bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pill-Induced Esophagitis From Intake of Dietary Supplements
Authors: O'Donnell Conor , Tandon Parul , Govardhanam Vivek , Habal Flavio
Published: June 2019

Cases of pill-induced esophagitis can be associated with significant acute symptoms leading to hospitalization and have resulted in mediastinal penetration and hemorrhage. Clinicians often consider the diagnosis in patients taking classically associated medications. However, because many patients take dietary supplements, it is important to consider these as a potential etiology in a patient presenting with esophageal symptoms. We present a case of pill-induced esophagitis in a 40-year-old woman after the ingestion of l-arginine, selenium, and vitamin E supplements. Literature review revealed 6 cases of l-arginine–induced esophagitis reported, and no previous cases associated with vitamin E or selenium.
Clinical Potential of Circulating Tumor Cells in Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Baek Dong Hoon , Kim Gwang Ha , Song Geun Am , Han In Sub , Park Eun Young , Kim Hyun Sung , Jo Hong Jae , Ko Sang Hwa , Park Do Youn , Cho Yoon-Kyung
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood have been used as diagnostic markers in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we evaluated a CTC detection system based on cell size to assess CTCs and their potential as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for CRC.

METHODS:

From 2014 to 2015, 88 patients with newly diagnosed CRC, who were scheduled for surgery, and 31 healthy volunteers were enrolled and followed up in Pusan National University Hospital. CTCs were enriched using a centrifugal microfluidic system with a new fluid-assisted separation technique (FAST) and detected by cytomorphological evaluation using fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS:

Two or more CTCs were detected using FAST in 74 patients and 3 healthy volunteers. The number of CTCs in the CRC group was significantly higher than that in the healthy volunteers (P < 0.001). When a receiver operating characteristic curve was created to differentiate patients with CRC from healthy volunteers, the sensitivity and specificity were almost optimized when the critical CTC value was 5/7.5 mL of blood. When this value was used, the sensitivity and specificity in differentiating patients with CRC from the healthy controls were 75% and 100%, respectively. In patients with CRC with ≥5 CTCs, vascular invasion was frequently identified (P = 0.035). All patients with stage IV were positive for CTCs. Patients with ≥5 CTCs showed a trend toward poor overall and progression-free survival.

DISCUSSION:

Our study demonstrated promising results with the use of FAST-based CTC detection for the early diagnosis and prognosis of CRC.
Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria
Authors: Mugnier Clifford J.
Published: June 2019

The Grids & Datums column has completed an exploration of every country on the Earth. For those who did not get to enjoy this world tour the first time, PE&RS is reprinting prior articles from the column. This month's article on the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria was originally printed in 2001 but contains updates to their coordinate system since then.
Seleção de pontos-objeto visando o monitoramento de estruturas a partir da propagação de erros por simulação
Authors: Sampaio Lívia Faria , Dalazoana Regiane , Veiga Luis Augusto Koenig
Published: June 2019

Erros são inerentes ao processo de medida. Na prática, uma série de procedimentos são efetuados de forma a ter maior controle sobre estes erros.Trabalhos que envolvem levantamentos de campo visando o monitoramento de estruturas também apresentam incertezas associadas à instrumentação utilizada, tipo de mensurações e geometria da rede de monitoramento, esta última em função da localização da estação ocupada com o equipamento de medida em relação aos pontos que serão monitorados (pontos-objeto). Neste trabalho, são realizadas simulações visando prever o comportamento dos erros propagadas em um levantamento, considerando a utilização do método de estação livre (EL) para orientação da estação total (ET) e do método de irradiação tridimensional para o monitoramento de grandes estruturas civis, como barragens. Busca-se a modelagem e representação tridimensional dos erros propagados sobre a estrutura, de maneira a dar suporte aos técnicos de segurança de barragens na escolha e seleção de pontos-objeto de forma que, ao mesmo tempo que atendam à localização espacial requerida pela equipe de monitoramento civil, também apresente os menores valores propagados de variância. Com a metodologia da EL e irradiação tridimensional foram realizadas simulações em uma área teste considerando diferentes posições para implantação dos pontos de apoio para orientação da ET, e diferentes posições para a ET utilizada no levantamento. Os resultados da pesquisa permitiram observar o quanto a geometria referente à posição da ET influencia nos erros que supostamente serão obtidos em um levantamento. Além disso, os erros propagados foram representados tridimensionalmente no modelo da estrutura avaliada.
Geoprocessamento aplicado à identificação de áreas aptas para a implantação de unidades de conservação no Vale do Taquari, RS
Authors: Bianchini Cleberton Diego , Oliveira Guilherme Garcia de
Published: June 2019

