bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New advances in understanding thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and the potential role for insulin-like growth factor-I receptor
Authors: Smith Terry J
Published: February 2018

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), a localized periocular manifestation of the autoimmune syndrome known as Graves’ disease, remains incompletely understood. Discussions of its pathogenesis are generally focused on the thyrotropin receptor, the proposed role for which is supported by substantial evidence. Considerations of any involvement of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) in the disease are frequently contentious. In this brief, topically focused review, I have attempted to provide a balanced perspective based entirely on experimental results that either favor or refute involvement of IGF-IR in TAO. Discussion in this matter seems particularly timely since the currently available treatments of this disfiguring and potentially sight-threatening disease remain inadequate. Importantly, no medical therapy has thus far received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. Results from a very recently published clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of teprotumumab, an inhibitory human anti–IGF-IR monoclonal antibody, in active, moderate to severe TAO are extremely encouraging. That double-masked, placebo-controlled study involved 88 patients and revealed unprecedented clinical responses in the improvement of proptosis and clinical activity as well as a favorable safety profile. Should those results prove reproducible in an ongoing phase III trial, therapeutic inhibition of IGF-IR could become the basis for paradigm-shifting treatment of this vexing disease.
Alternative splice variants of rhomboid proteins: In silico analysis of database entries for select model organisms and validation of functional potential
Authors: Powles Joshua , Ko Kenton
Published: February 2018

Background: Rhomboid serine proteases are present in many species with sequenced genomes, and are often encoded in each species by more than one predicted gene. Based on protein sequence comparisons, rhomboids can be differentiated into groups - secretases, presenilin-like associated rhomboid-like (PARL) proteases, iRhoms, and “inactive” rhomboid proteins. Although these rhomboid groups are distinct, the different types can operate simultaneously. Studies in Arabidopsis showed that the number of rhomboid proteins working simultaneously can be further diversified by alternative splicing. This phenomenon was confirmed for the Arabidopsis plastid rhomboid proteins At1g25290 and At1g74130. Although alternative splicing was determined to be a significant mechanism for diversifying these two Arabidopsis plastid rhomboids, there has yet to be an assessment as to whether this mechanism extends to other rhomboids and to other species. 

Methods: We thus conducted a multi-year analysis of databases to determine if the alternative splicing mechanism observed for the two Arabidopsis plastid rhomboids was utilized in other species to expand the repertoire of rhomboid proteins. To help verify the in silico findings, select splice variants from different groups were tested for activity using transgenic- and additive-based assays. These assays aimed to uncover evidence that the selected splice variants display capacities to influence processes like antimicrobial sensitivity.

Results: The multi-year in silico assessment for six model experimental species (human, mouse, Arabidopsis, Drosophila, nematode, and yeast) revealed robust usage of alternative splicing to diversify rhomboid protein structure across the various motifs or regions, especially in human, mouse and Arabidopsis. Subsequent validation studies uncover evidence that the splice variants selected for testing displayed functionality in the different activity assays.

Conclusions: The combined results support the hypothesis that alternative splicing is likely used to diversify and expand rhomboid protein functionality, and this potentially occurred across the various motifs or regions of the protein.
Alexiteric activity of Costus pulverulentus C. Presl., Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC., Begonia glabra Aubl. and Equisetum bogotense on the poison of Bothrops asper (equis)
Authors: Tapia Wilson , Garzón Katy , Granda Nelly , Mátyás Bence
Published: February 2018

Background: According to the Ecuadorian ancestral knowledge, antivenom treatment can be carried out using medicinal plants; there are in vitro studies in which alexiteric activity has been proven in many plant species through the assay of reduction of indirect hemolytic activity in blood agar plate-phosphatidylcholine. The cases of snake bites "equis" on the Ecuadorian coast represent the largest number of reported ophidian accidents, which usually occur in remote areas of health centers or hospitals, making patient care not timely. The species Costus pulverulentus C. Presl, Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC., Begonia glabra Aubl., and Equisetum bogotense are considered plants with antivenom potential (alexiteric) and have been used by various Ecuadorian ethnicities.

Methods: In the present investigation, the indirect anti-hemolytic activity in vitro of dry extracts of these four-plant species was evaluated, as an indicator of alexiteric activity, on three "pools" of Bothrops asper (equis) snake venom provided by the Vivarium of Quito (Quito, Ecuador).  

Results: Alcoholic extracts of the four-species showed neutralizing activity of the venom, with some differences according to the treatment and origin (composition) of the venom. The aqueous extract of B. glabra presented antihemolytic activity, unlike the other species.

Conclusions: We conclude that the alcoholic extracts of the four-species presented activity with some differences according to treatment and origin (composition) of the poison, and the aqueous extract of B. glabra presented anti-hemolytic activity unlike the other species whose activity was null.
Classification of processes involved in sharing individual participant data from clinical trials
Authors: Ohmann Christian , Canham Steve , Banzi Rita , Kuchinke Wolfgang , Battaglia Serena
Published: February 2018

Background: In recent years, a cultural change in the handling of data from research has resulted in the strong promotion of a culture of openness and increased sharing of data. In the area of clinical trials, sharing of individual participant data involves a complex set of processes and the interaction of many actors and actions. Individual services/tools to support data sharing are available, but what is missing is a detailed, structured and comprehensive list of processes/subprocesses involved and tools/services needed.

