bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hitting rock bottom: morphological responses of bedrock-confined streams to a catastrophic flood
Authors: Baggs Sargood M. , Cohen T. J. , Thompson C. J. , Croke J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The role of extreme events in shaping the Earth's surface is one that has held the interests of Earth scientists for centuries. A catastrophic flood in a tectonically quiescent setting in eastern Australia in 2011 provides valuable insight into how semi-alluvial channels respond to such events. Field survey data (3 reaches) and desktop analyses (10 reaches) with catchment areas ranging from 0.5 to 168 km2 show that the predicted discharge for the 2011 event ranged from 415 to 933 m3 s−1, with unit stream power estimates of up to 1077 W m−2. Estimated entrainment relationships predict the mobility of the entire grain-size population, and field data suggest the localised mobility of boulders up to 4.8 m in diameter. Analysis of repeat lidar data demonstrates that all reaches (field and desktop) were areas of net degradation via extensive scouring of coarse-grained alluvium with a strong positive relationship between catchment area and normalised erosion (R2 = 0.72–0.74). The extensive scouring in the 2011 flood decreased thalweg variance significantly removing previous step pools and other coarse-grained in-channel units, forming lengths of plane-bed (cobble) reach morphology. This was also accompanied by the exposure of planar bedrock surfaces, marginal bedrock straths and bedrock steps. Post-flood field data indicate a slight increase in thalweg variance as a result of the smaller 2013 flood rebuilding the alluvial overprint with pool-riffle formation. However, the current form and distribution of channel morphological units does not conform to previous classifications of bedrock or headwater river systems. This variation in post-flood form indicates that in semi-alluvial systems extreme events are significant for re-setting the morphology of in-channel units and for exposing the underlying lithology to ongoing erosion.
Assessing the impact of climate variability and human activity to streamflow variation
Authors: Chang J. , Zhang H. , Wang Y. , Zhu Y.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Water resources in river systems have been changing under the impacts of both climate variability and human activities. Assessing the respective impacts on decadal streamflow variation is important for water resources management. By using an elasticity-based method, calibrated TOPMODEL and VIC hydrologic models, we have quantitatively isolated the relative contributions that human activity and climate variability made to decadal streamflow changes in Jinhe basin located in northwest of China. This is an important watershed of Shaanxi Province that supplies drinking water for a population of over 6 million. The results from the three methods show that both human activity and climatic differences can have major effects on catchment streamflow, and the estimates of climate variability impacts from the hydrological models are similar to those from the elasticity-based method. Compared with the baseline period of 1960–1970, streamflow greatly decreased during 2001–2010. The change impacts of human activity and climate variability in 2001–2010 were about 83.5 and 16.5% of the total reduction respectively when averaged over the three methods. The maximum contribution value of human activity was appeared in 1981–1990 due to the effects of soil and water conservation measures and irrigation water withdrawal, which was 95, 112.5 and 92.4% from TOPMODEL, VIC model and elasticity-based method respectively. The maximum value of the aridity index (E0/P) was 1.91 appeared in 1991–2000. Compared with 1960–1970 baseline period, climate variability made the greatest contributions reduction in 1991–2000, which was 47.4, 43.9 and 29.9% from TOPMODEL, VIC model and elasticity-based method respectively. We emphasized various source of errors and uncertainties that may occurre in the hydrological model (parameter and structural uncertainty) and elasticity-based method (model parameter) in climate change impact studies.
How historical information can improve estimation and prediction of extreme coastal water levels: application to the Xynthia event at La Rochelle (France)
Authors: Bulteau T. , Idier D. , Lambert J. , Garcin M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The knowledge of extreme coastal water levels is useful for coastal flooding studies or the design of coastal defences. While deriving such extremes with standard analyses using tide-gauge measurements, one often needs to deal with limited effective duration of observation which can result in large statistical uncertainties. This is even truer when one faces the issue of outliers, those particularly extreme values distant from the others which increase the uncertainty on the results. In this study, we investigate how historical information, even partial, of past events reported in archives can reduce statistical uncertainties and relativise such outlying observations. A Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo method is developed to tackle this issue. We apply this method to the site of La Rochelle (France), where the storm Xynthia in 2010 generated a water level considered so far as an outlier. Based on 30 years of tide-gauge measurements and 8 historical events, the analysis shows that (1) integrating historical information in the analysis greatly reduces statistical uncertainties on return levels (2) Xynthia's water level no longer appears as an outlier, (3) we could have reasonably predicted the annual exceedance probability of that level beforehand (predictive probability for 2010 based on data until the end of 2009 of the same order of magnitude as the standard estimative probability using data until the end of 2010). Such results illustrate the usefulness of historical information in extreme value analyses of coastal water levels, as well as the relevance of the proposed method to integrate heterogeneous data in such analyses.
Karst bare slope soil erosion and soil quality: a simulation case study
Authors: Dai Q. , Liu Z. , Shao H. , Yang Z.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The influence on soil erosion by different bedrock bareness ratios, different rainfall intensities, different underground pore fissure degrees and rainfall duration are researched through manual simulation of microrelief characteristics of karst bare slopes and underground karst crack construction in combination with artificial simulation of rainfall experiment. The results show that firstly, when the rainfall intensity is small (30 and 50 mm h−1), no bottom load loss is produced on the surface, and surface and underground runoff and sediment production is increased with the increasing of rainfall intensity; secondly, surface runoff and sediment production reduced with increased underground pore fissure degree, while underground runoff and sediment production increased; thirdly, raindrops hit the surface, forming a crust with rainfall duration. The formation of crusts increases surface runoff erosion and reduces soil infiltration rate. Increasing of surface runoff erosion damaged crust and increased soil seepage rate. Raindrops continued to hit the surface, leading the formation of crust. Soil permeability showed volatility which were from reduction to increases and reduction, and so on. Surface and subsurface runoff were volatility with rainfall duration; fourthly, when rock bareness ratio is 50% and rainfall intensities are 30 and 50 mm h−1, runoff is not produced on the surface, and the slope runoff and sediment production presents a fluctuating change with increased rock bareness ratio; fifthly, the correlation degree between the slope runoff and sediment production and all factors are as follows: rainfall intensity > rainfall duration > underground pore fissure degree > bed rock bareness ratio.
Actitudes docentes y buenas prácticas con TIC del profesorado de Educación Permanente de Adultos en AndalucíaActitudes docentes y buenas prácticas con TIC del profesorado de Educación Permanente de Adultos en Andalucía
Authors: Fernández Batanero Jose María , Torres González José Antonio
Published: June 2015

