bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of solar direct irradiance models under clear-skies: Evaluation of the improvements for locally adapted models
Authors: Pérez-Burgos A. , Díez-Mediavilla M. , Alonso-Tristán C. , Rodríguez-Amigo M. C.
Published: April 2017

Direct solar irradiance has to be determined for the design of many energy applications such as photovoltaic systems and concentration systems, and the generation of solar potential maps for energy use. Knowledge of the accurate values of radiation components in a local area will allow optimal sizing of solar energy conversion systems. The estimated values of direct solar irradiance from models are still necessary at those sites where no measurements are available. In this work, different models used for the estimation of the direct component of solar irradiance are analyzed. First, an evaluation of the performance of eight existing original models was performed from which three were selected. Second, the selected models were calibrated to adapt them to our studied geographical area, which is the important aspect of this work, and an assessment of performance improvements for locally adapted models is reported. Experimental data consisted of hourly horizontal global, direct, and diffuse solar irradiance values, provided by the National Meteorological Agency in Spain (AEMET) for Madrid. Long-term data series, corresponding to a total period of time of 32 years (1980–2011), have been used in this study. Only clear sky models were treated at present. The three selected models were adapted to the specific location of Madrid, and root mean square error (RMSE) and mean-biased error were determined. By comparing the performance in the direct horizontal irradiance estimation from existing original and the corresponding locally adapted models, it is found that the values of RMSE decreased from 9.9% to 5.7% for the Louche model, from 7.8% to 7.4% for the Robledo-Soler model, and finally from 8.8% to 6.7% for the European Solar Radiation Atlas model. Thus, significant improvements can be reached when parametric models are locally adapted. In our case, it is up to approximately 4% for the Louche model. It is expected that calibrated algorithms presented in this work will be applicable to regions of similar climatic characteristics.
1. How to read Starbucks, or why intellectual property matters more than you think
Authors: Vaidhyanathan Siva
Published: April 2017

Intellectual property is a core function of the cultural elements from which we build meaning and of the commercial ecosystem that fuels so much human activity. Global companies, such as Starbucks and Coca Cola, have mastered both dynamics. Understanding the intellectual property ecosystem demands a full acknowledgment of the justifications for these systems of law and practice and an account of their consequences—both positive and negative. “How to read Starbucks; or why intellectual property matters more than you think” considers the justifications of intellectual property and its globalization and explains the main branches of “intellectual property” law: patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret law.
1. All about us
Authors: Crisp Richard J.
Published: April 2017

Social psychology is all about the ‘social universe’ and the people who populate our everyday lives. It’s the study of how society, culture, and context shape attitudes, behaviour, and beliefs. It’s how we figure out who we are, and how who we are is intimately linked to our relationships with others. ‘All about us’ outlines the history of the how the discipline came to be from the early years in the late 19th century with the work of Gustav LeBon and Norman Triplett, through the two world wars that provided inspiration for many studies that shaped social psychology, to the concept of social cognition, and how this is affected and impacted by social context.
1. Why migration matters
Authors: Koser Khalid
Published: April 2017

One in every 35 people in the world today is an international migrant, but migration affects far more people than just those who migrate. It has important social, economic, and political impacts at home and abroad. ‘Why migration matters’ shows why the topic of migration is important in the modern world. Migration began when Homo erectus and Homo sapiens moved out from the Rift Valley and colonized Eurasia, a process that has continued for centuries after. There are numerous opportunities for international migration with migrants contributing to economic growth as well as the social and cultural spheres of life. There are also challenges and some concerns, but are they all legitimate?
Rectified factor networks for biclustering of omics data
Authors: Clevert Djork-Arné , Unterthiner Thomas , Povysil Gundula , Hochreiter Sepp
Published: April 2017

Motivation

Biclustering has become a major tool for analyzing large datasets given as matrix of samples times features and has been successfully applied in life sciences and e-commerce for drug design and recommender systems, respectively. Factor Analysis for Bicluster Acquisition (FABIA), one of the most successful biclustering methods, is a generative model that represents each bicluster by two sparse membership vectors: one for the samples and one for the features. However, FABIA is restricted to about 20 code units because of the high computational complexity of computing the posterior. Furthermore, code units are sometimes insufficiently decorrelated and sample membership is difficult to determine. We propose to use the recently introduced unsupervised Deep Learning approach Rectified Factor Networks (RFNs) to overcome the drawbacks of existing biclustering methods. RFNs efficiently construct very sparse, non-linear, high-dimensional representations of the input via their posterior means. RFN learning is a generalized alternating minimization algorithm based on the posterior regularization method which enforces non-negative and normalized posterior means. Each code unit represents a bicluster, where samples for which the code unit is active belong to the bicluster and features that have activating weights to the code unit belong to the bicluster.