Methods: Principles and recommendations from a published data sharing consensus document are analysed in detail by a small expert group. Processes/subprocesses involved in data sharing are identified and linked to actors and possible services/tools. Definitions are adapted from the business process model and notation (BPMN) and applied in the analysis.

Results: A detailed and comprehensive list of individual processes/subprocesses involved in data sharing, structured according to 9 main processes, is provided. Possible tools/services to support these processes/subprocesses are identified and grouped according to major type of support.

Conclusions: The list of individual processes/subprocesses and tools/services identified is a first step towards development of a generic framework or architecture for sharing of data from clinical trials. Such a framework is strongly needed to give an overview of how various actors, research processes and services could form an interoperable system for data sharing.
Hubris and Sciences
Authors: Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Bouras Nick
Published: February 2018

There has been an increasing awareness of the importance of leadership and decision making, including scientists and academics, over recent times. By whom and how decisions are made can have serious implications across all levels of society. Several people have been successful in their life and have been inflicted by excessive pride and self-confidence. There are times when the manifestations of such behaviours demonstrate noticeable signs of narcissism and on extreme cases, hubris. Hubris is an old concept originated from the Greek mythology.  The risk of hubris affects politicians, leaders in business, scientists, academia, the military, entertainers, athletes and doctors (among many others). Power, especially absolute and unchecked power, is intoxicating and is manifested behaviourally in a variety of ways, ranging from amplified cognitive functions to lack of inhibition, poor judgment, extreme narcissism, deviant behaviour, and even cruelty. Hubristic behaviour of overconfidence, extreme pride together with an unwillingness to disregard advice makes powerful people in leadership positions to over-reach themselves with negative consequences for themselves and others. As the dangerous consequences of hubristic behaviours become more apparent and well described it is imperative that individuals, organisations and governments act to prevent such phenomena. Responsible leaders, including acclaimed scientists should exercise greater humility to the complexity and inherent uncertainty of their activities and strive to seek out and challenge hubristic behaviours.
Change management in modern companies
Authors: Резник Семен , Reznik Semen
Published: February 2018

The monograph is devoted to analysis of tendencies and technologies of management of innovative development of modern companies.
Special attention is paid to the influence on companies of the changes.
The book is addressed to specialists researching technology change management in modern companies and will be of interest to undergraduates and postgraduates of higher educational institutions.
An interobserver reliability comparison between the Orthopaedic Trauma Association's open fracture classification and the Gustilo and Anderson classification
Authors: Ghoshal A. , Enninghorst N. , Sisak K. , Balogh Z. J.
Published: February 2018

Aims

To evaluate interobserver reliability of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association’s open fracture classification system (OTA-OFC).

Patients and Methods

Patients of any age with a first presentation of an open long bone fracture were included. Standard radiographs, wound photographs, and a short clinical description were given to eight orthopaedic surgeons, who independently evaluated the injury using both the Gustilo and Anderson (GA) and OTA-OFC classifications. The responses were compared for variability using Cohen’s kappa.

Results

The overall interobserver agreement was ĸ = 0.44 for the GA classification and ĸ = 0.49 for OTA-OFC, which reflects moderate agreement (0.41 to 0.60) for both classifications. The agreement in the five categories of OTA-OFC was: for skin, ĸ = 0.55 (moderate); for muscle, ĸ = 0.44 (moderate); for arterial injury, ĸ = 0.74 (substantial); for contamination, ĸ = 0.35 (fair); and for bone loss, ĸ = 0.41 (moderate).

Conclusion

Although the OTA-OFC, with similar interobserver agreement to GA, offers a more detailed description of open fractures, further development may be needed to make it a reliable and robust tool. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:242–6.
Does a less intensive surveillance protocol affect the survival of patients after treatment of a sarcoma of the limb?
Authors: Puri A. , Ranganathan P. , Gulia A. , Crasto S. , Hawaldar R. , Badwe R. A.
Published: February 2018

Aims

A single-centre prospective randomized trial was conducted to investigate whether a less intensive follow-up protocol would not be inferior to a conventional follow-up protocol, in terms of overall survival, in patients who have undergone surgery for sarcoma of the limb. Initial short-term results were published in 2014.

Patients and Methods

The primary objective was to show non-inferiority of a chest radiograph (CXR) group compared with a CT scan group, and of a less frequent (six-monthly) group than a more frequent (three-monthly) group, in two-by-two comparison. The primary outcome was overall survival and the secondary outcome was a recurrence-free survival. Five-year survival was compared between the CXR and CT scan groups and between the three-monthly and six-monthly groups. Of 500 patients who were enrolled, 476 were available for follow-up. Survival analyses were performed on a per-protocol basis (n = 412).

