bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a Rabbit Model of Giant Abdominal Wall Hernia
Authors: Yang Shuo , Chen Jie , Shen Yingmo , Wang Minggang , Zou Zhenyu , Jin Cuihong
Published: November 2018

Purpose. Animal models play an important role in abdominal wall hernia research. However, there is still no standard animal models for abdominal wall hernia. This study aimed to introduce a novel rabbit model of giant abdominal wall hernia. Methods. Sixteen 1-year-old New Zealand rabbits weighing 3 to 5 kg were used. After general anesthesia, a 5-cm longitudinal incision was made 2 cm lateral to the ventral midline, and a full-thickness laparotomy incision was made en bloc including the peritoneum (except skin). A full-thickness defect of the abdominal wall with a diameter of 3 cm was created. To increase the intraabdominal pressure, constipation was induced by deprivation of water perioperatively. The development of giant abdominal wall hernia was recorded. The bulge area of these rabbits was redissected to assess the hernia 3 months postoperatively. Results. Of the 16 rabbits, 13 (81.25%) rabbits had grade I healing and 3 (18.75%) rabbits had grade III healing. Reversible abdominal bulge at the incisional site was observed in all rabbits 3 to 18 days postoperatively. The average maximum diameter of the bulge was 8.73 ± 1.00 cm. Redissection of the bulge area showed successful establishment of giant abdominal wall hernia. Conclusion. We successfully established a rabbit model of giant abdominal wall hernia, which may provide an easy-to-use tool for the research of abdominal wall hernia.
Abdominal Obesity is Associated With Lower Bone Mineral Density in Non-Weight-Bearing Site in Korean Men
Authors: Kim Min-Hee , Song Sang-Wook , Kim Kyung-Soo
Published: November 2018

This research aimed to investigate the relationship between abdominal obesity and lower bone mineral density (BMD) at non-weight-bearing site in Korean men using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is a nationwide cross-sectional survey. The study population ( n = 5,941) was selected from the 2009–2010 survey. Abdominal obesity in men was defined as waist circumference ⩾ 90 cm. Lower BMD state was defined as having T-score of −2.5 or below. To investigate the association, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. Abdominal obesity was highly associated with lower non-weight-bearing site (lumbar spine [LS]) BMD after adjustment (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% CI [1.06, 2.44], p = .026). Also, abdominal obesity was a risk factor for lower LS BMD, especially in age groups of those in their 20s and those over 60s (OR 5.53, 95% CI [1.27, 24.07], p = .023 for 20s; OR 2.19, 95% CI [1.19, 4.02], p = .011 for 60 years or older). Abdominal obesity in Korean men is associated with lower BMD at non-weight-bearing site (LS), especially in younger and older age groups. Further research might be recommended to prove the mechanism or causality.
A modified truncation singular value decomposition method for solving ill-posed problems
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Lin Riguang , Meng Zehong , He Guoqiang , You Lei , Zhou Yongxiong
Published: November 2018

A modified truncated singular value decomposition method for solving ill-posed problems is presented in this paper, in which the solution has a slightly different form. Both theoretical and numerical results show that the limitations of the classical TSVD method have been overcome by the new method and very few additive computations are needed.
Using an electronic portfolio to support the learning process of lower-secondary school pupils when choosing a career
Authors: Fuglík Viktor , Tocháček Daniel
Published: November 2018

The paper reports on the concept, implementation and findings of qualitative research focused on an electronic portfolio. The research aimed to explore the use of an electronic portfolio in the learning process of lower-secondary school pupils in the Czech Republic concerning their career choice. The primary research question was defined as whether we can consider an electronic portfolio as an appropriate learning tool to support pupils’ preparation for their career choice. The research sought to (a) analyse the current process of pupils’ preparation for their career choice; (b) evaluate the appropriateness of an electronic portfolio as a supportive learning tool for career choice based on the experience from last years; (c) evaluate the appropriateness of an electronic portfolio for the pupils’ self-reflection and self-evaluation development and (d) suggest optimum learning scenarios, which could be implemented into learning through educational activities. In the first stage of the action research, the pupils described their preferred occupation and specified formal and informal job requirements using cloud technologies. In the second stage, a teacher assessed pupils’ work with the assistance of an external interviewer. In the third stage, pupils prepared a curriculum vitae and cover letter for an imaginary employer using a professional portfolio. An imaginary recruitment process followed. It was organized by an external interviewer using pupils’ job applications.
Evaluation of children’s educational websites based on the developmental perspective
Authors: Ihmeideh Fathi
Published: November 2018