Estudos e abordagens integradas para o planejamento ambiental e a redução dos impactos na natureza são fundamentais em função da complexidade do meio ambiente, da intervenção antrópica pouco organizada e da crescente utilização de recursos naturais. O uso de geotecnologias facilita e agiliza o trabalho de diagnóstico ambiental para definir áreas mais apropriadas para a conservação. Este estudo tem como objetivo determinar as áreas mais indicadas para a implantação de unidades de conservação (UCs) no Vale do Taquari, RS, Brasil, utilizando ferramentas de geoprocessamento. Utilizando-se a base de remanescentes da Mata Atlântica, extraiu-se os fragmentos vegetais com área igual ou maior que 100 ha. Com base nesses fragmentos foi realizada a definição das variáveis de entrada, o reescalonamento e a determinação dos pesos de cada variável, utilizando-se uma técnica de escolha baseada na lógica da comparação pareada denominada AHP (Processo Analítico Hierárquico). O resultado foi um mapa de ordenamento contendo os fragmentos com maior aptidão para implantação de UCs. No total, foram extraídos 235 fragmentos de vegetação e as variáveis analisadas em cada fragmento com seus respectivos pesos foram: o tamanho dos fragmentos (0,28), densidade de florestas (0,23), declividade média (0,08), índice de forma (0,16), distância média das rodovias (0,06) e das áreas urbanas (0,05), e densidade de nascentes (0,14). A multiplicação dos pesos com suas respectivas variáveis reescalonadas resultou em um mapa com aptidão de 0 a 100. A área que apresentou a maior aptidão foi o fragmento conhecido regionalmente como Morro Gaúcho. Pode-se concluir que a metodologia adotada ofereceu resultados consistentes, podendo ser utilizada para pré-selecionar futuras áreas de conservação.
La Batalla del Yi de 1702, aprender e investigar sobre una rebelión indígena casi desconocida
Authors: Yujnovsky Ines , Cansanello Pablo , Romero Florencia , Montorfano Carolina
Published: June 2019

Desde una experiencia en el aula reflexionamos acerca de las formas de construcción de los saberes históricos, a partir de un enfoque y prácticas de enseñanza y aprendizaje colaborativo, que ha incluido el uso de tecnologías informáticas. La experiencia se refiere a una propuesta organizada en torno al tema de rebeliones indígenas americanas en el período colonial, con estudiantes de primer año, del profesorado de historia del Instituto Joaquín V. González. Se propuso un trabajo de investigación, sobre un tema poco conocido por la historiografía: la Batalla del Yi, un conflicto bélico que se produjo en 1702, en Sarandí del Yi, Uruguay. En ella se enfrentaron naciones indígenas coaligadas (Yaros, Bohanes, Charrúas) contra el ejército jesuítico-guaraní. Nos propusimos buscar e imaginar las voces de los vencidos que no sabían escribir y comprender la importancia de las distintas interpretaciones en la producción de los saberes históricos.
Lo que el GPS no registra. Diálogo de saberes y mapeo colectivo del territorio ancestral indígena de San Marcos Sierras, Córdoba
Authors: Álvarez Ávila Carolina , Palladino Lucas
Published: June 2019

Nos proponemos abordar algunas experiencias y desafíos de un proyecto de extensión universitaria en el que participamos geógrafos y antropólogos de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba desde el año 2016. El trabajo parte de entender la extensión como una construcción colectiva de conocimiento y busca, a través del “diálogo de saberes”, dar cuenta de la “pluriversidad epistemológica” implicada en las experiencias y sentidos sobre el territorio. Se pretende describir la experiencia extensionista en el marco del mapeo de sitios indígenas que abarca un relevamiento con técnicas de georrelevamiento, pero también de mapeos sociales y colaborativos mediados por el enfoque etnográfico. A partir de ello, se reflexiona sobre el aporte de este tipo de trabajos a una concepción crítica de la noción de territorio y sus herramientas de análisis y representación.
Cátedra Libre de Pueblos Originarios: 10 años de relaciones interculturales con las comunidades de Tucumán, Argentina
Authors: Sulca Olga Liliana , Segura Zulma
Published: June 2019

El proyecto Cátedra Libre: Pueblos Originarios se inició en 2009 y sigue vigente dentro del ámbito de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (Argentina). Dicha propuesta se direccionó a atender, por un lado, la diversidad étnica del estudiantado que llega a la Facultad, promoviendo la equidad y fomentando su participación. Y, por otro lado, a interactuar con las diferentes comunidades indígenas autorreconocidas dentro del territorio provincial.

Sin duda que estas experiencias han propiciado una instancia favorable no solo en la inclusión de alumnos indígenas que ingresan a esta unidad académica, sino también en cuanto a situar el conocimiento indígena desde otras epistemologías.

En este espacio de la cátedra confluyeron alumnos indígenas y no indígenas, docentes de los distintos niveles educativos, miembros de las diferentes comunidades indígenas y dirigentes indígenas. El presente trabajo dará cuenta de 10 años de esta experiencia.

En este espacio de la cátedra confluyeron alumnos indígenas y no indígenas, docentes de los distintos niveles educativos, miembros de las diferentes comunidades indígenas y dirigentes indígenas. El presente trabajo dará cuenta de 10 años de esta experiencia.
Nhanderekô Eg Kanhró: o audiovisual ampliando a visibilidade das escolas indígenas do Paraná
Authors: Amaral Wagner Roberto do , Kaseker Mônica Panis
Published: June 2019

O artigo relata a experiência do projeto de extensão “Entre os saberes da escola indígena e da universidade: a comunicação audiovisual como elemento de expressão, articulação e fortalecimento da organização dos professores indígenas”. Batizado com o nome indígena Nhanderekô Eg Kanhró, nas línguas Guarani e Kaingang, o projeto reflete sobre o “nosso jeito” de educar nas escolas indígenas ao referir-se aos processos educativos próprios do povo Kaingang e Guarani. Propõe-se o uso da produção audiovisual como estratégia de expressão, articulação e fortalecimento das especificidades da escola indígena, conectando e ampliando territórios A metodologia das oficinas colaborativas de produção audiovisual e rodas de conversa é inspirada nas ideias de Paulo Freire (1985) e na experiência do projeto Vídeo nas Aldeias (Araújo, 2015; Pinhanta, 2019). Para a produção científica, nos baseamos na noção de participação observante de Wacquant (2002).
Reseña / Entre la comunidad y el mercado. Los ámbitos y usos de la tercera función sustantiva en México
Authors: Bolán Eduardo Nivón
Published: June 2019