Results

The updated results recorded 12 (2.4%) local recurrences, 182 (36.8%) metastases, and 56 (11.3%) combined (local + metastases) recurrence at a median follow-up of 81 months (60 to 118). Of 68 local recurrences, 60 (88%) were identified by the patients themselves. The six-monthly regime (overall survival (OS) 54%, recurrence-free survival (RFS) 46%) did not lead to a worse survival and was not inferior to the three-monthly regime (OS 55%, RFS 47%) in terms of detecting recurrence. Although CT scans (OS 53%, RFS 54%) detected pulmonary metastasis earlier, it did not lead to a better survival compared with CXR (OS 56%, RFS 59%).

Conclusion

The overall survival of patients who are treated for a sarcoma of the limb is not inferior to those followed up with a less intensive regimen than a more intensive protocol, in terms of frequency of visits and mode of imaging. CXR at six-monthly intervals and patient education about examination of the site of the surgery will detect most recurrences without deleterious effects on the eventual outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:262–8.
The infraclavicular approach for Paget–Schroetter syndrome
Authors: Samoila G , Twine CP , Williams IM
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Paget–Schroetter syndrome is a rare effort thrombosis of the axillary-subclavian vein, mainly occurring in young male patients. Current management involves immediate catheter directed thrombolysis, followed by surgical decompression of the subclavian vein. This has been invariably performed using a transaxillary or supraclavicular approach. However, the subclavian vein crosses the first rib anteriorly just behind the manubrium and can also be accessed via an infraclavicular incision.

Methods

MEDLINE® and Embase™ were searched for all studies on outcomes in patients undergoing infraclavicular first rib resection for treatment of Paget–Schroetter syndrome. Measured outcomes included freedom from reintervention, secondary patency and symptom resolution. Studies on neurogenic, arterial and iatrogenic venous thoracic outlet syndrome were not included.

Findings

Six studies (involving 268 patients) were eligible. The overall secondary venous patency rate was 98.5%. There was freedom from reintervention in 89.9% of cases and among those patients with reocclusion, 84.0% had chronic thrombosis (symptom duration >14 days), with 76.2% having a venous segment stenosis of >2cm. Only 3 of the 27 patients remained occluded despite reintervention. The infraclavicular approach provides excellent exposure to the subclavian vein and allows reconstruction when required. Moreover, this approach enables complete resection of the extrinsic compression that precipitated the initial thrombotic event, with excellent long-term patency rates. In conclusion, the infraclavicular route may have significant advantages compared with the transaxillary or supraclavicular approaches for successful and durable treatment of Paget–Schroetter syndrome.
Policy networks revisited: creating a researcher–policymaker community
Authors: Ranchod Rushil , Vas Christopher
Published: February 2018

The need for better linkages between evidence and policymaking has been well established in the literature, with a heightened focus on the relationship between researchers, research utilisation and policy development. However, fostering such linkages using a policy network approach has seldom been discussed. This article revisits a key framework in the policy network literature: the policy community, to shed further light on such linkages. Using an empirical approach built on the experience of the Social Policy Research Centre, this article discusses the utility of a policy community network between academic researchers and policymakers. In doing so, the study makes clear that the establishment and strengthening of policy communities is time-bound. Furthermore, this paper argues the need to adhere to network conditions as interactions remain fluid and mature over time.
Evaluating Rapid Rule-out of Acute Myocardial Infarction Using a High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Assay at Presentation
Authors: Greenslade Jaimi , Cho Elizabeth , Van Hise Christopher , Hawkins Tracey , Parsonage William , Ungerer Jacobus , Tate Jillian , Pretorius Carel , Than Martin , Cullen Louise
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Low concentrations of cardiac troponin (cTn) have been recommended for rapid rule-out of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We examined the Beckman Coulter Access high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay to identify a single test threshold that can safely rule out AMI.

METHODS

This analysis used stored samples collected in 2 prospective observational studies. In all, 1871 patients presenting to a tertiary emergency department with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome had blood taken for measurement of cTnI on presentation. The endpoint was type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI). Sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for hs-cTnI values below the 99th percentile.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients had T1MI (5.2%), and 638 (34.1%) patients had an hs-cTnI <2 ng/L (limit of detection), with sensitivity of 99.0% (95% CI, 94.4%–100%) and NPV of 99.8% (95% CI, 99.1%–100%). No hs-cTnI value above a concentration of 2 ng/L achieved sensitivity of 99%. However, an NPV of 99.5% was achieved at values <6 ng/L. A cutoff <6 ng/L enabled 1475 (78.8%) patients to be ruled out on presentation with sensitivity of 93.9% (95% CI, 87.1%–97.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

