bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical ktjet clustering for parallel architectures
Authors: Forster Richárd , Fülöp Ágnes
Published: January 2018

The reconstruction and analyze of measured data play important role in the research of high energy particle physics. This leads to new results in both experimental and theoretical physics. This requires algorithm improvements and high computer capacity. Clustering algorithm makes it possible to get to know the jet structure more accurately. More granular parallelization of the kt cluster algorithms was explored by combining it with the hierarchical clustering methods used in network evaluations. The kt method allows to know the development of particles due to the collision of high-energy nucleus-nucleus. The hierarchical clustering algorithms works on graphs, so the particle information used by the standard kt algorithm was first transformed into an appropriate graph, representing the network of particles. Testing was done using data samples from the Alice offine library, which contains the required modules to simulate the ALICE detector that is a dedicated Pb-Pb detector. The proposed algorithm was compared to the FastJet toolkit's standard longitudinal invariant kt implementation. Parallelizing the standard non-optimized version of this algorithm utilizing the available CPU architecture proved to be 1:6 times faster, than the standard implementation, while the proposed solution in this paper was able to achieve a 12 times faster computing performance, also being scalable enough to efficiently run on GPUs.
On metrics on 2-orbifolds all of whose geodesics are closed
Authors: Lange Christian
Published: January 2018

We show that the periods and the topology of the space of closed geodesics on a Riemannian 2-orbifold all of whose geodesics are closed depend, up to scaling, only on the orbifold topology and compute it. In the manifold case we recover the fact proved by Gromoll, Grove and Pries that all prime geodesics have the same length, without referring to the existence of simple geodesics. We partly strengthen our result in terms of conjugacy of contact forms and explain how to deduce rigidity on the projective plane based on a systolic inequality due to Pu.
Ancient Coppice Woodlands in the Landscape of the Czech Republic
Authors: Buček Antonín , Černušáková Linda , Friedl Michal , Machala Martin , Maděra Petr
Published: January 2018

Ancient coppice woodlands are forest stands of coppice origin with a long-term continual development and preserved typical natural and historic elements of old coppices. Significant natural elements in ancient coppices include polycormons of coppice shoots, pollard trees, trees with holes, dendrotelms, reserved trees, ecotones, glades and significant plant and animal species. Significant historic elements of localities with ancient coppices include archaeological monuments, boundary ditches and walls, boundary stones, boundary trees, myths and legends, sacral objects, old roads and paths, technical objects and plough land remainders. The paper presents differentiation of assumptions for the occurrence of ancient coppices in the territory of the Czech Republic using the COPF coefficient and examples of results from basic regional inventory (Kuřim region) and detailed local survey (locality Lebeďák) of coppice-originated forests. The extinction of the phenomenon of ancient coppice woodlands would mean irreparable impoverishment of the natural and cultural heritage.
Ecological Farming in Slovakia and Its Regional Disparities
Authors: Némethová Jana , Dubcová Alena , Nagyová Ľudmila , Kramáreková Hilda
Published: January 2018

The paper points at the origin and development of ecological farming in Slovakia from 1991 to 2015. As the positive aspect of this period can be considered the increasing area of ecologically farmed agricultural land, as well as increasing number of farmers and a slight increase in the number of processors of ecological production. The increased interest of farmers in ecological farming on land occurred mainly after Slovakia's accession to the EU. The next part of the paper is dedicated to the regional disparities in ecological production at NUTS III (Slovak regions). To analyze spatial disparities at the regional level, we used the most widely applied statistical methods - standard deviation and coefficient of variation. The largest localization of ecological production is in northern Slovakia - in Žilina and Prešov region, in central Slovakia in Banská Bystrica region. In these regions, there are higher acreage of ecological farmland. Despite the slight increase of processors of ecological produce, they still lack in Slovakia. Processors of ecological products operate mainly in the regions of western and eastern Slovakia and north of the country. With the lack of ecological production, there is relatively underdeveloped distribution of products of ecological production and its lower consumption in the domestic market. Offers of bio-products is relatively low and weak competitive environment does not create the pressure to still reduce still high prices of ecological production.
Where Have All the Youngsters Gone? The Background and Consequences of Young Adults’ Outmigration from Hungarian Small Towns
Authors: Makkai Bernadett , Máté Éva , Pirisi Gábor , Trócsányi András
Published: January 2018

Due to the general demographic situation in Hungary and the recent overall crisis of this traditional settlement-type, Hungarian small towns have been facing an intensive shrinking since the last decade. Although natural decrease and migration loss are almost equal factors of population decline, outmigration seems to be a more strategic, critical problem for these settlements. There are hardly any reliable data available about the migrants leaving small towns, but some of them seem to support the wellknown assumption that the young people, who leave these towns are looking for wider horizons and better perspectives. The aim of the present paper is to analyse the outmigration of young adults from small towns, and give estimation about the international aspects of migration, which is hardly ever published in official statistics. The paper also aims at revealing the impact of the intensive migration on the local labour market. A short statistical analysis based on census data and two empirical surveys conducted by the authors are also included. One was carried out with the support of volunteer contributors, former small-town students, who tried to reconstruct the post-secondary school migration of their former classmates. The other survey contains a series of interviews focusing on the consequences of the young adults’ migration on the labour market. The results facilitate the estimation regarding the (weak) capability of small towns to keep their young population, and highlight the problems of local developmental options within the context of demographic shrinkage.
Women as Drivers for a Sustainable and Social Inclusive Development in Mountain Regions – The Case of the Austrian Alps
Authors: Oedl-Wieser Theresia
Published: January 2018

