bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Everolimus Inhibits the Progression of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ to Invasive Breast Cancer Via Downregulation of MMP9 Expression
Authors: Chen Guang , Ding Xiao-Fei , Pressley Kyle , Bouamar Hakim , Wang Bingzhi , Zheng Guixi , Broome Larry E. , Nazarullah Alia , Brenner Andrew J. , Kaklamani Virginia , Jatoi Ismail , Sun Lu-Zhe
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

We evaluated the role of everolimus in the prevention of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) progression.

Experimental Design:

The effects of everolimus on breast cancer cell invasion, DCIS formation, and DCIS progression to IDC were investigated in a 3D cell culturing model, intraductal DCIS xenograft model, and spontaneous MMTV-Her2/neu mouse model. The effect of everolimus on matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) expression was determined with Western blotting and IHC in these models and in patients with DCIS before and after a window trial with rapamycin. Whether MMP9 mediates the inhibition of DCIS progression to IDC by everolimus was investigated with knockdown or overexpression of MMP9 in breast cancer cells.

Results:

Everolimus significantly inhibited the invasion of human breast cancer cells in vitro. Daily intragastric treatment with everolimus for 7 days significantly reduced the number of invasive lesions from intraductal DCIS foci and inhibited DCIS progression to IDC in the MMTV-Her2/neu mouse mammary tumor model. Mechanistically, everolimus treatment decreased the expression of MMP9 in the in vitro and in vivo models, and in breast tissues from patients with DCIS treated with rapamycin for 1 week. Moreover, overexpression of MMP9 stimulated the invasion, whereas knockdown of MMP9 inhibited the invasion of breast cancer cell–formed spheroids in vitro and DCIS in vivo. Knockdown of MMP9 also nullified the invasion inhibition by everolimus in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:

Targeting mTORC1 can inhibit DCIS progression to IDC via MMP9 and may be a potential strategy for DCIS or early-stage IDC therapy.
Phosphodiesterase 3A Represents a Therapeutic Target that Drives Stem Cell–like Property and Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Hao Na , Shen Wenzhi , Du Renle , Jiang Shan , Zhu Junyong , Chen Yanan , Huang Chongbiao , Shi Yi , Xiang Rong , Luo Yunping
Published: December 2019

Considerable evidence suggests that as breast cancer progresses, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the emergence of self-renewing cells (CSC), which may also arise as a consequence of metastasis. Although the molecular pathways that trigger stemness and metastasis are known, key molecular and mechanistic gaps in our understanding of these processes remain unclear. Here, we first screened the inflammation-associated stemness gene phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A) using a medium-throughput siRNA library, which was overexpressed in breast tumors and significantly correlated with clinical progression. PDE3A induced the inflammatory nuclear factor NFκB signaling pathway by suppressing cAMP/PKA, which promotes the expression of the stem cell marker OCT4. In addition, PDE3A also promoted the translocation of CCDC88A from the cytoplasm to nuclei, thereby boosting the invasion–metastasis cascade in breast cancer. Most importantly, the PDE3A-selective inhibitor cilostazol dramatically suppressed breast tumor growth and reduced metastasis to the lungs in xenograft breast cancer models, with minimum toxicity. Taken together, we show that PDE3A could predispose patients with breast cancer to metastases by acting as a mediator of cancer stemness. PDE3A is a potential therapeutic target for advanced breast cancer.
Site-Specific PEGylation of Anti-Mesothelin Recombinant Immunotoxins Increases Half-life and Antitumor Activity
Authors: Zheng Zeliang , Okada Ryuhei , Kobayashi Hisataka , Nagaya Tadanobu , Wei Junxia , Zhou Qi , Lee Fred , Bera Tapan K. , Gao Yun , Kuhlman William , Tai Chin-Hsien , Pastan Ira
Published: December 2019

Recombinant immunotoxins (RIT) are chimeric proteins containing an Fv that binds to tumor cells, fused to a fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE) that kills the cell. Their efficacy is limited by their short half-life in the circulation. Chemical modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a well-established method to extend the half-lives of biologics. Our goal was to engineer RITs with an increase in half-life and high cytotoxic activity. We introduced single cysteines at different locations in five anti-mesothelin RITs and employed site-specific PEGylation to conjugate them to 20-kDa PEG. Because our previous PEGylation method using β-mercaptoethanol reduction gave poor yields of PEG-modified protein, we employed a new method using tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine to reduce the protein and could PEGylate RITs at approximately 90% efficiency. The new proteins retained 19% to 65% of cytotoxic activity. Although all proteins are modified with the same PEG, the radius of hydration varies from 5.2 to 7.1, showing PEG location has a large effect on protein shape. The RIT with the smallest radius of hydration has the highest cytotoxic activity. The PEGylated RITs have a 10- to 30-fold increase in half-life that is related to the increase in hydrodynamic size. Biodistribution experiments indicate that the long half-life is due to delayed uptake by the kidney. Antitumor experiments show that several PEG-RITs are much more active than unmodified RIT, and the PEG location greatly affects antitumor activity. We conclude that PEGylation is a useful approach to improve the half-life and antitumor activity of RITs.
Use of Biomarker Modulation in Normal Mammary Epithelium as a Correlate for Efficacy of Chemopreventive Agents Against Chemically Induced Cancers
Authors: Lubet Ronald A. , Heckman-Stoddard Brandy M. , Fox Jennifer T. , Moeinpour Fariba , Juliana M. Margaret , Shoemaker Robert H. , Grubbs Clinton J.
Published: December 2019