Este libro es el resultado de un complejo estudio nacional acerca de lo que los autores llaman la tercera función sustantiva de la universidad pública en México. Estos investigadores coordinaron un amplio equipo de investigación encabezado por el Centro de Estudios, Creación y Documentación de las Artes (CECDA) de la Universidad Veracruzana y de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana–Azcapotzalco de México.
TRAVIS DURDEN, MYTHS AND IDOLS. GWIEZDNE WOJNY W ARTYSTYCZNYM ENTOURAGE’U
Authors: BALBUZA Katarzyna
Published: June 2019

The project Myths and Idols, by the French photographer Travis Durden, came into being in 2015 by means of digital technology. The artist processed photos of nine selected modern sculptures, mostly related to ancient matters, in order to provide them with the attributes or heads belonging to the heroes of the famous Star Wars saga. The sculptures chosen by Durden for his project had been created by European artists (French sculptors and one Italian master) and they are exclusively of an early modern provenance (arising from the Renaissance, Classicism, and Neoclassicism). Not a single work of ancient art is included. However, the classical (ancient) art itself became an object of the Parisian sculptor’s interest in terms of taking early modern art into account as the artists of the latter patterned themselves on ancient samples and picked up ancient subject matters. Likewise, Star Wars in turn constitutes a product of the American pop- culture frequently referring to motifs which had originated in ancient culture. The article discusses all nine photo collages and the whole project is being interpreted. Myths and Idols offers an example of the double reception of ancient culture – the early modern and contemporary ones.
IGOR OBOLENSKIJ, МЕМУАРЫ МАТЕРИ СТАЛИНА. 13 ЖЕНЩИН ДЖУГАШВИЛИ. MOSKWA: AST, 2015, ss. 352
Authors: GRABOWSKA Amanda
Published: June 2019

.
The process of shaping regional policy in Poland
Authors: Sługocki Waldemar
Published: June 2019

Zasadniczym celem artykułu jest zaprezentowanie procesu kształtowania polityki regionalnej w Polsce w latach 1990–2020, koncentrując rozważania głównie na aspektach teoretycznych, w tym ewolucji paradygmatu polityki regionalnej w Polsce w kontekście jej zmian na poziomie Unii Europejskiej. W tekście podjęto próbę uchwycenia wpływu integracji Polski z Unią Europejską na formułowanie rodzimej polityki regionalnej, w tym proces tworzenia nowych dokumentów programowych zarówno w wymiarze krajowym, jak i regionalnym jako świadome ukierunkowanie działań prorozwojowych w zmieniającej się rzeczywistości determinowanej przesłankami zewnętrznymi i wewnętrznymi. Aby osiągnąć zakreślone zamierzenie badawcze, konieczne było uzyskanie odpowiedzi na sformułowane pytanie: Czy proces integracji Polski z Unią Europejską oraz uczestnictwo w jej strukturach wpłynęło na kształtowanie polityki regionalnej w Polsce? W celu uzyskania odpowiedzi na tak sformułowane pytanie badawcze rozważania rozpoczęto od wyjaśnienia podstawowych pojęć takich jak: rozwój regionalny, polityka regionalna, czy też opisania czynników rozwoju w teoriach i modelach rozwoju regionalnego. W następnej części artykułu zakreślono proces kształtowania się polityki regionalnej w Polsce, wskazując zarówno aspekt teoretyczny, prawny, instytucjonalny i finansowy omawianych zagadnień.
Problemy rozwoju elektromobilności w Polsce w kontekście krajowej polityki energetycznej
Authors: Tomaszewski Krzysztof
Published: June 2019

Artykuł dotyczy problematyki rozwijania elektromobilności w Polsce na tle planów związanych z kształtowaniem krajowej polityki energetycznej. Pojazdy elektryczne stanowią ważne wyzwanie dla polityki transportowej na świecie. Ich rosnąca popularność jest odpowiedzią na problemy zanieczyszczenia środowiska oraz ma związek z działaniami na rzecz zapewnienia zrównoważonego rozwoju. Polska jest państwem, które zamierza podążać w kierunku rozwijania transportu elektromobilnego. Przygotowano w tym celu odpowiednią strategię oraz ustanowiono prawo i wskazano instytucje odpowiedzialne w tym zakresie. Niestety główna idea, jaka towarzyszy elektromobilności – czyli ekologia, nie idzie w parze z planami w zakresie polskiej polityki energetycznej. Zgodnie z oficjalnymi programami rządowymi, produkcja energii w Polsce do roku 2040 ma bazować na wykorzystaniu węgla. Oznacza to, że pojazdy elektryczne będą zasilane tzw. „brudną energią”. Hipoteza artykułu brzmi: rozwój elektromobilności w Polsce, trudno uzasadnić w kategoriach pozytywnego wpływu na środowisko naturalne i ochronę klimatu w sytuacji, kiedy wytwarzanie energii opiera się na węglu. Bez zmian w polityce energetycznej, elektromobilność „po polsku” jest pomysłem nietrafionym, ponieważ nie spełnia podstawowych założeń – czyli nie przyczyni się do zmniejszenia negatywnego wpływu transportu na środowisko.
The cult of personality as an important feature of totalitarian propaganda
Authors: Żyromski Marek
Published: June 2019