Women in mountain regions play an important role regarding the agricultural production and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, they are active in climate change adaption and preservation of biodiversity. Despite these important activities and performances the vital role of women for a sustainable and social inclusive development in mountain regions is often invisible and not appreciated enough in society. There still exists structural discrimination of women which is caused by patriarchal societies, social and cultural norms as well as difficult economic situations. Considering the need to foster the dynamic and sustainable development of mountain regions all over the world, it is of paramount importance to reflect and integrate women’s issues, problems and needs to a larger extent in research, public policy and in worldwide decision-making agendas.
Teacher Learning for European Literacy Education (TeL4ELE): genre-based pedagogy in five European countries
Authors: Whittaker Rachel , García Parejo Isabel
Published: January 2018

This article gives two perspectives on an action-research literacy project based on the pedagogy of Reading to Learn (R2L). The project, organized in a cascade structure, introduced the functional linguistics-based pedagogy for reading and writing across the curriculum to national teams of key educators, who then took it to practising teachers, who used it with their pupils. The impact of the project on the three groups of 'learners' involved was then evaluated through questionnaires for educators and teachers and reading and writing tests. Knowledge of the texts of their subjects, and of the R2L interaction cycle, changed participants' practice, resulting in student inclusion and improved written production. The paper first presents a broad view of the project and results in its European context, and, second, a more detailed picture of one of the countries involved, Spain, including examples of implementation by participating teachers, their responses to the pedagogy, and student up-take in samples of their texts. The paper closes with reflections and future directions the project is taking in Spain, opening to new contexts for the R2L pedagogy.
Upper bounds for geodesic periods over rank one locally symmetric spaces
Authors: Frahm Jan , Su Feng
Published: January 2018

We prove upper bounds for geodesic periods of automorphic forms over general rank one locally symmetric spaces. Such periods are integrals of automorphic forms restricted to special totally geodesic cycles of the ambient manifold and twisted with automorphic forms on the cycles. The upper bounds are in terms of the Laplace eigenvalues of the two automorphic forms, and they generalize previous results for real hyperbolic manifolds to the context of all rank one locally symmetric spaces.
Promoting physical activity and improving dietary quality of Singaporean adolescents: effectiveness of a school-based fitness and wellness program
Authors: Loong Claudine , Leo Latasha , Goh Danielle , Lim Pei Sin , Loke Wai Mun
Published: January 2018

Limited data are available on the effectiveness of the school-based structured fitness and wellness program to influence dietary quality and physical activity levels in Singaporean adolescents. The study examined if a 20-h (over 10 weeks) school-based structured fitness and wellness module affects the diet quality indices, energy intakes, physical activity levels and the associated energy expenditures in a group of healthy, male adolescents with low diet quality and physical activity levels. Participant demography, anthropometry, dietary intake and daily physical activity were obtained at the beginning, mid-point and end of the 10-week program. Physical activity levels were assessed accelerometrically over a 1-weekday period. Dietary intake were taken using a structured 7-day food diary, and diet quality assessed using the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I). The 31 enrolled participants (age 19.8 ± 0.6 years) with body mass index (BMI) (19.8 ± 0.6 kg/m2) followed diets of low diet quality scores (48.3 ± 9.6 out of 100) and engaged in 3.87 ± 2.00 h of physical activity daily before the start of the intervention. Their dietary quality and physical activity levels did not change significantly throughout the intervention period. They scored poorly in the moderation and overall balance components of the diet quality assessment. The physical activity duration correlated inversely to the diet quality scores. Our results suggest that the prescribed school-based fitness and wellness module was ineffective in influencing the diet quality and physical activity levels of Singaporean male adolescents with low diet quality and physical activity levels.
Blunted cortisol reactivity and risky driving in young offenders – a pilot study
Authors: Couture Sophie , Ouimet Marie Claude , Dedovic Katarina , Laurier Catherine , Plusquellec Pierrich , Brown Thomas G.
Published: January 2018

Adolescent risky driving is a significant burden on public health. Young offenders (i.e. under custody and supervision of the criminal justice system) may be particularly vulnerable, but research is scant. Previous work indicated that blunted cortisol reactivity to stress is a marker of risk-taking predisposition, including risky driving. In this study, we hypothesized that young offenders display higher levels of risky driving than a non-offender comparison group, and that cortisol reactivity contributes to the variance in risky driving independent of other associated characteristics (i.e. impulsivity, risk taking, alcohol and drug use). We found that young offenders (n = 20) showed riskier driving in simulation than comparison group (n = 9), and blunted cortisol reactivity was significantly associated with risky driving. The results suggest young offenders are prone to risky driving, and that individual differences in the cortisol stress response may be an explanatory factor.
Prevalence, associated factors, and control level of asthma symptoms among adolescents in Northern Jordan
Authors: Al-sheyab Nihaya A. , Alomari Mahmoud A.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To investigate the prevalence, associated factors, and control level of asthma in Jordanian high school students.