In both estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor–positive (ER+/PR+) human breast cancer and in ER+/PR+ cancers in the methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat model, short-term modulation of proliferation in early cancers predicts preventive/therapeutic efficacy. We determined the effects of known effective/ineffective chemopreventive agents on proliferative index (PI) in both rat mammary epithelium and small cancers. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with MNU at 50 days of age. Five days later, the rats were treated with the individual compounds for a period of 14 days. At that time, normal mammary tissue from the inguinal gland area was surgically removed. After removal, the rats remained on the agents for an additional 5 months. This cancer prevention study confirmed our prior results of striking efficacy with tamoxifen, vorozole, Targretin, and gefitinib, and no efficacy with metformin, naproxen, and Lipitor. Employing a separate group of rats, the effects of short-term (7 days) drug exposure on small palpable cancers were examined. The PI in both small mammary cancers and in normal epithelium from control rats was >12%. In agreement with the cancer multiplicity data, tamoxifen, vorozole, gefitinib, and Targretin all strongly inhibited proliferation (>65%; P < 0.025) in the normal mammary epithelium. The ineffective agents metformin, naproxen, and Lipitor minimally affected PI. In the small cancers, tamoxifen, vorozole, and Targretin all reduced the PI, while metformin and Lipitor failed to do so. Thus, short-term changes in the PI in either normal mammary epithelium or small cancers correlated with long-term preventive efficacy in the MNU-induced rat model.
Immunoregulation and Clinical Implications of ANGPT2/TIE2+ M-MDSC Signature in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lauret Marie Joseph Elodie , Laheurte Caroline , Jary Marine , Boullerot Laura , Asgarov Kamal , Gravelin Eléonore , Bouard Adeline , Rangan Laurie , Dosset Magalie , Borg Christophe , Adotévi Olivier
Published: December 2019

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) promote immunosuppression and are a target in the field of immuno-oncology. Accumulation of MDSCs is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to immunotherapy for several cancers. Here, we describe an accumulation of a subset of circulating monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSC) overexpressing TIE2, the receptor for angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2), in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Greater numbers of circulating TIE2+ M-MDSCs were detected in patients with NSCLC compared with healthy subjects, and this accumulation correlated with ANGPT2 concentration in blood. The presence of an ANGPT2-rich environment was associated with impairment of preexisting T-cell responses against tumor-associated antigens (TAA) in patients with NSCLC. We demonstrated that ANGPT2 sensitizes TIE2+ M-MDSCs such that these cells suppress TAA-specific T cells. In patients with NSCLC, upregulation of the ANGPT2/TIE2+ M-MDSC signature in blood was associated with a poor prognosis. Our results identify the ANGPT2/TIE2+ M-MDSC axis as a participant in tumor immune evasion that should be taken into account in future cancer immunotherapy.
CD4+ T-cell Immunity in the Peripheral Blood Correlates with Response to Anti-PD-1 Therapy
Authors: Kagamu Hiroshi , Kitano Shigehisa , Yamaguchi Ou , Yoshimura Kenichi , Horimoto Katsuhisa , Kitazawa Masashi , Fukui Kazuhiko , Shiono Ayako , Mouri Atsuhito , Nishihara Fuyumi , Miura Yu , Hashimoto Kosuke , Murayama Yoshitake , Kaira Kyoichi , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: December 2019

Accumulating evidence indicates that CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment and systemic CD4+ T-cell immunity play an important role in mediating durable antitumor responses. We longitudinally examined T-cell immunity in the peripheral blood of patients with non–small lung cancer and found that responders had significantly (P < 0.0001) higher percentages of effector, CD62Llow CD4+ T cells prior to PD-1 blockade. Conversely, the percentage of CD25+FOXP3+ CD4+ T cells was significantly (P = 0.034) higher in nonresponders. We developed a formula, which demonstrated 85.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity, based on the percentages of CD62Llow CD4+ T cells and CD25+FOXP3+ cells to predict nonresponders. Mass cytometry analysis revealed that the CD62Llow CD4+ T-cell subset expressed T-bet+, CD27−, FOXP3−, and CXCR3+, indicative of a Th1 subpopulation. CD62Llow CD4+ T cells significantly correlated with effector CD8+ T cells (P = 0.0091) and with PD-1 expression on effector CD8+ T cells (P = 0.0015). Gene expression analysis revealed that CCL19, CLEC-2A, IFNA, IL7, TGFBR3, CXCR3, and HDAC9 were preferentially expressed in CD62Llow CD4+ T cells derived from responders. Notably, long-term responders, who had >500-day progression-free survival, showed significantly higher numbers of CD62Llow CD4+ T cells prior to PD-1 blockade therapy. Decreased CD62Llow CD4+ T-cell percentages after therapy resulted in acquired resistance, with long-term survivors maintaining high CD62Llow CD4+ T-cell percentages. These results pave the way for new treatment strategies for patients by monitoring CD4+ T-cell immune statuses in their peripheral blood.
Diagnostic and Risk Factors for Complement Defects in Hypertensive Emergency and Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Authors: Timmermans Sjoerd A.M.E.G. , Wérion Alexis , Damoiseaux Jan G.M.C. , Morelle Johann , Reutelingsperger Chris P. , van Paassen Pieter
Published: December 2019