Results

On 400 benchmark datasets and on three gene expression datasets with known clusters, RFN outperformed 13 other biclustering methods including FABIA. On data of the 1000 Genomes Project, RFN could identify DNA segments which indicate, that interbreeding with other hominins starting already before ancestors of modern humans left Africa.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/bioinf-jku/librfn
Perspectives and Experiences Related to Help-Seeking Behaviors: A Content Analysis Study of Iranian Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Rabiei Leili , Abedi HeidarAli , Abedi Parvin , Zarea Kourosh , Masoudi Reza
Published: April 2017

Background:

Patients with multiple sclerosis practice help-seeking behaviors largely because of the progression of this physically exhausting disease, which has far reaching psychosocial consequences and requires hospitalization during severe disease exacerbations.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to describe the perspectives and experiences of Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis regarding help-seeking behaviors.

Methods:

A qualitative design, based on the content analysis approach, was used. Data were drawn from unstructured interviews that were held with 23 participants, who were referred from two teaching hospitals and from the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Ahvaz, Iran.

Results:

During the data analysis, four main themes emerged, including “reliance on God and recourse to the imams,” “striving to gain caring knowledge,” “a need for comprehensive support,” and “attention to spiritual care.”

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

Healthcare team members, especially nurses, should pay attention to perspectives of patients with multiple sclerosis and try to address these patients’ help-seeking behaviors to provide high-quality care.

The authors hope that the findings of this study will inform the construction of interventional strategies to improve nursing care and facilitate the provision of better support services for people with MS.
Trends in the Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB)
Authors: Patwardhan Ardan
Published: April 2017

Recent technological advances, such as the introduction of the direct electron detector, have transformed the field of cryo-EM and the landscape of molecular and cellular structural biology. This study analyses these trends from the vantage point of the Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB), the public archive for three-dimensional EM reconstructions. Over 1000 entries were released in 2016, representing almost a quarter of the total number of entries (4431). Structures at better than 6 Å resolution now represent one of the fastest-growing categories, while the share of annually released tomography-related structures is approaching 20%. The use of direct electron detectors is growing very rapidly: they were used for 70% of the structures released in 2016, in contrast to none before 2011. Microscopes from FEI have an overwhelming lead in terms of usage, and the use of theRELIONsoftware package continues to grow rapidly after having attained a leading position in the field. China is rapidly emerging as a major player in the field, supplementing the US, Germany and the UK as the big four. Similarly, Tsinghua University ranks only second to the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Biology in terms of involvement in publications associated with cryo-EM structures at better than 4 Å resolution. Overall, the numbers point to a rapid democratization of the field, with more countries and institutes becoming involved.
Exploring the suitability and acceptability of peer support for older veterans
Authors: Burnell Karen , Needs Adrian , Gordon Kim
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Informal social support is often sought by veterans to support reminiscence or cope with traumatic memories. However, it can also encourage unhelpful ways of coping, such as avoidance, or may be absent altogether. This project is borrowed from the growing peer support literature. The purpose of this paper is to explore the suitability of peer support services to enhance the wellbeing for older veterans, when naturally occurring support is absent or unhelpful.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a sequentially staged research programme involving a scoping review of current practice and evidence, and a consultation with veterans. In total, ten veterans (nine male, one female) took part in the consultation (M=66 years).

Findings

Peer support was considered suitable, particularly in addressing loneliness and social isolation. There was an understandable concern regarding its use with more complex issues such as trauma. An added issue was the implicit assumption that this consultation concerned transition; supporting younger veteran as they move from military to civilian life. This mirrored the focus of current UK policy and affected the focus of the consultation. Issues were also raised around the sustainability of services more broadly.

Social implications

Peer support is appropriate in supporting older veterans, but must be implemented in a sustainable way. Raising awareness of the needs of older veterans in older adult services is an important implication for service development and delivery.

Originality/value

There is a considerable lack of research concerning older veterans, particularly concerning their formal and informal social support needs. This paper addresses the current gap in the literature.
Water vapor concentration measurements using TDALS with wavelength modulation spectroscopy at varying pressures
Authors: Wei Wei , Chang Jun , Huang Qingjie , Wang Qiang , Liu Yuanyuan , Qin Zengguang
Published: April 2017

Purpose

As measurement results of optical gas sensors are constantly affected by the pressure of a target gas, approaches must be taken to modify the results. The purpose of this paper is to compare the traditional measurement method with the new measurement system. At the same time, measurement results of the two systems under different pressures are presented for comparison of the detection performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model of line shape function and its impact on the measured results is presented, which is based on direct absorption and wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) for gas concentration detection under different pressures. Methods of linear fitting and result modification have been illustrated and compared. A new testing system with the result modification method used for water vapor concentration detection under different pressures between 1 and 7 atm is applied. With an additional pressure sensor placed in the gas cell and calibration performed, relationships between the amplitude of the second harmonic and concentration of the target gas under different pressures can be obtained.