Ustrój totalitarny, w przeciwieństwie do systemu demokracji przedstawicielskiej (opartego na bezosobowych procedurach), jest mocno związany z pozycją przywódcy,. Stąd też kult jednostki nie tylko służy utrwaleniu władzy totalitarnego przywódcy, ale przyczynia się do legitymizacji całego systemu politycznego. W artykule zaprezentowano propagowanie i tworzenie kultu jednostki wokół trzech przywódców państw totalitarnych: Stalina, Mussoliniego i Hitlera.
Im dłużej tym „bezpartyjniej”? Włodarze dużych miast w wyborach 2002–2018
Authors: Drzonek Maciej
Published: June 2019

Przedmiotem badań podjętych w artykule jest rywalizacja prezydencka w 19. polskich miastach w latach 2002–2018. Ich celem było sprawdzenie czy afiliacja partyjna częściej towarzyszyła prezydentom miast, którzy dokonywali reelekcji, czy też raczej sprzyjała alternacji władzy. Pozycję partii politycznych badano na podstawie dwóch kryteriów: liczby reelekcji prezydentów afiliowanych z partiami oraz liczby pretendentów partyjnych, którzy uzyskiwali drugi wynik po zwycięzcach. W badanych miastach odnotowano 60 przypadków reelekcji – dominowali w nich inkumbenci pozapartyjni. W 16. przypadkach alternacji władzy dominowali natomiast kandydaci partii politycznych. Na 95 przypadków elekcji lat 2002–2018 w aż 74. z nich głównymi rywalami zwycięzców byli kandydaci partii politycznych. Badanie wykazało zatem, że wielokadencyjności prezydentów sprzyja pozapartyjność, a partie polityczne odgrywają większą rolę w alternacjach władzy.
The impact of Brexit on the member states’ ability to build blocking coalitions in the Council
Authors: Kleinowski Marcin
Published: June 2019

Przy wykorzystaniu autorskiego programu komputerowego wykonano symulacje głosowań w Radzie po wystąpieniu Wielkiej Brytanii z UE. W przypadku części z nich zastosowano innowację metodologiczną polegającą na odejściu od założenia, że powstanie każdej z możliwych koalicji jest równie prawdopodobne. Przeprowa dzona analiza wskazuje, że po Brexicie znacząco zmieni się zdolność członków Rady do tworzenia małych koalicji minimalnie blokujących. Jednocześnie ocena zdolności państw do blokowania decyzji w Radzie, dokonana w oparciu o Preventive Power Index, różni się zasadniczo od wyników analizy skupiającej się na budowie małych koalicji minimalnie blokujących. Prezentowane badania zostały sfinansowane przez Narodowe Centrum Nauki w ramach projektu no. UMO-2016/23/D/HS5/00408 (konkurs SONATA 12) zatytułowanego Wpływ brexitu i bezwarunkowego wprowadzenia systemu głosowania „podwójną większością” na proces decyzyjny w Radzie Unii Europejskiej.
Non-military dimension of the hybrid war in Ukraine
Authors: Rogozińska Agnieszka
Published: June 2019

Artykuł analizuje strukturę, treść, właściwości i skutki rosyjsko-ukraińskiej „wojny hybrydowej” w jej niemilitarnym wymiarze. Szczególny nacisk położono na aspekt wojny informacyjnej, propagandowej oraz działań w cyberprzestrzeni. Konflikt rosyjsko-ukraiński scharakteryzowany został w kontekście strategii nowej wojny autorstwa generała Walerija Gierasimowa. Współczesna praktyka działań hybrydowych w konflikcie zbrojnym na Ukrainie uwidoczniła, że po raz pierwszy to przeciwnik silniejszy, Rosja, wykorzystuje pełne spektrum oddziaływania hybrydowego na przeciwnika słabego i niezdolnego do obrony integralności własnego terytorium. Konflikt zbrojny lat 2013–2014 pokazał nie tylko słabość państwa ukraińskiego, ale co ważniejsze niewydolność organizacji odpowiadających za zapewnienie bezpieczeństwa międzynarodowego: NATO, OBWE i ONZ. W dalszej perspektywie czasowej należy zauważyć, że eskalacja działań hybrydowych na Ukrainie bez wątpienia zagraża państwom „prawej flanki” Sojuszu Północnoatlantyckiego. Przeprowadzona analiza odnosi się do problemu zdefiniowanego w formie pytań: na czym polega istota operacji hybrydowych? Jaki jest charakter niewojskowych operacji hybrydowych? Jaki był przebieg tych działań na Ukrainie? Jak interpretowano prawo międzynarodowe w odniesieniu do tego konfliktu?
The activity of the Mamy Głos Foundation in the context of youth political activism
Authors: Pająk-Patkowska Beata
Published: June 2019

Celem artykułu jest analiza działalności podejmowanej przez fundację Mamy Głos, organizację założoną w 2015 r. przez gimnazjalistki z kilku polskich miast. Posłużą do tego dostępne materiały dotyczące tej organizacji, a także dane zebrane za pomocą wywiadu pogłębionego przeprowadzonego z założycielkami organizacji. Główne pytania badawcze dotyczą motywów aktywności podejmowanej w ramach Mamy Głos, sposobów realizacji zakładanych przez organizację celów, charakterystyki założycielek. Działalność ta zostanie przedstawiona w kontekście aktywności politycznej młodzieży, z uwzględnieniem płci.
The influence of illiberal democracy on the effectiveness of attempts to control lobbying in Hungary (2010–2014)
Authors: Olejnik Maciej
Published: June 2019

