bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ewing Sarcoma: Current Management and Future Approaches Through Collaboration
Authors: Gaspar Nathalie , Hawkins Douglas S. , Dirksen Uta , Lewis Ian J. , Ferrari Stefano , Le Deley Marie-Cecile , Kovar Heinrich , Grimer Robert , Whelan Jeremy , Claude Line , Delattre Olivier , Paulussen Michael , Picci Piero , Sundby Hall Kirsten , van den Berg Hendrik , Ladenstein Ruth , Michon Jean , Hjorth Lars , Judson Ian , Luksch Roberto , Bernstein Mark L. , Marec-Bérard Perrine , Brennan Bernadette , Craft Alan W. , Womer Richard B. , Juergens Heribert , Oberlin Odile
Published: August 2015

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive sarcoma of bone and soft tissue occurring at any age with a peak incidence in adolescents and young adults. The treatment of ES relies on a multidisciplinary approach, coupling risk-adapted intensive neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapies with surgery and/or radiotherapy for control of the primary site and possible metastatic disease. The optimization of ES multimodality therapeutic strategies has resulted from the efforts of several national and international groups in Europe and North America and from cooperation between pediatric and medical oncologists. Successive first-line trials addressed the efficacy of various cyclic combinations of drugs incorporating doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, etoposide, and dactinomycin and identified prognostic factors now used to tailor therapies. The role of high-dose chemotherapy is still debated. Current 5-year overall survival for patients with localized disease is 65% to 75%. Patients with metastases have a 5-year overall survival < 30%, except for those with isolated pulmonary metastasis (approximately 50%). Patients with recurrence have a dismal prognosis. The many insights into the biology of the EWS-FLI1 protein in the initiation and progression of ES remain to be translated into novel therapeutic strategies. Current options and future approaches will be discussed.
Association Between Geographic Access to Cancer Care, Insurance, and Receipt of Chemotherapy: Geographic Distribution of Oncologists and Travel Distance
Authors: Lin Chun Chieh , Bruinooge Suanna S. , Kirkwood M. Kelsey , Olsen Christine , Jemal Ahmedin , Bajorin Dean , Giordano Sharon H. , Goldstein Michael , Guadagnolo B. Ashleigh , Kosty Michael , Hopkins Shane , Yu James B. , Arnone Anna , Hanley Amy , Stevens Stephanie , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Geographic access to care may be associated with receipt of chemotherapy but has not been fully examined. This study sought to evaluate the association between density of oncologists and travel distance and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer within 90 days of colectomy.

Patients and Methods

Patients in the National Cancer Data Base with stage III colon cancer, diagnosed between 2007 and 2010, and age 18 to 80 years were selected. Generalized estimating equation clustering by hospital service area was conducted to examine the association between geographic access and receipt of oncology services, controlling for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

Of 34,694 patients in the study cohort, 75.7% received adjuvant chemotherapy within 90 days of colectomy. Compared with travel distance less than 12.5 miles, patients who traveled 50 to 249 miles (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; P = .009) or ≥ 250 miles (OR, 0.36; P < .001) had decreased likelihood of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Density level of oncologists was not statistically associated with receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (low v high density: OR, 0.98; P = .77). When stratifying analyses by insurance status, non–privately insured patients who resided in areas with low density of oncologists were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (OR, 0.85; P = .03).

Conclusion

Increased travel burden was associated with a decreased likelihood of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, regardless of insurance status. Patients with nonprivate insurance who resided in low-density oncologist areas were less likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy. If these findings are validated prospectively, interventions to decrease geographic barriers may improve the timeliness and quality of colon cancer treatment.
Impact of Precision Medicine in Diverse Cancers: A Meta-Analysis of Phase II Clinical Trials
Authors: Schwaederle Maria , Zhao Melissa , Lee J. Jack , Eggermont Alexander M. , Schilsky Richard L. , Mendelsohn John , Lazar Vladimir , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The impact of a personalized cancer treatment strategy (ie, matching patients with drugs based on specific biomarkers) is still a matter of debate.

Methods

We reviewed phase II single-agent studies (570 studies; 32,149 patients) published between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012 (PubMed search). Response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared for arms that used a personalized strategy versus those that did not.

Results

Multivariable analysis (both weighted multiple linear regression and random effects meta-regression) demonstrated that the personalized approach, compared with a nonpersonalized approach, consistently and independently correlated with higher median RR (31% v 10.5%, respectively; P < .001) and prolonged median PFS (5.9 v 2.7 months, respectively; P < .001) and OS (13.7 v 8.9 months, respectively; P < .001). Nonpersonalized targeted arms had poorer outcomes compared with either personalized targeted therapy or cytotoxics, with median RR of 4%, 30%, and 11.9%, respectively; median PFS of 2.6, 6.9, and 3.3 months, respectively (all P < .001); and median OS of 8.7, 15.9, and 9.4 months, respectively (all P < .05). Personalized arms using a genomic biomarker had higher median RR and prolonged median PFS and OS (all P ≤ .05) compared with personalized arms using a protein biomarker. A personalized strategy was associated with a lower treatment-related death rate than a nonpersonalized strategy (median, 1.5% v 2.3%, respectively; P < .001).