Findings

Amplitude detection can be used for concentration detection regardless of the change in pressure for the method of direct absorption. Although, WMS with second harmonic detection is not enough. Two methods are presented and compared with WMS under different pressures. Moreover, the result modification method shows better performance as computation is significantly reduced.

Originality/value

The comparison between linear fitting and the result modification method with WMS under different pressures is firstly presented. At the same time, a new testing system with better performance for water vapor concentration detection under different pressures is presented as well.
Lean production and the well‐being of the frontline manager: the job demands – resources model as a diagnostic tool in Chinese manufacturing
Authors: Huo Meng‐Long , Boxall Peter
Published: April 2017

Frontline managers (FLMs) are critical to the implementation of lean production yet its effect on their well‐being is a neglected subject. Illustrating the value of the job demands – resources model as a diagnostic tool, this study examines the impact of lean production on FLM well‐being in a Chinese manufacturer. Following qualitative interviews, survey responses from 226 FLMs were analysed through structural equation modelling. The analysis demonstrated the impact of relevant training, top management support and the level of pay as valuable resources for Chinese FLMs, stimulating their work engagement in a lean context. On the other hand, role overload showed a strong relationship with exhaustion. While perceptions of distributive justice can, to some extent, ameliorate feelings of exhaustion, other resources will most likely need to be mobilised to address the threat to the health of FLMs posed by high levels of work pressure.
Relationship between parent knowledge of child sleep, and child sleep practices and problems: A pilot study in a children's hospital cohort
Authors: McDowall Philippa S , Elder Dawn E , Campbell Angela J
Published: April 2017

Aim

To describe parent reports of sleep practices, and examine associations with parent knowledge of child sleep, and whether children's sleep practices differ between parents who underestimated, overestimated or accurately estimated children's sleep needs.

Methods

Parents of children aged 2–12 years (n = 115) attending hospital inpatient or day wards were approached and asked to report child sleep routines, sleep problems, parent education, household income and parent knowledge of child sleep via questionnaire.

Results

Younger age was associated with earlier bedtimes and wake times, shorter sleep latencies, longer sleep durations and greater sleep problems (P < 0.05). Parents from higher income homes reported earlier bedtimes and wake times, shorter sleep latencies and fewer sleep problems (P < 0.05). Parents with higher education reported shorter sleep latencies (P < 0.05). Parents with greater knowledge about child sleep reported earlier weekday and weekend bedtimes (r
s ≥ 0.26) and wake times (r
s ≥ 0.21) and greater consistency between their child's weekend and weekday sleep routines (P < 0.05). In comparison with parents who correctly estimated their child's sleep needs: parents who underestimated reported later weekday bedtimes (on average, 46 min), and longer sleep latencies (17 min); parents who overestimated reported longer sleep latencies (22 min). These findings remained significant when controlling for child age (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Parents with increased sleep knowledge, higher incomes and higher levels of education were more likely to report earlier bedtimes, wake times and more consistent sleep routines for their children.
Improvements in Colorectal Cancer Incidence Not Experienced by Nonmetropolitan Women: A Population‐Based Study From Utah
Authors: Fowler Brynn , Samadder N. Jewel , Kepka Deanna , Ding Qian , Pappas Lisa , Kirchhoff Anne C.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Little is known about disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality by community‐level factors such as metropolitan status.

Methods

This analysis utilized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program from Utah. We included patients diagnosed with CRC from 1991 to 2010. To determine whether associations existed between metropolitan/nonmetropolitan county of residence and CRC incidence, Poisson regression models were used. CRC mortality was assessed using multivariable Cox regression models.

Findings

CRC incidence rates did not differ between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties by gender (males: 46.2 per 100,000 vs 45.1 per 100,000, P = .87; females: 34.4 per 100,000 vs 36.1 per 100,000, P = .70). However, CRC incidence between the years of 2006 and 2010 in nonmetropolitan counties was significantly higher in females (metropolitan: 30.4 vs nonmetropolitan: 37.0 per 100,000, P = .002). As compared to metropolitan counties, the incidence of unstaged CRC in nonmetropolitan counties was significantly higher in both males (1.7 vs 2.8 per 100,000, P = .003) and females (1.4 vs 1.6 per 100,000, P = .002). Among patients who were diagnosed between 2006 and 2010, metropolitan counties were found to have significantly increased survival among males and females, but nonmetropolitan counties showed increased survival only for males.

Conclusions

While we observed a decreasing incidence of CRC among men and women in Utah, this effect was not seen in women in nonmetropolitan areas nor among those with unstaged disease. Further studies should evaluate factors that may account for these differences. This analysis can inform interventions with a focus on women in nonmetropolitan areas.
Educational and career goal attainments in young adult childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Bashore Lisa , Breyer Emma
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Examine the educational and career outcomes of young adult childhood cancer survivors.

Design and Methods

Descriptive study design using a survey sent to 336 survivors. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed separately.

