bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in gene expression profile between vocal cord Leukoplakia and normal larynx mucosa by gene chip
Authors: Peng Jianhua , Li He , Chen Jun , Wu Xianming , Jiang Tao , Chen Xiaoyun
Published: February 2018

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in tumorigenesis. Vocal cord leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion in otolaryngological practice. Till now, the expression patterns and functions of lncRNAs in vocal cord leukoplakia have not been well understood. In this study, we used microarrays to investigate the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in vocal cord leukoplakia and adjacent non-neoplastic tissues.

Methods

Gene Ontology and pathway analyses were performed to determine the significant function and pathways of the differentially expressed mRNAs. qRT-PCR was performed to further validate the expression of selected lncRNAs and mRNAs in vocal cord leukoplakia.

Results

Our study identified 170 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 99 differentially expressed mRNAs, including 142 up-regulated lncRNAs and 28 down-regulated lncRNAs, and 54 up-regulated mRNAs and 45 down-regulated mRNAs. Among these, XLOC_000605 and DLX6-AS1 were the most aberrantly expressed lncRNAs. Furthermore, we identified an antisense lncRNA (LOC100506801), an enhancer-like lncRNA (AK057351) and three long intergenetic noncoding RNAs including XLOC_008001, XLOC_011989 and XLOC_007341.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that many lncRNAs were differentially expressed between vocal cord leukoplakia tissues and normal tissue, suggesting that they may play a key role in vocal cord leukoplakia tumorigenesis.
How Four Scientists Integrate Thermodynamic and Kinetic Theory, Context, Analogies, and Methods in Protein-Folding and Dynamics Research: Implications for Biochemistry Instruction
Authors: Jeffery Kathleen A. , Pelaez Nancy , Anderson Trevor R.
Published: February 2018

To keep biochemistry instruction current and relevant, it is crucial to expose students to cutting-edge scientific research and how experts reason about processes governed by thermodynamics and kinetics such as protein folding and dynamics. This study focuses on how experts explain their research into this topic with the intention of informing instruction. Previous research has modeled how expert biologists incorporate research methods, social or biological context, and analogies when they talk about their research on mechanisms. We used this model as a guiding framework to collect and analyze interview data from four experts. The similarities and differences that emerged from analysis indicate that all experts integrated theoretical knowledge with their research context, methods, and analogies when they explained how phenomena operate, in particular by mapping phenomena to mathematical models; they explored different processes depending on their explanatory aims, but readily transitioned between different perspectives and explanatory models; and they explained thermodynamic and kinetic concepts of relevance to protein folding in different ways that aligned with their particular research methods. We discuss how these findings have important implications for teaching and future educational research.
Seismic sedimentological evidence for filling process of western Central Canyon System controlled by the evolution of the Tibetan Plateau and the East Asia monsoon since the Late Miocene, South China Sea
Authors: Wang Dawei , Zeng Hongliu , Wu Shiguo , Wang Weiwei , Li Qingping , Mi Lijun
Published: February 2018

Three-dimensional blended data, comprised of amplitude and coherence cubes, are used to analyze the evolution of the Central Canyon System (CCS) since the Late Miocene within the western Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB), South China Sea. The evolution of the canyon since the late Miocene includes two phases and five stages, with a dramatic change of deepwater sediment bodies from early, predominantly axial channel-levee deposits (CLDs) to late, primarily side mass-transport deposits (MTD). During the first and second stages (approximately 5.3–3.7 Ma), axial CLDs derived from the western slope of the South China Sea dominated the sediment bodies within the canyon. The last three stages (3.7 Ma to Recent) were dominated by side MTD, which originated from the northern slope of the South China Sea. Since the canyon was completely filled at 2.4 Ma, axial CLDs only reactivated in the lower strata of the most southern region of the study area. The time of formation of the CCS (approximately 11.6–8.2 Ma) is almost synchronous with the rise of the Himalayas and the first enhancement of the East Asia monsoon during the middle and late Miocene. The change of deepwater deposits within the canyon, which has varied from CLDs to MTDs since 3.7 Ma, is in phase with the further rapid uplift of the entire Tibetan Plateau and the second enhancement of the East Asia monsoon during the middle Pliocene. This evidence suggests that the formation and filling of the canyon should be controlled by the evolution of the Tibetan Plateau and the East Asia monsoon. Tectonics and the East Asia monsoon controlled the evolution of the CCS by changing erosion rates from the Tibetan Plateau, South China Block, and Indochina Peninsula, and sedimentary rates within the Yinggehai Basin and QDNB.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Radical Surgery Versus Concomitant Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Patients With Stage IB2, IIA, or IIB Squamous Cervical Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gupta Sudeep , Maheshwari Amita , Parab Pallavi , Mahantshetty Umesh , Hawaldar Rohini , Sastri (Chopra) Supriya , Kerkar Rajendra , Engineer Reena , Tongaonkar Hemant , Ghosh Jaya , Gulia Seema , Kumar Neha , Shylasree T. Surappa , Gawade Renuka , Kembhavi Yogesh , Gaikar Madhuri , Menon Santosh , Thakur Meenakshi , Shrivastava Shyam , Badwe Rajendra
Published: February 2018

Purpose

We compared the efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery versus standard cisplatin-based chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced squamous cervical cancer.