Conclusion

Comprehensive analysis of phase II, single-agent arms revealed that, across malignancies, a personalized strategy was an independent predictor of better outcomes and fewer toxic deaths. In addition, nonpersonalized targeted therapies were associated with significantly poorer outcomes than cytotoxic agents, which in turn were worse than personalized targeted therapy.
Endogenous and X-ray-induced DNA double strand breaks sensitively activate apoptosis in adult neural stem cells
Authors: Barazzuol Lara , Rickett Nicole , Ju Limei , Jeggo Penny A.
Published: August 2015

The embryonic neural stem cell compartment is characterised by rapid proliferation from E11 to E16.5, high endogenous DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and marked sensitivity to undergo apoptosis. Here, we ask whether DSBs arise in the adult neural stem cell compartments, the sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the sub-granular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and whether they activate apoptosis. We used mice with a hypomorphic mutation in DNA ligase IV (Lig4Y288C), ataxia telangiectasia mutated (Atm−/−) and double mutant Atm−/−/Lig4Y288C mice. We demonstrate that, although DSBs do not arise at high frequency in adult neural stem cells, DSBs that persist endogenously in Lig4Y288C mice or induced by low radiation doses can sensitively activate apoptosis. A temporal analysis shows that DSB levels in Lig4Y288C mice diminish gradually from the embryo to a steady state level in adult mice. The neonatal SVZ compartment of Lig4Y288C mice harbours diminished DSBs compared to its differentiated counterpart, suggesting a process selecting against unfit stem cells. Finally, we reveal high endogenous apoptosis in the developing SVZ of wild type newborn mice.
A Phenomenological Model for Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy Helical Springs
Authors: Huang Bin , Pu Wuchuan , Zhang Haiyang , Wang Han , Song Gangbing
Published: August 2015

Due to their capabilities of large recoverable deformation, energy dissipation and self-recovery, Nitinol superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) helical springs can be used as base isolation components to protect isolated structures. In such applications, to design the specific isolation component which consists of SMA helical springs, it is essential to study the force-displacement relationship model of the SMA springs under cyclic loading. In this paper, two types of SMA springs are trained using Nitinol superelastic SMA wires. Based on the data of a series of cyclic loading tests, a phenomenological model is established to model the superelasticity or pseudoelasticity of the SMA springs. The developed model describes the force-displacement relationship of SMA springs subjected to general dynamic load. Comparative studies show that for the proposed phenomenological model, the simulation results of force-displacement relationship of the SMA springs agree very well with the experimental ones, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Elastic Design of Slender High-Strength RC Circular Columns Confined with External Tensioned Steel Straps
Authors: Chau-Khun Ma , Awang Abdullah Zawawi , Omar Wahid , Pilakoutas Kypros , Tahir Mahmood Mohd , Garcia Reyes
Published: August 2015

This article proposes a design approach to calculate the capacity of slender high-strength concrete (HSC) columns confined with a cost-effective Steel Strapping Tensioning Technique (SSTT). The approach is based on results from segmental analyses of slender SSTT-confined circular columns subjected to eccentric loads. A capacity reduction factor analogue to that proposed by Kwak and Kim (2004) accounts for the effect of slenderness in design. P-M interaction diagrams computed using rigorous nonlinear P-Δ analyses are compared to those calculated by the proposed approach to assess its accuracy. The results indicate that the proposed approach predicts conservatively the ultimate capacity of slender HSC circular columns confined using the SSTT, and therefore it can be used in the design of modern reinforced concrete (RC) structures.
Damage Evaluation for RC Bridge Piers Using Vibration Measurement
Authors: Ko Yung-Yen , Chang Wei-Kuang , Liu Kuang-Yen , Hung Hsiao-Hui , Chang Kuo-Chun
Published: August 2015

In order to exhibit the structural integrity and foundation flexibility of a bridge pier through its vibration characteristics, a simplified 2-DOF pier model was proposed, in which the column flexural damage as well as the foundation stiffness reduction of the pier is simulated by a rotational spring. The rotation impedance can be estimated according to the natural frequency of the pier to show the damage level of the pier. A vulnerability index for viaduct based on the microtremors proposed by Nakamura was also introduced for the damage evaluation of bridge piers. In addition, an average spectrum analysis scheme for long-term vibration measurement was utilized to eliminate the dispersion in the identification of vibration characteristics of structures. Experimental investigation was made through ambient vibration measurements on scaled bridge pier specimens of a series of lateral loading tests which were to study the rocking response of the spread foundation. The measurements were conducted prior and posterior to those loading tests, in both fixed and flexible base conditions. Accordingly, the methods utilized were verified to give a reasonable assessment of the damage level of the bridges piers.
Shake Table Test on Seismic Response of a Precast Frame with Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Xiao Jianzhuang , Pham Thi Loan , Ding Tao
Published: August 2015