A single baseline cTn <2 ng/L measured with the Access hs-cTnI assay performed well for rule-out of AMI. This cutoff concentration identified 99% of patients with AMI and could reduce the number of patients requiring lengthy assessment. A cutoff of <6 ng/L yielded a high NPV but missed more cases of AMI than would be acceptable to clinicians.
Espacio de aprendizajes y apoyo escolar. Un recorrido sobre el trabajo extensionista en la Biblioteca Popular Pocho Lepratti
Authors: Castagna Paula , Nepote Lucila
Published: February 2018

Infancias; Aprendizajes; Educación popular; Extensión crítica; Cambio social
Identification of materials used in a wooden coffin lid covered with composite layers dating back to the Ptolemaic period in Egypt
Authors: Badr Nour Mohamed , Ali Mona Fouad , Hadidi Nesrin M. N. El , Naeem Gamal Abdel
Published: February 2018

A wooden coffin lid, of unknown provenance, with ground and colored layers and an ancient textile, was found at the Egyptian Museum basement in Cairo (JE 36806). The information obtained leads to the conclusion that the coffin lid dates back to the Ptolemaic period in Egypt (332-30 BC), whereas the textile does not belong to the coffin lid. Portable x-ray radiography, photography, optical microscopy, reflected light USB microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were used to assess the deterioration and the structure of the coffin lid and to understand how it was made in the necropolis workshop.
Reframing the Discount as a Comparison against the Sale Price: Does it Make the Discount More Attractive?
Authors: Guha Abhijit , Biswas Abhijit , Grewal Dhruv , Verma Swati , Banerjee Somak , Nordfält Jens
Published: February 2018

Sales induced through price promotions depend heavily on discount depth, so firms create mechanisms to influence perceptions of discount depth. Typically, consumers compute discount depth as the difference between the sale price and the original price, with this difference compared against the original price. But thus far, no research has examined the effect of reframing this difference by comparing the discount depth against the sale price. Multiple studies, including a field study across four grocery stores, show that framing the discount depth by comparing it against the sale price increases consumers’ discount depth perceptions and thus increases purchase intentions. As evidence of the underlying process, the authors identify boundary conditions related to both individual differences (numeracy) and managerially relevant factors (discount depth size). In addition to contributing to research on price promotions, behavioral pricing, and numeric processing, the article offers implications for both practitioners and policy makers focused on consumer welfare.
Properties and Characterizations of Convex Functions on Time Scales
Authors: Lara Teodoro , Merentes Nelson , Rosales Edgar , Tineo Ambrosio
Published: February 2018

In this research we deal with algebraic properties and characterizations of convex functions in the context of a time scale; this notion of convexity has been studied for some other authors but the setting of properties are establish here. Moreover, characterizations, a separation theorem and an inequality of Jensen type for this class of functions are shown as well.
The Space of Real Places on R(x,y)
Authors: Brown Ron , Merzel Jonathan L.
Published: February 2018

The space M(ℝ (x; y)) of real places on ℝ (x; y) is shown to be path-connected. The possible value groups of these real places are determined and for each one it is shown that the set of real places with that value group is dense in the space. Large collections of subspaces of the space M(ℝ (x; y)) are constructed such that any two members of such a collection are homeomorphic. A key tool is a homeomorphism between the space of real places on ℝ((x))(y) and a certain space of sequences related to the “signatures” of [2], which themselves are shown here to be related to the “strict systems of polynomial extensions” of [3].
Effects of Humic Acids on Recovery of Salmonella Enterica Serovar Enteritidis
Authors: Maguey-Gonzalez Jesus A. , Michel Matias A. , Baxter Mikayla F.A. , Solis-Cruz Bruno , Hernandez-Patlan Daniel , Merino-Guzman Ruben , Hernandez-Velasco Xochitl , Latorre Juan D. , Hargis Billy M. , Tellez Guillermo , Gomez-Rosales Sergio
Published: February 2018

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of humic acids (HA) on recovery of Salmonella Enteritidis, in an in vitro digestive system and on intestinal colonization in neonate broiler chickens. In experiment 1, two runs using an in vitro digestion model with two sources of HA (commercial or natural extraction) at 0.1 or 0.2%, and inoculated with 107 CFU/tube of S. Enteritidis, were carried out. In experiment 2, one-day-old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to one of two groups (n=25) with or without 0.2% of isolated HA from worm compost, and challenged with 106 CFU of S. Enteritidis per chicken at 10-d old. All chicks were euthanized 24-h post challenge, and were subjected to serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) determination. A section of ileum was removed to obtain total concentration of IgA. Ceca-cecal tonsils were removed to evaluate Salmonella recovery, total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and total Gram negative bacteria. In experiment 1, neither concentration of commercial nor natural HA were able to reduce the recovery of S. Enteritidis in any of the simulated compartments (P>0.05). Only the crop compartment showed significant differences in pH in both trials between control and treated groups. In experiment 2, no significant differences were observed in serum concentration of FITC-d, intestinal IgA, S. Enteritidis recovery, LAB or total Gram negative bacteria in the ceca between control and treated chickens. In conclusion, no effects of HA on recovery of Salmonella Enteritidis, in an in vitro digestive system and on intestinal colonization of Salmonella, bacterial counts in ceca, intestinal IgA and serum FITC-d in neonate broiler chickens were observed. Further studies to evaluate the effect of HA under feed restriction model as an inducer of intestinal inflammation are currently being conducted.
Physicochemical Parameters of Selected Internal Organs of Fattening Pigs and Wild Boars
Authors: Babicz Marek , Kropiwiec-Domańska Kinga , Szyndler-Nędza Magdalena , Grzebalska Agnieszka M. , Łuszczewska-Sierakowska Iwona , Wawrzyniak Agata , Hałabis Marcin
Published: February 2018