Methods

A descriptive, comparative, cross sectional design was used and a cluster sample of 2691 students (mean age = 14.5 years, 51.0% girls), drawn from eight randomly selected public high schools in Northern Jordan, participated in the study. Each student had the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire completed in the classroom between February and May, 2015.

Results

The prevalence of recent wheezing in the last 12 months was 11.7% whereas the prevalence of diagnosed asthma was 6.2%. About 49% of students experienced cough all the time, and 33.5% experienced waking up at night due to wheezing some of the time. About 30.9% of students reported moderate to big exercise-induced asthma. The mean total Asthma Control Test (ACT) score was 5.85 (SD = 3.56) with all of students reporting uncontrolled asthma during the last month. Higher rates of asthma symptoms were reported by females, 10th graders, and students with negative family history. Importantly, students with diagnosed asthma or recent wheezing reported higher rates of ever smoking tobacco vs. non-asthmatics (p < 0.000); dual (18.6% vs. 9.8%), cigarettes only (11.2% vs. 7.3%), and waterpipe only (18.0% vs. 14.7%).

Conclusion

Overall, students with asthma or wheezing had increased rates of tobacco smoking. Policies need to be set and enforced to provide a better environment for these youth, especially making all schools smoke-free zones. A multifaceted, comprehensive awareness and management program is required in schools to control and manage asthma symptoms.
Tempering-Drying Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Corn Kernel
Authors: Zhao Y. , Huang K. , Chen X.F. , Wang F.H. , Chen P.X. , Tu G. , Yang D.Y.
Published: January 2018

In order to study the effect of corn kernel composition and physical structure on moisture distribution and transfer process and obtain the optimal tempering-drying parameters of corn kernel, a physical model was constructed with four different components as follows: seed coat, horny endosperm, farinaceous endosperm and embryo. The drying model was established based on the assumption of different diffusion coefficients and same thermal conductivity for the four components. The software of COMSOL Multiphysics was used to simulate the heat and mass transfer process inside the corn kernel during the thin-layer drying. The results showed that the least total drying time and the best drying quality were achieved under the multistage circulating drying of 10 min hot air drying and 60 min tempering, and the tempering degree was up to 0.9207.
“Too many Americans are trapped in fear, violence and poverty”: a psychology-informed sentiment analysis of campaign speeches from the 2016 US Presidential Election
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas
Published: January 2018

Most automatic sentiment analyses of texts tend to only employ a simple positive-negative polarity to classify emotions. In this paper, I illustrate a more fine-grained automatic sentiment analysis [Jockers, Matthew. 2016. Introduction to the Syuzhet package. https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/syuzhet/vignettes/syuzhet-vignette.html (accessed 07 March 2017).; Mohammad, Saif M. & Peter D. Turney. 2013. Crowd sourcing a word-emotion association lexicon. Computational Intelligence 29(3). 436–465.] that is based on a classification of human emotions that has been put forward by psychological research [Plutchik, Robert. 1994. The psychology and biology of emotion. New York, NY: HarperCollins College Publishers.]. The advantages of this approach are illustrated by a sample study that analyses the emotional sentiment of the campaign speeches of the two main candidates of the 2016 US presidential election.
Der Einfluss von Fortbewegung auf die sensorische Informationsverarbeitung und die zugrunde liegenden neuronalen Schaltkreise
Authors: Busse Laura
Published: January 2018

Die Verarbeitung sensorischer Information kann sowohl im Kortex als auch im Thalamus durch den Verhaltenskontext, z. B. durch aktive Fortbewegung, moduliert werden. Solch aktives Verhalten verbessert die Kodierung sensorischer Reize und die Wahrnehmung, besonders während Aktivitäten von moderater Intensität. Der Modulation sensorischer Verarbeitung durch Fortbewegung scheint eine Kombination von Mechanismen zugrunde zu liegen, unter anderem neuromodulatorische Einflüsse, die Aktivität spezifischer, inhibitorischer Interneurone, sowie top-down- oder motorische Rückprojektionen. Neue experimentelle Ansätze, die es Mäusen erlauben, sich trotz Kopffixation auf Laufbällen oder –bändern fortzubewegen, ermöglichte es in den letzten Jahren, die neuronalen Schaltkreise und zellulären Elemente, die der Modulation durch Verhaltenskontext zugrunde liegen, eingehend zu untersuchen. Dieser Übersichtsartikel fasst den momentanen Stand dieser Studien zusammen und beleuchtet wichtige offenen Fragen.
Dissemination of Environmental Information and its Effects on Stakeholders’ Decision-Making: A Comparative Study between Swedish and Polish Municipalities
Authors: Cregård Anna , Sobis Iwona
Published: January 2018