A precast frame model made of Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC) was constructed with precast beams, columns and Cast-In-Place (CIP) joints. Then a shaking table test was carried out with three types of earthquake ground motions, namely Wenchuan, El Centro and artificial Shanghai waves. Based on the shaking test, structural responses such as dynamic characteristics, cracking and failure pattern, seismic responses as well as the overall seismic performance of the model were analyzed and evaluated. The results indicate that the precast RAC frame structure has an adequate load bearing potential as well as ductility against moderate and severe seismic excitations. Therefore, the perfect combination of RAC and precast structures is feasible to apply and popularize precast RAC frame structures with mid-rise buildings in the seismic regions.
Dynamic Data-Driven Prediction of Lean Blowout in a Swirl-Stabilized Combustor
Authors: Sarkar Soumalya , Ray Asok , Mukhopadhyay Achintya , Sen Swarnendu
Published: August 2015

This paper addresses dynamic data-driven prediction of lean blowout (LBO) phenomena in confined combustion processes, which are prevalent in many physical applications (e.g., land-based and aircraft gas-turbine engines). The underlying concept is built upon pattern classification and is validated for LBO prediction with time series of chemiluminescence sensor data from a laboratory-scale swirl-stabilized dump combustor. The proposed method of LBO prediction makes use of the theory of symbolic dynamics, where (finite-length) time series data are partitioned to produce symbol strings that, in turn, generate a special class of probabilistic finite state automata (PFSA). These PFSA, called D-Markov machines, have a deterministic algebraic structure and their states are represented by symbol blocks of length D or less, where D is a positive integer. The D-Markov machines are constructed in two steps: (i) state splitting, i.e., the states are split based on their information contents, and (ii) state merging, i.e., two or more states (of possibly different lengths) are merged together to form a new state without any significant loss of the embedded information. The modeling complexity (e.g., number of states) of a D-Markov machine model is observed to be drastically reduced as the combustor approaches LBO. An anomaly measure, based on Kullback-Leibler divergence, is constructed to predict the proximity of LBO. The problem of LBO prediction is posed in a pattern classification setting and the underlying algorithms have been tested on experimental data at different extents of fuel-air premixing and fuel/air ratio. It is shown that, over a wide range of fuel-air premixing, D-Markov machines with D > 1 perform better as predictors of LBO than those with D = 1.
Online Detection of Impending Instability in a Combustion System Using Tools from Symbolic Time Series Analysis
Authors: Unni Vishnu R. , Mukhopadhyay Achintya , Sujith R. I.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we introduce a novel technique (anomaly detection) for the online detection of impending instability in a combustion system based on symbolic time series analysis. The experimental results presented in this paper illustrate the application of anomaly detection to a combustor in which the flame is stabilized either by a bluff body or by a swirler. The detection unit works on the principle that in the transition region from combustion noise to thermoacoustic instability, combustion systems exhibit peculiar dynamics which results in the formation of specific patterns in the time series. Further, tools from symbolic time series analysis is used to recognize these patterns and then define an anomaly measure indicative of the proximity of system to regimes of thermoacoustic instability.
Samantha doesn't say no - She’s leaving the company, isn’t she?
Authors: Menegon Leticia Fantinato , Zaccarelli Laura Menegon , Casado Tania
Published: August 2015

A Human Resources professional faces a series of dilemmas, all related to the delicate balance between career and personal life. What priorities should she attend? Uma profissional de Recursos Humanos enfrenta uma série de dilemas relacionados ao delicado equilíbrio entre carreira e vida pessoal. Quais devem ser as prioridades? [Caso submetido originalmente em inglês. A GVcasos o publica acompanhado de uma versão ao português]
Two-edged sword: the US gasoline case at WTO
Authors: Costa Ligia Maura
Published: August 2015

In 1995, after unsuccessful consultations with the United States, Venezuela and Brazil filed a complaint with the new established World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish a panel to examine whether the United States had violated WTO Agreements. The main issue at stake was the fact that the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulation on the Clean Air Act Amendments 1990 (CAAA – 1990) violated the GATT-94 principle of national treatment by using different measures to determine whether domestic and importers refiners comply with the requirements of the CAAA – 1990. From the United States perspective, the environmental goal of the CAAA – 1990 was to establish an overall quality of the gasoline sold in the US and to protect the health of US citizens living. Thus, this US measure would fall within the exceptions of Article XX – GATT-94.
Pandemic 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients; a multicenter observational study.
Authors: Dignani Maria Cecilia , Costantini Patricia , Salgueira Claudia , Jordán Rosana , Guerrini Graciela , Valledor Alejandra , Herrera Fabián , Nenna Andrea , Mora Claudia , Roccia-Rossi Inés , Stecher Daniel , Carbone Edith , Laborde Ana , Efron Ernesto , Altclas Javier , Calmaggi Aníbal , Cozzi José
Published: August 2015

Background: During March 2009 a novel Influenza A virus emerged in Mexico. We describe the clinical picture of the pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Influenza in cancer patients during the 2009 influenza season.

Methods: Twelve centers participated in a multicenter retrospective observational study of cancer patients with confirmed infection with the 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus (influenza-like illness or pneumonia plus positive PCR for the 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus  in respiratory secretions). Clinical data were obtained by retrospective chart review and analyzed. 