El presente artículo recoge los resultados de un estudio cuyo objetivo ha sido determinar las actitudes del profesorado de educación permanente de adultos de la comunidad autónoma de Andalucía, hacia el uso e integración de las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) en sus respectivos centros, al mismo tiempo que identificar aquellos factores que favorecen el desarrollo de buenas prácticas. El diseño de investigación es de tipo descriptivo mixto. Las técnicas utilizadas para la recogida de información han sido el cuestionario y la entrevista en profundidad. Se realizaron 172 encuestas a profesores y profesoras, así como 18 entrevistas a directores y coordinadores de Sección de Adultos. Para la validación del cuestionario, se utilizó la técnica de juicio de expertos, seleccionados mediante el procedimiento de «Coeficiente de competencia experta» o «Coeficiente K».  Para fortalecer las propiedades psicométricas se determinó la validez de constructo mediante un análisis factorial con el método Varimax y extracción de máxima verosimilitud, donde se extrajeron dos factores. La confiablidad se estableció mediante el Alfa de Cronbach (0.88). La guía de entrevista fue validada por el mismo grupo de expertos. Los resultados señalan por un lado, que los docentes poseen actitudes positivas hacia las TIC tanto en lo relativo a su papel en desarrollo profesional, como en cuanto a la facilidad y accesibilidad de estas. Por otro, entre los factores más importantes para proporcionar buenas prácticas educativas con apoyo de TIC se encuentra la capacidad de estas para favorecer el  trabajo personalizado.
Lectura hipertextual en un contexto de alfabetización académica: un estudio de caso
Authors: Aillon Neumann Mariana Sofía , Figueroa Sandoval Beatriz Eugenia , Neira Martínez Angie Carolina
Published: June 2015

Con el acceso y uso masivos de las TIC, la demanda de aplicaciones educativas se ha incrementado. En este escenario, se han conformado equipos interdisciplinarios, y se han destinado tiempo y recursos en la creación de software multimodales y el manejo de hipermedia e internet para enseñar a los estudiantes a leer, escribir y comunicarse en línea. Los resultados no solo demuestran su efectividad en la enseñanza de lenguas, sino también en la alfabetización digital, en los distintos niveles educativos. Este antecedente ha generado el interés de especialistas del ámbito de la alfabetización académica hipertextual, para responder a las necesidades que presentan los estudiantes de enseñanza superior respecto del uso de internet, específicamente en la obtención información y generación de conocimiento. Para plantear soluciones a esta situación, es preciso identificar los procesos cognitivos que desarrollan los sujetos en su interacción con la red. Ante este desafío, el presente artículo recoge los hallazgos de un estudio de caso realizado con el software Netsupport School que permiten describir la práctica de lectura hipertextual de estudiantes de Magíster en Educación. El trabajo ofrece una identificación y análisis de los procesos cognitivos desarrollados durante la realización de una tarea específica de búsqueda, selección y asociación de información en internet, para una asignatura de un Postgrado de Educación. Los resultados indican que el desarrollo de prácticas de hiperlectura es imprescindible al enfrentar las tareas académicas que exigen los estudios de postgrado en la actualidad y que un manejo deficiente de las prácticas de hiperlectura impactan negativamente en los aprendizajes de los estudiantes.
Evaluación de necesidades y expectativas ante la construcción de un espacio interactivo de comunicación, información y aprendizaje histórico-educativo
Authors: Mengual-Andrés Santiago , Payá Rico Andrés , Roig Vila Rosabel
Published: June 2015

