bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABC, GCB, and Double-Hit Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Does Subtype Make a Difference in Therapy Selection?
Authors: Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Czuczman Myron S.
Published: May 2015

Personalized therapy for the treatment of patients with cancer is rapidly approaching and is an achievable goal in the near future. A substantial number of novel targets have been developed into therapeutic agents. There is a substantial variability to antitumor activity by novel therapeutics because of the unique heterogeneity and biology that exists both between and within lymphoma subtypes. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Approximately 40% of patients have refractory disease or disease that will relapse after an initial response, and the majority of patients with relapsed DLBCL will succumb to the disease. There are two major biologically distinct molecular subtypes of DLBCL: germinal center B-cell (GCB) and activated B-cell (ABC). ABC DLBCL is associated with substantially worse outcomes when treated with standard chemoimmunotherapy. In addition to GCB and ABC subtypes, double-hit lymphomas (approximately 5% to 10% of patients) and double-expressor lymphomas, which overexpress MYC and BCL2 protein, are aggressive DLBCLs and are also associated with a poor prognosis. Double-hit lymphomas have concurrent chromosomal rearrangements of MYC plus BCL2 (or less likely, BCL6). Advances in molecular characterization techniques and the development of novel agents targeting specific subtypes of DLBCL have provided a foundation for personalized therapy of DLBCL based on molecular subtype. A number of early clinical trials evaluating combinations of novel targeted agents with standard chemotherapy (R-CHOP) have been completed and have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach with encouraging efficacy. As such, molecular classification of DLBCL is not only important for prognostication, but moves to center stage for personalization of therapy for DLBCL.
Novel Treatments for T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Cheah Chan Yoon , Oki Yasuhiro , Fanale Michelle A.
Published: May 2015

T-cell lymphomas are a biologically and clinically diverse collection of diseases that collectively account for 10% to 15% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Unlike B-cell lymphomas, the response of T-cell lymphomas to standard anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimens is suboptimal and the prognosis of patients is accordingly poor. To address these shortcomings, there has been a proliferation in biologic agents with novel mechanisms of action that target surface antigens, signaling pathways, or cellular processes. Given the large number of candidate molecules showing preclinical promise and the rarity of these diseases, drug development for peripheral T-cell lymphoma is challenging. We provide an overview of agents that have recently been approved for relapsed/refractory T-cell lymphoma and highlight efforts to introduce these agents into front-line treatment protocols in combination with chemotherapy. We discuss biologic doublets currently being evaluated as “chemotherapy-free” salvage regimens and highlight some of the most promising investigational agents in early clinical development.
Novel Agents in the Therapy of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Ansell Stephen
Published: May 2015

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a B-cell malignancy that typically has a favorable prognosis when treated with chemotherapy, often in combination with radiation therapy. The prognosis for patients whose disease relapses or is refractory, however, is far less favorable and novel therapies are needed for these patients. The unique cellular composition of HL provides a number of opportunities to target either the malignant Reed-Sternberg cell or the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Antibody-drug conjugates targeting CD30, small molecule inhibitors of cell signaling, and antibodies that inhibit immune checkpoints, have all demonstrated activity in HL. Current and future trials are exploring the use of these agents in combination with each other and with standard chemotherapy.
Multiple Myeloma: From Front-Line to Relapsed Therapies
Authors: Moreau Philippe , Touzeau Cyrille
Published: May 2015

Recent developments in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) have led to improvements in response rates and to increased survival. A major advance in the last decade has been the introduction of the novel agents thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide as part of front-line treatment in both the transplant and nontransplant settings. However, disease relapse is inevitable for the majority of patients and myeloma typically recurs more aggressively with each relapse, eventually leading to the development of treatment-refractory disease. Several phase II and III trials have demonstrated the efficacy of recently approved agents in the setting of relapsed and relapsed and refractory MM, including pomalidomide and carfilzomib. Ixazomib, an oral proteasome inhibitor, and multiple other novel classes of agents are being investigated. These include monoclonal antibodies and histone deacetylase inhibitors, which may further add to the therapeutic armamentarium for this malignancy. Therefore, in a disease characterized by multiple relapses, the optimal sequencing of the different effective options is an important consideration in attempting to prolong survival.
Prognostic Factors and the Role of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck
Authors: Porceddu Sandro V.
Published: May 2015

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer worldwide. Among the two types of NMSC, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for approximately 75% to 80% of cases and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) accounts for 20% to 25% of cases. The majority of lesions are low risk and treated with simple surgical excision, which provides histopathologic information and is associated with high cure rates and acceptable cosmetic and functional outcomes. cSCCs are generally more aggressive than BCCs. NMSC commonly occurs in the sun-exposed head and neck region (80% to 90%). Approximately 5% of patients with NMSC (mainly cSCC) will have clinicopathologic features that predict for an increased risk for local and regional recurrence and, rarely, distant relapse. These features include locally advanced primary disease (stage T3-T4), regional nodal involvement, clinical perineural invasion, recurrent disease following treatment, and immunosuppression. Patients who have these features may warrant review by a multidisciplinary tumor board and might require combined modality treatment involving surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). This article focuses on our current understanding of the prognostic factors and role of adjuvant RT in high-risk NMSC of the head and neck.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Emerging Biology, Current Approaches, and Future Directions
Authors: Tothill Richard , Estall Vanessa , Rischin Danny
Published: May 2015

