bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase II Study of Paclitaxel Given Once per Week Along With Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab in Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Dang Chau , Iyengar Neil , Datko Farrah , D'Andrea Gabriella , Theodoulou Maria , Dickler Maura , Goldfarb Shari , Lake Diana , Fasano Julie , Fornier Monica , Gilewski Theresa , Modi Shanu , Gajria Devika , Moynahan Mary Ellen , Hamilton Nicola , Patil Sujata , Jochelson Maxine , Norton Larry , Baselga José , Hudis Clifford
Published: December 2014

Purpose

The CLEOPATRA (Clinical Evaluation of Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab) study demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival when pertuzumab was added to trastuzumab and docetaxel. Paclitaxel given once per week is effective and less toxic than docetaxel. We performed a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pertuzumab and trastuzumab with paclitaxel given once per week.

Patients and Methods

Patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer with zero to one prior therapy were enrolled. Treatment consisted of paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 once per week plus trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose → 6 mg/kg) once every 3 weeks plus pertuzumab (840 mg loading dose → 420 mg) once every 3 weeks, all given intravenously. The primary end point was 6-month PFS assessed by Kaplan-Meier methods.

Results

From January 2011 to December 2013, we enrolled 69 patients: 51 (74%) and 18 (26%) treated in first- and second-line metastatic settings, respectively. At a median follow-up of 21 months (range, 3 to 38 months), 6-month PFS was 86% (95% CI, 75% to 92%). The median PFS was 19.5 months (95% CI, 14 to 26 months) overall. PFS was 24.2 months (95% CI, 14 months to not reached [NR]) and 16.4 months (95% CI, 8.5 months to NR) for those without and with prior treatment, respectively. At 1 year, Kaplan-Meier PFS was 70% (95% CI, 56% to 79%) overall, 71% (95% CI, 55% to 82%) for those without prior therapy, and 66% (95% CI, 40% to 83%) for those with prior therapy. Treatment was well-tolerated; there was no febrile neutropenia or symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Conclusion

Paclitaxel given once per week with trastuzumab and pertuzumab is highly active and well tolerated and seems to be an effective alternative to docetaxel-based combination therapy.
Psychiatric Morbidity and Survival After Surgery for Esophageal Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wikman Anna , Ljung Rickard , Johar Asif , Hellstadius Ylva , Lagergren Jesper , Lagergren Pernilla
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To determine the cumulative incidence of and risk factors for psychiatric morbidity and establish the impact on survival among surgically treated patients with esophageal cancer.

Patients and Methods

A nationwide Swedish cohort of 1,615 patients who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer between 1987 and 2010 with follow-up until 2012 was linked to national health registries for information on psychiatric morbidity (inferred from mental health care use). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine potential risk factors for postoperative psychiatric morbidity. A multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze overall survival.

Results

In patients without a history of psychiatric morbidity, the 2-year cumulative incidence for treatment in psychiatric in-patient care was 2.5%, for psychiatric out-patient care was 4.2%, and for treatment with psychotropic drugs was 32.3%. Married patients were less likely to be treated postoperatively in psychiatric in-patient care (odds ratio [OR], 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.80) or out-patient care (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.17 to 1.02), whereas patients with higher tumor stage were more likely to be treated in psychiatric out-patient care (OR, 4.99; 95% CI, 1.16 to 21.38) or with psychotropic drugs (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.10 to 7.01). Bearing in mind possible residual confounding, new-onset psychiatric morbidity was associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.65 [95% CI, 1.17 to 2.33] for treatment in psychiatric in-patient care; HR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.18 to 3.16] for treatment in psychiatric out-patient care; and HR, 2.77 [95% CI, 1.72 to 4.44] for treatment with psychotropic drugs).

Conclusion

These results highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing psychiatric morbidity in surgically treated patients with esophageal cancer.
CXCR4 Promotes Renal Tubular Cell Survival in Male Diabetic Rats: Implications for Ligand Inactivation in the Human Kidney
Authors: Siddiqi Ferhan S. , Chen Li-Hao , Advani Suzanne L. , Thai Kerri , Batchu Sri N. , Alghamdi Tamadher A. , White Kathryn E. , Sood Manish M. , Gibson Ian W. , Connelly Kim A. , Marsden Philip A. , Advani Andrew
Published: December 2014