Zjawisko lobbingu, rozumiane jako wszystkie działania wykonywane przez bądź w imieniu grup interesu, ukierunkowane na oddziaływanie na proces podejmowania i implementowania decyzji politycznych, występuje w każdym reżimie politycznym. W niniejszym artykule zbadano czy nieliberalny model demokracji funkcjonujący na Węgrzech (2010–2014) wywierał wpływ na poziom efektywności działań mających na celu kontrolowanie lobbingu. Nieliberalna demokracja różni się od swego liberalnego odpowiednika w pięciu obszarach: rządów prawa, kontroli działań rządu i parlamentu przez niezależne od władz państwowych instytucje, poziomu korupcji wśród elit politycznych, stopnia wolności mediów oraz ochrony praw mniejszości. W artykule wykazano, że Węgry spełniały kryteria demokracji nieliberalnej dla każdego z obszarów w latach 2010–2014. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań stwierdzono, że nieliberalny model demokracji istniejący na Węgrzech zmniejszał efektywność kontroli działań lobbingowych w tym państwie.
Loci identification of a N-acyl homoserine lactone type quorum sensing system and a new LysR-type transcriptional regulator associated with antimicrobial activity and swarming in Burkholderia gladioli UAPS07070
Authors: Seynos-García E. , Castañeda-Lucio M. , Muñoz-Rojas J. , López-Pliego L. , Villalobos M. , Bustillos-Cristales R. , Fuentes-Ramírez L. E.
Published: June 2019

A random transposition mutant library of B. gladioli UAPS07070 was analyzed for searching mutants with impaired microbial antagonism. Three derivates showed diminished antimicrobial activity against a sensitive strain. The mutated loci showed high similarity to the quorum sensing genes of the AHL-synthase and its regulator. Another mutant was affected in a gene coding for a LysrR-type transcriptional regulator. The production of toxoflavin, the most well known antimicrobial-molecule and a major virulence factor of plant-pathogenic B. glumae and B. gladioli was explored. The absence of a yellowish pigment related to toxoflavin and the undetectable transcription of toxA in the mutants indicated the participation of the QS system and of the LysR-type transcriptional regulator in the regulation of toxoflavin. Additionally, those genes were found to be related to the swarming phenotype. Lettuce inoculated with the AHL synthase and the lysR mutants showed less severe symptoms. We present evidence of the participation of both, the quorum sensing and for the first time, of a LysR-type transcriptional regulator in antibiosis and swarming phenotype in a strain of B. gladioli
Hypergraph-of-entity
Authors: Devezas José , Nunes Sérgio
Published: June 2019

Modern search is heavily powered by knowledge bases, but users still query using keywords or natural language. As search becomes increasingly dependent on the integration of text and knowledge, novel approaches for a unified representation of combined data present the opportunity to unlock new ranking strategies. We have previously proposed the graph-of-entity as a purely graph-based representation and retrieval model, however this model would scale poorly. We tackle the scalability issue by adapting the model so that it can be represented as a hypergraph. This enables a significant reduction of the number of (hyper)edges, in regard to the number of nodes, while nearly capturing the same amount of information. Moreover, such a higher-order data structure, presents the ability to capture richer types of relations, includingnary connections such as synonymy, or subsumption. We present the hypergraph-of-entity as the next step in the graph-of-entity model, where we explore a ranking approach based on biased random walks. We evaluate the approaches using a subset of the INEX 2009 Wikipedia Collection. While performance is still below the state of the art, we were, in part, able to achieve a MAP score similar to TF-IDF and greatly improve indexing efficiency over the graph-of-entity.
Feature extraction for license plate location based onL0-norm smoothing
Authors: Huang Junqing , Ruzhanshy Michael , Feng Haoxiang , Zheng Lingfang , Huang Xin , Wang Haihui
Published: June 2019

We propose a simple feature extraction algorithm for license plate location, which can reduce the occurrence of pseudo-licenses significantly. Our scheme arises from a novelL0-norm image smoothing, in which the multiple local textures in the complex backgrounds can be suppressed remarkably without changing the structures and edges of the license objects. Due to this “edgeaware” property, we then combine a feature filtering with an efficient binarized image, a simple multi-scale image analysis algorithm, to remove the potential false license plates. Finally, we extract license plates with a projection method. Experimental results show the proposed method provides a flexible and powerful way to the license plate location in complex backgrounds.
Legislating Morality in the US Congress…or Not: Religion, Polarization, and the Next Wave of Culture
Authors: Oldmixon Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2019

Americans routinely petition their legislators for moral redress, drawing the US Congress into cultural debates about who we are as a people and what behaviors and social relationships are compatible with that shared identity. By engaging moral issues, Congress affirms one set of values over another, and legislative behavior is informed by cultural proxies such as religion, ideology, and partisanship. The institution falls short, however, when it comes to crafting lasting, comprehensive policy outputs in this domain. This is because moral issues do not lend themselves to compromise, whereas Congress is structured to seek compromise. The difficulties are exacerbated by party polarization driven by religious and ideological sorting. The upshot is that policymakers are often unable to build the broad coalitions necessary provide policy solutions. Assuming institutional arrangements and levels of polarization remain intact, and barring massive shifts in public opinion or developments in the courts, gridlock on moral issues will likely be the norm.
Biodynamic preparations, greater root growth and health, stress resistance, and soil organic matter increases are linked
Authors: Goldstein Walter A. , Koepf Herbert H. , Koopmans Chris J.
Published: June 2019