Results: From May to August 2009, data of 65 patients were collected. Median age was 51 years, 57 % of the patients were female. Most patients (47) had onco-hematological cancers and 18 had solid tumors. Cancer treatment mainly consisted of chemotherapy (46), or stem cell transplantation (SCT) (16). Only 19 of 64 patients had received the 2009 seasonal Influenza vaccine. Clinical presentation included pneumonia (43) and upper respiratory tract infection (22). Forty five of 58 ambulatory patients were admitted. Mechanical ventilation was required in 12 patients (18%). Treatment included oseltamivir monotherapy or in combination with amantadine for a median of 7 days. The global 30-day mortality rate was 18%. All 12 deaths were among the non-vaccinated patients. No deaths were observed among the 19 vaccinated patients. Oxygen saturation <96% at presentation was a predictor of mortality (OR 19.5; 95%CI: 2.28 to 165.9).

Conclusions: In our cancer patient population, the pandemic 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) virus was associated with high incidence of pneumonia (66%), and 30-day mortality (18.5%). Saturation <96% was significantly associated with death. No deaths were observed among vaccinated patients.
The ubiquitous and ancient ER membrane protein complex (EMC): tether or not?
Authors: Wideman Jeremy G.
Published: August 2015

The recently discovered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein complex (EMC) has been implicated in ER-associated degradation (ERAD), lipid transport and tethering between the ER and mitochondrial outer membranes, and assembly of multipass ER-membrane proteins. The EMC has been studied in both animals and fungi but its presence outside the Opisthokont clade (animals + fungi + related protists) has not been demonstrated. Here, using homology-searching algorithms, I show that the EMC is truly an ancient and conserved protein complex, present in every major eukaryotic lineage. Very few organisms have completely lost the EMC, and most, even over 2 billion years of eukaryote evolution, have retained a majority of the complex members. I identify Sop4 and YDR056C in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as Emc7 and Emc10, respectively, subunits previously thought to be specific to animals. This study demonstrates that the EMC was present in the last eukaryote common ancestor (LECA) and is an extremely important component of eukaryotic cells even though its primary function remains elusive.
Hippocampal development and the dissociation of cognitive-spatial mapping from motor performance
Authors: Devan Bryan D. , Magalis Christopher , McDonald Robert J.
Published: August 2015

The publication of a recent article inF1000Researchhas led to discussion of, and correspondence on a broader issue that has a long history in the fields of neuroscience and psychology.  Namely, is it possible to separate the cognitive components of performance, in this case spatial behavior, from the motoric demands of a task?  Early psychological experiments attempted such a dissociation by studying a form of spatial maze learning where initially rats were allowed to explore a complex maze, termed “latent learning,” before reinforcement was introduced.  Those rats afforded the latent learning experience solved the task faster than those that were not, implying that cognitive map learning during exploration aided in the performance of the task once a motivational component was introduced.  This form of latent learning was interpreted as successfully demonstrating that an exploratory cognitive map component was acquired irrespective of performing a learned spatial response under deprivation/motivational conditions.  The neural substrate for cognitive learning was hypothesized to depend on place cells within the hippocampus.  Subsequent behavioral studies attempted to directly eliminate the motor component of spatial learning by allowing rats to passively view the distal environment before performing any motor response using a task that is widely considered to be hippocampal-dependent.  Latent learning in the water maze, using a passive placement procedure has met with mixed results.  One constraint on viewing cues before performing a learned swimming response to a hidden goal has been the act of dynamically viewing distal cues while moving through a part of the environment where an optimal learned spatial escape response would be observed.  We briefly review these past findings obtained with adult animals to the recent efforts of establishing a “behavioral topology” separating cognitive-spatial learning from tasks differing in motoric demands in an attempt to define when cognitive-spatial behavior emerges during development.
Optimal Hour-Ahead Bidding in the Real-Time Electricity Market with Battery Storage Using Approximate Dynamic Programming
Authors: Jiang Daniel R. , Powell Warren B.
Published: August 2015

There is growing interest in the use of grid-level storage to smooth variations in supply that are likely to arise with an increased use of wind and solar energy. Energy arbitrage, the process of buying, storing, and selling electricity to exploit variations in electricity spot prices, is becoming an important way of paying for expensive investments into grid-level storage. Independent system operators such as the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) require that battery storage operators place bids into an hour-ahead market (although settlements may occur in increments as small as five minutes, which is considered near “real-time”). The operator has to place these bids without knowing the energy level in the battery at the beginning of the hour and simultaneously accounting for the value of leftover energy at the end of the hour. The problem is formulated as a dynamic program. We describe and employ a convergent approximate dynamic programming (ADP) algorithm that exploits monotonicity of the value function to find a revenue-generating bidding policy; using optimal benchmarks, we empirically show the computational benefits of the algorithm. Furthermore, we propose a distribution-free variant of the ADP algorithm that does not require any knowledge of the distribution of the price process (and makes no assumptions regarding a specific real-time price model). We demonstrate that a policy trained on historical real-time price data from the NYISO using this distribution-free approach is indeed effective.
Scheduling Multiple Yard Cranes with Crane Interference and Safety Distance Requirement
Authors: Wu Yong , Li Wenkai , Petering Matthew E. H. , Goh Mark , Souza Robert de
Published: August 2015

Container terminals require robust scheduling algorithms for yard cranes to optimally determine the sequence of storage and retrieval operations in yard blocks for higher container terminal performance. This paper investigates the multiple yard crane scheduling problem within a generic yard block and considers the operational restrictions such as the crane noncrossing constraint and models the crane travel time realistically. Further, the fact that any two adjacent cranes must keep an operational safety distance is also taken into consideration. These physical constraints limit the mobility of yard cranes and greatly render the scheduling difficulty for such pieces of equipment.