Conscientes de las posibilidades pedagógicas, participativas y de colaboración científica de la Web 2.0, los autores del presente artículo se plantean la detección de las necesidades y expectativas hacia  la creación de una plataforma virtual delimitada por un espacio interactivo o red social para la Historia de la Educación y el Patrimonio Histórico-educativo. Gracias a la evaluación mediante un cuestionario en el que han participado un grupo de expertos docentes e investigadores de Historia de la Educación, se han obtenido una serie de conclusiones a tener en cuenta respecto a determinados aspectos (conocimiento y uso, expectativas, componentes, etc.) que orientarán la construcción ad hoc de dicha plataforma. Es relevante el poco conocimiento y uso de las redes sociales tanto genéricas como específicas, así como otro tipo de aplicaciones web. Destaca, por otro lado, que la edad de los participantes no ha condicionado la importancia percibida sobre las capacidades de las TIC para el desarrollo en la docencia y la investigación.
Redes sociales y formación permanente en personas mayores
Authors: Ortega Tudela Juana María , Ortiz-Colón Ana Mª
Published: June 2015

Diversos factores sociodemográficos están haciendo que en nuestra sociedad nos encontremos cada día más con un grupo de población de personas mayores que se mantiene activa e inserta en la dinámica diaria. No obstante, se tiene la creencia de que existen determinadas barreras que hacen que este grupo de personas no se enfrente adecuadamente a las tecnologías y más aún a las redes sociales. La creación de los Programas Universitarios de Mayores (PUM), sin embargo, está dando lugar a un nuevo escenario, ya que las personas mayores que participan en ellos entran en contacto con contenidos de todo tipo y con el rigor y la actualización propios de las enseñanzas universitarias, modificando de esa manera la forma de afrontar las situaciones más novedosas y diferentes. En el presente estudio, pretendemos analizar cuál es el conocimiento y uso que las personas mayores, que asisten al PUM de la Universidad de Jaén, tienen de las redes sociales y la valoración que hacen de la necesidad de que en estos programas se impartan este tipo de contenidos. Para conseguir esto, se ha utilizado una metodología en la que se articulan procesos cualitativos y cuantitativos, a través del análisis de los datos obtenidos de entrevistas y un grupo de discusión con el programa Aquad 7. Los datos recogidos muestran que aún existe cierto desconocimiento sobre las redes sociales por parte de las personas mayores, pero que todos valoran su utilidad y necesidad. Los participantes consideran que ellos van a ser menos víctimas de los riesgos de estas tecnologías y demandan una mayor formación en estos contenidos dentro de los PUM.
Use of Twitter among Spanish communication-area faculty: Research, teaching and visibility
Authors: Segado-Boj Francisco , Chaparro Domínguez María Ángeles , Castillo Rodríguez Cristina
Published: June 2015

The relationship of social media and undergraduate students has been widely analyzed but studies regarding faculty’s point of view are scarce. This study explores the use of Twitter in Spanish communication-area faculty members. A total of 211 respondents answered an online survey. Most of these answers consider Twitter a tool for enhancing public visibility rather than educational interaction. Though the youngest faculty members start considering Twitter a tool for consulting and disseminating information, communication via Twitter is still unidirectional.
E-books: Histories, trajectories, futures
Authors: Widdersheim Michael M.
Published: June 2015

This essay traces the historical trajectory of e-books in the U.S. and imagines their possible futures. Legal, economic, and technical developments that led to contemporary e-books reveal a tension between commercial and non-commercial programming. Commercial e-book designs control end uses, reduce production and distribution costs, stimulate consumption, and monitor user behaviors; however, alternative producers and users on the periphery continue to challenge these centralizing tendencies.
Social construction of knowledge in Wikipedia
Authors: Hara Noriko , Doney Jylisa
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates how knowledge is constructed collaboratively in a crowd-sourced environment. More specifically, the study presented in this paper empirically analyzes online discussions in regard to Wikipedia entries on the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster that occurred in March 2011 in Japan. For this study, we examined the encyclopedia articles in both the English and Japanese versions of Wikipedia. The findings indicate similarities and differences between the two language versions. The implications of the study for collaborative knowledge production are also discussed.
ANALYSIS OF AUTOHESION AND PHYSICO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES (MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR) OF THE COAGULUM FROM THE LATEX OF EUPHORBIA CADUCIFOLIA HAINES VIS-À-VIS COMPARISON AGAINST SYNTHETIC RESINS IN NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sanjay K. , Parmar Bhavani S. , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: June 2015

Soft and tacky mass recognized as whole coagulum (Cog) and its toluene soluble fraction (TE) obtained through coagulation of latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines has been investigated in this article as green tackifier cum multifunctional agent in natural rubber (NR) based gum compounds. It was observed that inclusion of TE and Cog in the formulations increased tack strength over the control compound (without TE and Cog). At the same loading, autohesion for natural and commercial coumarone indene resin was found comparable. However, phenol formaldehyde (non–heat reactive octyl phenol formaldehyde) resin demonstrated highest tack strength among all the NR compositions studied. Presence of various functional groups such as esters/carboxylic acid, carbon–carbon unsaturation, and so on, in natural resin activated the system and reduced the activation energy barrier for curing. The optimized composition with 5 phr TE showed nearly 5% reductions in activation energy over the control compound. However, no such cure acceleration was displayed by Cog. Unaged tensile properties of the compounds with natural resin at similar proportions to commercial resins were found comparable. Retention of tensile properties after aging for the vulcanizates with TE was better than those with the commercial resins. For Cog, however, the retention of elongation at break and tensile strength were slightly higher compared with tensile modulus.
Efficiency Analysis of National Essential Technological Strength
Authors: Chang Shu-Hao , Fan Chin-Yuan
Published: June 2015