Results

Only 50 completed surveys were returned. Having a central nervous system tumor and radiation were associated with physical impairments. Four themes also emerged: future as medical professionals, dreams fallen short, peer relationships, and positive outlook on life.

Practice Implications

Pediatric nurses caring for survivors should partner with oncology professionals to support survivors to enrich their educational and career opportunities.
Marine Bioluminescence: Measurement by a Classical Light Sensor and Related Foraging Behavior of a Deep Diving Predator
Authors: Vacquié‐Garcia Jade , Mallefet Jérôme , Bailleul Frédéric , Picard Baptiste , Guinet Christophe
Published: April 2017

Bioluminescence is produced by a broad range of organisms for defense, predation or communication purposes. Southern elephant seal (SES) vision is adapted to low‐intensity light with a peak sensitivity, matching the wavelength emitted by myctophid species, one of the main preys of female SES. A total of 11 satellite‐tracked female SESs were equipped with a time‐depth‐light 3D accelerometer (TDR10‐X) to assess whether bioluminescence could be used by SESs to locate their prey. Firstly, we demonstrated experimentally that the TDR10‐X light sensor was sensitive enough to detect natural bioluminescence; however, we highlighted a low‐distance detection of the sensor. Then, we linked the number of prey capture attempts (PCAs), assessed from accelerometer data, with the number of detected bioluminescence events. PCA was positively related to bioluminescence, which provides strong support that bioluminescence is involved in predator–prey interactions for these species. However, the limitations of the sensor did not allow us to discern whether bioluminescence (i) provided remote indication of the biological richness of the area to SES, (ii) was emitted as a mechanic reaction or (iii) was emitted as a defense mechanism in response to SES behavior.
Review Article: Advanced nanoscale patterning and material synthesis with gas field helium and neon ion beams
Authors: Stanford Michael G. , Lewis Brett B. , Mahady Kyle , Fowlkes Jason D. , Rack Philip D.
Published: April 2017

Focused ion beam nanoscale synthesis has emerged as a critical tool for selected area nanofabrication. Helium and neon ion beams from the gas field ion source have recently demonstrated unparalleled resolution among other scanning ion beams. In this review, the authors focus on the nanoscale synthesis applications for these ion species which have been demonstrated to date. The applications and recent work can broadly be grouped into the following categories: (1) Monte Carlo simulations, (2) direct-write milling or sputtering, (3) ion beam lithography, (4) selective ion implantation or defect introduction, and (5) gas-assisted processing. A special emphasis is given toward using He+ and Ne+ for the processing of two dimensional materials, as several groups have demonstrated promising results. Finally, the authors will discuss the future outlook of He+ and Ne+ nanoprocessing techniques and applications.
Designer interphases for the lithium-oxygen electrochemical cell
Authors: Choudhury Snehashis , Wan Charles Tai-Chieh , Al Sadat Wajdi I. , Tu Zhengyuan , Lau Sampson , Zachman Michael J. , Kourkoutis Lena F. , Archer Lynden A.
Published: April 2017

A demonstration of stable lithium-oxygen batteries based on high–donor number liquid electrolytes and an ionomer-protected anode.
Disruption of MDA5-Mediated Innate Immune Responses by the 3C Proteins of Coxsackievirus A16, Coxsackievirus A6, and Enterovirus D68
Authors: Rui Yajuan , Su Jiaming , Wang Hong , Chang Junliang , Wang Shaohua , Zheng Wenwen , Cai Yong , Wei Wei , Gordy James T. , Markham Richard , Kong Wei , Zhang Wenyan , Yu Xiao-Fang
Published: April 2017

Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16), CV-A6, and enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) belong to the
Picornaviridae
family and are major causes of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and pediatric respiratory disease worldwide. The biological characteristics of these viruses, especially their interplay with the host innate immune system, have not been well investigated. In this study, we discovered that the 3C
pro
proteins from CV-A16, CV-A6, and EV-D68 bind melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) and inhibit its interaction with MAVS. Consequently, MDA5-triggered type I interferon (IFN) signaling in the retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptor (RLR) pathway was blocked by the CV-A16, CV-A6, and EV-D68 3C
pro
proteins. Furthermore, the CV-A16, CV-A6, and EV-D68 3C
pro
proteins all cleave transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), resulting in the inhibition of NF-κB activation, a host response also critical for Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated signaling. Thus, our data demonstrate that circulating HFMD-associated CV-A16 and CV-A6, as well as severe respiratory disease-associated EV-D68, have developed novel mechanisms to subvert host innate immune responses by targeting key factors in the RLR and TLR pathways. Blocking the ability of 3C
pro
proteins from diverse enteroviruses and coxsackieviruses to interfere with type I IFN induction should restore IFN antiviral function, offering a potential novel antiviral strategy.