This paper proposes a clustering-reassigning approach, which fully considers all of the operational constraints in practice. The complexity of the approach is o(n3), where n is the number of container moves to be scheduled, making it suitable for real-time scheduling. Numerical experiments and benchmark with a continuous time-based mixed-integer linear programming model indicate that the clustering-reassigning approach can provide satisfactory near optimal solutions for different sets of test cases in a real-time scheduling context.
Stemming the silent epidemic of male suicide
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: August 2015

An understanding of who is most at risk and how to deal with suicidal thoughts is vital, writes Ian Peate
Against the Grain: Pope Gregory XVI’s Optimism Toward Russia in His Censure of Polish Clerics in 1831
Authors: Korten Christopher
Published: August 2015

Pope Gregory XVI (1831–46) was an experienced church diplomat in Russian affairs when he agreed to assist the Russian government in quelling the Polish uprising of 1830–31, a revolt that involved not a few prominent Polish clergy. Impensa Caritas (February 1831) admonished clergy to remain devoted to their spiritual duties, to refrain from revolutionary activity, and to obey legitimate authority. The pope’s decision to cooperate resulted from a series of positive collaborations that began in 1825, most notably with the Armenian Church. Meanwhile, Russia’s request for assistance was made in good faith by Prince Grigory Gagarin, the Russian envoy, to quell the Polish revolt.
Rhesus and the Evolution of Tragedy
Authors: Mattison Kathryn
Published: August 2015

This paper examines the spurious and contentious Rhesus and argues for a fourth-century production date based on a similarity to other fourth-century plays. It argues that the character of Hector in particular highlights how the author is differentiating this work from that of the fifth century. More broadly, this article also encourages viewing fourth-century tragedy as an evolution of the genre rather than a decline.
The Contested Ownership of Yosef Trumpeldor’s Arm-Reliquary: A View from a Christian Perspective
Authors: Noga-Banai Galit
Published: August 2015

The article discusses an object that once belonged to a singular individual, which has been enshrined in a glass vitrine to be seen and admired: the prosthetic arm of Jewish war hero and pioneer Yosef Trumpeldor (1880–1920). A debate over its possession has long endured between the Tel-Hai Courtyard Museum and Trumpeldor’s House in Kibbutz Tel Yosef. The prosthetic arm is evaluated here from the perspective of medieval arm reliquaries. The zeal surrounding the object in Tel Yosef and the longing for it in Tel-Hai are analyzed using terminology and ideology borrowed from the realm of the Christian cult of relics.
Historical Milestones of Slovak Librarianship, 1989–2014
Authors: Stasselová Silvia
Published: August 2015

Slovakia is a young and progressive country that has undergone great changes since its establishment as a sovereign state. This paper describes the transformation of the Slovak library system after 1989 in the context of the political, societal, and legislative developments in the new democratic state. It highlights the historical milestones of the development of Slovak librarianship between 1989 and 2014, outlines the historical context of Slovak library legislation, explains the preparation and implementation of the new Library Act passed by the National Council of the Slovak Republic in May 2000, and provides an overview of statistical data for Slovak libraries during the last decade.
Ukrainian Libraries at a Time of Political Unrest: Observations from a Ten-Day Journey
Authors: Campbell Amy
Published: August 2015

A partnership between Ukraine’s National University of Kyiv Mohyla-Academy and Emporia State University in the United States enabled the author to visit Ukraine in 2011 to tour libraries and talk with librarians. Ukrainian librarians are embracing intellectual freedom, but the vestiges of the Soviet legacy can still be seen in aspects ranging from closed stacks to the lack of technology in libraries. This paper discusses the author’s experiences and observations and how, almost twenty-five years after the country’s independence, Ukrainian libraries continue to develop in ways to enhance the lives and support open information for Ukrainians. It also examines why, even in the wake of recent political upheavals when the country is again facing questions and an uncertain future, hope can still be found in a library.
In “No Man’s Land”: Libraries in Post-Dayton Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Kasapović Indira
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the complex situation that libraries in Bosnia and Herzegovina face and suggests possible avenues for improvement. After brief coverage of the history of libraries in the country from the Middle Ages to the communist period, the paper focuses on the devastation that occurred during the war that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 and 1995, which was formally brought to an end by the Dayton Peace Agreement. The problems that libraries have faced in the current period of peace cannot be understood without reference to this episode of the war. The most difficult problems they face today are the lack of adequate legislation, the politicization of library activities, and the war devastation. In addition, at the beginning of 2014, the library and information system of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is based on a computer program for cooperative cataloging, was split into two parts. The fragmentation of contemporary Bosnian and Herzegovinian society is evidenced by the damage and division that politics has managed to effect, which the war did not.
Libraries in Croatia: Developments and Trends in the Postsocialist Period
Authors: Strićević Ivanka , Pehar Franjo
Published: August 2015