Patients and Methods

This was a single-center, phase III, randomized controlled trial ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00193739). Eligible patients were between 18 and 65 years old and had stage IB2, IIA, or IIB squamous cervical cancer. They were randomly assigned, after stratification by stage, to receive either three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using paclitaxel and carboplatin once every 3 weeks followed by radical hysterectomy or standard radiotherapy with concomitant cisplatin once every week for 5 weeks. Patients in the neoadjuvant group received postoperative adjuvant radiation or concomitant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, if indicated. The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS), defined as survival without relapse or death related to cancer, and secondary end points included overall survival and toxicity.

Results

Between September 2003 and February 2015, 635 patients were randomly assigned, of whom 633 (316 patients in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery group and 317 patients in the concomitant chemoradiation group) were included in the final analysis, with a median follow-up time of 58.5 months. The 5-year DFS in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery group was 69.3% compared with 76.7% in the concomitant chemoradiation group (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.87; P = .038), whereas the corresponding 5-year OS rates were 75.4% and 74.7%, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.025; 95% CI, 0.752 to 1.398; P = .87). The delayed toxicities at 24 months or later after treatment completion in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery group versus the concomitant chemoradiation group were rectal (2.2% v 3.5%, respectively), bladder (1.6% v 3.5%, respectively), and vaginal (12.0% v 25.6%, respectively).

Conclusion

Cisplatin-based concomitant chemoradiation resulted in superior DFS compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery in locally advanced cervical cancer.
Η «Ελληνική Επιθεώρηση Πολιτικής Επιστήμης» στο διαδίκτυο: Προκλήσεις, δυνατότητες, απαιτήσεις και προοπτικές.
Authors: Καραγιάννης Γιάννης , Καβουλάκος Κάρολος , Τσακίρης Θανάσης
Published: February 2018

Δεν υπάρχει περίληψη
Συγκρουσιακός και εκλογικός κύκλος στην Ελλάδα της κρίσης
Authors: Σερντεδάκις Νίκος , Κουφίδη Μυρσίνη
Published: February 2018

Η συσχέτιση των εκλογικών με τους συγκρουσιακούς κύκλους, παρά την αλματώδη ανάπτυξη του πεδίου μελέτης της συλλογικής δράσης και των κοινωνικών κινημάτων, παραμένει σχετικά παραμελημένη στη σύγχρονη βιβλιογραφία. Στο κείμενό μας επιχειρούμε να αναδείξουμε τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά του νέου κύκλου διαμαρτυρίας που ανοίγει στην Ελλάδα από το 2010 και εξής. Προτείνουμε ένα νέο σχήμα κατανόησης της κορύφωσης της διαμαρτυρίας κατά τις κινητοποιήσεις των πλατειών, υποδεικνύοντας μια τετραμερή διαίρεση εντός τους, έναντι άλλων προσεγγίσεων που τείνουν προς μια διχοτομική τους πρόσληψη. Παράλληλα, εντοπίζουμε δύο διακριτές φάσεις του σύγχρονου συγκρουσιακού κύκλου: μια αρχική φάση κορύφωσης, με κυρίαρχη θεματολογία την εναντίωση στα μνημόνια, και μια επόμενη φάση σχετικής κάμψης, με την ανάπτυξη αιτημάτων εστιασμένων σε θέματα δημοκρατίας, αντιρατσιστικής και αντιφασιστικής δράσης, αλλά και εναλλακτικών εγχειρημάτων. Καταληκτικά, υποδεικνύουμε τη στενή σχέση των κύκλων διαμαρτυρίας και των εκλογικών κύκλων ως απαραίτητη προϋπόθεση για την κατανόηση της αλλαγής των «εκλογικών καθεστώτων» στην Ελλάδα και ιδιαίτερα για την ανάγνωση των πρόσφατων τάσεων ρευστοποίησης του κομματικού μας συστήματος.
Ο Παναγιώτης Κονδύλης ως κριτικός του συντηρητισμού και του νεοσυντηρητισμού
Authors: Καραλής (Dimitris Karalis) Δημήτρης , Πεχλιβανίδης (Anastasios Pechlivanidis) Αναστάσιος
Published: February 2018

Στο παρόν άρθρο μελετούμε τις αποκλίσεις της κονδυλικής ανάλυσης της ιστορίας των ιδεών των νεότερων χρόνων από την αντίστοιχη  σμιτιανής προέλευσης ανάλυση του Koselleck, όπως αυτή παρουσιάζεται στο έργο του Critique and Crisis. Ταυτόχρονα, επιχειρούμε να δείξουμε ότι η κονδυλική ανάλυση της ιστορίας των ιδεών των νεότερων χρόνων αποδομεί, παράλληλα με εκείνη του Koselleck, τις συντηρητικές και νεοσυντηρητικές αναγνώσεις του διαφωτισμού και του αντιδιαφωτισμού.
Two center experience of capsule endoscopy in Iran: Report on 101 cases
Authors: Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Asasi Morteza , Joukar Farahnaz , Rafiei Rahmatollah , Mansour-Ghanaei Alireza , Hajipour-Jafroudi Ehsan
Published: February 2018

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a minimally invasive method for the visual examination of the small intestine, which may be for the evaluation and follow-up of patients with Crohn's disease. It can also be used to look at mucosal inflammation.