The innovative capacity of national technology possesses crucial status in the process of technological development. Constant innovation is required to facilitate national competitiveness. Although numerous studies have indicated the importance of technological innovation, few have focused on the national essential technological strength. The current study determined the national essential technological strength in various countries from the perspective of patent analysis. In addition, we investigated the research and development efficiencies of quality technology strengths in various countries to provide a reference and recommendation for the government. In this study, we adopted the data envelopment analysis method for analyzing the national essential technological strengths and efficiencies of the major patent countries and analyzed the variations in interperiod efficiencies and total factor productivities of various countries to oversee the dynamic changes. The results indicated that the United States, Singapore, Taiwan, and China exhibited satisfactory strengths and efficiencies in national essential technological strength, and those of China have grown substantially in recent years.
Cyclodialysis-Enhanced Trabeculectomy with Triple Ologen Implantation
Authors: Dada Tanuj , Sharma Reetika , Sinha Gautam , Angmo Dewang , Temkar Shreyas
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To describe a novel technique of trabeculectomy combined with cyclodialysis and Ologen implantation at 3 sites in cases with high risk for failure of trabeculectomy.

Methods

Six eyes of 6 patients who had high risk for failure of trabeculectomy underwent cyclodialysis-augmented trabeculectomy with Ologen implantation at 3 sites using the described technique.

Results

All the eyes achieved target intraocular pressure, which was maintained until 1 year of follow-up. One eye required bleb needling at 6 weeks postoperative follow-up. None of the eyes had any other intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Conclusions

This novel technique of combining trabeculectomy with cyclodialysis augmented by Ologen placement at 3 locations appears to have encouraging short-term intraocular pressure control and may be adopted in eyes with risk factors for failure of conventional trabeculectomy.
A Novel Design of a Polymeric Aortic Valve
Authors: Gharaie Saleh Hassanzadeh , Morsi Yos
Published: June 2015

Introduction

In this paper we propose a novel method for developing a polymeric heart valve that could potentially offer an optimum solution for a heart valve substitute. The valve design proposed will provide superior hydrodynamic performance and excellent structural integrity. A full description of the design process is given together with an analysis of the hemodynamic performance using a 2-way strongly coupled Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI).

Method

A polymeric tri-leaflet heart valve is designed based on a patient's sinus of Valsalva (SOV) geometry. The design strategy aims to improve valve hemodynamic performance as well as valve durability by avoiding stress concentrations in the leaflets and reducing the maximum stress level. The valve dynamics and stress levels are also validated by comparing the predicted data to existing experimental and numerical data.

Results

The stress distribution in the valve structure is fully characterized throughout the simulation and Von Mises stress is found to be up to 5.32 Mpa during diastole. The results show that an effective orifice area (EOA) and a pressure drop of 3.22 cm^2, and 3.52 mmHg, respectively, can be achieved using the proposed design.

Conclusions

The optimized valve demonstrates high hemodynamic performance with no sign of damaging stress concentration in the entire cardiac cycle.
Human Plasma Protein Adsorption onto Alumina Nanoparticles Relevant to Orthopedic Wear
Authors: Gibbons John P. , Monopoli Marco P. , Lundqvist Martin , Montes-Burgos Iker , McGrath Eilis E. , Elia Giuliano , Lynch Iseult , Dawson Kenneth A. , Stanton Kenneth T.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Wear of ceramic orthopedic devices generates nanoparticles in vivo that may present a different biological character from the monolithic ceramic from which they are formed. The current work investigated protein adsorption from human plasma on alumina nanoparticles and monolithic samples representative of both wear particles and the ceramic components as implanted.

Materials and Methods

A physicochemical characterization of the particles and their dispersion state was carried out, and the protein adsorption profiles were analyzed using 1D SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry.

Results

Significant differences in protein-binding profiles were identified where the nanoparticles selectively bound known transporter proteins rather than the more highly abundant serum proteins that were observed on the monoliths.

Conclusions

Proteins associated with opsonization of particles were seen to be present in the protein corona of the nanoparticles, which raises questions regarding the role of wear particles in periprosthetic tissue inflammation and aseptic loosening.
Effect of 830-nm Laser Phototherapy on Olfactory Neuronal Ensheathing Cells Grown in Vitro on Novel Bioscaffolds
Authors: Renno Ana Claudia Muniz , McDonnell Pauline Ann , Camuri Crovace Murilo , Zanotto Edgar Dutra , Laakso E-Liisa
Published: June 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) proliferation and growth on Biosilicate and collagen bioscaffolds, and to determine whether the application of laser phototherapy would result in increased OEC proliferation on the scaffolds. The use of bioscaffolds is considered a promising strategy in a number of clinical applications where tissue healing is suboptimal. As in vitro OEC growth is a slow process, laser phototherapy could be useful to stimulate proliferation on bioscaffolds.