Binding of the receptor CXCR4 to its ligand stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1) promotes cell survival and is under the influence of a number of regulatory processes including enzymatic ligand inactivation by endopeptidases such as matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). In light of the pivotal role that the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis plays in renal development and in the pathological growth of renal cells, we explored the function of this pathway in diabetic rats and in biopsies from patients with diabetic nephropathy, hypothesizing that the pro-survival effects of CXCR4 in resident cells would attenuate renal injury. Renal CXCR4 expression was observed to be increased in diabetic rats, whereas antagonism of the receptor unmasked albuminuria and accelerated tubular epithelial cell death. In cultured cells, CXCR4 blockade promoted tubular cell apoptosis, up-regulated Bcl-2-associated death promoter, and prevented high glucose/SDF-1-augmented phosphorylation of the pro-survival kinase, Akt. Although CXCR4 expression was also increased in biopsy tissue from patients with diabetic nephropathy, serine 339 phosphorylation of the receptor, indicative of ligand engagement, was unaffected. Coincident with these changes in receptor expression but not activity, MMP-9 was also up-regulated in diabetic nephropathy biopsies. Supporting a ligand-inactivating effect of the endopeptidase, exposure of cultured cells to recombinant MMP-9 abrogated SDF-1 induced Akt phosphorylation. These observations demonstrate a potentially reno-protective role for CXCR4 in diabetes that is impeded in its actions in the human kidney by the coincident up-regulation of ligand-inactivating endopeptidases. Therapeutically intervening in this interplay may limit tubulointerstitial injury, the principal determinant of renal decline in diabetes.
Low Levels of Gαs and Ric8b in Testicular Sertoli Cells May Underlie Restricted FSH Action During Infancy in Primates
Authors: Bhattacharya Indrashis , Basu Sayon , Sarda Kanchan , Gautam Mukkesh , Nagarajan Perumal , Pradhan Bhola Shankar , Sarkar Hironmoy , Devi Yendrembam Sangeeta , Majumdar Subeer S.
Published: December 2014

FSH acts via testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) bearing FSH receptor (FSH-R) for regulating male fertility. Despite an adult-like FSH milieu in infant boys and monkeys, spermatogenesis is not initiated until the onset of puberty. We used infant and pubertal monkey Sc to reveal the molecular basis underlying developmental differences of FSH-R signaling in them. Unlike pubertal Sc, increasing doses of FSH failed to augment cAMP production by infant Sc. The expression of Gαs subunit and Ric8b, which collectively activate adenylyl cyclase (AC) for augmenting cAMP production and gene transcription, were significantly low in infant Sc. However, forskolin, which acts directly on AC bypassing FSH-R, augmented cAMP production and gene transcription uniformly in both infant and pubertal Sc. FSH-induced Gαs mRNA expression was higher in pubertal Sc. However, Gαi-2 expression was down-regulated by FSH in pubertal Sc, unlike infant Sc. FSH failed, but forskolin or 8-Bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate treatment to infant Sc significantly augmented the expression of transferrin, androgen binding protein, inhibin-β-B, stem cell factor, and glial-derived neurotropic factor, which are usually up-regulated by FSH in pubertal Sc during spermatogenic onset. This suggested that lack of FSH mediated down-regulation of Gαi-2 expression and limited expression of Gαs subunit as well as Ric8b may underlie limited FSH responsiveness of Sc during infancy. This study also divulged that intracellular signaling events downstream of FSH-R are in place and can be activated exogenously in infant Sc. Additionally, this information may help in the proper diagnosis and treatment of infertile individuals having abnormal G protein-coupled FSH-R.
Promoting self-management through adherence among heart failure patients discharged from rural hospitals: a study protocol
Authors: Young Lufei , Barnason Sue , Do Van
Published: December 2014

Background Heart failure is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in adults, leading to prolonged morbidity, repeated hospitalizations, and placing tremendous economic burden on the healthcare system. Heart failure patients discharged from rural hospitals, or primarily critical access hospitals, have higher 30-day readmission and mortality rates compared to patients discharged from urban hospitals. Self-management improves heart failure patients’ health outcomes and reduces re-hospitalizations, but adherence to self-management guidelines is low. We propose a home based post-acute care service managed by advanced practice nurses to enhance patient activation and lead to the improvement of self-management adherence in heart failure patients discharged from rural hospitals.

Objective This article describes the study design and research methods used to implement and evaluate the intervention.

Method Our intervention is a 12-week patient activation (Patient AcTivated Care at Home [PATCH]) to improve self-management adherence. Patients were randomized into two parallel groups (12-week PATCH intervention + usual care vs. usual care only) to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention. Outcomes were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Discussion

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a rural theory based, advance practice nurse led, activation enhancing intervention on the self-management adherence in heart failure patients residing in rural areas. Our expectation is to facilitate adherence to self-management behaviors in heart failure patients following discharge from rural hospitals and decrease complications and hospital readmissions, leading to the reduction of economic burden. 

Clinical Trial Registration Information: ClinicalTrials.gov; https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/ NCT01964053
Human Capital and Labor Productivity in the North-West Federal District of Russia
Authors: Комарова  , Komarova Anna
Published: December 2014

A technique based on implementing of labor productivity’s econometric models

in regions of the North-West Federal District of Russia has been realized. It has

been shown that such a factor as employed population’s education level is

significant in labor productivity determining in the regions of the North-West

Federal District of Russia.
Econometric Models for Tourism Management System Improvement
Authors: Тураев  , Turaev B.
Published: December 2014

Role and value of tourism as a factor for impact on economy are considered in this paper. Prerequisites and conditions promoting its development have been revealed. The need in development and implementation of data (including forecast data) in the frame of national economy complex evolution has been justified. The main dynamic and structural tendencies of tourism regional market development, using Uzbekistan as an example, with elements of comparative analysis related to similar indicators of tourism development at the level of world, national and regional economy are investigated in this paper as well. Proceeding from this analysis, recommendations on the tourist services market development have been given.
The financial implications of academy status
Authors: David Anthony
Published: December 2014