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous cancer that predominantly occurs in patients who are older, and is associated with a high rate of distant failure and mortality. Current management strategies that incorporate surgery and radiotherapy achieve high rates of locoregional control, but distant failure rates remain problematic, highlighting the need for new effective systemic therapies. Chemotherapy can achieve high response rates of limited duration in the metastatic setting, but its role in definitive management remains unproven. Recent developments in our knowledge about the biology of MCC have led to the identification of new potential therapeutic targets and treatments. A key finding has been the discovery that a human polyomavirus may be a causative agent. However, emerging data suggests that MCC may actually be two distinct entities, viral-associated and viral-negative MCC, which is likely to have implications for the management of MCC in the future and for the development of new treatments. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries about the biology of MCC, current approaches to management, and new therapeutic strategies that are being investigated.
Perfusion and Infusion for Melanoma In-Transit Metastases in the Era of Effective Systemic Therapy
Authors: Grünhagen Dirk J. , Kroon Hidde M. , Verhoef Cornelis
Published: May 2015

The management of melanoma in-transit metastases (IT-mets) is challenging. For many years, the absence of effective systemic therapy has prompted physicians to focus on regional therapies for melanoma confined to the limb. The introduction of isolated limb perfusion (ILP) and isolated limb infusion (ILI) has enabled effective delivery of cytotoxic drugs in an isolated circuit, so as to overcome systemic toxicity and maximize local response. Both techniques have evolved over years and both tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha–based ILP and ILI have distinct indications. The development of new systemic treatment options for patients with melanoma in the past decade has shed a new light on melanoma therapy. The present manuscript focuses on the modern role of ILI and ILP in the treatment of patients with melanoma with in-transit metastases in the era of effective systemic therapy. The response and control rates of ILI/ILP are still superior to rates achieved with systemic agents. The extent of disease in patients with stage III disease, however, warrants effective systemic treatment to prolong survival. There is great potential in combining rapid response therapy such as ILI/ILP with systemic agents for sustainable response. Trial results are eagerly awaited.
Treating Older Adults with Cancer: Geriatric Perspectives
Authors: Klepin Heidi D. , Rodin Miriam , Hurria Arti
Published: May 2015

The proportion of older adults (age 65 and older) in oncology practices continues to increase. Older adults present with unique issues that complicate management decisions and evidence from randomized clinical trials to inform management of these patients is lacking. Despite this, principles of geriatric medicine need to be incorporated into oncology practice to provide optimal individualized care to patients. There is increasing evidence from observational studies that geriatric assessment (GA) strategies can be applied in oncology, can help predict treatment outcomes, and can inform supportive care management for older adults. In this review, we discuss the principles of GA and their use in older adults with cancer. In addition, considerations on when to refer to a geriatrician and issues related to management of vulnerable older adults will be addressed.
Advances in Website Information Resources to Aid in Clinical Practice
Authors: Rioth Matthew J. , Osterman Travis J. , Warner Jeremy L.
Published: May 2015

The World Wide Web, which has been widely implemented for roughly two decades, is humankind's most impressive effort to aggregate and organize knowledge to date. The medical community was slower to embrace the Internet than others, but the majority of clinicians now use it as part of their everyday practice. For the practicing oncologist, there is a daunting quantity of information to master. For example, a new article relating to cancer is added to the MEDLINE database approximately every 3 minutes. Fortunately, Internet resources can help organize the deluge of information into useful knowledge. This manuscript provides an overview of resources related to general medicine, oncology, and social media that will be of practical use to the practicing oncologist. It is clear from the vast size of the Internet that we are all life-long learners, and the challenge is to acquire “just-in-time” information so that we can provide the best possible care to our patients. The resources that we have presented in this article should help the practicing oncologist continue along the path of transforming information to knowledge to wisdom.
The Biology and Management of Cartilaginous Tumors: A Role For Targeting Isocitrate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Tinoco Gabriel , Wilky Breelyn A. , Paz-Mejia Ana , Rosenberg Andrew , Trent Jonathan C.
Published: May 2015