In this digital era, educational websites have become one of the important learning resources which facilitate children’s learning experiences. Although the use of educational websites in supporting children’s learning has progressively increased in Qatari schools, these websites are used without being evaluated in terms of their appropriateness for children. The aim of this study is to evaluate children’s educational websites used in Qatari schools based on the developmental perspective. It also intends to describe what children think about these websites and what types of online activities they undertake. A developmental scale was designed to evaluate how developmentally appropriate these websites are for children. Later, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 children to achieve a better understanding of their perceptions about the educational websites used in their schools. Findings of this study revealed that children’s educational websites are moderately appropriate. The websites were the most developmentally appropriate in the domains of “easy to navigate” and “technical design”, while “accessibility” and “instructional design” were the least appropriate domains. Moreover, there were significant differences in the appropriateness of children’s websites due to websites source and school types. Most children involved in the study expressed their satisfaction with some elements of the websites they use. Finally, academic activities were found to be the most common type of activities children participate in while using these websites. Recommendations for developing children’s educational websites in Qatar are discussed.
Conservative management and radical treatment in localised prostate cancer: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Ng Ka Ting , Kwok Pei En , Teoh Wan Yi
Published: November 2018

Background:

Several randomised control trials comparing conservative management (watchful waiting/observation/active monitoring) and radical treatments (radical prostatectomy/radiotherapy) for localised prostate cancer with at least more than 10 years of follow-up (median) have been published with conflicting findings. The primary aim of this study was to determine all-cause mortality and prostate cancer-related mortality between conservative management and radical treatment for localised prostate cancer.

Methods:

All randomised clinical trials were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and CENTRAL from their inception until September 2018.

Results:

Four trials were eligible ( n = 3211) for inclusion in the data synthesis. In patients who had radical treatment, the incidence of all-cause mortality and prostate cancer-related mortality (three trials, 3069 patients) were reduced (with odds ratio, i.e. 95% confidence interval (CI)), of 1.37 (1.14–1.64), ρ < 0.001, low quality of evidence and odd ratio (95% CI) of 1.74 (1.31–2.30), ρ < 0.001, low quality of evidence, respectively). The radical treatment group was associated with reduced incidence of distant metastases, the odds ratio (95% CI) being 1.87 (1.48–2.36), ρ < 0.001, low quality of evidence. However, patients who were randomised to radical treatment had a significantly higher incidence of erectile dysfunction (the odds ratio (95% CI) being 0.62 (0.39–0.98), ρ = 0.04, very low quality of evidence) and urinary incontinence (odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.42 (0.21–0.86), ρ = 0.02, very low quality of evidence).

Conclusions:

In summary, radical treatments reduce all-cause mortality, and prostate cancer-related and distant metastases, at the expense of higher incidence of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. The general quality of evidence ranged from very low to low.

Level of evidence: 1a

PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42017072687
Florida’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Address Racial Disparities Within the Criminal Justice System Using Results-Based Accountability
Authors: Yusef Kideste , Nelson Randy B. , Dix-Richardson Felecia
Published: November 2018

The current climate of criminal justice agencies reveals eroding community trust of local police advanced by growing attention to violence among police and citizens, differential justice in our courts, limited governmental accountability, and decades of overreliance on the correctional system and the mass incarceration of our most vulnerable citizens. The policies and practices of criminal justice agencies coupled with the conditions in which many Americans live have contributed to an overrepresentation of African Americans/Blacks within police interactions and arrests, in courts and sentencing, corrections, and juvenile justice. Similarly, the underrepresentation of African American/Blacks as practitioners and workers within these agencies have yielded a dichotomized view in which African Americans represent “the most of the worst and least of the best.” In effort to reverse these trends, the Florida Historically Black Colleges and Universities Expanding the Bench Project utilizes the consortium of Florida’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (FL HBCUs) as an effective mechanism to educate and train criminal justice, sociology, social work, education, psychology, and STEM science faculty and students on performance management using the Results-Based Accountability framework. The purpose of the Annie E. Casey Foundation sponsored project is to increase the representation of people of color with knowledge and expertise in program evaluation. With approximately 3,000 students (undergraduate/graduate) and 30+ faculty members represented among the social, education, and behavioral science disciplines of FL HBCUs, the consortium is uniquely positioned to develop and train current and future human service professionals, leaders, and experts in Florida and nationally.
Poor Performance on Single-Legged Hop Tests Associated With Development of Posttraumatic Knee Osteoarthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Wellsandt Elizabeth , Axe Michael J. , Snyder-Mackler Lynn
Published: November 2018

Background:

The risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA) is substantially increased after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Tools are needed to identify characteristics of patients after ACL injury who are most at risk for posttraumatic OA.

Purpose:

To determine whether clinical measures of knee function after ACL injury are associated with the development of radiographic knee OA 5 years after injury.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 76 athletes (mean age, 28.7 ± 11.3 years; 35.5% female) with ACL injury were included. Clinical measures of knee function (quadriceps strength, single-legged hop tests, patient-reported outcomes) were assessed after initial impairment resolution (baseline), after 10 additional preoperative or nonoperative rehabilitation sessions (posttraining), and 6 months after ACL reconstruction or nonoperative rehabilitation. Posterior-anterior bent-knee radiographs were completed at 5 years and graded in the medial compartment by use of the Kellgren-Lawrence system. Logistic regression models were used at each of the 3 time points to determine the ability of clinical measures to predict knee OA at 5 years.