With an election looming, Anthony David shares his views on the financial implications of opening new academy schools or opting for academy conversion for existing schools.
Risco de cheia e inundação: exposição e adaptação na área ribeirinha de Ponte de Lima
Authors: Alonso Joaquim Mamede , Guerra Carlos António Bastos de Morais , Martins Ivone Patrícia De Oliveira , Arnaud-Fassetta Gilles , Marques Andréa , Costa Francisco Da Silva
Published: December 2014

A modelação hidrológica, a avaliação do risco de inundação e a cartografia de áreas inundáveis tornam-se essenciais no planeamento local e regional associada à decisão-ação técnico-politica. Este trabalho pretende analisar o funcionamento hidrológico da bacia hidrográfica do rio Lima, a incidência histórica de inundações no centro histórico da vila de Ponte de Lima e os potenciais impactes, exposição e vulnerabilidade sobre o meio natural e humano bem como, a adaptação humana através do planeamento aos padrões das inundações.
Da espada embainhada à espada em riste. Doutrina do estilo em Quintiliano
Authors: Lopes de Miranda Margarida
Published: December 2014

Para Quintiliano, a formação literária ocupa um papel predominante na formação do orador, pela razão que ele expõe no início do Livro 8 (Prohoemium 13). Uma das razões reside na diferença entre loqui e eloqui. Eloquente é aquele que usa de uma linguagem ornamentada (ornate autem dicere proprium esse eloquentis). A tradução moderna do termo latino ornatus, palavra-chave da doutrina do estilo em Quintiliano, perdeu de vista a propriedade do seu significado original. Longe de designar os adornos, ou expedientes de beleza literária, a palavra ornamenta designava as próprias ‘armas’, o ‘material de guerra’. À luz do pensamento de Quintiliano sobre o estilo, a A. reexamina noções como ornatus e perspicuitas, concluindo que a doutrina do estilo em Quintiliano é muito mais do que uma questão de estética literária. É também uma questão de poder de persuasão que reforça da dimensão funcional da retórica como arte da persuasão. Assim entendida, a doutrina da elocutio em Quintiliano é um instrumento a recuperar nos estudos de retórica.http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_66_13
Sonho e Persuasão na Épica Homérica
Authors: Marques Susana Hora
Published: December 2014

A épica homérica evidencia de forma reiterada o empenho divino em controlar a acção do homem, propósito que se reflecte também nos sonhos que descreve.O presente contributo pretende no entanto destacar como o próprio mundo divino e os sonhos épicos em geral se acomodam às exigências da Persuasão.http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_66_2
El Arte Regia, Nebrija reformado por Juan Luis de la Cerda, Morfología y Sintaxis, Introducción, edición crítica, traducción y notas de Juan María Gómez
Authors: Teixeira Cláudia
Published: December 2014

El Arte Regia, Nebrija reformado por Juan Luis de la Cerda, Morfología y Sintaxis, Introducción, edición crítica, traducción y notas de Juan María Gómez Gómez, Grammatica Humanistica, serie textos, 6, Cáceres, Universidad de Extremadura‑Instituto de Estudios Humanísticos, 2013, XLI + 238 pp., ISSN: 1699‑6860, ISBN: 978‑84‑7723‑964‑2.http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_66_23
Galeno, Sobre la utilidad de las partes del cuerpo humano, vol. I. Estudio introductorio, bibliografía, traducción, notas e índices de Manuel Cerezo Magán
Authors: Jesus Carlos Martins de
Published: December 2014

Galeno, Sobre la utilidad de las partes del cuerpo humano, vol. I. Estudio introductorio, bibliografía, traducción, notas e índices de Manuel Cerezo Magán, Madrid, Ediciones Clásicas, 2009, ISBN: 84‑7882‑689‑0; Galeno, Sobre la utilidad de las partes del cuerpo humano, vol. II, Estudio introductorio, bibliografía, traducción, notas e índices de Manuel Cerezo Magán, Madrid, Ediciones Clásicas, 2009, ISBN: 84‑7882‑689‑0; Galeno, Sobre la diferencia de los pulsos. Estudio introductorio, traducción, notas e índices de Luis Miguel Pino Campos, Madrid, Ediciones Clásicas, 2010, ISBN: 84‑7882‑680‑7; Galeno, Sobre los tipos. Sobre los días críticos. Traducción, introducción y notas de Mª Carmen García Sola, Madrid, Ediciones Clásicas, 2010, ISBN: 978‑84‑7882‑678‑0; Galeno, Comentario al Pronóstico de Hipócrates. Traducción, introducción y notas de Santiago Rubio Ferraz, Madrid, Ediciones Clásicas, 2010, ISBN: 84‑7882‑679‑3.http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_66_26
Germán Santana Henríquez (ed.), Plutarco y las artes – XI Simposio Internacional de la Sociedad Española de Plutarquistas, Madrid, Ediciones Clásicas, 2013, 494 pp. ISBN: 84‑7882‑775‑7
Authors: Ferreira Ana Guedes
Published: December 2014

http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2183-1718_66_32
Participação em saúde: conceitos e conteúdos
Authors: Serapioni Mauro , Ferreira Pedro Lopes , Antunes Patrícia
Published: December 2014