In the last two decades, Croatian libraries have been influenced by four key factors: 1) becoming an independent state with new sociopolitical and economic systems in the 1990s, during which time the state transformed from socialism to a democracy with a market economy; 2) reconstructing after the devastation brought by war; 3) developing information and communication technologies; and 4) experiencing the effects of a global economic crisis, the impact of which is still strongly evident throughout Croatia. The present state of libraries in Croatia indicates that the profession of librarianship and libraries are facing many problems. Yet, there is also a sign of the significant potential resulting from the long tradition of librarianship in Croatian history, and the relatively high level of library development that had occurred centuries prior to the process of transition brought by upheaval in the late twentieth century. During the postsocialist period, libraries in Croatia saw the continued evolution of a historical, legal, and normative library framework invested in librarianship as a service to the public, coupled with an increase in international networking, cooperation, and education. The rapid global advancement of information and communications technologies in the last decade of the twentieth century expedited the construction of the technological infrastructure necessary to building Croatian libraries, enabling their innovation. At the present time, the country’s libraries are characterized by a focus on the information needs of their patrons that is guided by the principle of freedom of access to information.
The Surgeon as Stakeholder: Making the Case Not to Operate
Authors: Wall Anji
Published: August 2015

Surgeons are in a unique position, serving as gatekeepers to the operating room. They determine if operations are possible, are indicated, and have a reasonable risk–to–benefit profile. When an operation is indicated and the patient is amenable to it, the conversation between surgeon and patient is usually straightforward. On the other hand, when a patient’s co–morbidities substantially increase the risk of operative intervention, surgeons often question the utility of offering their services. These situations become immensely more difficult when patients have the expectation of being offered surgical treatment. This case describes the clinical encounter between an endocrine surgeon and an 83–year–old woman who has been incidentally found to have adrenal metastasis from melanoma. The patient wants an operation that the surgeon is reluctant to offer because of her frailty and high operative risk. The case focuses on the ethical dilemma that arises when a patient wants an operation that a surgeon does not want to perform. I was the resident in the endocrine surgery clinic the day that Ms. M came in. Given my background in bioethics, the attending physician told me about the patient’s history beforehand and asked for advice on how to approach the clinical encounter. I then accompanied him into her room to talk with her and her husband.
Suburban Forest Change and Vegetation Water Dynamics in Atlanta, USA
Authors: Giraldo Mario A. , Jackson Paula , Van-Horne Wayne
Published: August 2015

En el área suburbana del noroeste de Atlanta, este proyecto pone a prueba la hipótesis de que la composición de especies arbóreas afecta la respuesta hidrológica de los parches forestales y por lo tanto, debe considerarse al evaluar el efecto del cambio de la cubierta de tierra en el ciclo de agua de las zonas suburbanas. En un típico fragmento de bosque mixto se encontró una diversa cubierta forestal con una rica composición de especies de árboles caducifolios y perennes. Los resultados muestran una relación de más de 2:1 del flujo de agua para los árboles caducifolios ( Liquidambar styraciflua L.) que para las especies de pinos perennes ( Pinus taeda L.) bajo diferentes niveles de humedad del suelo. El análisis del cambio de la cubierta de tierra en la cuenca baja Etowah y cinco condados del noroeste de Atlanta entre 1992 y 2007 indica una pérdida de cubierta forestal, un desajuste dentro de las áreas forestales, cambios de bosque perenne a bosque mixto y un proceso localizado de transición de bosque a urbanización. En general, esta investigación sugiere que el ciclo del agua en el norte de Atlanta puede verse afectado por la disminución de la cubierta forestal y por los cambios en la composición de especies del fragmento forestal hacia un bosque mixto.
Proyecto pedagógico para el aprendizaje de prácticas bucales saludables con niños y niñas escolarizados entre 8 y 10 años
Authors: Galvis Aricapa Johnny Alexander , Jiménez Ruiz Alejandra , Gómez Galeano Vibiana Alejandra , Salinas Noreña Ana Milena , Agudelo Ramírez Alexandra
Published: August 2015

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue desarrollar un proyecto pedagógico para el aprendizaje de prácticas bucales saludables con los estudiantes de tercer grado de la escuela Alfonso Jaramillo Gutiérrez en la ciudad de Pereira. La metodología utilizada fue la pedagogía por proyectos apoyada en la lúdica como herramienta esencial buscando la construcción de un aprendizaje significativo. Los resultados obtenidos fueron positivos pues se logró la participación activa por parte de los niños y niñas, igualmente demostraron entender y relacionar los temas enseñados y mostraron interés en acoger las prácticas bucales saludables para su vida cotidiana. Se concluyó que la pedagogía por proyectos, como metodología, permitió afianzar y construir aprendizajes a través de la planificación de un proyecto flexible que tuvo en cuenta los conocimientos previos de la comunidad.
Bebé a bordo. Aspectos problemáticos de maternidades y paternidades en sectores medios urbanos de la Argentina
Authors: De Grande Pablo
Published: August 2015