Methods: This cross sectional study was used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of the CE system by performing a cross-sectional study of cases from 2011-2014. This study involved a total of 101 Iranian patients who were referred to the gastrointestinal and liver diseases outpatient clinics in Guilan (northern Iran) and in Isfahan (central Iran) for complaints of gastrointestinal problems. For all patients, definitive diagnosis had failed with the use of other diagnostic tools and CE was performed. Descriptive analysis was used. The patient population was represented by men and women equally, and the mean age of the patients was 42.3 ± 17.2 years (range: 16-89 years).

Results: The final diagnoses were: non-specific enteritis (30.6%), Crohn's disease (20.7%), ulcers caused by aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (8.9%), mucosal erosion (5.9%) and angioectasia (4.9%); nearly 10% of the patients had normal findings. Analysis of the distribution of chief presenting complaints with patients stratified by the final diagnosis of Crohn's disease showed that the most frequently presented chief complaint was abdominal pain 42.9% and the least frequently presented chief complaint was diarrhea (4.8%).

Conclusions: Small bowel evaluation by CE was well tolerated and capable of diagnosing Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal bleeding in patients who failed other diagnostic tests.
Introduction: 2017 Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences
Authors: Milne R. John , Robinson Anne G.
Published: February 2018

This special issue of Interfaces is devoted to the finalists of the 46th annual competition for the Franz Edelman Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences, the profession’s most prestigious award for deployed work. As in previous years, the six finalists this year cover a wide range of industries and functions.
Book Reviews
Authors: Shen Wenjing
Published: February 2018

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book, with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review, or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following books are reviewed in this issue of Interfaces, 48(1), January–February 2018: Portfolio Construction Measurement and Efficiency, John Guerard, Jr., ed.; and Contract Analysis and Design for Supply Chains with Stochastic Demand, Zhao Yingxue, Xiaoge Meng, Shouyang Wang, and T.C. Edwin Cheng.
Penetrating neck injuries
Authors: Khan AM , Fleming JC , Jeannon JP
Published: February 2018

Penetrating neck injuries are becoming more common because of the increasing prevalence of knife and gun crimes. The immediate and long-term consequences of injury to the neck can be significant because of the close relationship of important anatomical structures in a confined space. Delayed recognition of major injury and inadequate treatment results in high morbidity and mortality. Developing a clear understanding of the underlying anatomy, common mechanisms of injury and principles of management will provide first responders, emergency doctors and trauma surgeons with confidence in appropriate evidence-based management. Early involvement of otolaryngologists or head and neck surgeons is advisable. Two cases of penetrating neck injury from the June 2017 London Bridge terror attack are discussed.
A 100-day plan
Authors: Solly Ben
Published: February 2018

If you are starting a new middle or senior leadership role, Ben Solly recommends having a 100-day plan to help you hit the ground running
Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Autonomy and Postpartum STD Prevention Among Young Couples: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Willie Tiara C. , Callands Tamora A. , Kershaw Trace S.
Published: February 2018

CONTEXT

The transition to parenthood is a stressful time for young couples and can put them at risk for acquiring STDs. Mechanisms underlying this risk—particularly, intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual autonomy—have not been well studied.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2011, a prospective cohort study of the relationships and health of pregnant adolescents and their male partners recruited 296 couples at four hospital‐based obstetrics and gynecology clinics in the U.S. Northeast; participants were followed up six and 12 months after the birth. Structural equation modeling identified associations among IPV at baseline and six months, sexual autonomy at six months and STD acquisition at 12 months. Mediating effects of sexual autonomy were tested via bootstrapping.