Este texto pretende contribuir para uma discussão mais aprofundada sobre as diversas formas de envolvimento dos cidadãos no sistema de saúde e para uma clarificação das várias formas de interação entre os sistemas de saúde e os cidadãos, mais concretamente, a participação, a consulta e a comunicação. Apresenta também uma breve resenha histórica das estratégias de envolvimento dos utentes na saúde, as virtudes e os desafios identificados pelos estudiosos deste setor. Por último, é apresentado o ponto da situação da participação dos cidadãos em saúde em Portugal e algumas considerações finais.
Registry-Linked Electronic Influenza Vaccine Provider Reminders: A Cluster-Crossover Trial
Authors: Stockwell Melissa S. , Catallozzi Marina , Camargo Stewin , Ramakrishnan Rajasekhar , Holleran Stephen , Findley Sally E. , Kukafka Rita , Hofstetter Annika M. , Fernandez Nadira , Vawdrey David K.
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the impact of a vaccination reminder in an electronic health record supplemented with data from an immunization information system (IIS).

METHODS:

A noninterruptive influenza vaccination reminder, based on a real-time query of hospital and city IIS, was used at 4 urban, academically affiliated clinics serving a low-income population. Using a randomized cluster-crossover design, each study site had “on” and “off” period during the fall and winter of 2011–2012. Influenza vaccination during a clinic visit was assessed for 6-month to 17-year-old patients. To assess sustainability, the reminder was active at all sites during the 2012–2013 season.

RESULTS:

In the 2011–2012 season, 8481 unique non-up-to-date children had visits. Slightly more non–up-to-date children seen when the reminder was ‘on’ were vaccinated than when ‘off’ (76.2% vs 73.8%; P = .027). Effects were seen in the winter (67.9% vs 62.2%; P = .005), not fall (76.8% vs 76.5%). The reminder also increased documentation of the reason for vaccine non-administration (68.1% vs 41.5%; P < .0001). During the 2011–2012 season, the reminder displayed for 8630 unique visits, and clinicians interacted with it in 83.1% of cases where patients required vaccination. During the 2012–2013 season, it displayed for 22 248 unique visits; clinicians interacted with it in 84.8% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS:

An IIS-linked influenza vaccination reminder increased vaccination later in the winter when fewer vaccine doses are usually given. Although the reminder did not require clinicians to interact with it, they frequently did; utilization did not wane over time.
Connection between Physical Education and other School Subjects in Primary School/Povezanost tjelesne i zdravstvene kulture i ostalih nastavnih predmeta u osnovnoj školi
Authors: Rodić Nedeljko
Published: December 2014

AbstractDue to its positive impact on the bio-psycho-social status of children, physical education is connected with applied scientific disciplines in the field of social and natural sciences. It aims to establish the regularity of connection with the appropriate educational and scientific fields and forms of education, and is thus united with school practice. In this way instructional contents become part of the connectivity criteria. Given that the primary means of physical education is physical activity, its structural elements (spatial, temporal and physiological-energy) present other criteria of connection with other school subjects. The established connection between physical education and other subjects shows that a model for integrated teaching needs to be developed. The presented models of connection allow for an integrated teaching of active, motivated and unsolicited students, who explore and conceive a comprehensive and integrated reality, capable of transferring knowledge to new thematic assemblies and experiential learning in a variety of social situations.Key words: connectivity criteria; interdisciplinary education; pupils of lower grades.---SažetakTjelesna i zdravstvena kultura je, zbog svoga pozitivnog utjecaja na bio-psiho-socijalni status djece, povezana s primijenjenim znanstvenim disciplinama iz području društvenih i prirodnih znanosti. To ima kao cilj utvrđivanje zakonitosti povezivanja s odgovarajućim nastavno-znanstvenim područjima, ali i oblicima odgoja, čime se sjedinjuje sa školskom praksom. Na taj je način nastavni sadržaj jedan od kriterija povezivanja. S obzirom na to da je osnovno sredstvo tjelesne i zdravstvene kulture tjelesna aktivnost, njezini strukturni elementi (prostorni, vremenski i fiziološko-energetski) drugi su kriterij povezivanja s ostalim nastavnim predmetima. Utvrđena povezanost tjelesne i zdravstvene kulture s ostalim nastavnim predmetima ukazuje na potrebu razvoja modela za integriranu nastavu. Predstavljeni modeli povezanosti omogućuju u integriranoj nastavi aktivnog, motiviranog i samoinicijativnog učenika, koji istražuje i poima cjelovitu i integriranu stvarnost, sposobnog za prenošenje znanja na nove tematske sklopove i na iskustveno učenje u različitim socijalnim situacijama.Ključne riječi: interdisciplinarna nastava; kriterij povezanosti; učenici nižih razreda.
Prospective Chemists’ and Pre-service Chemistry Teachers’ Views about Science-Technology-Society (STS) Issues/Stavovi budućih kemičara i budućih nastavnika kemije o problemima znanstveno-tehnološkog društva (ZTD)
Authors: Pekdağ Bülent
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe present study aims to investigate the views of prospective chemists and pre-service chemistry teachers about science-technology-society (STS) issues, attempting to examine the differences between these views. A questionnaire that included 4 open-ended questions was distributed to 67 senior university students to determine what their views were on STS issues. The data was collected from the students’ written responses to the open-ended questions. The data gathered from the two groups of students was analyzed qualitatively from the perspective of responding to the research questions. It was observed that while prospective chemists mostly defined science from epistemological and philosophical perspectives, pre-service chemistry teachers frequently explained science from epistemological and pedagogical perspectives. The results revealed that the meanings of science and technology in the minds of the students in both groups showed some important differences in this sample. Additionally, students in both groups stated that science and technology affected society both negatively and positively.Key words: science-technology-society (STS); prospective chemists; pre-service chemistry teachers ---SažetakCilj ovoga rada bio je istražiti stajališta budućih kemičara i budućih nastavnika kemije o problemima znanstveno-tehnološkog društva (ZTD), s pokušajem razmatranja razlika u njihovim stajalištima. Upitnik koji se sastojao od 4 pitanja otvorenoga tipa podijeljen je skupini od 67 studenata u višim godinama studija kako bi se odredila njihova stajališta o  problemima ZTD-a. Podatci su prikupljeni iz odgovora studenata na pitanja otvorenoga tipa. Podatci koji su prikupljeni od dviju skupina studenata analizirani su kvantitativno iz perspektive odgovora na zadana pitanja. Uočeno je da budući kemičari uglavnom definiraju znanost iz epistemološke i filozofske perspektive, a budući nastavnici kemije učestalo objašnjavaju znanost iz epistemološke i pedagoške perspektive. Rezultati su otkrili da se značenje znanosti i tehnologije kod studenata iz obje skupine u proučenom uzorku bitno razlikuju. Nadalje, studenti u obje skupine ustvrdili su da znanost i tehnologija utječu na društvo na negativan i pozitivan način. Ključne riječi: znanstveno-tehnološko društvo (ZTD); budući kemičari; budući nastavnici kemije
Analysis of pre-service and in-service views of evolution of Serbian teachers
Authors: Stanisavljevic Jelena , Djuric Dragan , Stanisavljevic Ljubisa , Clément Pierre
Published: December 2014