According to Action Agenda 21, which was adopted at the Rio Conference in 1992, sustainable development is a major objective for local and global development. Economic growth, good living conditions, and protection of the earth’s natural environment are important to all people in the world. This article focuses on one aspect of sustainable development, i.e. on environmental sustainability. Research shows that local government can take a leading position in protecting the natural environment and disseminating information on it among stakeholders. However, our knowledge about the dissemination of environmental information practices among stakeholders is limited. The purpose of this research is to fill a gap in current knowledge, to describe and compare the practical work with dissemination of such information among stakeholders in Swedish and Polish municipalities. The questions to be answered are: What environmental information is collected and produced by the local government ? At what stakeholders is such information targeted ? and What effects does it have on decision-making by stakeholders in the investigated municipalities ? The study is based on state regulations, the homepages of municipal offices, and policy documents, official reports, and semi-structured interviews with key managers responsible for the protection of the natural environment in the studied municipalities. Data were collected from late 2015 to early 2017. This research indicates that dissemination of environmental information has a positive effect on the decision-making of internal stakeholders. In both countries, the municipal authorities follow the EU recommendations, resulting in innovative work and growing environmental awareness among the municipal authorities, the residents, and other stakeholders. Improvement of the natural environment is perceived as “a must” for the future. Nonetheless, especially larger municipalities face challenges because the production and dissemination of environmental information is time-consuming. In the long run, however, surprisingly positive effects on the local protection of the natural environment appear.
Innovative Administrative Procedure Law: Mission Impossible ?
Authors: Kovač Polonca
Published: January 2018

Law and innovation are oft en seen as antagonistic notions, particularly in administrative (authoritative) relations. Th is paper addresses this issue based on the regulation of administrative procedures, since they represent core public-administration activities in contemporary society. Hence, they need to be codified and implemented, both on the EU and national levels, in a more flexible and party-oriented way, even though still preserving legal certainty. The author argues that Europeanisation contributes to innovation in administrative procedure law, with institutions such as alternative dispute resolution or one-stop-shops. In order to explore the potential drivers of and barriers to innovation, particularly in Eastern Europe, a survey and several structured interviews were carried out in Slovenia as a case study. Th e results reveal that the culture in the region is legalistically driven and thus hinders innovation, even that which has already been introduced in the law. Consequently, a key obstacle to be addressed in future measures is the mind-set in public administration rather than a pure legal change.
Negative Effects of Performance Based Funding of Universities: The Case of Slovakia
Authors: Pisár Peter , Šipikal Miroslav
Published: January 2018

Although it is well-known that public-funded research has contributed to economic development, even these days it is not clear how to support this research effectively. Tailoring the proper support system still remains a challenge for the government. Th is is also the case for research support for universities, which are one of the main “engines” of public-funded research. One possible answer is performance-based funding. Th is funding has recently come to be increasingly used by many countries. However, performance-based funding may have several inconveniences. Th is article will analyze the performance-based funding that has already been introduced in the Slovak Republic. Our research outcomes prove the fact that this system has resulted in an increase in publication performance, but at the same time in a higher orientation on quantity instead of quality with several new negative effects.
Profitable Nonprofits? Reward-Based Crowdfunding in the Czech Republic
Authors: Makýšová Lucia , Vaceková Gabriela
Published: January 2018

This paper deals with crowdfunding as a new and alternative mechanism of nonprofit funding which has thus far attracted little scholarly attention in the Czech context. It focuses on the factors that affect a campaign’s overfunding rate and determines whether these factors are consistent among different forms of project creators. A comprehensive analysis of reward-based crowdfunding in the Czech Republic was conducted based on the data from 617 projects using the Czech crowdfunding platform Hithit that were categorized according to the status of the project creator. Using binary logistic regression, a statistic estimation on an overall sample and on a sample of purely nonprofit projects was executed in order to observe if the outcomes diff er. Th e key empirical finding is that NGOs tend to raise fewer additional funds than other forms of project creators. Except for certain specific factors, the effects of the examined factors were consistent across all samples. Th is new and innovative approach to resource insufficiency by using alternative funding sources presents an important and unexplored research gap in the (post-) transitive context of nonprofit sector studies, enabling a view of policy implications for Czech NGOs.
Problems of the Starting and Operating of Hydraulic Components and Systems in Low Ambient Temperature (Part V)
Authors: Jasiński Ryszard
Published: January 2018

A large number of hydraulic devices and systems are started in low ambient temperatures. A good example of such a device is the hoisting winch on the ship. Starting hydraulic drive units in thermal shock conditions (rapid supply of hot oil to the cold unit) may lead to incorrect operation of the actuating system, for instance, due to the loss of clearance between cooperating elements. The article presents methods to prevent the disappearance of effective clearance in a hydraulic motor started in thermal shock conditions. For this reason, the structure of the hydraulic satellite motor was complemented by elements creating special channels through which hot oil could flow and additionally heat fixed parts of the motor. This solution ensures faster heating of motor housing, thus decreasing the temperature difference between the housing and the satellites during motor start-up in thermal shock conditions.
Method of Building a Model of Operational Changes for the Marine Combustion Engine Describing the Impact of the Damages of This Engine on the Characteristics of Its Operation Process
Authors: Landowski Bogdan , Pająk Michał , Żółtowski Bogdan , Muślewski Łukasz
Published: January 2018