Hypertensive emergency can cause thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in the kidneys with high rates of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and vice versa. The conundrum of hypertension as the cause of TMA or consequence of TMA on the background of defects in complement regulation remains difficult. Patients with hypertensive emergency and TMA on kidney biopsy were tested for ex vivo C5b9 formation on the endothelium and rare variants in complement genes to identify complement-mediated TMA. We identified factors associated with defects in complement regulation and poor renal outcomes. Massive ex vivo C5b9 formation was found on resting endothelial cells in 18 (69%) out of 26 cases at the presentation, including the 9 patients who carried at least one rare genetic variant. Thirteen (72%,
N
=18) and 3 (38%,
N
=8) patients with massive and normal ex vivo complement activation, respectively, progressed to ESRD (
P
=0.03). In contrast to BP control, inhibition of C5 activation prevented ESRD to occur in 5 (83%,
N
=6) patients with massive ex vivo complement activation. TMA-related graft failure occurred in 7 (47%,
N
=15) donor kidneys and was linked to genetic variants. The assessment of both ex vivo C5b9 formation and screening for rare variants in complement genes may categorize patients with hypertensive emergency and TMA into different groups with potential therapeutic and prognostic implications. We propose an algorithm to recognize patients at the highest risk for defects in complement regulation.
Stretch-Induced Increases in Intracellular Ca Stimulate Thick Ascending Limb O
2
−
Production and Are Enhanced in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats
Authors: Saez Fara , Hong Nancy J. , Cabral Pablo D. , Garvin Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2019

Mechanical stretch raises intracellular Ca (Ca
i
) in many cell types. Luminal flow-derived stretch stimulates O
2
−
production by thick ascending limbs (THALs). Renal O
2
−
is greater in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) than salt-resistant (SR) rats. We hypothesized that mechanical stretch stimulates Ca influx via TRPV4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4) which in turn raises Ca
i
in THALs; these increases in Ca
i
are necessary for stretch to augment O
2
−
production; and stretch-stimulated, and therefore flow-induced, O
2
−
production is enhanced in SS compared with SR THALs due to elevated Ca influx and increased Ca
i
. Ca
i
and O
2
−
were measured in SS and SR THALs from rats on normal salt using Fura2-acetoxymethyl ester and dihydroethidium, respectively. Stretch raised Ca
i
in SS by 270.4±48.9 nmol/L and by 123.6±27.0 nmol/L in SR THALs (
P
<0.02). Removing extracellular Ca eliminated the increases and differences in Ca
i
between strains. Knocking down TRPV4 in SS THALs reduced stretch-induced Ca
i
to SR levels (SS: 92.0±15.9 nmol/L; SR: 123.6±27.0 nmol/L). RN1734, a TRPV4 inhibitor, blunted stretch-elevated Ca
i
by ≈75% and ≈66% in SS (
P
<0.03) and SR (
P
<0.04), respectively. Stretch augmented O
2
−
production by 58.6±10.2 arbitrary fluorescent units/min in SS and by 24.4±2.6 arbitrary fluorescent units/min in SR THALs (
P
<0.05). Removal of extracellular Ca blunted stretch-induced increases in O
2
−
and eliminated differences between strains. RN1734 reduced stretch-induced O
2
−
by ≈70% in SS (
P
<0.005) and ≈60% in SR (
P
<0.01). Conclusions are as follows: (1) stretch activates TRPV4, which raises Ca
i
in THALs; (2) the increase in Ca
i
stimulates O
2
−
production; and (3) stretch-induced O
2
−
production is enhanced in SS THALs due to greater increases in Ca
i
.
Inhibition of AT2R and Bradykinin Type II Receptor (BK2R) Compromises High K
+
Intake-Induced Renal K
+
Excretion
Authors: Gu Li , Wang JunLin , Zhang Dan-Dan , Meng XinXin , Zhang YunHong , Zhang JiaWen , Zhang Hao , Guo XiWen , Lin Dao-Hong , Wang Wen-Hui , Gu Rui-Min
Published: December 2019

The inhibition of Type II angiotensin II receptor (AT2R) or BK2R (bradykinin type II receptor) stimulates basolateral Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and activates thiazide-sensitive NCC (Na-Cl cotransporter). The aim of the present study is to examine the role of AT2R and BK2R in mediating the effect of HK (high dietary K
+
) intake on the basolateral K
+
channels, NCC, and renal K
+
excretion. Feeding mice (male and female) with HK diet for overnight significantly decreased the basolateral K
+
conductance, depolarized the DCT membrane, diminished the expression of pNCC (phosphorylated NCC) and tNCC (total NCC), and decreased thiazide-sensitive natriuresis. Overnight HK intake also increased the expression of cleaved ENaC-α and -γ subunits but had no effect on NKCC2 expression. Pretreatment of the mice (male and female) with PD123319 and HOE140 stimulated the expression of tNCC and pNCC, augmented hydrochlorothiazide-induced natriuresis, and increased the negativity of the DCT membrane. The deletion of Kir4.1 not only decreased the NCC activity but also abolished the stimulatory effect of PD123319 and HOE140 perfusion on NCC activity. Moreover, the effect of overnight HK loading on Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the DCT and NCC expression/activity was compromised in the mice treated with AT2R/BK2R antagonists. Renal clearance study showed that inhibition of AT2R and BK2R impairs renal K
+
excretion in response to overnight HK loading, and the mice pretreated with PD123319 and HOE140 were hyperkalemic during HK intake. We conclude that synergistic activation of AT2R and BK2R is required for the effect of overnight HK diet on Kir4.1/Kir5.1 in the DCT and NCC activity.
Review of Scaura Schwarz, 1938 (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: NOGUEIRA DAVID SILVA , DOS SANTOS JÚNIOR JOSÉ EUSTÁQUIO , DE OLIVEIRA FAVÍZIA FREITAS , DE OLIVEIRA MARCIO LUIZ
Published: December 2019