En este artículo se analizan aspectos del cuidado infantil y la organización familiar que resultaron conflictivos durante el primer año de vida de niños de sectores de clase media profesional­ de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. A partir de 14 entrevistas en profundidad, se indaga en las prácticas y valoraciones puestas en juego en dimensiones clave del cuidado y la crianza: lactancia, cuidado diario, relaciones familiares, salud y recreación. Como resultado principal se destaca el contraste entre un bajo nivel de conflictividad con las tareas específicas de cuidado práctico del bebé ­-tanto por parte de los padres como de las madres- con los numerosos obstáculos hallados al intentar compatibilizar el cuidado del bebé con actividades y relaciones preexistentes al nacimiento de niño. La llegada del bebé se vinculó así, con frecuencia, con sentimientos de pérdida de autonomía y con dificultades para dar continuidad a las trayectorias personales previas.
Taking initiative in educational organizations: A scale development study
Eğitim örgütlerinde inisiyatif alma: Bir ölçek geliştirme çalışması
Authors: Gündüz Hasan Basri , Çakmak Esra , Korumaz Mithat
Published: August 2015

The purpose of the study is to develop a reliable and valid scale for individual initiative in educational organizations. The draft form to get experts’ opinion was presented. After getting feedback of experts, unsuitable items were removed from the scale. Pilot implementation showed that the language of the scale is suitable for the basic implementation. 39-item form was administrated to 370 volunteer inspectors, principals and teachers in different educational units. Confirmatory factor analysis, difference tests between %27, construct validity, reliability, item total, item removed and other tests were applied for developing the scale. All those statistical analysis showed that initiative of individuals can be assess into four dimensions. These dimensions are “self-starting”, ”overcoming the barriers”, “proactive action” and “self-investment”. The scale with 35-item that is shaped through experts’ opinion after statistical tests are developed as a valid and reliable scale for educational organizations.
 
Özet

Bu çalışmanın amacı eğitim örgütlerinde kullanılabilecek bir inisiyatif alma ölçeğinin geliştirilmesidir. Bu amaçla taslak form oluşturulmuştur. Oluşturulan taslak form görüşlerinin alınması için uzmanlara sunulmuştur. Uzmanlardan alınan geri bildirimler ile ölçeğin yapısına uygun olmayan maddeler ölçekten çıkarılmıştır. Oluşan 39 maddelik nihai form kasıtlı örnekleme yöntemi ile seçilen 370 müfettiş, müdür, müdür yardımcısı ve öğretmene uygulanmış elde edilen veriler ölçek geliştirme sürecine uygun olarak analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında inisiyatif alma ölçeğinin geliştirilmesi sürecinde madde toplam, madde kalan, alt ve üst %27’lik gruplar arasında fark testleri, doğrulayıcı faktör analizi, yapı geçerliliği ve güvenirlik analizleri yapılmıştır. Yapılan tüm bu istatistiki sınamalar, alan yazın ve uzman görüşleri doğrultusunda son şekli verilen,  “başlatıcılık”, “engelleri aşma”, “basiret gösterme” ve “öz-yatırım” boyutlarından oluşan,  eğitim örgütlerinde kullanılabilecek 35 maddelik geçerli ve güvenilir bir inisiyatif alma ölçeği geliştirilmiştir.
Innovation Sequences over Iterated Offerings: A Relative Innovation, Comfort, and Stimulation Framework of Consumer Responses
Authors: Heath Timothy B. , Chatterjee Subimal , Basuroy Suman , Hennig-Thurau Thorsten , Kocher Bruno
Published: August 2015

Innovations commonly involve changes to iterated market offerings (e.g., new games, car models, film sequels). To better understand consumer iteration responses, the authors develop and test a theoretical framework grounded in (1) prior innovations serving as reference states (comparators) for later innovations and (2) consumer desires for both comfort and stimulation. In Study 1's online game, prior innovations and loss aversion (greater loss than gain impact) moderate evaluations of current innovations, whereby an introduction-weaker-stronger innovation sequence (Periods 1–3 of four periods) generates more entertainment than an introduction-stronger-weaker sequence because the former's weak-opening-then-rise does less harm than the latter's strong-opening-then-drop. Study 2 replicates Study 1 and shows that an introduction-weaker-weaker sequence produces enough habituation and diminishing negative returns to outperform an introduction-stronger-weaker sequence at Period 4. Study 3 offers marketplace corroboration with a film industry test in which minor (fewer) innovations perform better (e.g., sales, return on investment) earlier in franchises, whereas major (many) innovations perform better later, thereby reconciling prior research's opposing prescriptions for the use of major versus minor sequel innovations. The framework and results implicate carefully sequenced innovations for managing consumer iteration responses, including the possibility of interspersing weaker/minor innovations among stronger/major innovations.
Infertility as the onset of Cushing’s disease: is pasireotide a treatment option?
Authors: Valea Ana , Morar Andra , Dumitru D.P. , Carsote Mara , Ghemigian Adina , Dumitrache C.
Published: August 2015

Introduction Cushing’s disease is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by excessive glucocorticoid secretion caused by an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Hyperandrogenism and menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea complete the clinical picture of Cushing’s syndrome. Infertility is relatively common, involving complex pathogenetic mechanisms, which differ depending on the cause of hypercortisolism.