This article deals with the modeling of the processes of operating both marine main and auxiliary engines. The paper presents a model of changes in operating conditions of ship’s internal combustion engine. The semi-Markov decision process was used to mathematically describe the process model of the engine. The developed model describes the effect of engine damage on the characteristics of its operation. A change in the input parameters of the model can simulate the influence of internal and external factors on the course of the analyzed process. A simplified calculation example is also presented for illustration purposes. The presented method together with developed algorithms and IT tools can be used to solve a wide range of problems related to the operation of marine main engines and other marine equipment as well as maritime and port facilities. This concerns primarily the economic, risk management and operational security issues of complex technical systems, as well as the readiness and reliability analysis of technical facilities.
Optimisation of Design of Air Inlets in Air Distribution Channels of a Double-Skin Transparent Façade
Authors: Bielek Boris , Szabó Daniel , Palko Milan , Rychtáriková Monika
Published: January 2018

This paper reports on an optimization of design of air inlets in naturally ventilated double-skin transparent facades; the design aims at the proper functioning of these facades from the point of view of their aerodynamic and hydrodynamic behaviour. A comparison was made of five different variants of ventilation louvers used in air openings with different shapes, positions and overall geometry. The aerodynamic response of the louvers was determined by 2D simulations using ANSYS software. The hydrodynamic properties were investigated by conducting driven-rain measurements in a large rain chamber at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava.
GENETICS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Genetic counseling for congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome: new challenges in the era of oligogenism and next-generation sequencing
Authors: Maione Luigi , Dwyer Andrew A , Francou Bruno , Guiochon-Mantel Anne , Binart Nadine , Bouligand Jérôme , Young Jacques
Published: January 2018

Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and Kallmann syndrome (KS) are rare, related diseases that prevent normal pubertal development and cause infertility in affected men and women. However, the infertility carries a good prognosis as increasing numbers of patients with CHH/KS are now able to have children through medically assisted procreation. These are genetic diseases that can be transmitted to patients’ offspring. Importantly, patients and their families should be informed of this risk and given genetic counseling. CHH and KS are phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous diseases in which the risk of transmission largely depends on the gene(s) responsible(s). Inheritance may be classically Mendelian yet more complex; oligogenic modes of transmission have also been described. The prevalence of oligogenicity has risen dramatically since the advent of massively parallel next-generation sequencing (NGS) in which tens, hundreds or thousands of genes are sequenced at the same time. NGS is medically and economically more efficient and more rapid than traditional Sanger sequencing and is increasingly being used in medical practice. Thus, it seems plausible that oligogenic forms of CHH/KS will be increasingly identified making genetic counseling even more complex. In this context, the main challenge will be to differentiate true oligogenism from situations when several rare variants that do not have a clear phenotypic effect are identified by chance. This review aims to summarize the genetics of CHH/KS and to discuss the challenges of oligogenic transmission and also its role in incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity in a perspective of genetic counseling.
DICER1 gene mutations in endocrine tumors
Authors: Solarski Michael , Rotondo Fabio , Foulkes William D , Priest John R , Syro Luis V , Butz Henriett , Cusimano Michael D , Kovacs Kalman
Published: January 2018

In this review, the importance of theDICER1gene in the function of endocrine cells is discussed. There is conclusive evidence thatDICER1mutations play a crucial role in the development, progression, cell proliferation, therapeutic responsiveness and behavior of several endocrine tumors. We review the literature ofDICER1gene mutations in thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, pineal gland, endocrine pancreas, paragangliomas, medullary, adrenocortical, ovarian and testicular tumors. Although significant progress has been made during the last few years, much more work is needed to fully understand the significance ofDICER1mutations.
Interleukin-22 reverses human islet dysfunction and apoptosis triggered by hyperglycemia and LIGHT
Authors: Abadpour Shadab , Halvorsen Bente , Sahraoui Afaf , Korsgren Olle , Aukrust Pål , Scholz Hanne
Published: January 2018