RESULTS

Females were aged 14–21, and male partners were 14 or older. For females, IPV victimization at baseline was positively associated with the likelihood of acquiring a postpartum STD (coefficient, 0.4); level of sexual autonomy was inversely associated with the likelihood of acquiring an STD and of having a male partner who acquired one by the 12‐month follow‐up (–0.4 for each). For males, IPV victimization at baseline was negatively correlated with a female partner's sexual autonomy (–0.3) and likelihood of acquiring an STD (–0.7); victimization at six months was positively related to a partner's sexual autonomy (0.2). Sexual autonomy did not mediate these relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

Females' sexual autonomy appears to protect against postpartum STDs for both partners. Future research should explore the efficacy of IPV‐informed approaches to improving women's sexual and reproductive health.
Land Surface Temperature Mapping using Geoinformation Techniques
Authors: Agbor Chukwuka Friday , Makinde Esther Oluwafunmilayo
Published: February 2018

General environmental management, which involves monitoring and modeling, requires the information of the Land surface temperature (LST) status of area concerned. Land surface temperature has gained relevance recognition over the years and there is need to develop approaches that can determine LST using satellite images. This study was conducted in Akure which has experienced rapid urbanization in recent time. The study utilized Landsat data of 1984, 1990, 2000, 2003, 2014 and 2016. The temperature data were derived from Landsat images using remote sensing algorithms for assessing LST from thermal infrared (TIR) data (bands 6 and 10). These data were processed and analyzed using tools in Idrisi and ArcGIS software systems. Satellite-derived land surface temperatures were validated with in-situ temperature data. The results revealed parabolic increase in temperature over the years and the changing pattern was investigated by adopting existing ecological indexes.. The validation operation revealed average bias value of between remote sensing- and ground-based data. This implies that remote sensing technique is reliable and therefore could be employed for large scale temperature mapping. The results could be used in mitigating urban heat island effectssuch as heat-related stress and ill-timed human deaths.
GeoEasy an open source project for surveying calculations
Authors: Siki Zoltan
Published: February 2018

The development of the GeoEasy program started in 1997. Twenty years later in 2017 it became free software under GPL license, version 3.0.0 is freely available for everybody. The core development of GeoEasy is made on Linux operating system, using Tcl/Tk script language, thanks to the Tcl/Tk ports to other operating systems, the program can be run on Linux, Windows, Android and OSX machines. Objectives of the development are to create user friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for surveying calculations in a modular structure with flexible, open connections to other programs. Both educational and professional usages are supported.
Business Challenges in the Architecture Industry
Authors: Bondare Santa , Volkova Tatjana , Bondars Edgars , Barvika Sarmīte
Published: February 2018

This paper highlights the current critical business challenges in the architecture industry. The initial study reviews the latest statistics of the architecture industry, research findings in the discipline of architecture management, knowledge and education gaps, as well as current business needs and development perspective. The review of the Latvian architecture industry based on publicly available data and the opinion of professionals concerning the business needs of the architecture industry is used as a case study.

The main recommendations for architecture industry professionals are related to necessity to improve the architects’ awareness and understanding of the influence of critical business functions to the company performance results, and application of most advanced management tools in architecture industry for ensuring business viability. The paper is highlighting the need for further research on critical business functions directly linked with specific aspects of architecture industry in different business contexts.
Black-Bridge data in the detection of forest area changes in the example of Sudety and Beskidy
Authors: Hycza Tomasz , Stereńczak Krzysztof , Bałazy Radomir
Published: February 2018

Two change detection techniques (NDVI differencing and post-classification analysis) were compared, in order to detect canopy cover changes in forests on the area of twelve forest districts in the Sudety and West Beskidy Mountains in Poland, using 2012 and 2013 Black-Bridge satellite images. Although the classification accuracy of the respective images was high (about 95%), the accuracy of the difference in bi-temporal images was much worse because of the short time between the dates of images and the imperfection of the algorithm calculating the unclear boundary between the forest and no-forest areas. NDVI differencing method and thresholding brought much better overall results, although roads, clouds and fogs caused much problem performing pseudo-changes.
Immission-load-related dynamics of S-SO4
2− in precipitation and in lysimetric solutions penetrating through beech ecosystems
Authors: Kukla Ján , Bublinec Eduard , Schieber Branislav , Kellerová Daniela , Bičárová Svetlana , Janík Rastislav
Published: February 2018