IMPORTANCE
CV-A16, CV-A6, and EV-D68 are emerging pathogens associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease and pediatric respiratory disease worldwide. The pathogenic mechanisms of these viruses are largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the CV-A16, CV-A6, and EV-D68 3C
pro
proteins block MDA5-triggered type I IFN induction. The 3C
pro
proteins of these viruses bind MDA5 and inhibit its interaction with MAVS. In addition, the CV-A16, CV-A6, and EV-D68 3C
pro
proteins cleave TAK1 to inhibit the NF-κB response. Thus, our data demonstrate that circulating HFMD-associated CV-A16 and CV-A6, as well as severe respiratory disease-associated EV-D68, have developed a mechanism to subvert host innate immune responses by simultaneously targeting key factors in the RLR and TLR pathways. These findings indicate the potential merit of targeting the CV-A16, CV-A6, and EV-D68 3C
pro
proteins as an antiviral strategy.
Multidrug Resistance
Salmonella
Genomic Island 1 in a Morganella morganii subsp.
morganii
Human Clinical Isolate from France
Authors: Schultz Eliette , Barraud Olivier , Madec Jean-Yves , Haenni Marisa , Cloeckaert Axel , Ploy Marie-Cécile , Doublet Benoît
Published: April 2017

Since its initial identification in epidemic multidrug-resistant
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium DT104 strains, several SGI1 variants, SGI1 lineages, and SGI1-related elements (SGI2, PGI1, and AGI1) have been described in many bacterial genera (
Salmonella
,
Proteus
,
Morganella
,
Vibrio
,
Shewanella
, etc.). They constitute a family of multidrug resistance site-specific integrative elements acquired by horizontal gene transfer, SGI1 being the best-characterized element. The horizontal transfer of SGI1/PGI1 elements into other genera is of public health concern, notably with regard to the spread of critically important resistance genes such as ESBL and carbapenemase genes. The identification of SGI1 in
Morganella morganii
raises the issue of (i) the potential for SGI1 to emerge in other human pathogens and (ii) its bacterial host range. Further surveillance and research are needed to understand the epidemiology, the spread, and the importance of the members of this SGI1 family of integrative elements in contributing to antibiotic resistance development.
Evolution of statistical averages: An interdisciplinary proposal using the Chapman–Enskog method
Authors: Mariscal-Sanchez A. , Sandoval-Villalbazo A.
Published: April 2017

This work examines the idea of applying the Chapman–Enskog (CE) method for approximating the solution of the Boltzmann equation beyond the realm of physics, using an information theory approach. Equations describing the evolution of averages and their fluctuations in a generalized phase space are established up to first-order in the Knudsen parameter which is defined as the ratio of the time between interactions (mean free time) and a characteristic macroscopic time. Although the general equations here obtained may be applied in a wide range of disciplines, in this paper, only a particular case related to the evolution of averages in speculative markets is examined.
Large Sparse Cone Non-negative Matrix Factorization for Image Annotation
Authors: Tao Dapeng , Tao Dacheng , Li Xuelong , Gao Xinbo
Published: April 2017

Image annotation assigns relevant tags to query images based on their semantic contents. Since Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) has the strong ability to learn parts-based representations, recently, a number of algorithms based on NMF have been proposed for image annotation and have achieved good performance. However, most of the efforts have focused on the representations of images and annotations. The properties of the semantic parts have not been well studied. In this article, we revisit the sparseness-constrained NMF (sNMF) proposed by Hoyer [2004]. By endowing the sparseness constraint with a geometric interpretation and sNMF with theoretical analyses of the generalization ability, we show that NMF with such a sparseness constraint has three advantages for image annotation tasks: (i) The sparseness constraint is more ℓ
0
-norm oriented than the ℓ
1
-norm-based sparseness, which significantly enhances the ability of NMF to robustly learn semantic parts. (ii) The sparseness constraint has a large cone interpretation and thus allows the reconstruction error of NMF to be smaller, which means that the learned semantic parts are more powerful to represent images for tagging. (iii) The learned semantic parts are less correlated, which increases the discriminative ability for annotating images. Moreover, we present a new efficient large sparse cone NMF (LsCNMF) algorithm to optimize the sNMF problem by employing the Nesterov’s optimal gradient method. We conducted experiments on the PASCAL VOC07 dataset and demonstrated the effectiveness of LsCNMF for image annotation.
Cost-Optimized Microblog Distribution over Geo-Distributed Data Centers
Authors: Hu Han , Wen Yonggang , Chua Tat-Seng , Li Xuelong
Published: April 2017

The unprecedent growth of microblog services poses significant challenges on network traffic and service latency to the underlay infrastructure (i.e., geo-distributed data centers). Furthermore, the dynamic evolution in microblog status generates a huge workload on data consistence maintenance. In this article, motivated by insights of cross-media analysis-based propagation patterns, we propose a novel cache strategy for microblog service systems to reduce the inter-data center traffic and consistence maintenance cost, while achieving low service latency. Specifically, we first present a microblog classification method, which utilizes the external knowledge from correlated domains, to categorize microblogs. Then we conduct a large-scale measurement on a representative online social network system to study the category-based propagation diversity on region and time scales. These insights illustrate social common habits on creating and consuming microblogs and further motivate our architecture design. Finally, we formulate the content cache problem as a constrained optimization problem. By jointly using the Lyapunov optimization framework and simplex gradient method, we find the optimal online control strategy. Extensive trace-driven experiments further demonstrate that our algorithm reduces the system cost by 24.5% against traditional approaches with the same service latency.
Redefinition of τ-Distance in Metric Spaces
Authors: Suzuki Tomonari
Published: April 2017