Interleukin (IL)-22 has recently been suggested as an anti-inflammatory cytokine that could protect the islet cells from inflammation- and glucose-induced toxicity. We have previously shown that the tumor necrosis factor family member, LIGHT, can impair human islet function at least partly via pro-apoptotic effects. Herein, we aimed to investigate the protective role of IL-22 on human islets exposed to the combination of hyperglycemia and LIGHT. First, we found upregulation of LIGHT receptors (LTβR and HVEM) in engrafted human islets exposed to hyperglycemia (>11 mM) for 17 days post transplantation by using a double islet transplantation mouse model as well as in human islets cultured with high glucose (HG) (20 mM glucose) + LIGHTin vitro, and this latter effect was attenuated by IL-22. The effect of HG + LIGHT impairing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was reversed by IL-22. The harmful effect of HG + LIGHT on human islet function seemed to involve enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress evidenced by upregulation of p-IRE1α and BiP, elevated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IP-10 and MCP-1) and the pro-coagulant mediator tissue factor (TF) release and apoptosis in human islets, whereas all these effects were at least partly reversed by IL-22. Our findings suggest that IL-22 could counteract the harmful effects of LIGHT/hyperglycemia on human islet cells and potentially support the strong protective effect of IL-22 on impaired islet function and survival.
Transcriptome Analyses of Mosaic (MSC) Mitochondrial Mutants of Cucumber in a Highly Inbred Nuclear Background
Authors: Mróz Tomasz L , Eves-van den Akker Sebastian , Bernat Agata , Skarzyńska Agnieszka , Pryszcz Leszek , Olberg Madeline , Havey Michael J , Bartoszewski Grzegorz
Published: January 2018

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) has a large, paternally transmitted mitochondrial genome. Cucumber plants regenerated from cell cultures occasionally show paternally transmitted mosaic (MSC) phenotypes, characterized by slower growth, chlorotic patterns on the leaves and fruit, lower fertility, and rearrangements in their mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNAs). MSC lines 3, 12, and 16 originated from different cell cultures all established using the highly inbred, wild-type line B. These MSC lines possess different rearrangements and under-represented regions in their mtDNAs. We completed RNA-seq on normalized and non-normalized cDNA libraries from MSC3, MSC12, and MSC16 to study their nuclear gene-expression profiles relative to inbred B. Results from both libraries indicated that gene expression in MSC12 and MSC16 were more similar to each other than MSC3. Forty-one differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated and one downregulated in the MSC lines relative to B. Gene functional classifications revealed that more than half of these DEGs are associated with stress-response pathways. Consistent with this observation, we detected elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide throughout leaf tissue in all MSC lines compared to wild-type line B. These results demonstrate that independently produced MSC lines with different mitochondrial polymorphisms show unique and shared nuclear responses. This study revealed genes associated with stress response that could become selection targets to develop cucumber cultivars with increased stress tolerance, and further support of cucumber as a model plant to study nuclear-mitochondrial interactions.
Pitfalls of diffusion-weighted imaging of the female pelvis
Authors: Duarte Ana Luisa , Dias João Lopes , Cunha Teresa Margarida
Published: January 2018