The paper presents the results of a 23-year study of sulphate sulphur dynamics in beech ecosystems exposed to different immission loads. The amounts of S-SO4
2− in precipitation water entering the ecosystems were: the Kremnické vrchy Mts, a clear-cut area 519 kg ha−1 (24.7 kg ha−1 per year), a beech forest 476 kg ha−1 (22.7 kg ha−1 per year); the Štiavnické vrchy Mts an open place 401 kg ha−1 (24.6 kg ha−1 per year), a beech forest 324 kg ha−1 (19.1 kg ha−1 per year). The average SO4
2− concentrations in lysimetric solutions penetrating through surface humus to a depth of Cambisol 10 and 25 cm were increased as follows: in the Kremnické vrchy Mts from 12.71 to 16.17 mg l−1 and in the Štiavnické vrchy Mts from 18.73 to 28.80 mg l−1. The S-SO4
−2 amounts penetrating the individual soil layers in the Kremnické vrchy Mts were as follows: in case of surface humus on clear-cut area 459 kg ha−1 (20.9 kg ha−1 per year), in beech forest 433 kg ha−1 (19.7 kg ha−1 per year); below 10 cm organo-mineral layer of the mentioned plots penetrated 169–171 kg ha−1 (7.7–7.8 kg ha−1 per year), and below 25 cm mineral layer 155–255 kg ha−1 (7.1−11.6 kg ha−1 per year) – a higher amount was found on clear-cut area with an episodic lateral flow of soil solutions. In beech forest of the Štiavnické vrchy Mts penetrated below surface humus 424 kg ha−1 S-SO4
2− (18.9 kg ha−1 per year), below 10 cm mineral layer 458 kg ha−1 S-SO4
2− (19.9 kg ha−1 per year), and below 25 cm mineral layer as much as 599 kg ha−1 S-SO4
2− (26.0 kg ha−1 per year). This fact was caused by frequent lateral flow of soil solutions. The results indicate that the assumption about lower immission load of the beech ecosystem in the Kremnické vrchy Mts is wrong, at least in the case of S-SO4
2−. The testing has revealed that the studied beech ecosystems differ very significantly in sulphur amounts penetrating under 0.10 m and 0.25 m. The inter-annual differences were insignificant.
Improvement of enzymatic digestibility of wood by a sequence of optimized milling procedures with final vibratory tube mills for the amorphization of cellulose
Authors: Wang Jinwu , Gao Johnway , Brandt Kristin L. , Jiang Jinxue , Liu Yalan , Wolcott Michael P.
Published: February 2018

A three-stage wood milling process was investigated leading to coarse, fine and amorphization of milled wood (MW) as a pretreatment for enzymatic wood hydrolysis. An eccentric vibratory tube mill (EVTM) and a spring suspended vibratory tube mill (SSVTM) were found to be suitable for wood cellulose amorphization. Both methods gave rise to highly digestible and amorphous wood powders amenable to enzymatic hydrolysis. The SSVTM had superior energy efficiency. The resulting MW afforded a 70% sugar yield via enzymatic hydrolysis and the total energy consumption was around 1.5 kWh kg−1oven-dried wood (odW) for all three milling stages. In contrast, EVTM consumed 17 kWh kg−1odW energy. Accordingly, SSVTM has a high potential for preparing wood for enzymatic hydrolysis.
Co-gasification of High-ash Sewage Sludge and Straw in a Bubbling Fluidized Bed with Oxygen-enriched Air
Authors: Niu Miaomiao , Jin Baosheng , Huang Yaji , Wang Hongyan , Dong Qing , Gu Haiming , Yang Jiayao
Published: February 2018

Gasification is a promising technology to utilize solid wastes. Co-gasification of high-ash sewage sludge and straw were studied in a fluidized bed using oxygen-enriched air. Several factors influencing co-gasification performance were investigated, including the blending ratio of straw (BR, 0–100 %), the oxygen percentage of enriched air (OP, 30.2–50 %) and the bed material type (high alumina bauxite, calcined dolomite and olivine). The results indicated that the proper increase in BR led to higher syngas yield and an increase in OP caused an increase in combustible gas components, both showing improvements for waste gasification. Correspondingly, the maximum cold gas efficiency was obtained at BR of 50 % and OP of 44.7 %, respectively. Additionally, calcined dolomite exhibited the maximum advantage in the reduction of heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), promoting the production of H2 and CO. The addition of high alumina bauxite was favored for improving syngas yield and gasification efficiency.
Archeology, Zionism and Photography in Palestine: Analysis of the Use of Dimensions of People in Photographs
Authors: Barromi-Perlman Edna
Published: February 2018

The physical dimensions of people in archeological photographs in Palestine from before 1948 and in Western tourist landscape photography have played a role in forms of local documentation. The study discusses how this component affects readings and perceptions of photographs. It addresses Jewish propaganda photographs in which pioneers were intentionally enlarged and centered in photographs. It discusses forms of visual empowerment in relation to constructed dimensions of people as a form of Zionist defiance of British colonialism in Palestine.
Revisiting the Isolated Canaanite Temple of Tel Mevorakh
Authors: Weissbein Itamar
Published: February 2018

The isolated Late Bronze temple at Tel Mevorakh was interpreted by its excavator, E. Stern, as a “road sanctuary” which sits on an important trading route, and as a daughter site of Tel Dor. This article, wish to reexamine this interpretation by drawing the attention to the ancient natural landscape which surrounds the temple, especially the Taninim River and the Kabara Marsh. Those major water sources where significant natural barriers which prevented the passage of main roads in this area. Probably, they also formed a political border which divides between Tel Mevorakh and the Carmel Coast. Therefore, this paper offers that the Tel Mevorakh temple was part of the settlement system of the northern Sharon, and was isolated from roads. The main reason that led to the establishment of a cult-site at Tel Mevorakh was its unique natural surroundings, which was related in the minds of its worshipers to the mythical world of the gods.
Variations in Hillslope Runoff as Detected Using Geological Strata Coupled with Vegetation Patterns- Implications on Spatially Distributed Desert Runoff Agriculture
Authors: Wieler Nimrod , Avni Yoav , Rosensaft Marcelo , Olsvig-Whittaker Linda
Published: February 2018