The concept of τ-distance was introduced in 2001; on the other hand, that of τ-function was introduced by Lin and Du. Strongly inspired by τ-function, we introduce a new concept, which is a very slight generalization of τ-distance and is more natural than τ-distance. So we could say that we redefine τ-distance in some sense.
Vitamin C in Stem Cell Biology: Impact on Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis and Epigenetics
Authors: D'Aniello Cristina , Cermola Federica , Patriarca Eduardo Jorge , Minchiotti Gabriella
Published: April 2017

Transcription factors and signaling molecules are well-known regulators of stem cell identity and behavior; however, increasing evidence indicates that environmental cues contribute to this complex network of stimuli, acting as crucial determinants of stem cell fate.L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C (VitC)) has gained growing interest for its multiple functions and mechanisms of action, contributing to the homeostasis of normal tissues and organs as well as to tissue regeneration. Here, we review the main functions of VitC and its effects on stem cells, focusing on its activity as cofactor of Fe+2/αKG dioxygenases, which regulate the epigenetic signatures, the redox status, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, depending on the enzymes’ subcellular localization. Acting as cofactor of collagen prolyl hydroxylases in the endoplasmic reticulum, VitC regulates ECM/collagen homeostasis and plays a key role in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells towards osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and tendons. In the nucleus, VitC enhances the activity of DNA and histone demethylases, improving somatic cell reprogramming and pushing embryonic stem cell towards the naive pluripotent state. The broad spectrum of actions of VitC highlights its relevance for stem cell biology in both physiology and disease.
Whole-Exome Sequencing of Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma Indicates Monoclonality with Associated Ductal Carcinoma Component
Authors: Avigdor Bracha Erlanger , Beierl Katie , Gocke Christopher D. , Zabransky Daniel J. , Cravero Karen , Kyker-Snowman Kelly , Button Berry , Chu David , Croessmann Sarah , Cochran Rory L. , Connolly Roisin M. , Park Ben H. , Wheelan Sarah J. , Cimino-Mathews Ashley
Published: April 2017

Purpose: Although most human cancers display a single histology, there are unusual cases where two or more distinct tissue types present within a primary tumor. One such example is metaplastic breast carcinoma, a rare but aggressive cancer with a heterogeneous histology, including squamous, chondroid, and spindle cells. Metaplastic carcinomas often contain an admixed conventional ductal invasive or in situ mammary carcinoma component, and are typically triple-negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER-2 amplification/overexpression. An unanswered question is the origin of metaplastic breast cancers. While they may arise independently from their ductal components, their close juxtaposition favors a model that postulates a shared origin, either as two derivatives from the same primary cancer or one histology as an outgrowth of the other. Understanding the mechanism of development of these tumors may inform clinical decisions.

Experimental Design: We performed exome sequencing for paired metaplastic and adjacent conventional invasive ductal carcinomas in 8 patients and created a pipeline to identify somatic variants and predict their functional impact, without having normal tissue. We then determined the genetic relationships between the histologically distinct compartments.

Results: In each case, the tumor components have nearly identical landscapes of somatic mutation, implying that the differing histologies do not derive from genetic clonal divergence.

Conclusions: A shared origin for tumors with differing histologies suggests that epigenetic or noncoding changes may mediate the metaplastic phenotype and that alternative therapeutic approaches, including epigenetic therapies, may be required for metaplastic breast cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4875–84. ©2017 AACR.
Critérios de avaliação para sistemas de bibliotecas digitais: uma proposta de novas dimensões analíticas
Authors: Martins Dalton Lopes , Silva Marcel Ferrante
Published: April 2017

O artigo apresenta uma revisão dos principais critérios utilizados pela literatura técnica na área da Ciência da Informação para análise e comparação de sistemas de informação voltados para a criação de bibliotecas digitais. Aponta as características desses critérios, procurando detalhar suas dimensões analíticas, potenciais e limitações. A partir dessa revisão, o artigo propõe um conjunto de dimensões analíticas inspiradas na teoria da Arquitetura da Informação para organizar e complementar esses critérios de comparação de sistemas. Sugere também algumas novas dimensões analíticas oriundas dos novos paradigmas de interação da websocial e conclui propondo um conjunto integrado de critérios organizados por dimensões que deveriam ser levados em consideração quando da comparação e análise de sistemas de informação de bibliotecas digitais.
Bargaining with Jesus: Irony in Mark 5:1-20
Authors: Burrow Andrew
Published: April 2017