Case presentation We present the case of a female patient diagnosed with Cushing’s disease during the investigations carried out to assess infertility. After transsphenoidal adenomectomy, the patient underwent treatment with pasireotide and dopamine agonists, achieving normalization of gonadotropin and estradiol levels.

Conclusion Current guidelines recommended transsphenoidal adenomectomy as first-line therapy in an attempt to correct hypercortisolism and restore fertility in patients with Cushing’s disease. In case of relapse pasireotide and dopamine agonists can be effective in normalizing the hormonal profile
Menopause and prolactin secreting tumours
Authors: Carsote Mara , Valea Ana , Dumitrascu Anda , Capatina Cristina , Paun Diana , Poiana Catalina , Ghemigian Adina
Published: August 2015

Introduction Prolactinomas without galactorhhea may be considered menopause or not diagnosed. This is a cases series.

Case1. 76-year female with menopause at age of 52 was discovered at 66 yrs with high prolactin and a pituitary micro-nodule. Bromocriptin was continued for 6 years then switched to cabergoline with constant imagery. The patient did not display at all galactorrhea. Osteoporosis was diagnosed at age of 66 with previous 2 fragility fractures.

Case2. 45-year female is known with secondary amenorrhea (without galactorrhea) for the last 7 years being considered menopause. She experienced headaches thus a MRI was performed and found a pituitary tumour of 1.5cm. Low FSH with increased prolactin was revealed. Cabergoline was started. Within 2 months the menses resumed and headache mildly improved. After 3 months prolactin normalised under weekly 2 mg of cabergoline. Periodical prolactin control is necessary as well as a pituitary scan at 6 months.

Case3. 39-year female had a 3 yrs history of secondary amenorrhea. A prolactin of 117ng/mL and a microprolactinoma of 0.77cm were found. Cabergoline was started and progressively increased up to 1.5mg per week. The prolactin quickly normalised up to 8ng/mL within 4 months. She was followed for 2 years and the imagery found a tumour reduction to 0.44cm.

Conclusion Prolactinomas associate a great variety of clinical presentations. They interfere with menopause by mimicking it in cases without galactorrhea. Also a newly diagnosed prolactinoma during menopause needs long term therapy and followed-up for especially for bone safety.
Am I an Active Citizen? Women’s Narratives of Citizenship Practices in Albania
Authors: Çela Eriada
Published: August 2015

This study explores the topic of citizenship as related to the practices of twelve Albanian women. This research utilizes literature on gender and citizenship as a framework for comparing and analysing the narratives of women who exert their political citizenship through civil society and governmental political bodies. First, this study explores the ways the interviewees perceive citizenship while analysing women’s narratives to get at their spoken and unspoken specificities. Secondly, it discusses their conceptualisations of themselves as active citizens and analyses how their expressed perceptions relate to their identification as political actors with regards to their identities as women. Thirdly, it analyses issues of relevance to women’s engagement as active citizens as they appear from women’s individual experiences of citizenship in the narratives. This research focuses on the way interviewed Albanian women perceive themselves in relation to their citizenship and what their experiences as citizens say about their self-identification as agents with a say in the issues that affect their lives.
Free Algebras Over a Poset in Varieties of Łukasiewicz–Moisil Algebras
Authors: Orellano A. Figallo , Gallardo C.
Published: August 2015

A general construction of the free algebra over a poset in varieties finitely generated is given in [8]. In this paper, we apply this to the varieties of Łukasiewicz-Moisil algebras, giving a detailed description of the free algebra over a finite poset (X, ≤) , Free
Fractional Representation Formulae Under Initial Conditions and Fractional Ostrowski Type Inequalities
Authors: Anastassiou George A.
Published: August 2015

Here we present very general fractional representation formulae for a function in terms of the fractional Riemann-Liouville integrals of different orders of the function and its ordinary derivatives under initial conditions. Based on these, we derive general fractional Ostrowski type inequalities with respect to all basic norms.
Unimodality of Boolean and Monotone Stable Distributions
Authors: Hasebe Takahiro , Sakuma Noriyoshi
Published: August 2015

We give a complete list of the Lebesgue-Jordan decomposition of Boolean and monotone stable distributions and a complete list of the mode of them. They are not always unimodal.
Some New Results on Information Transmission Over Noisy Channels
Authors: Maheshwari Shikha , Srivastava Amit
Published: August 2015

Information transmission over communication channels has been characterized by weighted information schemes involving probabilities and weights. Binary erasure channel has been used as an example for determination of constants in the proposed measure.