Sparsely vegetated bedrock slopes in deserts coincide with slope parameters, thus they have important implications on biological, chemical, hydrological and geomorphological processes. Spatial variations in these vegetation patterns, density and communities indicates on relatively humid habitats, which correspond with sinks for high runoff. Relations between the bedrock runoff generation and vegetation patterns may imply on the spatial locations of Byzantine – Early Muslim (400-1000 C.E.; 1600-1000 y BP) agriculture installations. These installations are widespread in the Negev Desert, Israel, utilized sophisticated runoff harvesting techniques by the ancient farmers. Applying a multi-disciplinary approach, we tested vegetation patterns as a precursor for runoff generation along bedrock slopes in the Negev Desert Highlands, and correlated them to the spatial distribution of the Byzantine – Early Muslim runoff agriculture installations. Integrating vegetation patterns, geological substrate data and bedrock-runoff generation data on a GIS model on a large scale (160 km2) of the Negev Highlands yields a synthetic potential runoff map. This map is a unique new product conducted for the first time during this study. Basing on it, runoff yield can be predicted for different scales, ranging from that of a single lithology slope to that of a basin of varying lithologies. Utilizing this methodology, we show that high correlation (80 %) exists between vegetation patterns and spatially located Byzantine – Early Muslim runoff-farming installations. This correlation turns the vegetation coverage as a reliable marker for predicting runoff yield in arid bedrock slopes and imply for stable arid climate in the past 1600 years in the Negev Desert.
Deterrence Dilemma in Latvia and Estonia: Finding the Balance between External Military Solidarity and Territorial Defence
Authors: Andžāns Māris , Veebel Viljar
Published: February 2018

While potential threats from Russia and NATO collective defence commitments are similar for Latvia and Estonia, both countries have adopted different approaches in the balancing exercise between territorial defence and military solidarity. Notwithstanding their differences, both are by their nature fully non-aggressive – without room for pre-emptive initiatives, extra territoriality or asymmetrical tools. Given that in a case of a hypothetical large-scale conventional attack both countries would almost entirely have to rest on the allies, external military solidarity is essential. Until the Ukraine crisis, both offered more military solidarity towards their NATO allies than the latter offered to them. As the result of the Ukrainian crisis, allies became more military-solidary with the Baltic nations, especially having established the Enhanced Forward Presence, while Estonian and especially Latvian contributions to international missions and operations dropped. Therefore, it is suggested that both countries increase their efforts to the allied international endeavours.
Singular Cauchy problem for the general Euler-Poisson-Darboux equation
Authors: Shishkina E.L.
Published: February 2018

In this paper we obtain the solution of the singular Cauchy problem for the Euler-Poisson-Darboux equation when differential Bessel operator acts by each variable.
On the number of cycles in a graph
Authors: AlBdaiwi Bader F.
Published: February 2018

There is a sizable literature on investigating the minimum and maximum numbers of cycles in a class of graphs. However, the answer is known only for special classes. This paper presents a result on the smallest number of cycles in Hamiltonian 3-connected cubic graphs. Further, it describes a proof technique that could improve an upper bound of the largest number of cycles in a Hamiltonian graph.
Classification of posets using zero-divisor graphs
Authors: Tavakkoli Maryam , Saeid Arsham Borumand , Poursalavati Nosratollah Shajareh
Published: February 2018

Halaš and Jukl associated the zero-divisor graph G to a poset (X,≤) with zero by declaring two distinct elements x and y of X to be adjacent if and only if there is no non-zero lower bound for {x, y}. We characterize all the graphs that can be realized as the zero-divisor graph of a poset. Using this, we classify posets whose zero-divisor graphs are the same. In particular we show that if V is an n-element set, then there exist

∑

log
2

⁡
(
n
+
1
)
≤
k
≤
n

n
k

2
k

−
k
−
1

n
−
k

$\begin{array}{}
\sum\limits_{\log_2(n+1)\leq k\leq n}^{}\binom{n}{k}\binom{2^k-k-1}{n-k}
\end{array} $

reduced zero-divisor graphs whose vertex sets are V.
A study of stabilizers in triangle algebras
Authors: Zahiri Saeide , Saeid Arsham Borumand , Eslami Esfandiar
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we introduce the notions of stabilizer of a subset and the stabilizer of a subset with respect to another one in triangle algebras and study them in details. It is shown that the stabilizer of a subset and stabilizer of an interval valued residuated lattice filter (IVRL-filter) with respect to another IVRL-filter are IVRL-filters. We state and prove some theorems which determine some properties of this stabilizers in triangle algebras. Also, we prove that in linearly ordered triangle algebras, stabilizer of a set is an IVRL-extended prime filter. Finally, we consider the influence of stabilizers on product and quotient triangle algebras.
Revealing two cubic non-residues in a quadratic field locally
Authors: Kučera Radan
Published: February 2018