The objective of the study was to analyse selected physical properties and chemical indicators of internal organs obtained from fattening pigs and Central European wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa). Each group consisted of 12 animals. The tongue, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys were examined for physical properties, basic chemical composition, macro- and micromineral content, and fatty acid profile. The atherogenic index (AI) and the thrombogenic index (TI) were also determined. Pig offal was found to be a rich source of protein and collagen, and to contain large amounts of potassium and sodium. Liver had a high content of iron, zinc, and manganese. Pig liver and wild boar heart were characterised by favourable PUFA /SFA ratios (above 0.4%). In addition, the content of neutral and hypocholesterolemic acids (DFA ) and hypercholesterolemic acids (OFA ) in pig offal was comparable to that in pig meat. The results presented in this study provide an extensive evaluation of the nutritional quality of pig offal, which allows an increase in the scope of its use in the food industry, among others for production of offal products, including traditional and regional products that are increasingly demanded by consumers.
Inclusion of Red Osier Dogwood in High-Forage and High-Grain Diets Affected in Vitro Rumen Fermentation
Authors: Wei Lingyun Y. , Jiao Peixin X. , Alexander Trevor W. , Yang Wen Zhu
Published: February 2018

Red osier dogwood (ROD) is an abundant shrub plant in Canada and other places in the world. It is rich in antioxidants such as quercetin, gallic acid and tyrosol. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of substituting barley silage with ROD in high-forage (HF) or high-grain (HG) diets on gas production (GP), dry matter (DM) disappearance (DMD) and fermentation characteristics in ruminal batch cultures. The study was a randomized design with 2 media pH (5.8 vs. 6.5) × 4 doses of ROD. An additional treatment of monensin and tylosin was added as a positive control for each pH level. The basic diet consisted of 60% barley silage and 40% barley grain for HF or 15% silage and 85% grain for HG diet. The barley silage was partly replaced with ROD at 0, 3, 6 or 12% in both diets (DM basis). Each diet was incubated for 24 h in culture bottles with three replicates for each treatment combination, and three runs on different days. The GP and DMD were greater (P<0.01) with media pH 6.5 vs. pH 5.8. The DMD linearly (P<0.01) decreased at pH 5.8 with increasing levels of ROD. Increasing ROD levels also linearly (P<0.01) decreased total VFA concentration and the proportion of propionate, and increased (P<0.01) the acetate to propionate ratio (A:P) at pH 5.8. Compared to the antibiotic treatment, the inclusion of ROD resulted in lower (P<0.02) DMD at pH 5.8, and a greater (P<0.01) proportion of acetate but a lower (P<0.01) proportion of propionate. These results indicated that the DMD of diets and the fermentation pattern were adversely affected by ROD at pH 5.8. However, the increased A:P along with the decreased DMD at pH 5.8, suggested a lower impact on fibre digestion than on starch digestion by ROD. Feeding ROD may therefore potentially reduce the incidence of rumen acidosis resulting from feeding HG diets to ruminants by decreasing starch digestion in the rumen.
The Use of Castor Meal, a by-Product of the Biodiesel Industry, in a Beef Production System in Tropical Pastures
Authors: Matos Luis Henrique Almeida de , Carvalho Gleidson Giordano Pinto de , Silva Robério Rodrigues , Leite Laudí Cunha , Santos Stefanie Alvarenga , Conceição Cinara Peixoto , Santos Lenon Machado , Azevêdo José Augusto Gomes de , Santos Aracele Vieira , Pina Douglas dos Santos , Novais Daiane Lago , Rufino Luana Marta de Almeida
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of castor meal, a by-product of the biodiesel industry, on growth performance and feeding behavior of heifers in a pasture production system in Northeast Brazil. Forty Holstein × Zebu crossbred heifers with an initial body weight of 257±26 kg were kept on a Brachiaria decumbens pasture under continuous grazing. The experiment lasted 140 days and was conducted in a completly randomized design with five levels of replacement of soybean meal with castor meal (0, 200, 500, 750, and 1000 g/kg of dry matter) in the supplements. Intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, and carcass characteristics were evaluated. The total intakes of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), ether extract, and total digestible nutrients (TDN) decreased as the castor meal levels were increased. The digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, OM, and TDN decreased as the levels of castor meal in the supplement were increased. The castor meal levels in the supplement did not affect final body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion, hot carcass weight, or carcass dressing of the heifers. The use of supplements containing up to 1000 g/kg DM castor meal replacing soybean meal reduced the DM intake but did not change the average daily gain and feed efficiency of the heifers. Thus, the use of castor meal is a recommendable strategy to reduce production costs in a beef cattle grazing system.
Identification and Changes in the Seasonal Concentrations of Proteins Regulating the Biological Functions of Spermatozoa and Participating in Their Cytoskeleton Organization in Roe Deer (Capreolus Capreolus) Epididymides
Authors: Majewska Anna M. , Lecewicz Marek , Kordan Władysław , Wysocki Paweł
Published: February 2018