Methods

OEC cells were seeded on the Biosilicate and collagen scaffolds. Seeded scaffolds were irradiated with a single exposure of 830-nm laser. Nonirradiated seeded scaffolds acted as negative controls. Cell proliferation was assessed 7 days after irradiation.

Results

OECs were successfully grown on discs composed of a glass-ceramic and collagen composite. Laser irradiation produced a 32.7% decrease and a 13.2% increase in OEC proliferation on glass-ceramic discs and on collagen scaffolds, respectively, compared with controls. Laser phototherapy resulted in a reduction in cell growth on the Biosilicate scaffolds and an increase in cell proliferation on collagen scaffolds.

Conclusions

These results were probably due to the nature of the materials. Future research combining laser phototherapy and glass-ceramic scaffolds should take into account possible interactions of the laser with matrix compounds.
Impact of Preanalytical Factors on Fecal Immunochemical Tests: Need for New Strategies in Comparison of Methods
Authors: Rubeca Tiziana , Cellai Filippo , Confortini Massimo , Fraser Callum G. , Rapi Stefano
Published: June 2015

Background

Harmonization of fecal immunochemical tests for hemoglobin (FIT-Hb) is crucial to compare clinical outcomes in screening programs. The lack of reference materials and standard procedures does not allow the use of usual protocols to compare methods. We propose 2 protocols, based on artificial biological samples (ABS), to discriminate preanalytical and analytical variation and investigate clinical performances. The protocols were used to compare 2 FIT systems available on European markets: the OC-Sensor Diana (Eiken, Tokyo, Japan) and HM-JACKarc (Kyowa-Medex, Tokyo, Japan).

Methods

ABS were obtained adding Hb to Hb-free feces. In the first procedure, 35 ABS were collected for each collection device and analyzed on both systems. In the second, 188 ABS (106 positive and 82 negative) were ­collected and tested on the specific systems. Passing-Bablock (PB), Pearson's correlation coefficients (R) and Bland-Altman difference analysis were used to compare data.

Results

PB, R and mean standard errors for Bland-Altman analysis (Diana vs. Arc) results were 0.93x-0.56: R = 0.97 and 19%; and 1.09x + 5.60: R = 0.96 and −18%; for Diana and Arc devices, respectively. No correlations and no difference in positive/negative assessment were observed with the second protocol.

Conclusions

A good correlation was observed in comparing data generated using collection devices on the 2 systems. Manufacturers have developed different sample collection procedures for feces: therefore, data from different systems cannot easily be compared. Adoption of protocols to discriminate preanalytical and analytical variation would be a significant contribution to harmonization of FIT, facilitating data comparison and information acquisition for sample collection strategy and effect of buffers on systems.
Circulating Tumor Cells are Predictive of Poor Response to Chemotherapy in Metastatic gastric cancer
Authors: Lee Su Jin , Lee Jeeyun , Kim Seung Tae , Park Se Hoon , Park Joon Oh , Park Young Suk , Lim Ho Yeong , Kang Won Ki
Published: June 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) on the treatment outcome for metastatic gastric cancer (GC) following palliative chemotherapy.

Methods

CTCs were isolated from 7.5 mL of whole blood from 100 patients with metastatic GC by anti-EpCAM antibody coated magnetic particles using the CTC-Profiler (Veridex). Correlations between CTC counts and clinicopathological variables, progression-free survival and overall survival were examined.

Results

Between January 2010 and August 2010, 100 metastatic GC patients were enlisted. Among 100 patients, 5 or more CTCs (CTC-positive) were detected in 27 of 95 patients (28%). Even though the clinical characteristics of the CTC-positive and CTC-negative groups were not significantly different, the treatment response to cytotoxic chemotherapy in the CTC-positive group was significantly poorer (progressive disease: 23.4% vs. 60.0% in CTC-negative vs. CTC-positive group, respectively; p = 0.004). The median progression-free survival of the CTC-positive group was substantially shorter than that of the CTC-negative group (59 days vs. 141 days; p = 0.004). For overall survival, CTC-positive group had significantly shorter survival than CTC-negative group (median OS, 120 days vs. 220 days; p = 0.030). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that CTC positivity was an independent adverse factor for progression-free survival and overall survival.

Conclusions

This study suggests CTCs are associated with poor response to chemotherapy in metastatic GC ­patients.
Endovascular Recanalization of a Port Catheter-associated Superior vena Cava Syndrome
Authors: Tonak Julia , Fetscher Sebastian , Barkhausen Jörg , Goltz Jan Peter
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome owing to benign etiology is rare and endovascular techniques have been advocated as the treatment of choice. We report a case of endovascular revascularization of a port catheter-associated complete occlusion of the SVC with reversed flow in the azygos vein.

Methods

In this setting using a sheath in combination with its dilatator to pass the occlusion of the SVC after neither a diagnostic catheter nor a PTA balloon would pass the lesion may be a valid option. A dual venous approach was established using the right common femoral vein and an indwelling port catheter in the right cephalic vein to dilate and stent the lesion. Finally, a port may be implanted after the revascularization had been successful.