Scaura Schwarz is a small, widely distributed Neotropical genus of stingless bees whose workers and males have the metabasitarsus as broad as or wider than the metatibia. The genus currently includes four valid species. A species complex composed of three additional species are described here as new (S. amazonica sp. n., S. aspera sp. n. and S. cearensis sp. n.). In addition to the descriptions and redescriptions of the species of Scaura, an illustrated identification key is presented, as well as updated geographical records.
Two new species of Cephalophoxoides Gurjanova, 1977 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Phoxocephalidae) from southeastern Brazil, with comments on the taxonomic status of the genus
Authors: ANDRADE LUIZ F. , SENNA ANDRÉ R.
Published: December 2019

Two new species of the genus Cephalophoxoides Gurjanova, 1977 are described. The material examined was collected during the Mini Biological Trawl (MBT) project, off Brazil’s southeastern coast on the states of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, at depths ranging from 34 to 75 meters. Cephalophoxoides fortisetus sp. nov. resembles C. homilis (Barnard, 1960) in some general aspects of mandible, propodus of gnathopods 1–2, basis of pereopod 5 and rami of uropod 1. However, it can be distinguished by the latter species mainly by distinct characters on the maxilliped, gnathopod 1, uropod 2 and uropod 3. Also, the new species presents 1 short and 2 long stout setae on the lobes of telson as a notable character. Cephalophoxoides obtusimanus sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by presenting gnathopod 1 with an obtuse and weakly chelate palm as an exclusive character of the genus. An identification key for all species of Cephalophoxoides of the world is provided.
Hyphessobrycon rheophilus, a new species from rapids of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins (Characiformes: Characidae: Stethaprioninae)
Authors: OHARA WILLIAN M. , TEIXEIRA TULIO F. , ALBORNOZ-GARZÓN JUAN G. , MIRANDE J. MARCOS , LIMA FLÁVIO C. T.
Published: December 2019

A new species from rapids of Rio Aripuanã, Rio Madeira basin, in Brazil, and from the same type of habitat in the upper Rio Negro and upper Rio Orinoco basins in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela is described and assigned to the genus Hyphessobrycon. The new species presents an interrupted lateral line plus a single perforated scale on caudal peduncle and a small dark blotch on dorsal procurrent caudal-fin rays, features not found in the other species of Hyphessobrycon. Comments on the phylogenetic position of the new species, its rheophilic habits, and the biogeographic implications of its distribution are presented.
From icon to punk portrait: The iconicity of the ruler image in the context of the transformation of the idea of the Serbian state
Authors: Bogusławska Magdalena
Published: December 2019

From icon to punk portrait: The iconicity of the ruler image in the context of the transformation of the idea of the Serbian stateThe article describes transformation in the iconographic forms of power representations in Serbian culture as determinants of the evolution of the idea of the State and Serbian political culture. In visual terms, the key stages of their development correspond to the genealogical dynastic image of the religious character (loza) in the middle ages, and the “disenchanted” historical and representative portrait of a ruler that was subordinated to the national idea on the threshold of modernity. These forms not only participate in the establishment of political leadership and the creation of the field of power, but they also stimulate their change. The author examines these issues from the perspective of visual studies, which problematize the phenomenon of the performativity of the image. A particular variation of the performativity of the image is iconicity, understood as drafting and making present reality using esthetic and visual values. The aim of the analysis is to show how the local, namely Serbian, pattern of culture of power models the universal mechanisms of forming and legitimizing the authority of the State. Od ikony do punk portretu. Ikoniczność wizerunku władcy w kontekście przemian idei państwa serbskiegoArtykuł dotyczy przeobrażeń ikonograficznych form reprezentacji władzy w kulturze serbskiej jako wyznaczników ewolucji idei państwa oraz kultury politycznej Serbów. W wymiarze wizualnym kluczowym etapom ich rozwoju odpowiadają: w średniowieczu genealogiczny wizerunek dynastyczny o charakterze religijnym (loza), a u progu nowożytności „odczarowany” portret historyczny i reprezentacyjny władcy, podporządkowany idei narodowej. Formy te uczestniczą w stanowieniu przywództwa politycznego i wytwarzaniu pola władzy oraz stymulują ich zmianę. Autorka rozpatruje te zagadnienia z perspektywy visual studies, które problematyzują zjawisko performatywności obrazu. Jej szczególną odmianą jest ikoniczność, rozumiana jako stanowienie i uobecnianie rzeczywistości za pomocą wartości estetycznych, wizualnych. Celem analizy jest ukazanie, w jaki sposób lokalny, tj. serbski wzór kultury władzy modeluje uniwersalne mechanizmy formowania i legitymizacji autorytetu państwa.
Rupture – Integration – Renewal: The gathering in Dalma and the creation of a political community in the Chronicle of the Priest of Dioclea
Authors: Kowalski Wawrzyniec
Published: December 2019