The effects of biodynamic preparations were tested in the context of comparisons of conventional, organic, and biodynamic systems and diverse crop rotations in Washington and Wisconsin, USA. Wisconsin research also entailed testing a new nettle-and-manure-based field spray preparation (NCP). Focus was on winter wheat and maize and on soil quality. In Washington, preparations increased root growth of winter wheat, microbial biomass, and soil organic matter. In Wisconsin, applying a combination of preparations that included NCP increased root growth of maize, root health, and particulate organic matter in the soil. Relative to the organic treatments, root dry matter increases associated with the use of preparations varied from 12% to 39% and root length differences varied from 10% to 37% depending on the experiment, crop, year, and preparation application. The biodynamic + NCP treatment also induced substantial, positive yield compensatory effects for maize and wheat under stress condition years. The response slopes were practically identical for wheat and maize, indicating that the effect is of the same magnitude for both crops. Results were higher average grain yields and gross financial returns than for organic grain. The greater root production and root health stimulated by preparations is probably linked to greater vegetative growth, enhanced yield under stress conditions, and increased soil quality and carbon in soils.
Integration of organic sources with inorganic phosphorus increases hybrid maize performance and grain quality
Authors: Ali Muqarrab , Khan Imran , Ali Muhammad Arif , Anjum Shakeel A. , Ashraf Umair , Waqas Muhammad Ahmed
Published: June 2019

Integrative use of organic and inorganic fertilizers not only fulfills the nutritional needs of crops, but also ensures sustainable production and environmental protection. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the influence of phosphorous application from integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on maize. In this study poultry manure and press mud were integrated with single superphosphate (SSP) as the phosphorus source. Maximum amounts of time to 50% tasseling (47.75 and 47.63 days), 50% silking (53.07 and 53. 11 days) and maturity (106.47 and 106.49 days) were recorded where the recommended dose of phosphorus was applied from only inorganic sources. For application of phosphorus from integrated sources, the treatment containing 25% poultry manure + 75% SSP provided the highest number of grains per cob (459.60 and 460.70), 100-grain weight (26.85 and 27.82), stover yield (9.61 and 10.41 t ha-1), grain yield (7.14 and 7.82 t ha-1) and grain protein content (8.59 and 8.63%) during both years. However, all treatments had non-significant effects on grain oil and starch content. Moreover, in given years, the integrated use of 75% poultry manure and 25% SSP resulted in a maximum benefit-cost ratio of 2.97 and 3.11 USD, respectively, as compared to integrated use of 25% poultry manure and 75% SSP, which produced a benefit-cost ratio of 2.58 and 2.81 USD. In conclusion, integration of organic sources with inorganic phosphorus substantially improves the yield and economics of hybrid maize.
Morbidity and mortality in women with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent primary cytoreductive surgery compared to cytoreductive surgery for recurrent disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bartels Helena C. , Rogers Ailin C. , Postle James , Shields Conor , Mulsow Jurgen , Conneely John , Brennan Donal J.
Published: June 2019

Background

The primary treatment for advanced ovarian cancer is aggressive cytoreductive surgery (CRS), which is associated with considerable morbidity. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare morbidity associated with primary CRS and secondary CRS for recurrent disease.

Methods

A literature search was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for publications reporting morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing CRS in primary and recurrent ovarian malignancy. Embase, Medline, Pubmed, Pubmed Central, clinicaltrials. gov and Cochrane databases were searched. Two independent reviewers applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to select included papers. A total of 215 citations were reviewed; 6 studies comprising 641 patients were selected for the analysis.

Results

Results were reported as mean differences or pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). The overall morbidity rate was 38.4 %, and this did not differ between the two groups (p=0.97). This did not change when only Clavien-Dindo grade 3 and 4 morbidities were accounted for (14 % primary CRS, 15 % recurrent, p=0.83). Compared to primary CRS, secondary CRS was associated with a similar operative time (mean 400 min, I2=79 %, p=0.45), rate of bowel resection (I2=75 %, p=0.37) and transfusion requirements (MD – 0.7 L, I2=76 %, p=0.45). The mortality rate in both groups was too low to allow for meaningful meta-analysis, with four deaths in the group undergoing primary cytoreductive surgery (1.0 %) and two deaths in the group with recurrent disease (0.9 %).

Conclusions

In conclusion, secondary CRS for recurrent ovarian cancer is a safe and feasible option in carefully pre-selected patients with comparable morbidity to primary CRS.
Low-grade inflammation causes gap junction-coupled cell dysfunction throughout the body, which can lead to the spread of systemic inflammation
Authors: Hansson Elisabeth , Skiöldebrand Eva
Published: June 2019

Background and aims

Gap junction-coupled cells form networks in different organs in the body. These networks can be affected by inflammatory stimuli and become dysregulated. Cell signaling is also changed through connexin-linked gap junctions. This alteration affects the surrounding cells and extracellular matrix in organs. These changes can cause the spread of inflammatory substances, thus affecting other network-linked cells in other organs in the body, which can give rise to systemic inflammation, which in turn can lead to pain that can turn into chronic.

Methods

This is a review based on literature search and our own research data of inflammatory stimuli that can affect different organs and particularly gap-junction-coupled cells throughout the body.

Conclusions

A remaining question is which cell type or tissue is first affected by inflammatory stimuli. Can endotoxin exposure through the air, water and body start the process and are mast cells the first target cells that have the capacity to alter the physiological status of gap junction-coupled cells, thereby causing breakdown of different barrier systems?