Results

Passage through the port catheter-associated occlusion of the SVC was only possible by use of the sheath in combination with its dilatator. A dual venous access by the femoral approach and the indwelling central catheter is helpful in treating a SVC occlusion.

Conclusions

Long-term central venous catheters may cause SVC syndrome, especially with a catheter tip located too far cranially. An endovascular revascularization of a complete occlusion of the SVC represents the therapy of choice.
Cancer Mortality Trend Analysis in Italy, 1980-2010, and Predictions for 2015
Authors: Rosso Tiziana , Bertuccio Paola , La Vecchia Carlo , Negri Eva , Malvezzi Matteo
Published: June 2015

Aims

To update cancer mortality statistics in Italy, analyzing 1980-2010 trends, and to predict 2015 mortality rates.

Methods

World Health Organization cancer mortality and census data were extracted to calculate death rates for 30 cancer sites from 1980 to 2010. Trends were analyzed with joinpoint regression and predicted 2015 deaths rates were computed.

Results

In 2010 in Italy, there were 175,046 cancer deaths (98,847 men and 76,199 women), with total mortality rates, respectively, of 138.22 and 82.6/100,000. The leading cause of cancer death in men was lung cancer (25,457 deaths, 36.2/100,000), whereas in women it was breast cancer (12,115 deaths, 15.38/100,000). Total cancer mortality in men has been decreasing since the late 1980s, with an estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of −1.8 in 1994-2010. In women, total cancer mortality rates decreased throughout the study period, with an EAPC of −1.1 in 1992-2010. Trends in mortality were decreasing for most cancers in both sexes. Only pancreatic and lung cancer trends in women were unfavorable. Total numbers of predicted cancer deaths in Italy for 2015 increased to 102,647 men and 82,047 women; however, the predicted rates decreased in men (129.1/100,000), while remaining stable in women (82.6/100,000).

Conclusions

Mortality rates for the most common cancers in Italy showed favorable trends that are likely to continue in the near future, with the exception of lung cancer mortality in women. Maintaining these trends requires continuous and improved control of tobacco, alcohol, and nutrition/overweight. Further improvements in diagnosis and treatment may also have a significant impact on cancer mortality.
Film Music and Visual Attention: A Pilot Experiment using Eye-Tracking
Authors: Wallengren Ann-Kristin , Strukelj Alexander
Published: June 2015

This article gives an account of an eye-tracking experiment carried out during a workshop at Lund University, where the overall question was, "how does film music affect meaning?" The pilot experiment was conducted on an exploratory basis, and in this article, the tentative results and possible usefulness of laboratory experiments are discussed.
Effective Biomarkers and Radiation Treatment in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Ow Thomas J. , Pitts Casey E. , Kabarriti Rafi , Garg Madhur K.
Published: June 2015

Context

Radiation is a key arm in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. During the past 2 decades, significant changes in the way radiation therapy is planned and delivered have improved efficacy and decreased toxicity. Refined approaches in the application of radiation and chemoradiation have led to organ-sparing treatment regimens for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers and have improved local and regional control rates in the postoperative, adjuvant setting. The molecular and genetic determinants of tumor cell response to radiation have been studied, and several potential biomarkers are emerging that could further improve application and efficacy of radiation treatment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective

To discuss the current understanding of potential biomarkers related to radiation response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Data Sources

Existing published literature.

Conclusions

Several potential biomarkers are actively being studied as predictors and targets to improve the use and efficacy of radiation therapy to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Several promising candidates have been defined, and new markers are on the horizon.
Research spin-off firms: does the university involvement really matter?
Authors: Salvador Elisa , Benghozi Pierre-Jean
Published: June 2015

Research spin-offs (RSOs) are considered as potential key opportunities for universities. This paper aims to contribute to the debate on RSOs through an examination of the relationship between these firms and their parent institute: the goal is to understand in which extent the university involvement could make the difference or not. Original empirical evidence on the Italian RSOs is provided by means of a questionnaire investigation, with a focus on companies that aroused more interest from their university and those that did not. Descriptive statistics is followed by a cluster and a factor analysis. Two main groups of RSOs are identified:open-orientedandautonomous-oriented. It seems that the strength of university interest towards a RSO has consequences on company orientation.
ESG Impact on Market Performance of Firms: International Evidence
Authors: Sahut Jean-Michel , Pasquini-Descomps Hélène
Published: June 2015

This study investigates how news-based scores in ESG (Environmental, Social, and corporate Governance) may have influenced the monthly stocks’ market return in Switzerland, the US, and the UK during the 2007–2011 period. We find that the variation of the overall ESG score is only significant in the UK. We also show that the changes in sub-category ratings of GRI (namely, governance, economic, environment, labor, human rights, society, and products) exhibit a small but significant impact on the stock’s performance during limited periods or on limited sectors, which varies among the countries. Finally, our non-parametric kernel regression highlights that the function linking a stock’s performance to its ESG-score changes is probably non-linear.
L’étude de la responsabilité sociale du chercheur-intervenant : quelles conséquences méthodologiques?
Authors: Dreveton Benjamin
Published: June 2015