Chondrosarcomas are rare mesenchymal neoplasms defined by the production of abnormal cartilaginous matrix. Conventional chondrosarcoma is the most common histology. The management of primary conventional chondrosarcoma generally is surgical with the possible addition of radiation therapy. Treatment of conventional chondrosarcoma is problematic in unresectable or metastatic disease because the tumors tend to be resistant to standard sarcoma chemotherapy regimens. Previous attempts at targeted therapy, including inhibitors of Hedgehog signaling, the mTOR pathway, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) have been largely disappointing. However, heterozygous mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase ( IDH) enzymes recently have been identified in chondrogenic neoplasms, with mutations reported in approximately 87% of benign enchondromas, 70% of conventional chondrosarcomas, and 54% of dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas. The normal IDH protein continues to produce alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) whereas the mutant IDH protein converts KG to the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). Clinical trials of novel IDH inhibitors are ongoing, with evidence of early activity in IDH-mutant leukemias. IDH inhibitors show antitumor effects against IDH-mutant chondrosarcoma cell lines, supporting the inclusion of patients with chondrosarcoma with IDH mutations on IDH inhibitor clinical trials for solid tumors. Targeting IDH mutations may offer hope of a novel antineoplastic strategy not only for patients with chondrosarcomas, but also for other solid tumors with aberrant IDH activity.
Can Diet and Lifestyle Prevent Breast Cancer: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Harvie Michelle , Howell Anthony , Evans D. Gareth
Published: May 2015

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in both developed and less-developed countries. Rates of breast cancer are increasing worldwide, with a particular increase in postmenopausal and estrogen receptor-positive cases. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and American Cancer Society (ACS) cancer prevention guidelines recommend maintaining a healthy weight, undertaking at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating a plant-based diet. Observational data link adherence to physical activity and alcohol guidelines throughout life to a reduced risk of developing pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer. Weight control throughout life appears to prevent cases after menopause. Adherence to a healthy dietary pattern does not have specific effects on breast cancer risk but remains important as it reduces the risk for other common diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and dementia. Emerging data suggest that smoking during adolescence or early adulthood increases later risk of breast cancer. Lifestyle factors appear to modify risk among high-risk women with a family history and those with typical risk of the general population, although their effects among carriers of BRCA mutations are not well defined. Recent expert reports estimate that successful lifestyle changes could prevent 25% to 30% of cases of breast cancer. These reductions will only be achieved if we can implement targeted prevention programs for high-risk women and women in population-based breast screening programs during childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood when the rapidly developing breast is particularly susceptible to carcinogenesis.
Multitier Store Brands and Channel Profits
Authors: Amaldoss Wilfred , Shin Woochoel
Published: May 2015

Multitier store brands are increasing in significance in retail outlets. In this article, the authors theoretically examine the rationale for the existence of multitier store brands, their optimal quality levels, and their implications for consumer welfare and channel profits. They show that despite the manufacturer's efforts to deter the entry of store brands by providing side payments and/or introducing additional national brands, the retailer will offer multitier store brands in equilibrium. Furthermore, the quality levels of store brands and national brands are interlaced, with a store brand taking the top-quality position unless national brands outnumber store brands. Even though the proliferation of store brands reduces product differentiation, it does not decrease consumer welfare or channel profits. However, store brands hurt the manufacturer's profits and make two-part tariffs ineffective in improving channel coordination. Nonetheless, the retailer can enhance channel coordination by procuring the store brand from the national brand manufacturer. The authors extend their model in several directions to capture additional features of retail markets and assess the robustness of their findings.
Electrochemical techniques for assessment of corrosion behaviour of Mg and Mg-alloys
Authors: Mueller Wolf-Dieter
Published: May 2015

During the recent years different reviews have been published focusing on several aspects: the challenge of application of Mg-alloys as biomaterials, manufacturing procedure and its influence on the corrosion stability, application of different techniques to produce protection layers, coatings onto the surface of Mg-bulk devices, the influence of various elements applied as alloying part for Mg in order to change the mechanical as well as the electrochemical properties. The aim of this paper is to review and to comment electrochemical techniques applied to assess the corrosion/degradation behaviour of Mg and Mg-alloys for biomedical application.
Utilization of Advanced Diagnostic Methods for Texture and Rut Depth Analysis on a Testing Pavement Section
Authors: Slabej Martin , Grinč Michal , Kotek Peter , Kováč Matúš , Decký Martin
Published: May 2015

Qualitative characteristics of pavement in wide range reflects the pavement serviceability, which is a summary of the characteristics of the pavement, providing a fast, smooth, economical and especially safe driving of motor-vehicles. The target factor of pavement serviceability and safety of roads represents the quality of their surface properties. In the framework of research activities performed in the Research Centre founded under the auspices of University of Žilina, individual parameters of pavement serviceability were monitored by pavement surface scanning. This paper describes the creation of a 3D - road surface model and its analysis and evaluation from the viewpoint of two pavement serviceability parameters - the rut depth and texture. Measurements were performed on an experimental pavement section used contemporary in an Accelerated Pavement Testing experiment. The long-term goal is to ascertain functions predicting degradation of these two pavement serviceability parameters.
Piled Embankment Design Comparison
Authors: Drusa Marián , Kais Ladislav , Vlček Jozef , Mečár Martin
Published: May 2015