This study analyzes Mark 5:1-20 from the perspective of verbal and situational irony.  I argue that three elements of irony in Mark 5:1-20 align with distinctive features of exorcisms in the ancient world: (1) the demons act as an exorcist against Jesus, who in turn will exorcise them; (2) the demons ask Jesus to consider their well-being when they have shown no concern for their host; (3) the demons believe that their selection of the swine as a new host will allow them to remain in the country of the Gerasenes, but it results in the destruction of the pigs. Additionally, using other ancient accounts of exorcism as comparative examples (those found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, Josephus, Lucian, Philostratus, the Papyri Graecae Magicae, and the Testament of Solomon), I show that Mark 5:1-20 differs in many ways and that those differences both elucidate and intensify its elements of irony.
Seismic wave attenuation in hydrate-bearing sediments based on the patchy saturation model in the Shenhu area, South China Sea
Authors: Li Chuanhui , Liu Xuewei
Published: April 2017

In the Shenhu area, South China Sea, a study on P-wave attenuation in the hydrate-bearing sediments has been developed based on the Biot-Squirt (BISQ) porous medium model. However, the BISQ model has been proven to be inappropriate for the attenuation characteristics at seismic frequencies. We have adopted the patchy-saturation model, which is being increasingly considered to be more suitable for attenuation analysis at seismic frequencies in porous media, to study P-wave attenuation in the hydrate-bearing sediments in the Shenhu area, South China Sea. The theoretical modeling indicates that the P-wave attenuation at seismic frequencies is observed to decrease when the sediments contain gas hydrates. In the case studies in the Shenhu area, the interval inverse [Formula: see text]-factors from seismic reflection data were estimated, and the results indicate good agreement with the theoretical modeling.
At the Limits of Species Being: Sensing the Anthropocene
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2017

Autonomous Marxism has generated a lexicon for responding to transformations in human labor, particularly around the role of technological development. Autonomists have mapped how the conditions of post-Fordism have put elements of the mind, sociability, virtuosity—or “the soul” in Franco Berardi's terms—to work. But that labor, in accordance with capitalist valorization, is nearly always human. At best, it is human labor supplemented with machines. But what are we to make of the lively materials—of human and nonhuman provenance alike—now at “work” alongside us? This essay takes up this question in an analysis of the field of biosensing. It explores Marx's concepts of species being and the general intellect to reconsider what can be said of “living labor” and its potential at a time when nonhuman life is increasingly a central component of production. It suggests that alongside the so-called Anthropocene, biosensing marks a redistribution of both the work and the precarity associated with our mode of production. While the field forges engagements with nonhuman others and a growing awareness of planetary life, it also operates according to an imaginary of planetary management, the possibility of producing for a collective health and the “whole of nature.”
Immigrants: Asset or Threat? Foreigners, Property, and the Right of Escheat in Enlightenment Milan
Authors: Maifreda Germano
Published: April 2017

This article examines the economic policies limiting foreign ownership (and, consequently, immigration) in the course of the Ancien Régime, through the case study of Milan. This state was placed in a border situation between the Italian peninsula and Europe, and, therefore, it constituted a sensitive balancing point for Spain and Austria, the two nations that ruled Milan in the modern age. This essay suggests that those policies had a marked protectionist approach during the Spanish period (1535–1706), mainly because of the alliance between the Crown and the local elites who sought to protect themselves from foreign competition. Those policies became instead more open (without ever being truly inclusive, mainly because of the strong opposition of the Milan senate) under Austria's rulers, who were more cosmopolitan and ready to accept the new eighteenth-century Enlightenment political doctrines.
Discard composition associated with the deep water rose shrimp fisheries (Parapenaeus longirostris, Lucas 1846) in the south-central Mediterranean Sea
Authors: MILISENDA G. , VITALE S. , MASSI D. , ENEA M. , GANCITANO V. , GIUSTO G. B. , BADALUCCO C. , GRISTINA M. , GAROFALO G. , FIORENTINO F.
Published: April 2017

Discarding in fisheries is believed to be a waste of natural resources, as it is the part of the total catch brought on board but then returned to the sea dead or alive for any reason. This study aims to advance knowledge of the discards associated with the deep water rose shrimp fisheries in the south-central Mediterranean Sea. We address this issue by examining the data collected within the module of commercial catch monitoring (Campbiol) of European data collection framework (DCF) between January 2009 and December 2013. Multivariate data analysis and the generalized additive model (GAMs) were used to assess the spatio-temporal composition of the discard and factors influencing its distribution. Overall, discard represented 32.9±15.4% of the total catch. Multiple analysis of variance highlighted the significant effect on discard assemblage only for the factor of depth (p-value <0.05). In general, bony fish were the most discarded organisms (23.5±14.4%). Cartilaginous fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates represented approximately 13% of the total catch. The fraction of discard in the catch presented significant variation regarding the years, depth and fishing ground. Our results showed that most of the discards in the deep water rose shrimp (DPS) fisheries are due to species that have a minimum legal size (Hake, DPS, Trachurus spp.), and are consequently subjected to the discard ban (art. 15 of the reg. EU 1380/2013). To avoid the landing of discards, specific measures aimed to minimize the unwanted catches of undersized species should be implemented.
A striking colony morphotype of Aplidium proliferum (Milne Edwards, 1841) (Ascidiacea: Polyclinidae) from the Strait of Gibraltar.
Authors: RAMOS-ESPLA A. , OCAÑA O.
Published: April 2017