Cet article se propose d’analyser la manière dont la notion de responsabilité sociale questionne une méthodologie de recherche : la recherche-intervention. Dans un premier temps, l’article propose une réflexion sur la notion de responsabilité sociale et sur son application aux activités du chercheur-intervenant. Dans un second temps, à partir l’analyse secondaire de deux recherches-interventions, l’analyse des enjeux liés à la responsabilité sociale du chercheur met en évidence une double nécessité méthodologique : redéfinir la dimension spatiale de l’intervention et repenser l’inscription temporelle de la recherche.
Comment expliquer la performance financière de l’investissement conforme à la Charia ?
Authors: Peillex Jonathan , Ureche-Rangau Loredana
Published: June 2015

De nombreuses études ont permis de conclure que la performance financière de l’Investissement Conforme à la Charia (ICC) ou islamique vis-à-vis de l’Investissement Conventionnel (IC) est statistiquement similaire. Un tel résultat semble aller à l’encontre de la théorie moderne du portefeuille. L’objectif de cet article consiste à apporter des éléments d’explication à ces résultats contre-intuitifs issus d’un corpus empirique constitué de 37 études. Nous montrons via un cas de reconstruction indicielle que l’exclusion du secteur financier combinée à des méthodes de filtrage négatives pro-cycliques joue un rôle prépondérant dans l’explication de la performance financière de l’ICC.
Les dimensions de l’américanisation en question : modalités d’adoption de l’idéologie de la valeur actionnariale dans les rapports annuels d’entreprises du CAC 40 (1998-2012)
Authors: Boncori Anne-Laure
Published: June 2015

L’américanisation, en tant que processus d’importation de modèles de management américains, soulève deux principales questions : 1) la question de ce qui est transféré et adopté, c’est-à-dire de ses dimensions : le modèle dans son ensemble ou ses composantes; 2) celle des modalités d’adoption de ces éléments. L’ambition de cet article est d’y répondre en étudiant les dimensions et modalités d’adoption de la composante idéologique du modèle américain de la création de valeur actionnariale en France et ce, sur une quinzaine d’années. Les résultats révèlent une faible adoption de la composante idéologique du modèle de la valeur actionnariale au sein du CAC 40, au bénéfice de l’hybridation et du particularisme.
Tip cell-specific requirement for an atypical Gpr124- and Reck-dependent Wnt/β-catenin pathway during brain angiogenesis
Authors: Vanhollebeke Benoit , Stone Oliver A , Bostaille Naguissa , Cho Chris , Zhou Yulian , Maquet Emilie , Gauquier Anne , Cabochette Pauline , Fukuhara Shigetomo , Mochizuki Naoki , Nathans Jeremy , Stainier Didier YR
Published: June 2015

Despite the critical role of endothelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling during central nervous system (CNS) vascularization, how endothelial cells sense and respond to specific Wnt ligands and what aspects of the multistep process of intra-cerebral blood vessel morphogenesis are controlled by these angiogenic signals remain poorly understood. We addressed these questions at single-cell resolution in zebrafish embryos. We identify the GPI-anchored MMP inhibitor Reck and the adhesion GPCR Gpr124 as integral components of a Wnt7a/Wnt7b-specific signaling complex required for brain angiogenesis and dorsal root ganglia neurogenesis. We further show that this atypical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway selectively controls endothelial tip cell function and hence, that mosaic restoration of single wild-type tip cells in Wnt/β-catenin-deficient perineural vessels is sufficient to initiate the formation of CNS vessels. Our results identify molecular determinants of ligand specificity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and provide evidence for organ-specific control of vascular invasion through tight modulation of tip cell function.
An alternative to force
Authors: Patel Amanda , Demolombe Sophie , Honoré Eric
Published: June 2015

Researchers have discovered a synthetic small molecule that activates a mechanosensitive ion channel involved in a blood disorder.
Scholarly Communication as a Core Competency: Prevalence, Activities, and Concepts of Scholarly Communication Librarianship as Shown Through Job Advertisements
Authors: Finlay Craig , Tsou Andrew , Sugimoto Cassidy
Published: June 2015

INTRODUCTION The dynamic nature of the scholarly communication landscape has produced a need for the creation of positions specifically focused on these issues. Yet, no clear title or job description for scholarly communication librarianship has emerged. The lack of standardization in this area is problematic for educators, professionals, and prospective professionals. METHODS Analyzing 13,869 job advertisements published between 2006 and 2014, this study attempts to examine the prevalence of scholarly communication terms and activities and the types of positions in which these terms and activities appear. RESULTS This study finds an increase in the use of the term “scholarly communication” in the title or text of job advertisements over the last nine years, with more than 7% of positions in the most recent year containing the term. CONCLUSIONS An analysis of the levels of engagement with scholarly communication demonstrates that jobs with substantial levels of engagement are increasing; whereas those requiring passive knowledge or awareness of scholarly communication issues are decreasing. Jobs with scholarly communication as a primary job responsibility are differentiated by a focus on repositories, open access, copyright, authors’ rights, and intellectual property differentiate core scholarly communication positions.
Spatial and temporal variability of the velocity and hydrographic structure in a weakly stratified system, Broad Sound, Casco Bay, Maine
Authors: Dzwonkowski Brian , Pettigrew Neal R. , Knapp Stacy R.
Published: June 2015