There are currently several national standards or regulations for the design of the piled embankment, providing suitable solutions for foundation of transport structure on soft, high compressible subsoil, [1]. The most widely used and the best-known standard is British Standard BS8006 [2], which was confronted with another analytical design methodologies (Ebgeo, CUR). Today’s popularity and versatility of FEM numerical models brings many advantages, which analytical methods cannot achieved, but must be verified by proposed scaled physical model, which was currently being developed by Department of Geotechnics, University of Žilina.
Use of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to detect the changes
in extra virgin olive oil by adulteration with
soybean oil and high temperature heat treatment
Authors: Poiana Mariana-Atena , Alexa Ersilia , Munteanu Melania-Florina , Gligor Ramona , Moigradean Diana , Mateescu Constantin
Published: May 2015

The structural changes induced in extra virgin
olive oil (EVOO) by adulteration with soybean oil (SBO)
and heat treatment at 185°C for 4 and 8 h were investigated
using Attenuated Total Reflectance – Fourier Transform
Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Our results revealed
that the band around 3006 cm–1 recorded shifts versus the
percentage of adulterant. The changes in the absorbance at
3006 cm−1 (A3006) and in the ratio of the maximum heights
of the bands at 3006 and 2925 cm−1 (A3006/A2925) were
used to evaluate the EVOO adulteration. The regression
analysis of A3006 and A3006/A2925 versus the percentage
of adulterant was used to calculate the detection limits of
adulteration. The time course of spectral changes showed
that the oil heating caused notable modifications in the
intensity of the absorption bands and induced no shifts
in their exact position. The most relevant changes were
reflected by conjugation and cis-trans isomerisation of
double bonds, the formation of epoxides and widening of
the band in the C=O region due to formation of secondary
oxidation products. This study highlights that ATR-FTIR
spectroscopy may be a promising means to differentiate
among pure and adulterated oils and to study the thermooxidative
processes in oils undergoing thermal stress.
An advanced cervical ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Celik Ebru , Kavak Salih Burçin , Ilhan Rasit , Kaplan Selcuk , Arat Ozgur , Sapmaz Ekrem
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is sharing our experience in an advanced cervical ectopic pregnancy (CEP), which is managed by conservative surgery. We herein report a case of a 24-week pregnant woman with CEP. She was first referred to a tertiary center due to early starting intrauterine growth retardation and oligohydramniosis. Surgery was planned as soon as the diagnosis of CEP was made. By taking measures to reduce bleeding, conservative surgery was succesfully performed, and a hysterectomy was avoided. The fertility of the patient was preserved. The possibilty of CEP must be always be kept in mind, and the exact localization of the gestational sac must be determined in all patients. In advanced pregnancies, ultrasonographic examination must not only focus on examination of the fetus but also focus on the examination of contours of the uterus. These will give us the chance to diagnose CEP as soon as possible and reduce morbidity and mortality.
Anthropogenic transformations of the Bytom area relief in the period of 1883-1994
Authors: Solarski Maksymilian
Published: May 2015

In this article an attempt was made to analyse the Bytom city relief changes in 1883-1994 years. It concentrates on the forms which are an effect of the mining and metallurgical activity such as subsidence depressions and dumps. Two digital relief models representing a topographic situation in year 1883 and 1994 were made by the Vertical Mapper tool in order to determine changes in the relief. The models were made by linear vectorization of contour lines, which then were processed into points. The made points were interpolated by the natural neighbour method. Maps of slopes, area profiles, contour line sketches and hypsographic curves were generated for two time periods on basis of the digital relief models. An area and values of subsidence for areas subjected to the mining activity, changes of the slopes, an average land altitude in 1883 and 1994 year were determined and an anthropogenic denudation ratio was also calculated. As the result of the research made, it has been established that the area of the subsidence is 3727 ha (about 54% of the city area) and the maximum value of subsidence is about 37 meters, there was a growth of the slopes at a simultaneous drop of the land average altitude, and the anthropogenic denudation ratio is 44 mm/year (800 greater than the natural denudation ratio).
Changes in local climate in the neighbourhood of the Ust-Ilimsk water reservoir on the Angara, Russia
Authors: Tashlykova Tatiana A.
Published: May 2015