Results:

Of the 76 patients, 9 (11.8%) had knee OA at 5 years. After adjustment for ACL reconstruction compared with nonoperative management, ipsilateral second ACL injuries, and the presence of contralateral knee OA, clinical measures of knee function at posttraining (6-m timed hop, Knee Outcomes Survey–Activities of Daily Living Scale) explained the most variance in posttraumatic OA development at 5 years ( P = .006; ▵ R2, 27.5%). The 6-m hop test was the only significant posttraining predictor of OA at 5 years ( P = .023; patients without OA, 96.6% ± 5.4%; patients with OA, 84.9% ± 14.1%). Similar significant group differences in hop scores and subjective knee function were present at baseline. No significant group differences in clinical measures existed at 6 months after ACL reconstruction or nonoperative rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

Poor performance in single-legged hop tests early after ACL injury but not after reconstruction or nonoperative rehabilitation is associated with the development of radiographic posttraumatic knee OA 5 years after injury. Clinical measures of knee function were most predictive of subsequent OA development following an extended period of rehabilitation early after ACL injury.
Adapting the Breast Cancer Surgery Decision Quality Instrument for Lower Socioeconomic Status: Improving Readability, Acceptability, and Relevance
Authors: Durand Marie-Anne , Song Julia , Yen Renata West , Sepucha Karen , Politi Mary C. , Dhage Shubhada , Rosenkranz Kari , Margenthaler Julie , Tosteson Anna N. A. , Crayton Eloise , Jackson Sherrill , Bradley Ann , O’Malley A. James , Volk Robert J. , Ozanne Elissa , Percac-Lima Sanja , Acosta Jocelyn , Mir Nageen , Scalia Peter , Ward Abigail , Elwyn Glyn
Published: November 2018

Introduction. Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy in women. The Decision Quality Instrument (DQI) measures the extent to which patients are informed and involved in breast surgery decisions and receive treatment that aligns with their preferences. There are limited data on the performance of the DQI in women of lower socioeconomic status (SES). Our aims were to 1) examine (and if necessary adapt) the readability, usability, and acceptability of the DQI and 2) explore whether it captures factors important to breast cancer surgery decisions among women of lower SES (relevance). Methods. We conducted semistructured cognitive interviews with women of lower SES (based on insurance status, income, and education) who had completed early-stage breast cancer treatments at three cancer centers. We used a two-step thematic analysis with dual independent coding. The study team (including Patient Partners and a Community Advisory Board) reviewed and refined suggested changes. The revised DQI was presented in two focus groups of breast cancer survivors. Results. We conducted 39 interviews. Participants found most parts of the DQI to be helpful and easy to understand. We made the following suggested changes: 1) added a glossary of key terms, 2) added two answer choices and an open text question in the goals and concerns subscale, 3) reworded the treatment intention question, and 4) revised the knowledge subscale instructions since several women disliked the wording and were unsure of what was expected. Discussion. The readability, usability, acceptability, and relevance of a measure that was primarily developed and validated in women of higher SES required adaptation for optimal use by women of lower SES. Further research will test these adaptations in lower SES populations.
An anatomy of time explicit planning behavior for urban complexity
Authors: Lai Shih-Kung
Published: November 2018

Planning has long been perceived as intervention in a complex spatial system that tends toward equilibrium. In this perspective, time is implicit and dynamic details do not matter. As a result, little has been said in the literature about planning behavior that takes into account time and dynamic details. Exploration into planning behavior is important in the face of complex systems that are path dependent and far from equilibrium. The purpose of the present paper is therefore to model normative planning behavior based on Savage’s ( 1954 ) utility theory, Marschak’s ( 1974 ) theory of teams, and Hopkins’s (1980) definition of plans (i.e. planning is an activity of information gathering and producing to reduce uncertainty), to interpret the planner’s behavior on plan making, implementation, and revision. This model fits well the emerging perspective of the city in that urban development is non-equilibrium. We first define a simplified planning environment in which there are only one planner and one actor with three worlds: the grand world, the planner’s world, and the actor’s world, the latter two being small worlds. The notion of small world was first proposed by Savage ( 1954 ) and provides a useful way of explaining planning behavior. In the small worlds, the planner and the actor simultaneously select optimal actions among a set in order to maximize their expected utilities. Due to the mathematical property of the small world notion, planning behavior thus defined can be formulated analytically so that the planning process can be depicted in a precise, concrete language. The model proposed in the present paper is normative in nature, emphasizing on how planning behavior should take place and providing insights into how that behavior actually does come about in reality. In its current formulation, the model is only a preliminary approximation of normative planning behavior, but prompts some research questions worth pursuing, such as how multiple planners and actors make and use plans in a more complex situation and what planning procedures would be effective through computer simulations in the face of complexity.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MNAT1 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer and mediates p53 ubiquitin-degradation to promote colorectal cancer malignance
Authors: Zhou Shan , Lu Jinping , Li Yuejin , Chen Chan , Cai Yongqiang , Tan Gongjun , Peng Zhengke , Zhang Zhenlin , Dong Zigang , Kang Tiebang , Tang Faqing
Published: November 2018

Background

MNAT1 (menage a trois 1, MAT1), a cyclin-dependent kinase-activating kinase (CAK) complex, high expresses in various cancers and is involved in cancer pathogenesis. However, mechanisms underlying its regulation in carcinogenesis are unclear.