We analysed the potential differences between the conceptions of Serbian
pre-service and in-service teachers using controlled parameters such as
acceptance of the evolution theory. Our sample includes Primary School
teachers as well as Secondary School teachers of Biology and of Language. We
show that the ideas of pre-service (PreB) and in-service biology teachers
(InB) are more evolutionary than those of their colleagues. In contrast, most
creationist responses came from the groups of pre-service language (PreL) and
pre-service primary teachers (PreP). The agnostic teachers are more
evolutionist than other teachers. The more a teacher believes in God and
practices religion, the more creationist he or she is, but a great number of
teachers who believe in God are evolutionist or simultaneously evolutionist
and creationist. There is a positive correlation between evolutionist answers
and the attitude that ?Science and religion should be separated?, and
?religion and politics should be separated?.
Developing a fuzzy logic based system for monitoring and early detection of residential fire based on thermistor sensors
Authors: Maksimovic Mirjana , Vujovic Vladimir , Perisic Branko , Milosevic Vladimir
Published: December 2014

The recent proliferation of global networking has an enormous impact on the
cooperation of smart elements, of arbitrary kind and purpose that can be
located anywhere and interact with each other according to the predefined
protocol. Furthermore, these elements have to be intelligently orchestrated
in order to support distributed sensing and/or monitoring/control of real
world phenomena. That is why the Internet of Things (IoT) concept raises like
a new, promising paradigm for Future Internet development. Considering that
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are envisioned as integral part of arbitrary
IoTs, and the potentially huge number of cooperating IoTs that are usually
used in the real world phenomena monitoring and management, the reliability
of individual sensor nodes and the overall network performance monitoring and
improvement are definitely challenging issues. One of the most interesting
real world phenomena that can be monitored by WSN is indoor or outdoor
fire. The incorporation of soft computing technologies, like fuzzy logic, in
sensor nodes has to be investigated in order to gain the manageable network
performance monitoring/control and the maximal extension of components life
cycle. Many aspects, such as routes, channel access, locating,
energy efficiency, coverage, network capacity, data aggregation and Quality of
Services (QoS) have been explored extensively. In this article two fuzzy logic
approaches, with temporal characteristics, are proposed for monitoring and
determining confidence of fire in order to optimize and reduce the number of
rules that have to be checked to make the correct decisions. We assume that
this reduction may lower sensor activities without relevant impact on quality
of operation and extend battery life directly contributing the efficiency,
robustness and cost effectiveness of sensing network. In order to get a real
time verification of proposed approaches a prototype sensor web node, based
on Representational State Transfer (RESTful) services, is created as an
infrastructure that supports fast critical event signaling and remote access
to sensor data via the Internet.
Betweenness versus Linerank
Authors: Kósa Balázs , Balassi Márton , Englert Péter , Kiss Attila
Published: December 2014

In our paper we compare two centrality measures of networks, betweenness and
Linerank. Betweenness is widely used, however, its computation is expensive
for large networks. Calculating Linerank remains manageable even for graphs
of billion nodes, it was offered as a substitute of betweenness in [12]. To
the best of our knowledge the relationship between these measures has never
been seriously examined. We calculate the Pearson?s and Spearman?s
correlation coefficients for both node and edge variants of these measures.
For edges the correlation tends to be rather low. Our tests with the
Girvan-Newman algorithm [16] also underline that edge betweenness cannot be
substituted with edge Linerank. The results for the node variants are more
promising. The correlation coefficients are close to 1. Notwithstanding, the
practical application in which the robustness of social and web graphs is
examined node betweenness still outperforms node Linerank. We also clarify
how Linerank should be computed on undirected graphs.
Dynamic Error Correction of Methane Sensor
Authors: Krupanek Beata
Published: December 2014