The paper presents results of investigations on microclimate over one of the largest artificial water reservoirs in the world - Ust-Ilimsk on the Angara in Russia. It is located in the western edge of the Central Siberian Upland in the northern part of Irkutsk Oblast. The area of reservoir at a normal level of water damming (296 m a.s.l.) amounts to 1873 km2, the capacity of stored water - 59,4 km3, and the shoreline length is equal to 2384 km. The evaluation of the influence of the water reservoir on local climate was based on the analysis of data collected over many years measurements of a series of particular elements of the climate and carried out in the direct neighbourhood of the reservoir before (1936-1975) and after its construction in 1977. From the research the results show that the Ust-Ilimsk water reservoir distinctly influences the local climate of adjacent areas. The differences are mostly connected with the increase in total radiation and changes in the radiation balance of the reservoir, and the larger heat capacity of the water mass in comparison to land. As data from meteorological stations indicate, the climate in the neighbourhood of this water reservoir gains many new features and generally becomes milder. The average annual increase in air temperature over the reservoir shores reached 1.3°C, whereas with in land it was only 0.4°C. At every meteorological station (inshore and continental), in the summer period and during the whole year as well, the average sum precipitation decreased by 7-14%. In the winter, when polynya exist, the number of days with fogs increases over the reservoir. Fogs in the shore zone of the Ust-Ilimsk reservoir delay the coming of frosts by 1-2 weeks.
Post-industrial Cultural Heritage Sites in the Katowice conurbation, Poland
Authors: Lamparska Marzena
Published: May 2015

The Katowice conurbation comprises of towns which have developed because of the mining of metal ores, coal and raw rock materials. The development of mining and industry which have lasted for centuries has resulted in the specific character of the landscape of the area with its typical indicators such as housing estates built for the working class, winding towers, chimneys of steelworks, coking plants, power stations, drifts, quarries, etc. The residents of mining communities, and local governments within the conurbation, which have developed owing to mining, are aware of the impending economic slowdown after liquidation of coal mines. Therefore, development of the service sector, including tourism, based on postindustrial facilities can become an important factor in restructuring the economy. This article presents a classification of post-industrial cultural heritage sites prepared for the purpose of geotourism. Several categories of such sites have been distinguished: 1) historic mining landscapes, 2) places adapted for recreation, 3) places documenting changes in the groundwater environment, 4) characteristic Silesian landscapes, places commemorating stages of development of the mining industry, 5) post-mining sites adapted for service, commercial or residential purposes, 6) mining museums and open-air museums. The described post-mining sites occur in different parts of the Katowice conurbation; therefore, linking them by a system of tourist trails and surrounding them by zones of protected landscape will be an important task for the future. Material remains of the industrial culture preserved within the Katowice conurbation, despite their diversity, form complexes of monuments complementary to those that can be found in the entire industrialized Europe. Therefore, the industrial heritage in the area of the Katowice conurbation is an important part of the European, supranational heritage.
Dynamic Analysis of Historic Railway Bridges in Poland in the Context of Adjusting Them to Pendolino Trains
Authors: Grębowski K. , Zielińska M.
Published: May 2015

The article presents the dynamic analysis of the historic railway bridge in Tczew as an example of the usefulness of such type of bridge for high-speed trains. The model of the bridge and the simulation of rolling stock passage was performed in SOFISTIK program. The scope of work includes experimental studies, the solution of the problem concerning the correct solution features of the dynamic model which takes into account the dependencies between the bridge, track and rolling - stock (RBT). The verification of the model was performed by comparing the results obtained on site during the passage of ET-22 locomotive and twenty (20) open goods wagons with the results obtained in the program for the identical type of rolling stock used to the simulation Pendolino train. Then, after the verification, the simulation of high-speed train passage was performed. The speed of the train passage varied from 150 [km/h] to the max. possible speed of 250 [km/h] which PENDOLINO train, approved for the simulation, may reach. Under the analysis of obtained results it was possible to define the conditions for adjusting the historic bridge to high-speed train passage.
Mathematical Modeling of Magneto Pulsatile Blood Flow Through a Porous Medium with a Heat Source
Authors: Sharma B.K , Sharma M. , Gaur R.K. , Mishra A.
Published: May 2015

In the present study a mathematical model for the hydro-magnetic non-Newtonian blood flow in the non-Darcy porous medium with a heat source and Joule effect is proposed. A uniform magnetic field acts perpendicular to the porous surface. The governing non-linear partial differential equations have been solved numerically by applying the explicit finite difference Method (FDM). The effects of various parameters such as the Reynolds number, hydro-magnetic parameter, Forchheimer parameter, Darcian parameter, Prandtl number, Eckert number, heat source parameter, Schmidt number on the velocity, temperature and concentration have been examined with the help of graphs. The present study finds its applications in surgical operations, industrial material processing and various heat transfer operations.
Estimation of distributed parameters in permittivity models of composite dielectric materials using reflectance
Authors: Banks H. Thomas , Catenacci Jared , Hu Shuhua
Published: May 2015