In the case of animals characterized by a strongly marked seasonality of reproduction, extremely significant seem to be periodical fluctuations in the concentration of proteinaceous substances identified in tissues and fluids of epididymides, which take part in the maturation process of sperm cells. The aim of the present study was to compare the seasonal expression of identified proteins present in various regions of the mature roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) epididymides, which are regulating the biological functions of spermatozoa and participating in their cytoskeleton organization during the sperm maturation process. Epididymal tissue homogenates and epididymal fluids were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to reveal 31 polypeptides with different biochemical functions. Moreover, among the identified polypeptides, twelve of them were similar to: alpha-enolase isoform 3; endoplasmic reticulum resident protein 29; calreticulin, calponin-1 isoform X1; transgelin; vimentin; tubulin; desmin; tropomyosin; actin; alpha-1 antitrypsin isoform X1 and 14-3-3 protein epsilon. Concentrations of the analyzed polypeptides, expressed in optical density units (ODU), differed significantly (P≤0.05) across the examined periods of the reproductive season. The highest ODU values of almost all analyzed proteins were observed during the rutting period. This variation in the identified proteins in the epididymal tissues and fluids of roe deer throughout the reproductive season could be indicative of their important roles in sperm maturation within the epididymis.
Niẓām al-Dīn Yaḥyā al-Ṭayyārī – An Artist in the Court of the Ilkhans and Mamluks
Authors: Amir Or
Published: February 2018

Reading through the sources written in the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517), one receives the impression that the political borders between the Mamluk and Ilkhanid realms were just that – in no ways cultural or even serious physical barriers. This paper will demonstrate this by focusing on the biography of Niẓām al-Dīn Yaḥyā al-Ṭayyārī (685–760/1286/7–1358/9~). His father served under the Ilkhans as a physician and scribe, while Niẓām al-Dīn grew up into the Ilkhanid elite and became a prolific calligrapher, scribe and musician in his own right, being especially close to the Sultan Abū Sa‘īd and his vizier, Ghiyāth al-Dīn Muḥammad. After the death of Abū Sa‘īd and the subsequent disintegration of the Ilkhanate, Niẓām al-Dīn made his way to the Mamluk Sultanate, where his artistic talents were very much appreciated, representing the glorious artistic tradition of the east. Despite his seemingly smooth reception in the ruling circles of the Mamluk Sultanate, Niẓām al-Dīn seems to have remained attached to his homeland, and to the lavish properties which he left behind him. He subsequently returned to Baghdad, where he was immediately reinstated to his former duties. Following and analyzing the career of Niẓām al-Dīn can grant insights into court culture of the Muslim world of his age, where similarities in taste and bureaucratic traditions probably outweighed the differences. We also learn about mobility, cultural exchange and artistic sensibilities between the two competing courts.
Türaqai Güregen (d. 1296–7) and His Lineage: History of a Cross-Asia Journey
Authors: Landa Ishayahu
Published: February 2018

The history of the Mongol conquests in Eurasia was not least the history of the numerous migrations of masses of people across the continent. This essay discusses one specific case study, namely that of the Mongol commander and Chinggisid imperial son-in-law Türaqai of the Oyirad tribe and his lineage throughout the thirteenth century. He himself was probably born in Iran or Iraq. His family, however, came from Mongolia to Iran during the Mongol conquests. The article discusses Türaqai’s life, in particular his (and his army’s) flight from the Ilkhanate to the Mamlūk Sultanate in 1296. He also made an unsuccessful attempt to become part of the Mamlūk military, which costed him and his close supporters their lives. Looking through the lenses of this biographical narrative, the essay presents a broader picture of the military nomadic migrations in Chinggisid Eurasia and their mechanisms. The essay also pays special attention to the position of the Chinggisid sons-in-law, who held a highly respected status in the Mongol political architecture. Additionally, it highlights some main issues related to the migration of the nomadic tribes and their resettlement in the newly conquered areas under the Mongol rule, such as assimilation, conversion to Islam and the different dimensions of their relations with the local populations.
Critical Reception of William Faulkner’s
Authors: Farkas Aliz
Published: February 2018

The history of reception of William Faulkner’s most cherished work, The Sound and the Fury, tellingly reveals the changes that have occurred in reader attitude toward the novel since its first publication in 1929. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the modalities of interpretation employed by three, culturally and historically distinct “interpretive communities” (Fish 1980): American literary critics and reviewers evaluating the novel upon its first publication, Romanian literary critics and reviewers expressing their opinion on the Romanian translation of the novel published in 1971, and contemporary Internet bloggers and commenters discussing their reading experience with the novel.