An unusual colonial ascidian with 1-2m in length, belonging to the genus Aplidium (Ascidiacea: Polyclinidae), has been sampled from the Strait of Gibraltar (Ras Leona, Morocco). The characteristics of the colony, zooids and larvae point us to A. proliferum. The species seems common in the NE Atlantic from the Shetland Islands to Mediterranean Sea, but it never has observed the size of colonies as found in this area, the Strait is the largest so far reported, which it is probably represents one of the longest ascidian worldwide.
Biocultural Design: Harvesting Manomin with Wabaseemoong Independent Nations
Authors: Kuzivanova Valeria , Davidson-Hunt Iain J.
Published: April 2017

This essay describes how biocultural design (BD) was utilized to develop a manomin (wild rice, Zizania palustris) harvest camp and the prospect of this approach to implement the principles reflected in recent calls for an Ethnobiology V. In this case, BD brought together knowledge, practices, and innovation within an intentional process of co-design to respond to the specific community aspirations of restoring relationships with manomin. The paper provides an overview of the benefits and challenges of using the practice of BD to re-establish wild rice harvesting. The information presented here is part of a larger initiative to restore manomin habitats, harvest practices, and consumption being undertaken by Wabaseemoong Independent Nations, Northwestern Ontario, Canada.
Research Article. Relationship Between High Levels of Salivary Cotinine Test and Demographic Characteristics of Pregnant Smokers from Mures County
Authors: Georgescu Ion Mihai , Tarcea Monica , Marginean Claudiu , Ruta Florina , Rus Victoria , Sipos Remus , Abram Zoltan
Published: April 2017

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the frequency of self-declared status regarding smoking in a group of pregnant women from Mures county, Romania and the high levels of Salivary Cotinine (SC) like biomarkers. Material and methods: It was conducted a retrospective study among 230 pregnant women presented for prenatal care at 50 General Practitioners cabinets in Mures county, Romania, in 2015. Data were collected with a validated questionnaire which included age, level of education, socioeconomic status and ethnicity, also the self-reported smoking status. The Salivary Cotinine level was evaluated using NicAlert Saliva test kits. Results: Using salivary test we identified a high prevalence of involuntary exposure to cigarette smoke among both non-smokers and those who quit smoking before pregnancy. Also we registered pregnant women that although declared smoking cessation before pregnancy their salivary Cotinine levels were high, almost like to an active smoker, probably because of second-hand exposure or because they didn’t say the truth about their habit. Conclusions: We underline the importance of implementing more efficient community interventions among this vulnerable group in order to reduce the frequency of smoking and sustain quitting.
Morphological re-description of Electrotaenia malapteruri (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) and Dujardinnascaris malapteruri (Nematoda: Heterocheilidae) infecting the Electric catfish Malapterurus electricus and heavy metal accumulation in host and parasites in relation to water and sediment analysis in Lake Manzala, North Delta, Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Gaber Rewaida , Abdel-Ghaffar Fathy , Abdallah Shazly Mohamed , Morsy Kareem , Al Quraishy Saleh , Mohamed Sanna , Mehlhorn Heinz
Published: April 2017

Parasites are one of the most serious limiting factors in aquaculture. The Electric catfish
The Guerrilla Literacy Learners Project: Development of Literacies through Informal Learning
Authors: Jůvová Alena
Published: April 2017

Introduction: This paper deals with the options of non-formal education and, partially, a set of literacies developed within informal learning, which an individual should be equipped with in order to succeed in life in the contemporary society. At the beginning, there is a mention to the nature of learning and knowledge of society in the context of lifelong learning.

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to analyse and explain non-formal education in contemporary society of knowledge and, subsequently, to provide examples of its use when developing operational literacy. This literacy can be defined as an individual’s ability to be nimble, proactive, and responsive to various life situations.

Methods: The paper serves as an overview study of the subject. For a literary analysis, the methods of comparison and content analysis were used with examples of good practice at the end.

Conclusions: At the end of the paper, one can find an example of the international project “Guerrilla Literacy Learners” the goal of which is to find innovative strategies for informal learning and to develop a methodology that would support the development of literacy and active knowledge of a foreign language by using modern teaching resources, such as ICT, visually attractive materials and adequate methods - MOOC and blended learning.