We investigate the feasibility of quantifying properties of a composite dielectric material through the reflectance, where the permittivity is described by the Lorentz model in which an unknown probability measure is placed on the model parameters. We summarize the computational and theoretical framework (the Prohorov metric framework) developed by our group in the past two decades for nonparametric estimation of probability measures using a least-squares method, and point out the limitation of the existing computational algorithms for this particular application. We then improve the algorithms, and demonstrate the feasibility of our proposed methods by numerical results obtained for both simulated data and experimental data for inorganic glass when considering the resonance wavenumber as a distributed parameter. Finally, in the case where the distributed parameter is taken as the relaxation time, we show using simulated data how the addition of derivative measurements improves the accuracy of the method.
openWAR: An open source system for evaluating overall player performance in major league baseball
Authors: Baumer Benjamin S. , Jensen Shane T. , Matthews Gregory J.
Published: May 2015

Within sports analytics, there is substantial interest in comprehensive statistics intended to capture overall player performance. In baseball, one such measure is wins above replacement (WAR), which aggregates the contributions of a player in each facet of the game: hitting, pitching, baserunning, and fielding. However, current versions of WAR depend upon proprietary data, ad hoc methodology, and opaque calculations. We propose a competitive aggregate measure,
Towards a uniform nomenclature for ground squirrels: the status of the Holarctic chipmunks
Authors: Patterson Bruce D. , Norris Ryan W.
Published: May 2015

The chipmunks are a Holarctic group of ground squirrels currently allocated to the genus
Lyapunov Functions for Weak Solutions of Reaction-Diffusion Equations with Discontinuous Interaction Functions and its Applications
Authors: Gluzman Mark O. , Gorban Nataliia V. , Kasyanov Pavlo O.
Published: May 2015

In this paper we investigate additional regularity properties for global and trajectory attractors of
all globally defined weak solutions of semi-linear parabolic differential reaction-diffusion equations with
discontinuous nonlinearities, when initial data uτ ∈ L2(Ω). The main contributions in this paper are: (i) sufficient
conditions for the existence of a Lyapunov function for all weak solutions of autonomous differential
reaction-diffusion equations with discontinuous and multivalued interaction functions; (ii) convergence results
for all weak solutions in the strongest topologies; (iii) new structure and regularity properties for global
and trajectory attractors. The obtained results allow investigating the long-time behavior of state functions
for the following problems: (a) a model of combustion in porous media; (b) a model of conduction of electrical
impulses in nerve axons; (c) a climate energy balance model; (d) a parabolic feedback control problem.
A Systematic Literature Review on Ambush Marketing in Sport
Authors: Piątkowska Monika , Żyśko Jolanta , Gocłowska Sylwia
Published: May 2015

The aim of the paper was to outline and evaluate the existing scientific achievements regarding the phenomenon of ambush marketing in sport, mark the dominating problematic areas, and create a literature database for the purposes of further research. The systematic literature review was conducted in the following stages: planning and conducting the review, analysis, and description of the results. The preliminary analysis included a combined number of 21,176 studies published between 1984-2013 in journals, books, and other sources included in analyzed databases, chosen using a meta-keyword: ambush. Analysis of the subject literature on the phenomenon of ambush marketing in sport allows for the classification of the works into three dominating research areas: identification of ambush marketing phenomenon, identification of the influence of ambush marketing practices on consumers, and identification of counter-ambush strategies. This review indicates the need for secondary research in social sciences in a more systematic way and more rigorously than it was done until now.
Parsing of action sequences: A neural dynamics approach
Authors: Lobato David , Sandamirskaya Yulia , Richter Mathis , Schöner Gregor
Published: May 2015

Parsing of action sequences is the process of segmenting observed behavior into individual actions. In robotics, this process is critical for imitation learning from observation and for representing an observed behavior in a form that may be communicated to a human. In this paper, we develop a model for action parsing, based on our understanding of principles of grounded cognitive processes, such as perceptual decision making, behavioral organization, and memory formation.We present a neural-dynamic architecture, in which action sequences are parsed using a mathematical and conceptual framework for embodied cognition—the Dynamic Field Theory. In this framework, we introduce a novel mechanism, which allows us to detect and memorize actions that are extended in time and are parametrized by the target object of an action. The core properties of the architecture are demonstrated in a set of simple, proof-of-concept experiments.
Cumulus Cell Expansion, Its Role in Oocyte Biology and Perspectives of Measurement: A Review
Authors: Nevoral J. , Orsák M. , Klein P. , Petr J. , Dvořáková M. , Weingartová I. , Vyskočilová A. , Zámostná K. , Krejčová T. , Jílek F.
Published: May 2015

Cumulus expansion of the cumulus-oocyte complex is necessary for meiotic maturation and acquiring developmental competence. Cumulus expansion is based on extracellular matrix synthesis by cumulus cells. Hyaluronic acid is the most abundant component of this extracellular matrix. Cumulus expansion takes place during meiotic oocyte maturation under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Quantification and measurement of cumulus expansion intensity is one possible method of determining oocyte quality and optimizing conditions for in vitro cultivation. Currently, subjective methods of expanded area and more exact cumulus expansion measurement by hyaluronic acid assessment are available. Among the methods of hyaluronic acid measurement is the use of radioactively labelled synthesis precursors. Alternatively, immunological and analytical methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), spectrophotometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in UV light, could be utilized. The high sensitivity of these methods could provide a precise analysis of cumulus expansion without the use of radioisotopes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize and compare available approaches of cumulus expansion measurement, respecting special biological features of expanded cumuli, and to suggest possible solutions for exact cumulus expansion analysis.
Organizational Arrangement of Environmental Protection in the City of Prague
Authors: Lípa J. , Hájek M.
Published: May 2015