Rupture – Integration – Renewal: The gathering in Dalma and the creation of a political community in the Chronicle of the Priest of DiocleaIn this paper I would like to discuss an excerpt from the Chronicle of the Priest of Dioclea that concerns a great gathering ordered by the newly baptized King Svetopelek at the fields of Dalma. The Chronicle is a rather mysterious and controversial source which presents the history of a fictional state stretching through medieval Dalmatia and the hinterland. The division of the state which took place during Svetopelek’s reign shows how the chronicler believed the kingdom was to be governed. Space played a special role in the narrative about the gathering. Describing the King’s actions, the Priest of Dioclea simultaneously offered a geographical and political vision of a new order. The interpretation of the events that took place in Dalma (the coronation ceremony, the process of defining the borders of the kingdom and, above all, the unification of the newly founded state community) led to the conclusion that the chronicler was most interested in the problem of creating a political community of two previously hostile groups: the barbarian Slavs and the inhabitants of coastal cities, who were the heirs of the ancient world. Zerwanie, scalenie, odnowa. Wiec w Dalmie i tworzenie się wspólnoty politycznej w Latopisie popa DukljaninaLatopis popa Dukljanina to tajemnicza i kontrowersyjna narracja, która przedstawia losy fikcyjnego państwa rozciągającego się na terenie średniowiecznej Dalmacji i interioru. W artykule omówiono jego fragment poświęcony wydarzeniom na polach Dalmy, gdzie według dziejopisu odbył się wielki zjazd zwołany przez króla Svetopelka. Przedstawiono tu liczne opinie i pomysły dotyczące interpretacji opisanych wydarzeń: ceremonię koronacyjną, proces wytyczania granic, a przede wszystkim jednanie wspólnoty nowego państwa, i sformułowano wniosek, że Dukljanina najbardziej interesowała kwestia wyodrębniania się społeczności politycznej dwóch grup – dzikich Słowian i będących spadkobiercami antycznego świata mieszkańców wybrzeża.
Dynamics of the particular and the common: Monuments and patriotic tourism in socialist Yugoslavia – a case study of Kosovo
Authors: Rogoś Agata
Published: December 2019

Dynamics of the particular and the common: Monuments and patriotic tourism in socialist Yugoslavia – a case study of KosovoThis paper reflects on two case studies of monuments in Socialist Yugoslavia in Kosovo, commemorating World War II partisans in Mitrovica (1973) and Landovica (1963) and their performative functions as a part of the phenomena of patriotic tourism. Both examples refer to inter-ethnic (Serbian and Albanian) relations bound by the slogan brotherhood and unity. Boro and Ramiz, two figures present in Yugoslav collective memory and represented through monuments and orality, have become a symbol of unity in Socialist Yugoslavia. War memorials and monuments have been raised all over the territory of socialist Yugoslavia and created an invisible network of remembrance and identity. The most important sites, as those analyzed in this paper, have become destinations of patriotic tourism: they were visited by millions every year and were associated with huge print runs of tourist propaganda production such as maps, guide-books and postcards (apart from commercial tourist attractions, almost every postcard produced in socialist Yugoslavia presented a nearby monument or memorial). Dynamika indywidualizmu i wspólnoty. Pomniki i turystyka patriotyczna w socjalistycznej Jugoslawii – przypadek KosowaNiniejszy artykuł prezentuje dwa studia przypadku dotyczące pomników socjalistycznej Jugosławii na terenie Kosowa, upamiętniających partyzantów z czasów II wojny światowej w Mitrowicy (1973) i Landovicy (1963) oraz ich funkcji performatywnych w ramach zjawiska turystyki patriotycznej. Oba przykłady odnoszą się do relacji międzyetnicznych (serbskich i albańskich) połączonych hasłem: braterstwo i jedność. Dwaj partyzanci obecni w zbiorowej pamięci dzięki pomnikom i historii mówionej – Boro i Ramiz – stali się symbolem jedności w socjalistycznej Jugosławii. Pomniki i miejsca pamięci upamiętniające walkę usłały całe terytorium socjalistycznej Jugosławii i stworzyły niewidzialną sieć pamięci i tożsamości. Najważniejsze miejsca, jak te analizowane w artykule, stały się celami turystyki patriotycznej i są odwiedzane przez miliony turystów każdego roku. Były one związane z prowadzoną na dużą skalę propagandą turystyczną: publikowanymi w dużych nakładach mapami, przewodnikami i pocztówkami, które oprócz komercyjnych atrakcji turystycznych prezentowały pobliskie miejsca pamięci i pomniki.
Kościół ewangelicki augsburskiego wyznania na Śląsku Cieszyńskim na przełomie XIX i XX wieku a poszukiwanie tożsamości językowo-narodowej
Authors: Kubok Beata
Published: December 2019