Methods

The tissue microarray of colorectal cancer (CRC) was used to evaluate MNAT1 expressions in CRC tissues using immunohistochemistry, CRC cell lines were also detected MNAT1 expression using Western-blotting. MNAT1 and shMNAT1 vectors were constructed, and transfected into CRC cells. Cell growths of the transfected cells were observed using MTT and colony formation. The affects of MNAT1 on p53 expression were analyzed using Western-blotting and Real-time PCR. Immunoprecipitation assay was used to analyze the interaction p53 and MNAT1, and Western-blotting was used to test the effects of MNAT1 on p53 downstream molecules. The apoptosis of CRC cells with MNAT1 or shMNAT1 were analyzed using flow cytometry. BABL/c athymic nude mice were used to observe the effect of MNAT1 on CRC cell growth in vivo.

Results

MNAT1 was found to be overexpressed in CRC tissues and cells, and MNAT1 expressions in CRC tissue samples were associated with CRC carcinogenesis and poor patient outcomes. MNAT1-knockin increased CRC cell growth and colony formation, and MNAT1-knockdown dramatically decreased cell motility and invasion. MNAT1 physically interacted with p53, MNAT1 also increased the interaction of MDM2 with p53. Strikingly, MNAT1 mediated p53 ubiquitin-degradation. MNAT1 shortened p53 half-life, and ectopic MNAT1 expression decreased p53 protein stability. Moreover, MNAT1 induced RAD51 and reduced p21, cleaved-caspase3, cleaved-PARP and BAX expression. MNAT1 inhibited CRC cell apoptosis. shMANT1 decreased tumor growths in nude mice following p53 increase.

Conclusion

MNAT1 binds to p53, mediates p53 ubiquitin-degradation through MDM2, increases cell growth and decreases cell apoptosis, and finally promotes CRC malignance. MNAT1 binding to p53 and mediating p53 ubiquitin-degradation axis represents a novel molecular joint in the p53 pathway.
A tissue communication network coordinating innate immune response during muscle stress
Authors: Green Nicole , Walker Justin , Bontrager Alexandria , Zych Molly , Geisbrecht Erika R.
Published: November 2018

Complex tissue communication networks function throughout an organism's lifespan to maintain tissue homeostasis. Using the genetic model Drosophila melanogaster, we have defined a network of immune responses that are activated following the induction of muscle stresses, including hypercontraction, detachment and oxidative stress. Of these stressors, loss of the genes that cause muscle detachment produced the strongest levels of JAK-STAT activation. In one of these mutants, fondue (fon), we also observe hemocyte recruitment and the accumulation of melanin at muscle attachment sites (MASs), indicating a broad involvement of innate immune responses upon muscle detachment. Loss of fon results in pathogen-independent Toll signaling in the fat body and increased expression of the Toll-dependent antimicrobial peptide Drosomycin. Interestingly, genetic interactions between fon and various Toll pathway components enhance muscle detachment. Finally, we show that JAK-STAT and Toll signaling are capable of reciprocal activation in larval tissues. We propose a model of tissue communication for the integration of immune responses at the local and systemic level in response to altered muscle physiology.
Psychiatrists and occupational burnout syndrome – a phenomenon, a problem, a threat?
Authors: Makara-Studzińska Marta , Madej Agata , Cyranka Katarzyna , Szułdrzyński Konstanty , Nowina-Konopka Maria , Tylec Anna
Published: November 2018

Współczesny pracownik staje w obliczu pojawiających się coraz to nowych zagrożeń, uciążliwości oraz trudności. Istnienie stresogennych warunków pracy oraz zjawisk patologicznych (mobbing, pracoholizm) generuje psychologiczne koszty, obniżając tym samym efektywność i możliwości adaptacyjne pracownika. Jedną ze składowych pracy zawodowej jest syndrom wypalenia zawodowego. Zjawisko to analizowane jest w kontekście różnych zawodów. Pracownicy służby zdrowia zajmujący się zdrowiem psychicznym są na nie szczególnie narażeni. Celem niniejszej pracy jest przedstawienie wyników badań dotyczących wypalenia zawodowego w grupie lekarzy psychiatrów. Przeszukano elektroniczne bazy danych oraz publikacje empiryczne z lat 2000-2017. Aby zidentyfikować doniesienia spełniające wybrane kryteria selekcji, prace poddano krytycznej ocenie. W prezentowanych badaniach wykazano , iż syndrom wypalenia zawodowego najczęściej prezentowany jest zgodnie z modelem teoretycznym zaproponowanym przez Christinę Maslach (obejmujący wymiar depersonalizacji, emocjonalnego wyczerpania oraz poczucia braku osobistych osiągnięć). Wśród czynników ryzyka wymienia się m.in.: zbyt długi czas pracy , niskie zarobki, negatywny obraz siebie, specyfikę leczonych pacjentów, konflikty ze współpracownikami, poziom satysfakcji z wykonywanej pracy, niewystarczająca liczba superwizji swojej pracy. Otrzymane rezultaty pokazały, iż wypalenie zawodowe stanowi istotną składową życia zawodowego lekarzy psychiatrów. Zatem warto byłoby objąć szczególną uwagą już studentów medycyny, aby zapoznać ich z tematyką wypalenia zawodowego. Wymagana byłaby troska o ich przygotowanie merytoryczne, kompetencje interpersonalne, kształtowanie realistycznych przekonań zawodowych oraz wyposażenie w konstruktywne umiejętności radzenia sobie z sytuacjami stresogennymi.
Ancestralidade negro-brasileira no romance Ponciá Vicêncio, de Conceição Evaristo
Authors: Freitas Ricardo Oliveria de , Santos Sandra Andrade dos
Published: November 2018

