pasado, potencia el uso de nuevas técnicas y fuentes paleoclimáticas, para así evaluar el supuesto cambio climático actual. Este artículo se centra en una de estas técnicas, la climatología histórica y, más concretamente, en el uso de los diarios de navegación como instrumento proxy para la reconstrucción climática. Así, se analiza la documentación con contenido climático generada durante el momento de máximo esplendor de la navegación catalana a vela del siglo XIX por aguas del Océano Atlántico. La conservación de numerosos tratados y compendios de navegación proporciona una valiosa información sobre la estructura del documento, su evolución a lo largo del tiempo y la metodología utilizada para la transcripción de la información climática. El estudio detallado de la travesía de un solo navío confiere a esta fuente documental plena utilidad como instrumento de análisis sinóptico del pasado.
Geografía y enseñanza secundaria
Authors: Marco Amorós Mateo
Published: June 2015

Para que la enseñanza tenga éxito ha de tener claros sus objetivos. La situación legislativa harto cambiante en materia educativa en la última década no ha propiciado la labor. En estas circunstancias hostiles se reivindica una mayor presencia de la Geografía en los planes de estudio, impartida por profesores especializados. Pero esa presencia debe de ser clara, nacida desde un criterio conciliador que integre en la medida de lo posible todas las corrientes geográficas.
Las interacciones atmósfera-mar en la climatología mediterránea del 2001
Authors: Quereda Sala José , Montón Chiva Enrique , Escrig Barberá José
Published: June 2015

En el presente trabajo se analizan las distintas situaciones atmosféricas que han afectado al mediterráneo español durante el 2001. A lo largo del mismo, las observaciones meteorológicas efectuadas en el excepcional emplazamiento del observatorio marino de la Universitat Jaume I han permitido verificar que la cuenca occidental del Mediterráneo aparece cada vez más como una zona neurálgica por lo que concierne a las interacciones atmósfera-mar. Las distintas situaciones atmosféricas observadas durante este año han mostrado que tanto las largas situaciones de estabilidad atmosférica como especialmente la génesis y evolución de sus grandes perturbaciones meteorológicas han venido determinadas por el desarrollo más o menos intenso de los procesos de termoconvección que se han generado en el interior de esa cubeta marina. Asimismo, toda esa serie de observaciones, mediante el recurso a la imaginería de satélites orbitales y a la topografía sinóptica, sugieren que tanto el mismo drenaje del aire frío hacia nuestro ámbito como la misma intensificación de los torbellinos ciclogenéticos podrían estar siendo activados por las anomalías registradas en el campo térmico del mar.
Prediction of final settlements of buildings constructed on expansive soils
Authors: Pérez-Rea María-de-la-Luz , Ayala Tania , Castano Victor
Published: June 2015

Because the action of the swelling pressure, the settlements caused by the transmitted load from the structure on expansive soils, and the settlements calculated by classic theories of soils mechanics are different. This swelling pressure acts in opposite direction to the weight of the building. In this paper, the authors propose the use of a volumetric strain coefficient by settlements exp, in a soil-structure interaction algorithm taking into account the expansive soil behavior in the reduction of the settlement magnitude when a building is placed above soil. It’s necessary to know the initial properties of the expansive unsaturated soil and the load building conditions. A laboratory process is described for determining the aexpcoefficient.