Coal mine methane is a term given to the methane gas produced or emitted in association with coal mining activities either from the coal seam itself or from other gassy formations underground. The primary reason for measuring methane is to improve the safety of the mines. In recent years, there have been many fatalities in underground coal mine explosions in which methane was a contributing factor. The rapid detection of methane is very important from the point of view of safety of mine workers. This paper presents a concept of fast methane detection by reconstituting its concentration in dynamic states.
Estimation of Solar Irradiation on Inclined Surface Based on Web Databases
Authors: Mazurek Gustaw
Published: December 2014

Estimation of Global Tilted Irradiation (GTI) is a
key to performance assessment of typical solar systems since they
usually employ tilted photovoltaic (PV) modules or collectors.
Numerous solar radiation databases can deliver irradiation
values both on horizontal and tilted plane, however they are
validated mostly with horizontal-plane ground measurements.
In this paper we have compared GTI estimates retrieved from
five Internet databases with results of measurements at two PV
systems located in Poland. Our work shows that in spite of good
agreement in annual scale, there is a tendency to underestimate
GTI in summer and overestimate in winter, when PV modules can
receive less than a half of expected irradiation. The latter issue
affects sizing of PV system components and implies a correction
needed to achieve all-year long operation.
Deep Image Features in Music Information Retrieval
Authors: Gwardys Grzegorz , Grzywczak Daniel
Published: December 2014

Applications of Convolutional Neural Networks
(CNNs) to various problems have been the subject of a number
of recent studies ranging from image classification and object
detection to scene parsing, segmentation 3D volumetric images
and action recognition in videos. CNNs are able to learn input
data representation, instead of using fixed engineered features.
In this study, the image model trained on CNN were applied to
a Music Information Retrieval (MIR), in particular to musical
genre recognition. The model was trained on ILSVRC-2012 (more
than 1 million natural images) to perform image classification and
was reused to perform genre classification using spectrograms
images. Harmonic/percussive separation was applied, because it
is characteristic for musical genre. At final stage, the evaluation of
various strategies of merging Support Vector Machines (SVMs)
was performed on well known in MIR community - GTZAN
dataset. Even though, the model was trained on natural images,
the results achieved in this study were close to the state-of-the-art.
The Parameters of Unconventional Double-Current Circuit, their Accuracy Measures and Measurement of Strain and Temperature
Authors: Warsza Zygmunt , Idzkowski Adam , Walendziuk Wojciech
Published: December 2014

The two-voltage-output circuit called a double-current bridge is presented. A single DC current source is switched over and connected in turns to opposite arms of the four-element bridge circuit. The output voltages are dependent on the arm resistance increments and their values are given in absolute and relative units. The simplified signal conditioning formulas of strain and temperature simultaneous measurement of a cantilever beam are featured. The results achieved with the use of the circuit are also published.The accuracy measures (actual errors, limited errors and standard uncertainties) of the bridgetransfer functions are described.
Prefiltering in Wavelet Analysis Applying Cubic B-Splines
Authors: Rakowski Waldemar
Published: December 2014

Wavelet transform algorithms (Mallat’s algorithm,
`a trous algorithm) require input data in the form of a sequence
of numbers equal to the signal projection coefficients on a space
spanned by integer-translated copies of a scaling function. After
sampling of the continuous-time signal, it is most frequently
possible to compute only approximated values of the signal projection
coefficients by choosing a specific signal approximation.
Calculation of the signal projection coefficients based on the
signal interpolation by means of cubic B-splines is proposed in
the paper.
IYL 2015 in Poland
Authors: Romaniuk Ryszard S.
Published: December 2014

Light plays a key role in human’s life. Without light there will be no human life environment. Technologies based on light, called photonics, decide of the development of our civilization. The role of photonics is constantly increasing, especially in such fields as energy, education, agriculture and health. The UN has established the International Year of Light and Light - based Technologies – IYL2015 [1]. The organizers of IYL2015 events are professional organizations, communities, educational organizations, non-profit ones, technological clusters and platforms, but also private sector. The aim is to increase the social consciousness about the role of light and photonics in building of our civilization. This sort of recognition is necessary as a needed component of the development process of the society. Introduction of new technologies, like completely new kind of lighting, new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, new sources of energy, etc., must meet with social acceptance. In the opposite case, isolated development of infrastructure, will meet with obstacles. In Poland, the professional events, technical, trade fairs and outreach ones, are organized in the framework of the IYL2015 by Photonics Society of Poland, Polish Physical Society, Polish Platform of Photonics Technologies, etc. The paper summarizes the issues combined with the organization of the IYL2015 globally and in Poland. Extended version of this paper was published in Polish [2]. The paper is a part of a cycle of articles devoted to analysis of global processes of photonics development. Previous papers concerned initiatives Photonics21 in Europe [3-4], NPI – National Photonics Initiative in USA [5], and development of optical sciences in Poland [6-15].
Tonsil Volume and Allergic Rhinitis in Children
Authors: Ameli Franco , Brocchetti Fabio , Angela Tosca Maria , Schiavetti Irene , Ciprandi Giorgio
Published: December 2014