Investigamos o modo com que a ancestralidade negro-brasileira vai se apresentar como elemento constitutivo na narrativa de Conceição Evaristo, através da análise do romance de sua autoria, Ponciá Vicêncio (2003). Reconhecendo a densidade literária da autora, exploramos a construção da personagem Ponciá Vicêncio, apresentando elementos identificadores do que defendemos como sendo um conjunto de traços de ancestralidade presentes na obra. Relacionamos esses elementos às categorias de memória e silêncio. Apoiados no romance Ponciá Vicêncio, analisamos os modos e formas com que Conceição Evaristo, através do artifício da escrevivência (a escrita do cotidiano, da memória da sua vida e do seu povo). Com isso, revelamos a experiência de ser mulher negra numa sociedade pós-abolicionista, que, sem abrir mão do caráter poético, utiliza como dispositivos aspectos da ancestralidade negro-brasileira com grande aporte da memória, de uma memória ancestral negro-brasileira.
A religião como matéria prima da poesia
Authors: Da Conceição Douglas Rodrigues
Published: November 2018

O presente artigo, partindo da perspectiva que põe em evidência as relações estabelecidas entre religião e literatura no campo das Ciências da Religião, visita a poesia de Luís Augusto Cassas, poeta contemporâneo, mas antes sobrevoa muito brevemente a poesia de Gregório de Matos. Mais do que propor somente uma crítica à religião pela poesia de Cassas, o texto em questão pretende abrir portas para que se pense, sobretudo, a religião enquanto matéria prima das expressões literárias.
A cultura urbana periférica – silenciamentos e táticas
Authors: Alves Gonçalves Rôssi
Published: November 2018

Neste artigo nos propomos a analisar duas manifestações fundamentais da arte urbana da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, entendendo-as como narrativas anti-canônicas da cidade- as Rodas Culturais e os Bailes Funk, produzidas por sujeitos advindos das periferias cariocas. Buscaremos refletir sobre as constantes dificuldades impostas pelo poder público à realização destas intervenções, assim como detectar e analisar as táticas usadas por esses sujeitos para suplantar essas dificuldades e colocar em circulação a sua arte. No Rio, o silenciamento dessas expressões dá-se pela proibição de Bailes Funk nas favelas e pela repressão à ocupação do espaço público pelas Rodas Culturais. Entretanto, dado que o campo da cultura se apresenta como processo, tal situação de silenciamento não se fixa: se há fronteiras simbólicas e reais restringindo o fazer artístico desses jovens, elas também produzem contranarrativas em que ficam explícitas as inovadoras maneiras de criar arte em contexto de criminalização. A ação desses sujeitos periféricos tem trazido à cena cultural carioca trocas, hibridismos, experimentações variadas que encontram nas quadras, ruas e praças um lugar de acolhimento.
Poetry and Art
Authors: Fraser Bashabi
Published: November 2018

Poetry and art
HISTORICAL ORTHOPHOTOS CREATED ON BASE OF SINGLE PHOTOS - SPECIFICS OF PROCESSING
Authors: Hodač Jindřich , Zemánková Anna
Published: November 2018

This article focuses on problematics of creating digital orthophotos using historical aerial photos. The project is part of a grant project that deals with change in rural architecture over the last two centuries. The orthophotos are one of the outputs created in the grant project and illustratively represent development of the selected villages over the last 80 years. In addition to orthophotos other outputs such as analytical map data (development of selected villages since the years around 1830 till present) are created. The article describes the current state of orthophoto creation and also difficulties that might be encountered at processing of historical photos. The specificity of this project is in small areas (primarily built-up areas of selected villages) that are processed. Such an area is usually captured only in one or two photos, which significantly affects the way of the photogrammetric processing. The project involves three preselected villages. Orthophotos are created for each of them in three terms (approximately 1938 + 1970 + 1985) and this chronological order is amended with purchased data for the year 1953 and the present. The time series of orthophotos, together with other inputs, bring better understanding to the development of rural settlements in the context of socio-historical events – e.g. Second World War, socialist expropriation, collectivization, agricultural large-scale production, changes in ownership after 1989 etc.
THE EFFECT OF AXIAL COMPRESSION RATIO ON SEISMIC BEHAVIOR OF INFILLED REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAMES WITH PROFILED STEEL SHEET BRACING
Authors: Feng Ningning , Wu Changsheng , Ma Junyue , Mao Xiaotian
Published: November 2018