Implications

Is it possible to address the right cellular and biochemical parameters and restore inflammatory systems to a normal physiological level by therapeutic strategies?
Investigation of the Coarse Aggregate Texture Property Using an Improved Laplacian Smoothing Algorithm
Authors: Xu Dongqing , Zhang Dong , Zhuang Xinyi
Published: June 2019

Surface texture is one of the most important morphology properties of coarse aggregates. It has an important effect on the performances of asphalt mixtures, such as the stiffness modulus and high temperature stability. Accurate characterization of the coarse aggregate texture is important for the quality control of coarse aggregates and the design of asphalt mixtures. The two-dimensional (2-D) image analysis method has been used to study the texture property of coarse aggregates in the past two decades. Because of the spatial and mesoscopic properties of the surface texture of coarse aggregates, the traditional 2-D image analysis method is not accurate enough to characterize the texture. In this study, a three-dimensional (3-D) image analysis method (Laplacian smoothing algorithm) was employed to study the coarse aggregate texture property based on the high-precision 3-D image. A minor improvement was added into the Laplacian smoothing algorithm to determine the smoothing scale. Three parameters (deviation limit, iteration number, and smoothness level) are used in the improved Laplacian smoothing algorithm to control the final smoothing result. The 3-D images with the precision of 0.05 mm and 0.1 mm of two sizes of limestone aggregates and two sizes of basalt aggregates were used to study the effect of the three parameters on the smoothing results. The optimal combination of the three parameters was determined based on the parameter study. The results indicate that the deviation limit should be set to 3%, the iteration number should be set to 1, and the smoothness level should be set to 1. A preliminary discussion on the scanning precision was presented based on the 3-D aggregate images with the precision of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mm. The results indicate that the 3-D images with average point spacing greater than or equal to 0.2 mm cannot provide sufficient texture details for the evaluation.
Tensile Testing of Carbon FRP (CFRP) and Glass FRP (GFRP) Bars: An Experimental Study
Authors: Khan Qasim S. , Sheikh M. Neaz , Hadi Muhammad N. S.
Published: June 2019

The available ASTM recommends grout-filled steel tube anchors (STAs) for the tensile testing of 6.4- to 32-mm-diameter glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and a 9.5-mm-diameter carbon FRP (CFRP) bar. The available ASTM provides minimum STA dimensions for tensile testing of the FRP bars. However, because of the large variations in the FRP bars, the exact STA dimensions for successfully testing the FRP bars in tension vary significantly and depend on the type and diameter of the FRP bar. In this experimental study, tensile testing of 9- and 15-mm-diameter CFRP bars and a 15.9-mm-diameter GFRP bar was successfully conducted using cement grout–filled STAs. For the 9-mm-diameter CFRP bar, a STA of 31.8-mm outer diameter (OD), 17.6-mm inner diameter (ID), and 460-mm anchorage length (La) was used. For the 15-mm-diameter CFRP bar, a STA of 46.3-mm OD, 27.1-mm ID, and 600 mm La was used. For the 15.9-mm-diameter GFRP bar, a STA of 46.3-mm OD, 27.1-mm ID, and 460-mm La was used. This study investigated the effect of anchorage length of STAs, number of sand coat layers, and grout age on the tensile stress–strain response of the FRP bars. The experimental results showed that increasing the anchorage length of STAs and the number of layers of sand coating improved the frictional resistance between the FRP bars and the surrounding cement grout, which resulted in rupturing of the FRP bars. The experimental results showed that FRP bars with grout-filled STAs tested at 3 days of casting failed by the rupturing of FRP bars, whereas FRP bars with grout filled STA tested at 28 days of casting slipped out from STAs during the tensile test.
Impact of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor TaqI polymorphism in primary human myoblasts
Authors: Saini Amarjit , Björkhem-Bergman Linda , Boström Johan , Lilja Mats , Melin Michael , Olsson Karl , Ekström Lena , Bergman Peter , Altun Mikael , Rullman Eric , Gustafsson Thomas
Published: June 2019

The CC genotype of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism TaqI rs731236 has previously been associated with a higher risk of developing myopathy compared to TT carriers. However, the mechanistic role of this polymorphism in skeletal muscle is not well defined. The effects of vitamin D on patients genotyped for the VDR polymorphism TaqI rs731236, comparing CC and TT carriers were evaluated. Primary human myoblasts isolated from 4 CC carriers were compared with myoblasts isolated from four TT carriers and treated with vitamin D in vitro. A dose-dependent inhibitory effect on myoblast proliferation and differentiation was observed concurrent with modifications of key myogenic regulatory factors. RNA sequencing revealed a vitamin D dose–response gene signature enriched with a higher number of VDR-responsive elements (VDREs) per gene. Interestingly, the greater the expression of muscle differentiation markers in myoblasts, the more pronounced was the vitamin D-mediated response to suppress genes associated with myogenic fusion and myotube formation. This novel finding provides a mechanistic explanation to the inconsistency regarding previous reports of the role of vitamin D in myoblast differentiation. No effects in myoblast proliferation, differentiation or gene expression were related to CC vs TT carriers. Our findings suggest that the VDR polymorphism TaqI rs731236 comparing CC vs TT carriers did not influence the effects of vitamin D on primary human myoblasts and that vitamin D inhibits myoblast proliferation and differentiation through key regulators of cell cycle progression. Future studies need to employ strategies to identify the primary responses of vitamin D that drive the cellular response towards quiescence.
Circulating adipokines and metabolic setting in differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Mele Chiara , Samà Maria Teresa , Bisoffi Alessandro Angelo , Caputo Marina , Bullara Valentina , Mai Stefania , Walker Gillian Elisabeth , Prodam Flavia , Marzullo Paolo , Aimaretti Gianluca , Pagano Loredana
Published: June 2019