Tonsil hypertrophy (TH) is very common in children. Previously, it has been reported that an inverse relationship exists between adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between tonsil volume and AR diagnosis in a group of children complaining of upper airways obstruction. Globally, 171 children (91 boys; mean age, 6.6 years) were studied. Clinical visit, nasal endoscopy, and skin-prick test were performed in all patients. TH and anterior nasal obstruction were graded using the Friedman's classifications. Adenoid volume was graded using the Parikh's classification. Fifty-eight children (33.9%) had relevant TH (grades 3–4); 77 children (44.94%) had AR. There was a strong correlation (gamma = 0.564; p < 0.001) between TH and AH. Tonsil volume was inversely associated with AR diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 0.314). Risk factors for TH were intense mucosal inflammation (pale mucous membranes) and AH (OR, 3.54 and 2.856, respectively). This study shows that large tonsils are negatively associated with allergy, whereas intense inflammation is a risk factor for TH; AH may be frequently associated with TH.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNo) in Different Asthma Phenotypes
Authors: Gemicioglu Bilun , Musellim Benan , Dogan Ismail , Guven Kasim
Published: December 2014

Fractioned exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a noninvasive marker of inflammation in asthmatic patients. FeNO can be used to monitor airway inflammation, but individual responses make tailored interventions based on FeNO difficult. The correlation between the asthma control test (ACT), FEV1, and FeNO was evaluated in this study to ascertain the correct usage of FeNO with different asthma phenotypes regarding their control, allergy, comorbidity, obesity, age, smoking status, and severity. ACT, pulmonary function, and FeNO in 416 asthmatic patients on combined therapy were retrospective evaluated. Correlations between these parameters and the FeNO levels in different asthma phenotypes were calculated. In the study population, FeNO was 31.8 ± 28.5 parts per billion (ppb), FEV1 was 83.4 ± 19% and ACT was 19 ± 5.2. ACT scores were negatively correlated with FeNO (r = −0.31; p = 0.002). FeNO was different in patients with positive and negative skin-prick test (p < 0.05), with and without allergic rhinitis (p < 0.01), and with and without allergic conjunctivitis (p < 0.01). Significantly higher FeNO levels were found with logistic regression analysis only in patients with a history of emergency room visits (ERVs) (p = 0.024). The rate of the ERV of the patients with an ACT score more than or equal to 20 and with a FeNO value of more than 35 ppb was 22.9%, but with a FeNO value of less than 35 ppb was 6.5% (p = 0.004). Allergy and allergic comorbidities may lead to an increase in FeNO levels. Patients with a history of ERV have markedly higher FeNO levels, although they have an ACT score more than or equal to 20.
Sinonasal Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumor: Case Report and Systematic Review
Authors: Deep Nicholas L. , Cain Rachel B. , McCullough Ann E. , Hoxworth Joseph M. , Lal Devyani
Published: December 2014

We report a case of sinonasal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) and conduct a systematic review of the literature to highlight a unique paraneoplastic syndrome associated with PMT. We used English language publications from Medline and Cochrane databases (1970–2013) as data sources. A systematic review of the literature was conducted. All reported cases of head and neck PMTs were included. The presence or absence of the associated paraneoplastic syndrome was noted. We found 33 cases of PMT in the head and neck reported in the literature, 17 of which occurred in the sinonasal area. Approximately 5% of all PMTs are located in the head and neck. Just greater than half are concentrated in the sinonasal area, and the remaining involve various bony and soft tissue structures of the head and neck. PMT is sometimes associated with a paraneoplastic syndrome of tumor-induced (oncogenic) osteomalacia (TIO) causing bone pain, muscle weakness, and pathologic fractures. We present the 18th reported case of sinonasal PMT. A smooth mucosa-covered midline intraseptal mass filling the posterior nasal cavity with destruction and erosion of the skull base was found in an adult male. The patient underwent successful endoscopic resection with wide negative margins and is without recurrence at 24-month follow-up. PMT is a benign, locally aggressive tumor with rare malignant transformation. Knowledge of the bony invasion and destruction caused by this tumor is essential in planning surgical resection with wide negative margins. Familiarity with the associated TIO is essential to investigate for and manage any associated bony morbidity.
Levamisole-Adulterated Cocaine Induced Skin Necrosis of Nose, Ears, and Extremities: Case Report
Authors: Lawrence Lauren A. , Jiron Jose L. , Lin Ho-Sheng , Folbe Adam J.
Published: December 2014

Levamisole is an immunomodulatory and antihelminthic drug, previously removed from the United States market, and now estimated to be present in the vast majority of cocaine distributed in the United States. Levamisole-adulterated cocaine (LAC) exposure can result in neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and vasculitis with a predilection for subsites of the face. The objective of this review is to increase awareness among otolaryngologists of the manifestations of LAC exposure. We present the case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of cocaine use, consulted for purpuric, necrotic lesions of the nose, cheeks, and ears, with accompanying leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). The effects of levamisole are immune mediated, with antibodies directed against neutrophils causing neutropenia, and vasculitis caused by antibody deposition or secondary to induction of antiphospholipid antibodies causing thrombosis. LAC exposure can be differentiated from other similar appearing pathologies by evaluating serology for specific ANCA. The most important treatment is cessation of cocaine use, which most often results in complete resolution of symptoms. Awareness of the presentation, complications, and treatment of LAC exposure may be especially important for otolaryngologists, who may be one of the firsts to evaluate an affected patient.
La perception du prestige des occupations illicites par des délinquants
Authors: Charette Yanick
Published: December 2014