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Cieszyn Silesia at the turn of the 20th century and searching for language and national identityThe article analyses the constituent parts of the identity of the Evangelical Church Augsburg Confessions (Lutheran) in Cieszyn Silesia from the 2nd half of the 19th century to 1945 years. The statutory time frames have allowed to trace the correlates of national culture, which is sourced in 19th century national movements. They led to the construction of a retrospective national history, in which in first place was a unique position of the Polish language and the confessional identity was defined in terms of Polishness. This predetermined national-religious pattern set for a period of about 100 years the nature of the Lutheran Church in Cieszyn Silesia. The article, in addition to the theoretical part, was supplemented with a study of the author's own archival documents of the seven Zaolzian Protestant congregations. Kościół ewangelicki augsburskiego wyznania na Śląsku Cieszyńskim na przełomie XIX i XX wieku a poszukiwanie tożsamości językowo-narodowejW artykule przeanalizowane zostały części składowe tożsamości Kościoła ewangelickiego augsburskiego wyznania (luterańskiego) na Śląsku Cieszyńskim od drugiej połowy XIX wieku do 1945 roku. Tak stanowione ramy czasowe pozwoliły prześledzić korelaty kultury narodowej, mające swe źródło w XIX-wiecznych ruchach narodowych. Doprowadziły one do konstruowania retrospektywnej historii narodowej, w której pierwsze miejsce zajmowała wyjątkowa pozycja języka polskiego, a tożsamość konfesyjna została zdefiniowana w kategoriach „polskości”. Ten z góry przyjęty wzorzec narodowo-religijny wyznaczył na okres około 100 lat charakter Kościoła luterańskiego na Śląsku Cieszyńskim. Artykuł, oprócz części teoretycznej, został uzupełniony o badania własne autorki archiwalnych dokumentów siedmiu zaolziańskich zborów protestanckich.
Anthony D. Smith (1939-2016) jako socjolog narodu: szkic do portretu intelektualnego
Authors: Poniedzialek Jacek
Published: December 2019

Anthony D. Smith (1939-2016) as a sociologist of the nation: a sketch to an intellectual portraitThe aim of this article is to present a sketch of the intellectual biography of Anthony D. Smith who is the creator of the theoretical perspective in sociology of nation, called ethnosymbolism. The text analyzes the impact of his childhood and early school education in a later life as a scholar and his future research of nations. It also presents the stages of his education and the interest in national issues shaped at that time, in particular studies on ancient history, general historiography or classic sociological theories. The article shows three stages of the formation of Smith's scientific views, from consistent modernism, to its correction, to radical ethnosymbolism. The text is a sketch of an intellectual biography, not a detailed analysis of the ethnosymbolic approach itself. Anthony D. Smith (1939-2016) jako socjolog narodu: szkic do portretu intelektualnegoCelem artykułu jest zaprezentowanie szkicu biografii intelektualnej Anthony’ego D. Smitha, twórcy perspektywy teoretycznej w socjologii narodu nazywanej etnosymbolizmem. W tekście dokonana zostanie analiza wpływu dzieciństwa i wczesnej edukacji szkolnej uczonego na podejmowane przez niego w przyszłości badania narodów. Ukazane zostaną etapy jego edukacji i kształtujące się wówczas zainteresowania problematyką narodową, w szczególności studia nad historią starożytną, historiografią powszechną czy klasycznymi teoriami socjologicznymi. Wyodrębnione zostały trzy etapy formowania się poglądów naukowych Smitha, od konsekwentnego modernizmu, przez jego korektę, do radykalnego etnosymbolizmu. Tekst jest szkicem biografii intelektualnej, a nie szczegółową analizą samego podejścia etnosymbolicznego.
The 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance: Trying to Make Sense of the Late Ratification of the African Charter and Non-Implementation of Its Compliance Mechanism
Authors: Engel Ulf
Published: December 2019

In principle, the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) could be a powerful instrument to bring the African Governance Architecture to life and to help ensure that its universal values, including respect for human rights and the rule of law, are implemented across all African Union member states. Yet how serious in reality are the latter on this question? Ratification of the African Charter has taken five years and, as of late 2019, the implementation of its compliance mechanism is still pending. This article asks how these empirical puzzles can be best addressed. In the absence of robust data on member states’ preferences and with a view to developing hypotheses for further research, this article inductively interrogates how data on the various regimes’ political liberties may or may not relate to the ratification of the African Charter and the implementation of the ACDEG compliance mechanism.
Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Slow/No-Reflow by Virtual Histology Imaging After Percutaneous Interventions on Saphenous Vein Grafts
Authors: Liu Yin , Li Chang-Ping , Wang Yue-Ying , Dong Ya-Nan , Liu Hong-Wei , Xiao Jian-Yong , Gao Ming-Dong , Wang Ji-Xiang , Li Xiao-Wei , Zhang Nan , Ma Jun , Gao Jing
Published: December 2019

Saphenous vein grafts disease (SVGD) is a common complication after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and usually treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this prospective cohort study, we performed virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound to investigate whether plaque composition and morphological characteristics were associated with post-PCI major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and slow/no-reflow in patients with SVGD. Patients (n = 90) were studied (76.7% men, mean age 64.9 ± 8.2 years and mean duration of SVG 8.0 ± 3.6 years). There were 77.8% lesions with a plaque burden of at least 70%; 18 MACE incidences accumulated in 14 patients over 12 months post-PCI and slow/no-reflow was observed in 12 patients. On adjusted multivariate analysis, lesion length (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.08]); age of CABG (HR = 1.51 [95% CI: 1.11-2.05], and absolute necrotic core (NC) area (HR = 8.04 [95% CI: 1.86-34.73]) were independently associated with MACEs. Factors independently associated with slow/no-reflow post-PCI were preprocedure systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96-0.99) and absolute NC area (OR = 2.47 (95% CI: 1.14-5.36). A cutoff value of absolute NC area at ≥1.1 mm2 may serve as a significant risk predictor for no-reflow after SVG-PCI. Factors associated with MACEs and the slow/no-reflow phenomenon following PCI of the SVG can be used in risk assessment of SVG.
Optimal Medical Therapy on Top of Dual-Antiplatelet Therapy: 1-Year Clinical Outcome in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: The START Antiplatelet Registry
Authors: Cirillo Plinio , Di Serafino Luigi , Taglialatela Vittorio , Calabrò Paolo , Antonucci Emilia , Gresele Paolo , Palareti Gualtiero , Patti Giuseppe , Pengo Vittorio , Pignatelli Pasquale , Marcucci Rossella
Published: December 2019