The current form of the environmental protection organizational arrangement in the City of Prague at the level of municipalities and administrative wards is analyzed. Effectiveness of the organizational arrangement is assessed and disunity of the organizational structure stated. The study revealed an unsatisfactory state, which, however, no one has addressed so far. Possible solutions are discussed, and optimizing approach consisting in the reduction of municipalities themselves within the reform of public administration, or in a transfer of public administration execution to a higher level - i.e. the administrative ward, is proposed. Other related issues such as administrative workload of staff members are dealth with proposing, among other, to desist from unnecessary activities. Actual work effectiveness was not assessed because of limited data available. The paper presents the line of research into this problem conducted at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.
Production of Benzoic Acid in Fermented Goat's and Sheep's Milk
Authors: Horníčková Š. , Dragounová H. , Hejtmánková K. , Michlová T. , Hejtmánková A.
Published: May 2015

The content of hippuric acid in raw goat's and sheep's milk and the content of benzoic acid in model fermented milk drinks prepared using different cultures of bacteria of milk fermentation were determined. All fermented milk drinks contained benzoic acid in the range 5.0-78 mg kg-1. Higher quantity of benzoic acid in fermented sheep's milk drinks corresponded also to significantly higher quantity of hippuric acid in raw sheep's milk. No significant differences among used cultures of bacteria of dairy fermentation and the quantity of benzoic acid in fermented milk drinks were recorded. In addition, the quantity of benzoic acid in various commercial goat's and sheep's cheeses produced directly in farms was analyzed. The contents of benzoic acid in cheeses ranged from 5.1 to 90 mg kg-1. No significant difference in the quantity of benzoic acid from goat's and sheep's cheeses was found, whereas significant differences were registered in the quantity of benzoic acid in cheeses produced in individual farms.
Effect Of Hydrolyzed Milk On The Adhesion Of Lactobacilli To Intestinal Cells*
Authors: Volštátová T. , Havlík J. , Doskočil I. , Geigerová M. , Rada V.
Published: May 2015

Milk is an essential part of the human diet and is undoubtedly a major calcium source in human nutrition, accepted well by most individuals. Knowledge on how the components from dairy products support or reduce the adherence of probiotics to the intestinal epithelium is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acid-hydrolyzed milk on the adhesion ability of two potentially probiotic strains (Lactobacillus plantarum S2, Lactobacillus gasseri R) to in vitro human intestinal epithelial model consisting of Caco-2 and mucus-secreting HT29-MTX co-culture. The adhesion of our tested strains L. gasseri and L. plantarum was 4.74 and 7.16%, respectively, when using inoculum of 2 × 108 CFU ml–1. Addition of acid-hydrolyzed milk to co-culture decreased the adherence by 53.7% for L. gasseri R and by 62.2% for L. plantarum S2. The results of this study evidently indicate the potential importance of the food matrix as a factor influencing probiotic colonization of the gut.
An experimental study on the effect of length and orientation of embedded FBG sensors on the signal properties under fatigue loading
Authors: Kocaman Esat S. , Keulen Casey J. , Akay Erdem , Yildiz Mehmet , Turkmen Halit S. , Suleman Afzal
Published: May 2015

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors provide excellent capability for the structural health monitoring (SHM) of load-bearing structures by allowing for local internal strain measurements within structures. However, the integration of these sensors to composite materials is associated with several challenges that have to be addressed to have the correct strain measurement and in turn to perform reliable SHM. One of the most important issues is the presence of uneven strain fields around FBGs, which significantly affect the response of the sensors and hence the reliability of the acquired data. The uniformity of the strain fields around sensors is important for dependable data acquisition; however, to generate such a condition, tow width-to-FBG length relationship, optical fiber configuration with respect to reinforcement fiber orientation, and crack density resulting from fatigue loading are very important factors that have to be considered. In this paper, these issues are addressed by investigating the signal properties of FBG sensors with 1 and 10 mm lengths embedded within the composite specimens during the manufacturing process. After fatigue testing of the specimens, it is shown that 1-mm-long FBGs embedded in-line with adjacent reinforcement fibers with tow widths of ∼2 mm provide much more reliable signals than 10-mm-long FBGs embedded perpendicular to adjacent tows.
Hydrothermal syntheses and characterization of uranyl tungstates with electro-neutral structural units
Authors: Balboni Enrica , Burns Peter C.
Published: May 2015