Le prestige occupationnel est une mesure utilisée en sociologie des professions pour déterminer le statut social d’un emploi sous la forme d’un continuum hiérarchisé. Cette mesure peut être définie selon : le revenu, le niveau de supervision, l’autonomie et les compétences. En se basant sur des entrevues auprès de délinquants incarcérés (n = 133), cette étude évalue si cette notion de prestige s’applique aux occupations illicites. Les résultats suggèrent que, contrairement aux occupations licites, les domaines d’activité des occupations illicites ne présentent pas d’homogénéité en ce qui concerne le prestige. Certaines caractéristiques définissant le prestige des occupations licites, comme le revenu et la compétence, contribuent aussi à définir le prestige des occupations illicites. Le milieu criminel présente des caractéristiques particulières, notamment la difficulté d’atteindre une stabilité occupationnelle. En étudiant le crime avec les mêmes concepts que ceux utilisés pour étudier la population générale, il est possible de mieux comparer les deux milieux pour en comprendre les rouages et les distinctions. La compréhension de la désirabilité sociale à l’intérieur du milieu criminel pourrait permettre de mieux comprendre les permutations dans une carrière délinquante, à savoir les allers-retours entre les activités criminelles et un emploi conventionnel.
Unemployment, GDP, and Crime: The Importance of Multiple Measurements of the Economy
Authors: Andresen Martin A.
Published: December 2014

The relationship between unemployment and crime is complex and consists of two independent and counteracting mechanisms: the motivation effect and the guardianship/opportunity effect. Cantor and Land (1985) put forth a model that synthesizes these two effects and found that guardianship/opportunity dominates motivation. Recent work questions this result and the use of unemployment to measure economic performance. Instead, some of this new research uses a direct measure of the economy at the US state level – gross state product, for example. In the present article, the relationship between crime and economic performance is investigated using unemployment, gross domestic product, a hybrid modelling approach, and Canadian provinces as the unit of analysis. It is found that both unemployment and gross domestic product matter for crime, guardianship/opportunity explains more results than motivation, and the strength of either effect depends on the crime type being analysed.
Associations among Depressive Symptoms, Drinking Motives, and Risk for Alcohol-Related Problems in Veterinary Students
Authors: Diulio Andrea R. , Dutta Nicole M. , Gauthier Jami M. , Witte Tracy K. , Correia Christopher J. , Angarano Donna
Published: December 2014

Hazardous alcohol consumption among medical students appears to occur at a level comparable to the general population; however, among medical students, it has been found that the motivation to use alcohol partially stems from unique stressors related to their professional training. Although veterinary students may also experience psychological distress in association with their training, little work has focused on the way that these students use alcohol to cope with their distress. The current study sought to examine the severity of depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption among veterinary students as well as students' specific motives for drinking alcohol. The majority of our sample reported experiencing at least one depressive symptom, and a significant proportion engaged in high-risk drinking, with men reporting more harmful alcohol use patterns. Drinking motives related to managing internal bodily and emotional states accounted for variance in drinking patterns. Further, drinking to ameliorate negative emotions partially accounted for the relationship between psychological distress and high-risk drinking. The results of this study suggest that depressive symptoms among veterinary students may be related to harmful drinking patterns, due to alcohol being used as a coping mechanism to regulate emotions. The findings from this study can be used to develop targeted interventions to promote psychological well-being among veterinary students.
Notre façon de conduire les éclaircies a évolué ces 50 dernières années: et pourquoi? (Essai)
Authors: Schütz Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2014

Our approach to thinning has changed over the last 50 years: why? (Essay)

Thinning methods and principles have always fluctuated between an approach based on moderate interventions, aimed at maintaining a sufficient stocking level (the so-called “volume effect”) and the liberation of crowns of a limited number of trees. Nowadays Schädelin's concept of selective thinning focused on trees with high potential for the future, based on the efficient removal of those competitors which cause the most interference, is widely accepted. However, as regards the intensity and strength of thinning there are different suggestions in terms of number of trees to be removed and the extent of liberation of the crowns. Moreover, there is no consensus on the transition between the phase of compression in the young stand and the first thinnings, nor on the optimal final stand density to be aimed at.

After the dramatic fall in income from forests, it was necessary to revisit the principles of tending young stands, as the costs were excessively high especially because of the high number of trees. It now appears more efficient to use the natural, and free, processes of social differentiation. Interventions founded on the so-called biological rationalisation make possible a significant reduction in costs. The results of the economic analysis of the various thinning regimes, measured by the net average increment in value, net of harvesting costs, show clearly the advantage of the volume effect and of maintaining sufficient stand density. However, it is also necessary to bear in mind stand stability, especially towards the end of the rotation period. Stand stability makes it possible to keep open, in both space and time, options for natural regeneration, which corresponds best to our goals of a multifunctional silviculture in the most efficient fashion.