The velocity and hydrographic structure across Broad Sound, a north‐south orientated subsystem of Casco Bay, ME that lacks continuous coastal boundaries, were characterized using velocity observations from two moorings in late summer/fall of 2013 and velocity and density observations from a repeat‐transect ship survey conducted over a tidal cycle during the same period. At tidal time scales, the system is dominated by a barotropic semidiurnal standing wave with a west to east decrease in tidal amplitude and relatively minimal phase change across the majority of the transect. The stratification (vertical differences of 0.5–1.0 kg m−3) was generally laterally uniform and stronger during the flood phase which is hypothesized to result from stronger offshore stratification. The mean circulation had strong lateral shear with inflow over the deepest point in the bathymetric cross section and eastern slope and outflow over the western slope. There was also vertical shearing of the horizontal velocities with stronger northward (or northward trending) velocities at depth. The depth‐averaged subtidal fluctuations were relatively small (∼2–3 cm s−1) and uncorrelated between mooring sites suggesting the vertically uniform current response associated with remote wind forcing is of limited importance. On the other hand, the depth‐dependent velocity fluctuations at the subtidal time scale were, in large part (∼36–72%), driven by wind forcing. The net flux ratio, a means of quantifying the relative importance of the vertical and lateral shear in the flow field, was typically ∼0.44 indicating the structure of the local wind response favored vertically sheared flow.
Subtropical and midlatitude ozone trends in the stratosphere: Implications for recovery
Authors: Nair P. J. , Froidevaux L. , Kuttippurath J. , Zawodny J. M. , Russell J. M. , Steinbrecht W. , Claude H. , Leblanc T. , van Gijsel J. A. E. , Johnson B. , Swart D. P. J. , Thomas A. , Querel R. , Wang R. , Anderson J.
Published: June 2015

We present a comprehensive analysis of the trends of stratospheric ozone in the midlatitudes and subtropics. The analysis is performed using ground‐based and space‐based measurements over the light detection and ranging stations for the period 1985–2012. Also, trends are estimated for the zonal mean data made from a merged satellite data set, Global OZone Chemistry And Related trace gas Data records for the Stratosphere, over 1979–2012. The linear trends in stratospheric ozone are estimated using piecewise linear trend (PWLT) functions. The ozone trends during the increasing phase of halogens (before 1997) range from −0.2 ± 0.08 to −1 ± 0.07% yr−1 in the midlatitudes and −0.2 ± 0.06 to −0.7 ± 0.05 % yr−1 in the subtropics at 15–45 km, depending on altitude. In 1997–2012, the PWLT analyses show a positive trend, significantly different from zero at the 95% confidence intervals, toward ozone recovery in the middle‐ and low‐latitude upper stratosphere (35–45 km), and the trends are about +0.5 ± 0.07% yr−1 at midlatitudes and about +0.3 ± 0.05% yr−1 at subtropical latitudes. However, negative and insignificant trends are estimated in the lower stratosphere (15–20 km) over 1997–2012 in the midlatitudes, mainly due to the dynamics, as demonstrated by the large (50–60%) contributions from the quasi‐biennial oscillation, El Niño–Southern Oscillation, and planetary wave activity to recent ozone changes. This suggests that the ozone changes are governed by the interannual variations in meteorology and dynamics of the regions; these factors will influence the recovery detection time and the behavior of the recovery path to pre‐1980 levels.
Tectonic evolution of 200 km of Mid‐Atlantic Ridge over 10 million years: Interplay of volcanism and faulting
Authors: Cann Johnson R. , Smith Deborah K. , Escartin Javier , Schouten Hans
Published: June 2015

We reconstruct the history of the mode of accretion of an area of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge south of the Kane fracture zone using bathymetric morphology. The area includes 200 km of the spreading axis and reaches to 10 Ma on either side. We distinguish three tectonic styles: (1) volcanic construction with eruption and intrusion of magma coupled with minor faulting, (2) extended terrain with abundant large‐offset faults, (3) detachment faulting marked by extension on single long‐lived faults. Over 40% of the seafloor is made of extended terrain and detachment faults. The area includes products of seven spreading segments. The spreading axis has had detachment faulting or extended terrain on one or both sides for 70% of the last 10 Ma. In some parts of the area, regions of detachment faulting and extended terrain lie close to segment boundaries. Regions of detachment faulting initiated at 10 Ma close to the adjacent fracture zones to the north and south, and then expanded away from them. We discuss the complex evidence from gravity, seismic surveys, and bathymetry for the role of magma supply in generating tectonic style. Overall, we conclude that input of magma at the spreading axis has a general control on the development of detachment faulting, but the relationship is not strong. Other factors may include a positive feedback that stabilizes detachment faulting at the expense of volcanic extension, perhaps through the lubrication of active detachment faults by the formation of low friction materials (talc, serpentine) on detachment fault surfaces.