The associative link relating insulin resistance (IR) and adipokines to the occurrence and phenotype of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between IR and adipokines in DTC patients, as compared with carriers of benign thyroid diseases (BTD) and healthy controls. This observational study enrolled 77 subjects phenotyped as DTC (N = 30), BTD (N = 27) and healthy subjects (N = 20). Each subject underwent preoperative analysis of anthropometric parameters, thyroid function and autoimmunity, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and levels of unacylated (UAG) and acylated ghrelin (AG), obestatin, leptin and adiponectin. Multivariate regression models were used to test the predictive role of metabolic correlates on thyroid phenotypes and DTC extension. The three groups showed similar age, gender distribution, smoking habit, BMI and thyroid parameters. Obestatin was significantly higher in DTC group compared to BTD (P < 0.05) and control subjects (P < 0.0001). DTC and BTD groups showed higher levels of UAG (P < 0.01) and AG (P < 0.05). Leptin levels were comparable between groups, whereas adiponectin levels were lower in DTC compared to BTD group (P < 0.0001) and controls (P < 0.01). In parallel, HOMA-IR was higher in DTC than BTD (P < 0.05) and control group (P < 0.01). Stepwise multivariable regression analysis showed that obestatin and UAG were independent predictors of DTC (P = 0.01 for both). In an analysis restricted to the DTC group, obestatin levels were associated with the absence of lymph node metastases (P < 0.05). Our results highlight a potential association between metabolic setting, circulating adipokines and thyroid cancer phenotype.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: The role of rhTSH in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer: pros and cons
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Duntas Leonidas H
Published: June 2019

The use of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) testing in the diagnosis and therapy of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been adopted over the last two decades as an alternative to the classical thyroid hormone withdrawal avoiding the threat of hypothyroidism. Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement is crucial for monitoring DTC patients over time. Until about a decade ago, optimal sensitivity of Tg assays for the detection of smaller disease foci required Tg measurement after thyrotropin (TSH) stimulation, carried out following thyroid hormone withdrawal or rhTSH administration. In very recent years, significant improvements in assay technology have resulted in highly sensitive Tg (hsTg) assays, sufficiently sensitive to obviate the need for rhTSH stimulation in most DTC patients. The aim of this paper is to review and discuss, via a ‘pros and cons’ approach, the current clinical role of rhTSH to stimulate radioiodine (RAI) uptake for treatment and/or imaging purposes and to increase the clinical sensitivity of Tg measurement for monitoring DTC patients when high-sensitive Tg assays are available.
U-shaped relationship between iodine status and thyroid autoimmunity risk in adults
Authors: Wang Bin , He Weiwei , Li Qian , Jia Xi , Yao Qiuming , Song Ronghua , Qin Qiu , Zhang Jin-an
Published: June 2019

Background

Iodine status has long been regarded as an environmental determinant for thyroid dysfunction, but its relationship with thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is still controversial. Our study aimed to elucidate the relationship between iodine status and TAI through both a population-based study and a dose–response meta-analysis of eligible epidemiological studies.

Methods

A population-based, cross-sectional study was firstly carried out, which enrolled a total of 2808 Chinese adults. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated through logistic regression analysis. A dose–response meta-analysis of eligible epidemiological studies was also carried out.

Results

The cross-sectional study showed an U-shaped relationship between iodine intake and TAI in adults. Compared with those with more than adequate iodine status, individuals with iodine deficiency, adequate iodine status and iodine excess all had higher risk of TAI, and the adjusted ORs were 1.50 (95% CI 1.03–2.17, P = 0.032), 1.50 (95% CI 1.09–2.07, P = 0.013) and 1.68 (95% CI 1.11–2.53, P = 0.014), respectively. The dose–response meta-analysis included 22 epidemiological studies with a total of 69,987 participants and further validated the U-shaped relationship between iodine intake and TAI in adults, which proved the significantly increased risk of TAI among individuals with either iodine deficiency or iodine excess. Stratified analysis of studies with low risk of confounding bias also identified similar findings.

Conclusion

The study suggests an U-shaped relationship between iodine intake and TAI in adults, and both iodine deficiency and iodine excess are risk factors of TAI in adults. The underlying mechanisms need to be elucidated in future studies.
miR-29 family regulates the puberty onset mediated by a novel Gnrh1 transcription factor TBX21
Authors: Li Xiaoning , Xiao Junhua , Fan Yating , Yang Kan , Li Kai , Wang Xin , Lu Yanhua , Zhou Yuxun
Published: June 2019

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the ultimate signal by which the neuroendocrine system controls the puberty onset and fertility in mammals. The pulsatile release of GnRH is regulated by numerous extracellular and intracellular factors, including miRNAs. Here, we report a novel regulation mechanism mediated by miR-29 family. We found that the absence of miR-29s resulted in elevated expression of Gnrh1 in GT1-7 cells. Through in silico and wet analysis, we identified Tbx21, a target gene of miR-29, as the main effector. As a transcription activator, TBX21 stimulates the expression of Gnrh1 directly by binding to its promoter region, and indirectly by activating the expression of Dlx1, another transcription activator of Gnrh1. Stereotactic brain infusion of miR-29 inhibitor into the hypothalamus caused earlier puberty onset in prepubertal female mice than that of intact controls. The female mice with ectopic expression of Tbx21 in the hypothalamus were affected in both puberty onset and fertility, as they had higher level of serum LH and FSH, larger litter size but steeper decline of fertility compared with those of controls. Our results revealed that miR-29-3p and its target Tbx21 played a role in regulating the mammalian puberty onset and reproduction by modulating the Gnrh1 expression.