This note is devoted to a solution of a problem posed by Ladislav Skula.
Nuclear operators on Cb
(X, E) and the strict topology
Authors: Nowak Marian , Stochmal Juliusz
Published: February 2018

Let X be a completely regular Hausdorff space, E and F be Banach spaces. Let Cb
(X,E) be the space of all E-valued bounded, continuous functions on X, equipped with the natural strict topology β. We study nuclear operators T: Cb
(X,E) → F in terms of their representing operator-valued Borel measures.
Addendum to “A sequential implicit function theorem for the chords iteration”, Math. Slovaca 63(5) (2013), 1085–1100
Authors: Nedelcheva Diana Kirilova
Published: February 2018

A sequential implicit function theorem for the method of chords was proved in the paper cited in the title. In this paper we add to this theorem a statement regarding the Lipschitz continuity of the mapping involved together with a sketch of proof.
Comparison of density topologies on the real line
Authors: Wiertelak Renata
Published: February 2018

In this paper will be considered density-like points and density-like topology in the family of Lebesgue measurable subsets of real numbers connected with a sequence 𝓙= {Jn
}
n∈ℕ of closed intervals tending to zero. The main result concerns necessary and sufficient condition for inclusion between that defined topologies.
Rational homotopy of maps between certain complex Grassmann manifolds
Authors: Chakraborty Prateep , Masuti Shreedevi K.
Published: February 2018

Let G

n,k
denote the complex Grassmann manifold of k-dimensional vector subspaces of ℂ
n
. Assume l,k ≤ ⌊ n/2⌋. We show that, for sufficiently large n, any continuous map h : G

n,l
→ G

n,k
is rationally null homotopic if (i) 1 ≤ k < l, (ii) 2 < l < k < 2(l − 1), (iii) 1 < l < k, l divides n but l does not divide k.
“It is my world, to which you are invited…”. Composers’ self-reflection in the programme books of the Warsaw Autumn (1999–2016)
Authors: Schreiber Ewa
Published: February 2018

Although we usually treat writing and speaking about music as a secondary activity in relation to creation and performance, discourse about the latest compositional output is now gaining considerable independence. The need for creative artists to work together with institutions and with a whole network of mediators means that in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, verbal discourse has played even a key role, and the search for a nuanced and original language that might attract potential listeners to new repertoire is proving a serious challenge.

For contemporary music, festivals remain the most important – and at times almost the only – forum enabling works to exist in the social awareness. Hence an important area in which discourse linked to contemporary music is shaped consists of festival books and composers’ comments on their works. The latter help composers to forge their own image, at the same time helping or hindering the creation of an additional plane of understanding with potential listeners.

This text represents an attempt to distinguish the main thematic areas to appear in composers’ self-reflection on the pages of the programme books of the “Warsaw Autumn” International Festival of Contemporary Music from 1999 to 2016, when Tadeusz Wielecki was appointed director of the festival. We will find here remarks on inspiration, creative process and musical language, as well as technology, nature and modes of listening. Notions taken from physics, chemistry and biology also frequently enter descriptions of music, and art becomes a sort of commentary to modern science. Finally, a separate strand consists of notes in which composers not so much shed light on the techniques they use or build contexts for their works, but rather seek to create plays on words as an alternative to musical compositions.

From a broader perspective, analysis of composers’ comments may help us to answer the question as to how such comments shape the plane of communication with potential listeners, what they tell us about discourse on the subject of new music, and the extent to which they expand the categories of its interpretation.
Reception of the Warsaw Autumn Festival in Lithuania: Cultural Discourse and Political Context
Authors: Stanevičiūtė Rūta
Published: February 2018

This article aims to offer a broader understanding of the Lithuanian reception of the Warsaw Autumn festival in relation to the modernisation of national music in Lithuania since the late 1950s – early 1960s. Based on a micro-historical and comparative approach to the network of individuals and events, it is intended to explore the shifts of reception through analysis of musical criticism, composers’ work and discourse, and artistic exchange between the Lithuanian and Polish new music scenes. The author discusses the cultural and political factors which affected the changing role of the Warsaw Autumn festival and its impact on the modernisation processes in Lithuanian music. In addition, the asymmetries of mutual understanding and interests between the Polish and Lithuanian music cultures have been highlighted both during the Cold War and the post-communist transformation periods.
Between Connotation and Denotation. Posters Announcing the Warsaw Autumn International Festival of Contemporary Music in 1956-2015
Authors: Knorowski Mariusz
Published: February 2018

The posters that accompany the successive Warsaw Autumn Festival editions are a unique collection of works, mostly of outstanding quality. One might venture the thesis that their artistic value – living up to the high demands of the topic – exceeds the typical standards of representation characteristic of popular art. Formally speaking, they abandon the conventions of egalitarian iconographic art in favour of a more elite-oriented visual formula, addressed to a competent audience knowledgeable about contemporary music and its qualities. The authors of these WA posters include many artists associated with the Polish school, such as Jan Lenica, Jan Młodożeniec, Julian Pałka, Waldemar Świerzy, Henryk Tomaszewski, and Wojciech Zamecznik. Their graphic representations of the achievements of the musical avant-garde do not, however, situate this poster series within the well-sanctioned canon of the “Polish poster school”, mostly associated with the film and theatre – generally considered as more “democratic” and entertainment-oriented disciplines of art.