Seven infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames strengthening with profiled steel sheet bracing are researched on the effect of axial compression ratio (0.3~0.9). Hysteretic curves, envelope curves, stiffness degradation curves, ductility and energy dissipation capacity are analysed in the finite element. The results show that profiled steel sheet bracing plays a good role in reinforcing infilled RC frames and the hysteretic curves express plump relatively. With the increase of axial compression ratio, the bearing capacity is improved significantly. The axial compression ratio has little effect on the lateral stiffness of the structure, and the initial stiffness increases slightly with the increase of axial compression ratio. The structure has good ductility when the axial compression ratio is less than 0.6. The ductility is declined with the increase of axial compression ratio. As the displacement increases, the energy dissipation capacity of the specimens increases. However, the energy dissipation capacity is reduced as the increase of axial compression ratio.
Impact of adipose tissue on prostate cancer aggressiveness – analysis of a high-risk population
Authors: Delouya Guila , Tiberi David , Bhatnagar Sahir R. , Campeau Shanie , Saad Fred , Taussky Daniel
Published: November 2018

Background

We investigated whether visceral adiposity is associated with more aggressive disease at prostatectomy.

Materials and methods

Four hundred and seventy-four patients referred for postoperative adjuvant or salvage radiotherapy were included in this study. Primary endpoints were positive surgical margins (pSM) or extracapsular extension (ECE). Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were manually contoured. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed.

Results

In univariate analysis, VAT volume (p = 0.006), adipose tissue ratio (VAT/SAT, p = 0.003), density of the SAT (p = 0.04), as well as age (p < 0.001) were associated with pSM. In the univariate analysis, SAT density was associated with a trend towards a higher rate of ECE (p = 0.051) but visceral fat volume (p = 0.01), as well as the adipose tissue ratio (p = 0.03) were both protective factors. None of the adipose tissue measurements or BMI had an influence on biochemical recurrence or overall survival (all p ≥ 0.5).

Conclusions

SAT-volume and increased SAT-density were generally associated with more aggressive prostate cancers whereas VAT as a protective factor. These findings emphasize a possible mechanism for the association between obesity and prostate cancer aggressiveness.
Evaluating RSOA Performance with Optical Logic Gates at 100 Gbps Data Rate
Authors: Tripathi Devendra Kr.
Published: November 2018

All optical logic gates are the key elements of contemporary optical computing unit. For that non-linear attribute of reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA) is exploited to configure optical logic gates. Accordingly, in the manuscript all optical OR/NOR/Buffer binary logic network for the nonreturn to zero format has been designed. Its operation at 100 Gbps data rate has been successfully realized. For the applied data inputs in nonreturn to zero patterns, their corresponding output waveforms for the stated logic action have been verified. Numerical investigations for the imperative design constraints as data rate, injected power and imperative elements of the semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) pump current, carrier density, active length, confine factor, laser power has been appropriately executed with optimum performance. It has depicted good extinction ratio (>10 dB) performance with confine factor more than 0.2 and higher carrier density of amplifier. Further, it also accomplished, that for the OR, buffer logic execution with lower power of pump laser and for the NOR logic execution higher power laser pump source is required. The proposed design could fulfill need for the impending higher data rate composite optical computing units.
The Priestly Slave Revolt in Morality
Authors: Loeb Paul S.
Published: November 2018

In this essay I evaluate a new and influential interpretation of Nietzsche’s idea of the slave revolt in morality. This interpretation was first proposed by Bernard Reginster and has since been extended by R. Lanier Anderson and Avery Snelson. Citing textual evidence from Beyond Good and Evil and On the Genealogy of Morality, these scholars have argued for the counterintuitive view that nobles, not slaves, instigated the slave revolt in morality. This is because Nietzsche says that nobles create new values, introduces priests as nobles, and claims that priests began the slave revolt. However, against this new approach I argue that these scholars neglect important evidence from these same texts in which Nietzsche claims that the psychologically slavish can also create values, assumes that politically subordinated nobles can lose their psychological nobility, and asserts that the slave revolt was instigated by psychologically slavish priests. I also argue that these scholars ignore Nietzsche’s related claims that the priestly peasant Luther renewed the Jewish slave revolt against re-ascendant Roman nobles and that the plebeian philosopher Socrates led a slave revolt in morality against the Athenian nobles. Thus, it turns out that none of the leaders of the slave revolt were noble and that one of them was not even priestly. I conclude with a defense of the traditional and straightforward view that Nietzsche always conceived of the slave revolt in morality as an act of revenge by oppressed people who are politically and psychologically ignoble.
Representationalism in Nietzsche’s Early Physics: Cosmology and Sensation in the Zeitatomenlehre
Authors: Rayman Joshua
Published: November 2018

Nietzsche’s 1873 fragment, the Zeitatomenlehre, posits a temporal conception of action at a distance where space is reduced to a single point and time consists only in a series of discrete atoms. Taken as a physical doctrine that destroys all spatial difference, this conception raises serious conflicts with the rest of his work. I describe and situate this theory within the historical context of debates over action at a distance in nineteenth-century physics, distinguish it from physical theories influential on Nietzsche, and argue that these conflicts can be resolved only by viewing it in the anti-metaphysical phenomenalist and representational terms that he also expressed in his early work.
Eugen Dühring: Ein handschriftliches „Nietzsche“-Stichwort von 1896
Authors: Rauh Hans-Christoph
Published: November 2018