Relying on Hans Robert Jauss’s notions of “aesthetic distance” and “horizon of expectation” (Jauss 1970, 1982), I have raised two questions that I will try to answer at the end of this paper. First, I would like to see whether the literary career of The Sound and the Fury follows the trajectory from initial rejection to wide acceptance with increasing aesthetic value, as predicted by Jauss’s theory. Second, I am interested in finding out whether those features of the novel that were initially perceived as unfamiliar and incomprehensible were indeed incorporated into the later readers’ horizon of expectations, so that they no longer pose problems for the readers.
Travelling into the World of Bilingual (Code-Switching) Concrete Poetry
Authors: Telek Márta Törteli
Published: February 2018

The paper examines the complex phenomenon of intermediality, “multimedial transgression”, and “culturally agitating hybridity” resonating and flashing over ages and cultures. It reviews concrete poetry, which may be considered as a real multimedial text with linguistic and pictorial coded aesthetic message, the poetic intention evolving from the mixture of verb and picture. Examining from the aesthetic of reception, code-switching of concrete poetry comes into the focus of the research. We may feel that for a recipient knowing both languages (for the recipient of concrete poetry), it is more advantageous for the speaker combining the expressions of the two languages since one with a mixed language always relates what he would like to say in the language he can express his thoughts more properly. In fact, this is such a code-switching that the recipient may perceive as a single code on the basis of simultaneity of text and picture.

The study highlights reading alternatives that concrete poetry offers us as well as the travel it takes us on. By analysing the mode of interpretation, we can observe how visual poems overbalance the conventional linearity of writing, how figurativity becomes equivalent to the text in the course of creating meaning, while reading is guided by the sight of picture, which confirms the sight as well. Thus, language and picture are practically trapped by the calligram. Text (concrete poetry) understanding is described as integrative by the paper, coming into existence as a result of the constant correction and supplement of situational and ephemeral understandings. It considers the hermeneutical circle/spiral of understanding as a travel, which is always unique and not to be repeated.
Language of the Hand in Indo-European Idioms
Authors: Butiurca Doina
Published: February 2018

The research starts from the assertion that there is an interdependent rapport between cultural forms and the experiential field, necessary for the dynamics of cultural development. The general objective of our approach is the development of a system of relations ordered by human experience for linguistic vitality (of a language/group of [kindred] languages) in the mental and cultural fields. Particular/experiential takes on the concepts of “right”/“left”, the systemic extension of significances in linguistics, religion, moral mentality, and culture of peoples of the world stand as secondary objectives of the research. Application is made to pan-Latin languages, Hungarian, and English. Synchronic and diachronic analysis, contrastive method, and cognitive approach are but a few of the research methods. The first of the conclusions to be drawn is that the diachronic dynamics of a culture is ensured by the systemic relations between human experience, language, mentality, and others.
A Logical Approach to Modal Verbs 3. “Must”
Authors: Imre Attila
Published: February 2018

The article aims at a logical approach to discussing must, organized around the core meaning of necessity, split into epistemic (logical necessity) and deontic necessity (obligation). After discussing must as a central modal auxiliary, we present various meanings of must, relying on authoritative sources published for international (English), Hungarian, and Romanian students. Possible issues of teaching must are also dealt with, supported by data from a popular TV series containing modal verbs. The conclusion discusses the importance and relativity of a number of occurrences, trying to offer a possible teaching option for modals stemming from practice.
Die Rolle der journalistischen Translation in der Übersetzerausbildung in Ungarn und einigen Nachbarländern
Authors: Zachar Viktor
Published: February 2018

The article presents a study on the role of journalistic translation (press translation) in translation teaching using a questionnaire in November-December 2016 on a sample of 52 translation teachers. The aim of the survey was to find out the role of journalistic translation in translation teaching in Hungary and three neighbouring countries: Croatia, Romania and Slovakia. The importance of the survey lies in the fact that no research has been published so far on this topic in Hungary, and only minor research has been done on the topic of journalistic translation itself (primarily limited to the field of text linguistics).