Two uranyl tungstates, (UO2)(W2O7)(H2O)3(1) and (UO2)3(W2O8)F2(H2O)3(2), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at 220°C and were structurally, chemically, and spectroscopically characterized.1Crystallizes in space groupPbcm,a= 6.673(5) Å,b= 12.601(11) Å,c= 11.552 Å;2is inC2/m,a= 13.648(1) Å,b= 16.852(1) Å,c= 9.832(1) Å,β= 125.980(1)°. In1the U(VI) cations are present as (UO2)2+uranyl ions that are coordinated by five oxygen atoms to give pentagonal bipyramids. These share two edges with two tungstate octahedra and single vertices with four additional octahedra, resulting in a sheet with the iriginite-type anion topology. Only water molecules are located in the interlayer. The structural units of2consist of (UO2)2+uranyl oxy-fluoride pentagonal bipyramids present as either [UO2F2O3]–6or [UO2FO4]–5, and strongly distorted tungstate octahedra. The linkage of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids and tungstate octahedra gives a unique sheet anion topology consisting of pentagons, squares and triangles. In2, the uranyl tungstates sheets are connected into a novel electro-neutral three-dimensional framework through dimers of uranyl pentagonal bipyramids. These dimers connecting the sheets share an edge defined by F anions.2is the first example of a uranyl tungstate oxy-fluoride, and1and2are rare examples of uranyl compounds containing electro-neutral structural units.
Structures of three methoxy-substituted benzaldehyde 7-chloro-1-methyl-4H-quinolinyl-4-ylidene-hydrazones: variations in π···π interactions
Authors: de Bispo Marcelle L.F. , de Alcantara Camila C. , Wardell Solange M.S.V. , de Souza Marcus V.N. , Wardell James L.
Published: May 2015

Three crystal structures are reported here: (E,E)-arenecarbaldehyde 7-chloro-1-methyl-4H-quinolinyl-4-ylidene-hydrazones, 3, [arenecarbaldehyde = 3-MeOC6H4CHO (3a), 3,4-(MeO)2C6H3CHO (3b) and 2,3-(MeO)2C6H3CHO (3c)]. While in each compound π···π stacking and other intermolecular interactions make contributions to the overall supramolecular arrangements, very different arrangements result for the relatively flat molecules of 3a and 3b and the non-planar molecules of 3c. In 3a, all possible π···π interactions [π(quin)···π(quin), π(quin)···π(phen) and π(phen)···π(phen)] are present and together generate a sheet of molecules, one molecule thick) [quin = quinolinyl; phen = methoxyphenyl]. In 3b, π(phen)···π(phen)] interactions are absent: however, π(quin)···π(quin) and π(quin)···π(phen) interactions are both involved in producing a column of molecules, two molecules wide. In 3c, two distinct dimeric π···π stacked structural subsets are formed: (i) one dimer is composed of the two independent molecules, A and B, and generated from π(quin)···π(quin) interactions and (ii) the other AB dimeric unit is formed from π(phen)···π(phen) interactions. The differences in the π···π intermolecular interactions found in 3a, 3b and 3c are consequences of the steric effects presented by the methoxy substituents in the phenyl ring.
Application of Rabinowitsch Fluid Model for the Mathematical Analysis of Peristaltic Flow in a Curved Channel
Authors: Maraj Ehnber Naheed , Nadeem Sohail
Published: May 2015

The present work is the mathematical investigation of peristaltic flow of Rabinowitsch fluid in a curved channel. The current problem is modeled and solutions for non-dimensional differential equation are obtained under low Reynolds number and long wavelength approximation. The effects of long lasting non-dimensional parameters on exact solution for velocity profile, pressure rise and shear stresses are studied graphically in the last section. Tables are also incorporated for shear stresses at the walls of the curved channel.
Was Davidson's Project a Carnapian Explication of Meaning?
Authors: Ludwig Kirk
Published: May 2015

There are two main interpretive positions on Davidson’s project in the theory of meaning. The Replacement Theory holds that Davidson aimed to replace the theory of meaning with the theory of truth on the grounds that meaning is too unclear a notion for systematic theorizing. The Traditional Pursuit Theory, in contrast, holds that Davidson aimed to pursue the traditional project with a clever bit of indirection, exploiting the recursive structure of a truth theory to reveal compositional semantic structure and placing constraints on it sufficient for its canonical assignments of truth conditions to be used for interpretation. This paper responds to a recent defense of a sophisticated version of the Replacement Theory by Gary Ebbs according to which Davidson was engaged in a Carnapian explication of meaning, intending to preserve only aspects of the usage of ‘means’ most important to us. I argue the Explication Interpretation cannot be sustained in the face of a detailed look at the passages that principally motivate it in “Truth and Meaning” when we take into account their local context, their context in the paper as a whole, and the context of that paper in Davidson’s contemporaneous work, and later work which tries to improve the formulations which he advanced in his early papers.