Eugen Dühring - A handwritten note on ‘Nietzsche’ from 1896. This paper contains the first publication of a yet unknown manuscript, which Eugen Dühring wrote in response to his reading of - in part falsified and decontextualized - passages about him in Koegel’s edition of Nietzsche’s late notes. Dühring’s note reveals blatant anti-Semitism and he vituperates Nietzsche as a ‘lawyer’ of Jews. The note is subsequently used in later publications of Dühring and his followers. The paper continues to reconstruct Dühring’s engagement with Nietzsche and discusses some aspects of Nietzsche’s reading of Dühring. Despite Dühring’s significance for Nietzsche’s philosophical development, initial similarities are outweighed by important differences.
Complexity and Ambivalence in Nietzsche’s Relationship with Wagner
Authors: Holub Robert C.
Published: November 2018

This review essay expands on two excellent collections dealing with Nietzsche and Wagner and is drawn from the proceedings of conferences in the bicentennial year of Wagner’s birth. It points to four areas underplayed in the contributions. The first involves Nietzsche’s adoption of Wagnerian ideology, especially anti-Judaism, in the late 1860s and early 1870s. The second deals with Nietzsche’s actual activities and sentiments regarding the inaugural Bayreuth festival in 1876 and his later reports of these activities and sentiments. A third topic concerns the break from Wagner, its likely causes, and its stylization in Nietzsche’s recollections from the 1880s. And lastly the essay examines the ambivalence toward Wagner in Nietzsche’s writings from 1888 as part of an autobiographical imperative. In general, the collections reviewed place too much trust in Nietzsche’s own accounts of the relationship with Wagner and fail to recognize that, especially in the 1880s, the philosopher is engaged in a process of self-fashioning to bring his current views into harmony with a history embellished and manipulated to give the appearance of linear development and consistent beliefs.
Prinzipien der Sprachwahl im Tourismus, mit Schwerpunkt auf sprachlicher Höflichkeit
Authors: Ammon Ulrich
Published: November 2018

After defining the concept of ‚tourist‘ and distinguishing ‚inbound tourists‘ from ‚outbound tourists‘, the article focuses on questions of politeness towards tourists who are seen and treated as customers of their goals’ tourist industry. One possibility of treating them politely is the adequate language choice with respect to their mother tongue, I which they will, as a rule expect to be addressed, if it is a language of considerable international standing (e.g. French or German) or spoken by many tourists in the respective location. Otherwise they will consider it at least more polite to be addressed in a lingua franca, mostly English, than in the local language of the tourist destination. Tourist will find it particularly polite to be addressed in their own mother language if it does not rank among the more international languages. These hypotheses are deduced from well-founded politeness theories based on face-saving and identity assumptions and are illustrated by examples in order to show ways of further empirical corroboration or falsification.
Nine Post-Hexaplaric Readings in the Arabic Translation of the Book of Numbers by al-Ḥārith b. Sinān b. Sunbāṭ (10th c. CE)
Authors: Monferrer-Sala Juan Pedro
Published: November 2018

MSS Laud. Or. 243 (= A2) und Laud. Or. 248 (= A3) bewahren neun nach-hexaplarische (A3 nur zwei) Lesungen der arabischen Version des Numeribuches, das von al-Ḥārith b. Sinān b. Sunbāṭ (10. Jhd. n. Chr.) nach der Syro-Hexapla Version von Paul von Tellā übersetzt wurde. Diese neun nach-hexaplarischen Lesungen, die mit den Aristarchianischen Symbolen markiert sind, werden mit der Erwartung untersucht, dass sie neues Licht auf die Entwicklung der nach-hexaplarischen Studien in der syrisch-arabischen Periode werfen werden. Zugleich werden Informationen zu den Techniken und Strategien, die der arabische Übersetzer einsetzte, zur Verfügung gestellt, um die Edition bislang unpublizierter hexaplarischer arabischer Texte zu befördern.
Public relations excellence
Authors: Rizzo Antonina
Published: November 2018

In this commentary, the author explains why theoretical publicrelations scholarship is necessary to focus on the impact of behaviourin three areas: socio-cultural studies on internal businessculture; organization-public relationship (OPR) focusedon publics’perceptions; and functional integrative stratificationin the context of an organization to its society and in the evolutionof public relations practice. Research in these three areasstand to enhance internal collaboration, facilitate quality relationshipswith publics, build organizational acceptance in society,and outline the evolution of public relations—all of whichestablish excellence in the field of public relations.
Public relations in strategic management
Authors: Dottori Mark , Séguin Benoît , O'Reilly Norm
Published: November 2018