Despite these facts, the study has revealed the importance of journalistic translation in the teaching of translation: more than 85% of the teachers surveyed use press texts in teaching due to different motivations, and nearly 50% of respondents use them during the entire period of translation education. The inclusion of journalistic translation in the teaching of translation is also confirmed and justified by the fact that more than 80% of those surveyed consider the subject to be relevant for the students’ future work as a translator due to the wide range of application areas of journalistic translation.
Temeswar und das Banat in derTemesvarer Zeitung
Authors: János Eszter
Published: February 2018

Since its founding, the Temesvar newspaper (Temesvarer Zeitung) has been part of a multicultural society (Hungarians, Germans, Serbs, Romanians, Jews). This heterogeneity of the population and its cultural diversity is also reflected in its cultural section, which contains literary texts, essays, reports, commentaries and critical discussions. The research focuses on the period headed by Adolf Sternberg (1871-1882), as he gave an important impetus by putting emphasis on the features page of the newspaper and wanted to raise the level of the press organ with literary and cultural contributions.
On the essential dimension of coherent sheaves
Authors: Biswas Indranil , Dhillon Ajneet , Hoffmann Norbert
Published: February 2018

We characterize all fields of definition for a given coherent sheaf over a projective scheme in terms of
projective modules over a finite-dimensional endomorphism algebra. This yields general results on the
essential dimension of such sheaves. Applying them to vector bundles over a smooth projective curve C, we
obtain an upper bound for the essential dimension of their moduli stack. The upper bound is sharp if the
conjecture of Colliot-Thélène, Karpenko and Merkurjev holds. We find that the genericity property proved
for Deligne–Mumford stacks by Brosnan, Reichstein and Vistoli still holds for this Artin stack,
unless the curve C is elliptic.
Creativity, Communicability and Organizational Culture: an Introduction to the Study of Hierarchy as Both a Facilitator and Constraint in Organizational Change
Authors: Sobrinho Asdrúbal Borges Formiga , Glăveanu Vlad Petre
Published: February 2018

How can hierarchy influence individual creativity in the work environment? In the contemporary literature about creativity in organizations sometimes factors like this are considered constraints. However, the question remains as to how the meaning of hierarchy can change or what causes changes in a given organizational culture. This paper aims to document these processes in a Brazilian public organization, by considering the creative actions of employees, in particular those meant to enhance communicability or the potential for making communication effective. To reach this goal, thematic content analysis was applied to individual interviews of two employees. Considering the contradictions and ambiguities in their discourses and actions, the results point to the fact that environmental factors like hierarchy can change their meaning according to employees’ actions and interactions with colleagues and managers. This makes the communication stimulating or constraining for creativity, at least as expressed in the generation of new meanings or novelties. Thus, the practical question to reflect upon becomes: how can individual actions change the meaning of hierarchy and make the work environment more favorable to creativity?
Between Individualism and Collectivism: Perception and Profiles of Creativity in Poland and Japan
Authors: Gajda Aleksandra , Oie Mayumi
Published: February 2018

The aim of the study was to analyze creativity profiles and understanding of creativity in Poland and Japan. The study included 597 participants (233 Polish and 364 Japanese). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out (mixed method). We identified the existence of five different creativity profiles and ten categories for defining creativity, with significant differences in frequency between the two countries. The obtained results are discussed from the perspective of intercultural differences and the individualism / collectivism theory (Hofstede, 1983).
Creativity as Educational Objectives: From a Meta-theoretical Heuristic to Domain-specific Creative Behaviours
Authors: Rački Željko
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to explore the education expert and non-expert consensually rated nature of creativity operationalized as observable behaviour. When operationalized as observable behaviour akin to concrete educational objectives accessible to being taught, is creativity a construct valid both internationally and over time, and what are its distinguishing features? A representative sample of concretely stated behaviours descriptive of creativity displayed by children and adolescents was evaluated with high convergent validity by educational psychologists, specialists in gifted education, university students of teacher studies, and mathematics teachers (N = 208) on the level of creativity, and ten additional behaviour features. The results of the canonical correlation analysis suggest internationally and temporally stable and an educationally viable bridge between general creativity construct operationalization and measurement on the one hand, and the domain-specificity of creative behaviours and their features on the other. By viewing the general creativity construct as a meta-theoretical heuristic, and focusing on one group of domain-specific consensually rated creative behaviours and their progressive nature as educational objectives, the findings of this study are discussed in the context of general and gifted education.
A Bridge Too Far: Conceptual Distance and Creative Ideation
Authors: Hocking Ian , Vernon David
Published: February 2018

Previous research has shown changing perspectives to be important in problem finding, with viewpoint-based techniques like the 'six thinking hats' and the 'six honest serving men' improving performance (e.g. Vernon & Hocking, 2014). To date, however, evidence for similar techniques based on conceptually 'near' and 'far' cues, where conceptual distance is defined topologically in a semantic space, has shown mixed results. In a sample of 171 participants, we used two standard verbal problem scenarios together with a novel technique comprising six concepts that were either conceptually near or far from the problem scenario. Participants in the experimental group used the concepts when generating solutions; controls were given empty placeholders instead of concepts. Performance was measured for fluency, quality, originality and flexibility. Apart from flexibility, participants did worse when using concepts of either type in comparison to controls. For flexibility, a borderline boost for far concepts was observed (η2 = .03, p = .06). We conclude that the cognitive load overhead introduced by our concept-cueing technique, or any other similar technique that attempts to shape the creative process, needs to be minimised through a variety of methods before we can better determine its usefulness and, thus, the role of conceptual distance in creative problem solving.