Optimal medical therapy (OMT) at discharge is recommended after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Few studies report the impact of OMT on long-term clinical outcome in a real-world scenario. We evaluated the impact of discharge OMT on top of dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) on clinical outcome in the real-world ACS population of the Survey on anTicoagulated pAtients RegisTer ANTIPLATELET registry. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), a composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or target vessel revascularization. The co-primary end point was net adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (NACE), based on MACCE plus major bleeding. Consecutive patients with ACS with 1-year follow-up were enrolled. They were evaluated at discharge for the use of a β-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blockers and statins. Optimal medical therapy was defined as the use of ≥2 of 3 medications. At multivariate analysis, both MACCE and NACE were significantly higher in non-OMT patients than in OMT patients (MACCE 18 [19] vs 59 [9], hazard ratio [HR] = 0.44 [0.26-0.75], P = .002, NACE 19 [20] vs 67 [10], HR = 0.47 [0.28-0.79], P = .004). In this real-world scenario, OMT at discharge on top of DAPT seems associated with a better clinical outcome compared with patients discharged on non-OMT.
Christchurch Psychiatric Epidemiology Study, Part II: Six Month and Other Period Prevalences of Specific Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Oakley-Browne Mark A. , Joyce Peter R. , Wells J. Elisabeth , Bushnell John A. , Hornblow Andrew R.
Published: December 2019

The Christchurch Psychiatric Epidemiology Study determined the occurrence (over 2 weeks, 1 month, 6 months, 12 months and life-time) of a number of specific DIS/DSM-III psychiatric diagnoses in the Christchurch urban area. Data were collected on 1498 randomly selected adults, aged between 18 and 64 years. The Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) was used to collect information to make a DSM-III diagnosis. The six month prevalence rates of disorder are presented and compared with available results from the NIMH Epidemiological Catchment Area Program, Puerto Rico and Edmonton. Other period prevalences for the total sample are also presented. Christchurch is shown to have higher six month prevalence rates for major depression and alcohol abuse/dependence than other sites which have utilised the DIS in community surveys.
Development of a Scale to Measure Interpersonal Sensitivity
Authors: Boyce Philip , Parker Gordon
Published: December 2019

We describe the development of a self-report measure (the Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure or IPSM). The IPSM generates a total score as well as five sub-scale scores: interpersonal awareness, need for approval, separation anxiety, timidity and fragile inner-self. Its reliability is demonstrated by high internal consistency in two separate groups, and by stability in scores over time in a non-clinical group. Studies of a clinical group of depressives showed change in scale scores following improvement in the depressive state, suggesting some sensitivity of the measure to mood state. The IPSM appears related to measures of neuroticism and to low self-esteem but not to a modified concept of neuroticism, emotional arousability. The constructs contributing to interpersonal sensitivity and their relevance to depression are considered. Some preliminary findings of higher scores in depressives compared to non-depressives are reported.
Prior Neurologic Illness and the Syndrome of Irreversible Lithium-Effectuated Neurotoxicity (Silent)
Authors: Adityanjee  , Balaraju K.B. , Ahuja G.K.
Published: December 2019

Prior neurologic illness or CNS insult of any kind is known to increase the vulnerability to neurotoxicity of lithium. In this event the occurrence of neurotoxicity does not correlate with serum lithium levels. The authors describe a patient with hemiparesis who developed the syndrome of irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity (SILENT) while being treated with lithium for a manic episode. The authors review the literature on this aspect and highlight the dangers of starting lithium treatment in patients with neurologic impairment.
Descending from demons, ascending to kshatriyas: Genealogical claims and political process in pre-modern Northeast India, The Chutiyas and the Dimasas
Authors: Shin Jae-Eun
Published: December 2019

One of the most interesting features of political tradition of pre-modern Northeast India was the presence of local powers tracing their descent from demonic beings. Historical evidence suggests that the demonic royal genealogy was proclaimed at a juncture of transition from pre-state to state society, though the time of transition varied according to the area where it occurred. The nuclear area of the early state of the lower Brahmaputra valley witnessed it in the seventh century, and the spread of state formation from the lower valley to other remote areas of the northeast after the thirteenth century facilitated the dissemination of this lineage model through the agency of brahmins. Asymmetry between the cultural authority of migrant brahmins and peripheral rulers was crucial in this process. Focusing on the Chutiyas and the Dimasas, the local powers established in the fourteenth-century Sadiya area and in the sixteenth-century Cachar hills respectively, the present study will discuss how the descendants of demons were finally approved as kshatriyas; what strategies were employed in this unusual form of legitimation, and how deviation from the traditional demonic lineage occurred. It will help us understand the specificity of political traditions in the peripheral regions of South Asia which cannot be subsumed under the overarching theoretical framework of legitimation.
Practical, economical, and simple technique for teaching microstrip antenna design
Authors: Chuma Euclides Lourenço , Iano Yuzo
Published: December 2019