This article proposes that it is advantageous for organizations’public relations (PR) departments to adopt strategic managementas a core function. A series of theories that have shapedour understanding of organizational strategy were reviewedto identify links to PR practice and scholarship, suggesting PRshould move beyond providing information and assisting inthe implementation of strategy. Instead, PR should facilitatethe ongoing process of becoming ‘strategized’ towards desiredorganizational characteristics. This perspective provides a linkbetween strategy and PR theory, allowing each to bring newthoughts and insights to the other, providing a future researchagenda for PR. Findings also support a resulting pathway perGrunig’s (1992, 2013) desire that PR practitioners be included inthe strategy apex of an organization (Mintzberg, 1979).
Overweight Mice Show Coordinated Homeostatic and Hedonic Transcriptional Response across Brain
Authors: De Toma I. , Grabowicz I. E. , Fructuoso M. , Trujillano D. , Wilczyński B. , Dierssen M.
Published: November 2018

Obesogenic diets lead to overeating and obesity by inducing the expression of genes involved in hedonic and homeostatic responses in specific brain regions. However, how the effects on gene expression are coordinated in the brain so far remains largely unknown. In our study, we provided mice with access to energy-dense diet, which induced overeating and overweight, and we explored the transcriptome changes across the main regions involved in feeding and energy balance: hypothalamus, frontal cortex, and striatum. Interestingly, we detected two regulatory processes: a switch-like regulation with differentially expressed (DE) genes changing over 1.5-fold and “fine-tuned” subtler changes of genes whose levels correlated with body weight and behavioral changes. We found that genes in both categories were positioned within specific topologically associated domains (TADs), which were often differently regulated across different brain regions. These TADs were enriched in genes relevant for the physiological and behavioral observed changes. Our results suggest that chromatin structure coordinates diet-dependent transcriptional regulation.
Dopamine D2/3Binding Potential Modulates Neural Signatures of Working Memory in a Load-Dependent Fashion
Authors: Salami Alireza , Garrett Douglas D. , Wåhlin Anders , Rieckmann Anna , Papenberg Goran , Karalija Nina , Jonasson Lars , Andersson Micael , Axelsson Jan , Johansson Jarkko , Riklund Katrine , Lövdén Martin , Lindenberger Ulman , Bäckman Lars , Nyberg Lars
Published: November 2018

Dopamine (DA) modulates corticostriatal connections. Studies in which imaging of the DA system is integrated with functional imaging during cognitive performance have yielded mixed findings. Some work has shown a link between striatal DA (measured by PET) and fMRI activations, whereas others have failed to observe such a relationship. One possible reason for these discrepant findings is differences in task demands, such that a more demanding task with greater prefrontal activations may yield a stronger association with DA. Moreover, a potential DA–BOLD association may be modulated by task performance. We studied 155 (104 normal-performing and 51 low-performing) healthy older adults (43% females) who underwent fMRI scanning while performing a working memory (WM)n-back task along with DA D2/3PET assessment using [11C]raclopride. Using multivariate partial-least-squares analysis, we observed a significant pattern revealing positive associations of striatal as well as extrastriatal DA D2/3receptors to BOLD response in the thalamo–striatal–cortical circuit, which supports WM functioning. Critically, the DA–BOLD association in normal-performing, but not low-performing, individuals was expressed in a load-dependent fashion, with stronger associations during 3-back than 1-/2-back conditions. Moreover, normal-performing adults expressing upregulated BOLD in response to increasing task demands showed a stronger DA–BOLD association during 3-back, whereas low-performing individuals expressed a stronger association during 2-back conditions. This pattern suggests a nonlinear DA–BOLD performance association, with the strongest link at the maximum capacity level. Together, our results suggest that DA may have a stronger impact on functional brain responses during more demanding cognitive tasks.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDopamine (DA) is a major neuromodulator in the CNS and plays a key role in several cognitive processes via modulating the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal. Some studies have shown a link between DA and BOLD, whereas others have failed to observe such a relationship. A possible reason for the discrepancy is differences in task demands, such that a more demanding task with greater prefrontal activations may yield a stronger association with DA. We examined the relationship of DA to BOLD response during working memory under three load conditions and found that the DA–BOLD association is expressed in a load-dependent fashion. These findings may help explain the disproportionate impairment evident in more effortful cognitive tasks in normal aging and in those suffering dopamine-dependent neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease).
As Mulheres do Meu Pai: From Luanda to the Island of Mozambique, a road novel on board candongueiro
Authors: Costa Inês
Published: November 2018

The universality of the ideal of freedom offered by the road leads authors of different countries and cultures to adopt the road novel as a medium of expression, regardless its historical indissociability to the United States of America. In this regard, the aim of this work is to verify if the characteristics of As Mulheres do Meu Pai (2007), by José Eduardo Agualusa, allow it to be classified as a road novel in the context of African literature. It was concluded that the work fulfils the majority of this literary subgenre basis requirements, specially the inevitable link between the physical and spiritual journeys, the confluence of several narrative genres, the space cartography as a reflection of the characters’ contemplative attitude, and the use of motorized transport. The predominance of masculine -another condition required in the literary subgenre road novel- fails to be achieved, because in As Mulheres do Meu Pai the single feminine traveller claims the leading role, establishing herself as the main figure of the work