Abstract Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is widely used in protocols for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the female pelvis. It provides functional and structural information about biological tissues, without the use of ionizing radiation or intravenous administration of contrast medium. High signal intensity on DWI with simultaneous low signal intensity on apparent diffusion coefficient maps is usually associated with malignancy. However, that pattern can also be seen in many benign lesions, a fact that should be recognized by radiologists. Correlating DWI findings with those of conventional (T1- and T2-weighted) MRI sequences and those of contrast-enhanced MRI sequences is mandatory in order to avoid potential pitfalls. The aim of this review article is the description of the most relevant physiological and benign pathological conditions of the female pelvis that can show restricted diffusion on DWI.
COLOSTOMY CLOSURE: RISK FACTORS FOR COMPLICATIONS
Authors: FONSECA Alexandre Z. , URAMOTO Edson , SANTOS-ROSA Otto M. , SANTIN Stephanie , RIBEIRO-JR Marcelo
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT Background : The restoration of intestinal continuity is an elective procedure that is not free of complications; on the contrary, many studies have proven a high level of morbidity and mortality. It is multifactorial, and has factors inherent to the patients and to the surgical technique. Aim : To identify epidemiological features of patients that underwent ostomy closure analyzing the information about the surgical procedure and its arising complications. Method : It was realized a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients who underwent ostomy closure over a period of seven years (2009-2015). Results : A total of 39 patients were included, 53.8% male and 46.2% female, with mean age of 52.4 years. Hartmann´s procedure and ileostomy were the mainly reasons for restoration of intestinal continuity, representing together 87%. Termino-terminal anastomosis was performed in 71.8% of cases, by using mainly the manual technique. 25.6% developed complications, highlighting anastomotic leakage; there were three deaths (7.6%). The surgical time, the necessity of ICU and blood transfusion significantly related to post-operative complications. Conclusion : It was found that the majority of the patients were male, with an average age of 52 years. It was observed that the surgical time, the necessity of blood transfusion and ICU were factors significantly associated with complications.
PRE AND POSTOPERATIVE PH MONITORING AND WEIGHT LOSS ANALYSIS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING GASTRIC PLICATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH FUNDOPLICATION
Authors: IVANO Flávio Heuta , MESQUITA Luciana Pereira , SIMAMURA Cristiane Megumi , KUWAKI Gustavo Massaki , COLMAN Julielli Taques , CAMPOS Guilherme Mussi
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT Background : Obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with pathological pH monitoring result may benefit from surgical treatment which is based on the fundoplication technique in association with laparoscopic gastric plication. The Nissen surgery is the gold standard for surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, whereas laparoscopic gastric plication is a restrictive surgery that consists of the invagination of the greater curvature, resulting in weight loss. Aim: To compare pre and postoperative pHmetry results and to evaluate weight loss in patients submitted to gastroplasty with fundoplication. Method: Sixteen patients with class I body mass index with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux with changes of stomach pH and/or erosive esophagitis seen in endoscopy were selected The evaluation of the weight and 24-h pH monitoring was performed preoperatively and postoperatively. The weight, body mass index, percentage of excess weight loss and DeMeester score of patients that underwent the surgery were evaluated pre and postoperatively. Results: Regarding pH monitoring, the average preoperative DeMeester index was 28.7, which was followed by a significant postoperative average reduction to 2.8 (p<0,001). Regarding the weight reduction, the average of weight loss was 13.6 kg and body mass index of 5.3 kg/m2 (p<0.001). Furthermore, the average percentage of excess weight loss was 53.9% (standard deviation=26.2). Conclusion: The combination of Nissen surgery and gastric plication is a viable procedure and appears to be an acceptable option for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in obese patients, especially patients with obesity class I.
QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER VERTICAL GASTRECTOMY EVALUATED BY THE BAROS QUESTIONNAIRE
Authors: VARGAS Guilherme Pedroso , MENDES Giselle Abigail , Pinto Rinaldo Danesi
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT Background : The satisfactory outcome in the surgical treatment of obesity must include, in addition to weight loss, a significant change in the pre-existing comorbidities and in the quality of life of the patients. Aim : To evaluate the quality of life in the late postoperative period in patients that underwent videolaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Methods : Was applied the questionnaire “Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System” (BAROS) in patients that underwent videolaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Results : A total of 47 patients between 21-60 years old were evaluated. The total mean of the BMI before surgery was 43.06±5.87 kg/m². The average percentage of the reduction of excess weight after surgery was 85.46±23.6%. The score obtained by patients in the questionnaire about the improvement in the quality of life showed excellent (36.17%), very good (40.43%), good (21.28%) and reasonable (2.13%) results. There was clinical improvement after surgery in all comorbidities investigated. Conclusion : BAROS showed excellent results in 36.17%, very good in 40.43%, good in 21.28% and reasonable in 2.13%. The weight loss was critical to improve the quality of life and offered the resolution or clinical improvement in all of the investigated comorbidities.
MINI-GASTRIC BYPASS: DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNIQUE AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: CHAIM Elinton Adami , RAMOS Almino Cardoso , CAZZO Everton
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT Background : In recent years, a surgical technique known as single-anastomosis gastric bypass or mini-gastric bypass has been developed. Its frequency of performance has increased considerably in the current decade. Aim : To describe the mini-gastric bypass technique, its implementation and preliminary results in a university hospital. Methods : This is an ongoing prospective trial to evaluate the long-term effects of mini-gastric bypass. The main features of the operation were: a gastric pouch with about 15-18 cm (50-150 ml) with a gastroenteric anastomosis in the pre-colic isoperistaltic loop 200 cm from the duodenojejunal angle (biliopancreatic loop). Results : Seventeen individuals have undergone surgery. No procedure needed to be converted to open approach. The overall 30-day morbidity was 5.9% (one individual had intestinal obstruction caused by adhesions). There was no mortality. Conclusion : Mini-gastric bypass is a feasible and safe bariatric surgical procedure.
FUNDOPLICATION CONVERSION IN ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS FOR CONTROL OF OBESITY AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: MENDES-FILHO Antônio Moreira , GODOY Eduardo Sávio Nascimento , ALHINHO Helga Cristina Almeida Wahnon , GALVÃO-NETO Manoel dos Passos , RAMOS Almino Cardoso , FERRAZ Álvaro Antônio Bandeira , CAMPOS Josemberg Marins
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT Introduction : Obesity is related with higher incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Antireflux surgery has inadequate results when associated with obesity, due to migration and/or subsequent disruption of antireflux wrap. Gastric bypass, meanwhile, provides good control of gastroesophageal reflux. Objective: To evaluate the technical difficulty in performing gastric bypass in patients previously submitted to antireflux surgery, and its effectiveness in controlling gastroesophageal reflux. Methods: Literature review was conducted between July to October 2016 in Medline database, using the following search strategy: (“Gastric bypass” OR “Roux-en-Y”) AND (“Fundoplication” OR “Nissen ‘) AND (“Reoperation” OR “Reoperative” OR “Revisional” OR “Revision” OR “Complications”). Results: Were initially classified 102 articles; from them at the end only six were selected by exclusion criteria. A total of 121 patients were included, 68 women. The mean preoperative body mass index was 37.17 kg/m² and age of 52.60 years. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was the main prior antireflux surgery (70.58%). The most common findings on esophagogastroduodenoscopy were esophagitis (n=7) and Barrett’s esophagus (n=6); the most common early complication was gastric perforation (n=7), and most common late complication was stricture of gastrojejunostomy (n=9). Laparoscopic gastric bypass was performed in 99 patients, with an average time of 331 min. Most patients had complete remission of symptoms and efficient excess weight loss. Conclusion: Although technically more difficult, with higher incidence of complications, gastric bypass is a safe and effective option for controlling gastroesophageal reflux in obese patients previously submitted to antireflux surgery, with the added benefit of excess weight loss.
THE ROLE OF THE SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY AND THE MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
Authors: FUCHS Taíse , LOUREIRO Marcelo , BOTH Gabriela Heloise , SKRABA Heloise Helena , COSTA-CASAGRANDE Thaís Andrade
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT Background : Currently, bariatric surgery has promoted weight loss and improved glycemic control in obese patients through different techniques, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Aim : Present and update the different vertical sleeve gastrectomy ways of action, both in the treatment of obesity and diabetes, approaching its potential effect on gastrointestinal physiology, as well as the benefits achieved by this manipulation. Methods : Pubmed database search was used crossing the headings: obesity, type 2 diabetes and sleeve gastrectomy. Results : Published data have shown that short-term weight loss tends to be higher in patients undergoing vertical sleeve gastrectomy compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In relation to glycemic control, the procedure demonstrated remission of diabetes in up to 60% after one year of surgery. After three years, however, differences in remission rate between surgical and clinical group was not observed, questioning the durability of the technical in a long-term. Conclusion : Despite showing good results, both in the weight loss and co-morbidities, conflicting results reinforce the need for more studies to prove the efficiency of the vertical sleeve gastrectomy as well as to understand its action about the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease.
Mulheres atletas de futsal: estratégias de resistência e permanência no esporte
Authors: Silva André Luiz dos Santos , Nazário Patrícia Andrioli
Published: January 2018