This article presents a simple and economical technique for constructing a microstrip antenna for use in teaching the theory and practice of microstrip antenna design. The hardware components used to manufacture this microstrip antenna include an FR-4-printed circuit board, conductive copper tape, pencil, ruler, and scissors. Electromagnetic simulation software is an optional but helpful contribution to the process of teaching microstrip antenna theory.
One-shot learning technique regression of reconfigurable learning network for generative modeling in interconnected imaging infrastructure
Authors: Rai Ankush , Jagadeesh Kannan R.
Published: December 2019

Learning visual models of object classes conventionally require hundreds or a large number of training samples. Conventional gradient-based approaches for target recognition require lot of data to be trained on and require exhaustive training with high computational expense. Hence, when a new condition or untrained data is encountered, such systems inadequately misconfigure newly learned feature sets in the trained model. This misconfigures the structure of re-learned features and is then carried out in subsequent recognition stages. Thus, a development in this scenario with low training time will allow us to fend of this disadvantage. This study presents a new automatic target recognition framework that gives the enhanced performance of target-recognition system when several imaging sensors are connected with one another. This is in contrast with traditional automatic target recognition frameworks, which utilizes one-on-one computational model over synthetic-aperture radar image-processing systems. The work comprises of a learning-based classifications strategy when dealing with sharing of learned parameters over the network to discern critical changes in target-recognition performance by utilizing a novel one-shot learning-based reconfigurable learning network for image processing platform. This upgrades the networked connected CCTV and multiview synthetic-aperture radar image object identification and recognition process.
The Unexpected Consequences of China’s Cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Kavalski Emilian
Published: December 2019

The Central and East European (CEE) region is often overlooked in the conversations on contemporary geopolitics. Yet, owing to China’s growing relations in the CEE countries, the region has been subject to increasing international attention. By process tracing the development of the ‘17 + 1’ mechanism, this article offers a brief overview of Sino-CEE relations. Situated within the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the ‘17 + 1’ has provided a unique regional arrangement for extending Chinese influence in the CEE countries. This article explores whether there is something else than the instrumental economic reasoning for the willingness of CEE countries to partner with China. The analysis detects three distinct (and not always complementary) strategic narratives, motivating the participation of CEE states in the ‘17 + 1’ mechanism. The study concludes with an enquiry on China’s preparedness to respond to such identity geopolitics not only in the CEE region but also throughout the vast expanse covered by the BRI initiative.
Rise in the use of section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 in England and Wales: A viewpoint on Loughran (2018)
Authors: Cresswell Mark
Published: December 2019

This article provides a critical viewpoint on Loughran’s recent work in Medicine, Science and the Law on the causes of the rise in the police’s use of section 136 (s136) of the Mental Health Act 1983 (Loughran M. Detention under section 136: why is it increasing? Med Sci Law 2018; 58: 268–274). The rate of this rise seems significant: by 2014, it was five times more likely that a person in England would be detained in a hospital under s136 than it was in 2000, and the trend has continued to the present day. This viewpoint considers the significance of the s136 rise from the theoretical perspective of causal analysis.
Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Child Maltreatment, Recent Bereavement, and Average Heart Rate
Authors: Saltzman Leia Y.
Published: December 2019

The study explores the sex differences in cardiovascular outcomes among bereaved individuals. In addition, the study differentiates the impact of child maltreatment and recent loss on the physical health of adult men and women. This study conducted a secondary analysis of data drawn from the Biomarker Subproject of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States ( n = 1,255). Analysis included a series of regression models estimated in Stata version 15.1. A main effect for both sex and loss was observed. Both male and female respondents with loss had higher average heart rates as compared to male respondents without loss. Interestingly, being a female without loss was also associated with a higher average heart rate as compared to males without loss. The findings suggest that sex differences in cardiovascular functioning do occur and that these differences may be exacerbated by experiences of trauma and loss, and this relationship has implications for assessment and intervention.
Validation of the Mexican Spanish Version of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience in a Sample of Medical and Psychology Students
Authors: Daniel-González Leopoldo , de la Rubia José Moral , Valle de la O Adrián , García-Cadena Cirilo H. , Martínez-Martí María Luisa
Published: December 2019

The Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) aims to measure affect with high transcultural validity. The bifactor model is the best theoretical option to represent affective balance, although it is not typically used in validation studies. The objectives of this research were to test a bifactor model vis-à-vis the traditional model composed of two correlated factors, to prove its invariance across sexes, and to provide evidence of concurrent validity. A nonprobability sample composed of 600 Mexican students of psychology and medicine was recruit. One-group and multigroup confirmatory factor analyses were carried out. The SPANE and the scales selected to assess depression, perceived stress, and satisfaction with life were applied. The bifactor model showed better goodness-of-fit indices than the two correlated factors model: Δχ2(11) = 121.436, p <  .  001, Δχ2/Δ df =  11.04 > 5, Δ GFI =  .034, Δ NFI =  .025, Δ NNFI =  .022, and Δ CFI =  .023 >.01. The internal consistency for the general factor as well as for the factor of positive affect was excellent, whereas it was good for the factor of negative affect. The measurement model was valid across sexes. The general factor of affective balance had a very high correlation with depression, high with perceived stress, and medium with satisfaction with life. It is concluded that SPANE is reliable and shows evidence of validity among Mexican student of psychology and medicine, and the bifactor model is adequate to represent affective balance.