Resumo: Apoiado nos pressupostos teórico/metodológicos da “História Oral” e dos “Acervos Pessoais”, este texto analisa o protagonismo de um grupo de mulheres atletas na construção de uma das melhores equipes de Futsal Feminino do Brasil, nos anos 2000. Ao forjarem uma rede de estratégias que investiu em participação em eventos sociais, vínculos com patrocinadores, criação e manutenção de escolinhas pedagógicas e na conquista de espaços midiáticos, as atletas se posicionaram como sujeitos daquela prática e, com isso, problematizaram as clássicas representações do Futsal, cujos sentidos são permeados por marcas de masculinidade. Ao mesmo tempo em que tensionam os atravessamentos de gênero no esporte, investem em um meticuloso processo de vigília que incide normativamente sobre seus corpos e suas condutas.
O infanticídio como expressão da violência e negação do mito do amor materno
Authors: Pinheiro Veralúcia
Published: January 2018

Resumo: Discutimos neste artigo o crime de infanticídio no Brasil, buscando compreender as raízes históricas da maternidade e da violência, relacionando-as com a categoria classe social, pois os dados apontam para o fato de que as mulheres envolvidas com este tipo de crime pertencem em geral às camadas populares. Nessa perspectiva, apresentaremos dados de uma pesquisa sobre o crime de infanticídio no Brasil, realizada na Universidade Estadual de Goiás em 2012, intitulada “O infanticídio na sociedade brasileira: um estudo das dimensões social, histórica e cultural”.
Cuerpos, sensibilidades y acción colectiva (Argentina, 2002)
Authors: Vergara Gabriela del Valle
Published: January 2018

Resumen: El artículo analiza las relaciones entre condiciones de vida, sensibilidades y acciones, para comprender las formas en que el conflicto puede (o no) emerger. Para ello, se utilizan datos secundarios provenientes de Latinobarómetro, en 2002, año identificado con una de las últimas crisis más importantes de Argentina y se comparan mujeres y varones asalariados y cuentapropistas. Del análisis surge que hay inacción bajo dos lógicas diferentes pero complementarias: individualismo/solidarismo e individualismo/soportabilidad. Esta aproximación cuantitativa no pretende agotar las relaciones entre conceptos y variables propuestos, sino alentar las posibilidades de comprensión de la estructuración capitalista actual.
Imperfeições no papel: a infertilidade nas páginas da Revista Pais & Filhos
Authors: Vázquez Georgiane Garabely Heil
Published: January 2018

Resumo: Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo problematizar, a partir de uma dimensão histórica, a esterilidade/infertilidade na segunda metade do século XX no Brasil, segundo a análise documental da Revista Pais & Filhos. Os temas centrais debatidos foram as narrativas construídas pela revista em torno da dificuldade ou impossibilidade de se ter um filho. O interesse versou sobre a articulação entre os saberes médicos e os discursos apresentados na Pais & Filhos, quando a temática da infertilidade foi abordada. Foram usadas como bases teóricas as reflexões de Butler (2000; 2002), Braidotti (2001), Haraway, Kunzru e Tadeu (2000), dentre outras. Em linhas gerais, pode-se observar que a revista construiu estratégias narrativas que tornavam as mulheres inférteis em doentes. A gestação e o exercício da maternidade foram amplamente valorizados pela revista.