The WA posters point to an evident polarisation of visual culture, corresponding to the division between high and low culture and between two types of audiences, differing in expectations. These posters form a largely autonomous collection and may be viewed as supplementary to the music they refer to, which determined the choice of expressive means appropriate to this topic. The whole collection is a display of its authors’ evident skills and their ability to live up to the high demands placed on these works.

The task of translating one medium into another (in this case – a visual one) requires intellectual discipline. Some kind of (at least formal) similarity between the two media needs to be discovered, and shared semantic elements ought to be traced. On the verbal level, such similarities are presented in terms of related distinctive features, ways of describing phenomena, and intuitions. The 19th-century Romantic concept of the correspondance des arts was based on similar assumptions. The Romantics attempted to systematise the emotions accompanying the experience of different arts, looking for affinities and similar form-building strategies.
The crystal structure of diaqua-2,2′-((cyclohexane-1,2-diylbis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))diphenolato-κ4
N,N′,O,O′)manganese(III) perchlorate, C20H24MnClN2O4
Authors: Ju Hongping , Chen Zihao , Qin Jing , Lang Yu , Ren Yunhui , Li Ping , Li Nan , Zhou Kaihua
Published: February 2018

C20H24MnClN2O4, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 7.9912(8) Å, b = 11.8174(9) Å, c = 12.7781(15) Å, α = 112.855(9)°, β = 97.649(9)°, γ = 91.215(7)°, V = 1098.6(2) Å3, Z = 2; R
gt(F) = 0.0491, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1319, T = 250(2) K.
Crystal structure of Diiodo-(N′-((quinolin-8-yl)methylene)isonicotinohydrazide κ3
N,N′,O)cadium(II) – dimethylformamide (1/1), C19H19N5O2CdI2
Authors: Xu Zhi-Hong , Wu Wei-Na
Published: February 2018

C19H19N5O2CdI2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.32(1) Å, b = 8.952(7) Å, c = 21.533(16) Å, β = 92.892(13)°, V = 2372(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0373, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0771, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of {N-(3-ethoxy-2-oxidobenzylidene)-4-fluorobenzohydrazonato-κ3
O,N,O′}dimethyltin(IV), C18H19FN2O3Sn
Authors: Lee See Mun , Tan Yee Seng , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: February 2018

C18H19FN2O3Sn, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 27.1120(3) Å, b = 9.5721(1) Å, c = 13.3072(1) Å, β = 98.271(1)°, V = 3417.55(6) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.016, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.043, T = 100(2) K.
The Impact of Body Mass Index on Disease Progression in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Zepa Jūlija , Buliņa Inita , Lavrentjevs Vladimirs , Vīnkalna Ilze , Ņikitina-Zaķe Liene , Andersone Daina , Lejnieks Aivars
Published: February 2018

Obesity can be a factor that affects the course of chronic systemic inflammatory arthritis. The objective of this study was to characterise patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) according to an evaluation of their body mass index (BMI) and by exploring the link between the overweightness and obesity with routinely measured disease-specific variables, including disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index BASDAI; Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, using CRP, ASDAScrp), spinal mobility (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, BASMI), functional capacity (BASFI), extraspinal manifestations like fatigue, uveitis, and peripheral arthritis present during the course of the disease. A total of 107 patients were included in the cross-sectional study fulfilling the modified New York criteria for AS. Patients were divided into three groups: with the evaluation of BMI ≤ 24.9, 25.0–29.9 (overweight) and ≥ 30.0 (obesity). The mean BMI was 25.13 (SD 4.07). 33% of patients were overweight and 15% were obese. The mean values of age, duration of AS, ASDAScrp, BASDAI, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), BASMI, pain in spine, and fatigue in the group with BMI ≤ 24.9 were lower than in the other groups (p < 0.05). There was no difference between groups in age of AS onset, uveitis and peripheral arthritis. AS patients who were overweight or obese had a higher level of the disease activity, pain, fatigue, functional disability and spinal mobility impairment with worse values in the case of obesity.
Methodology for preliminary assessment of the radioactivity in natural waters
Authors: Mustafaevich Muzafarov Amrillo , Sattorovich Sattarov Gayvillo
Published: February 2018

This article presents the results of a preliminary assessment of the radioactivity of natural waters and the isotope analysis of drinking water. It describes the methods for the radiochemical preparation of water samples, which include concentration of uranium isotopes from water samples, extraction from impeding radionuclides and preparation of electrically countable samples. The results of violation of radioactive equilibrium between the isotopes 234U/238U and the several factors affecting this process in water samples have been obtained. It is clear from the obtained result that 234U isotope concentration in groundwater is higher than that in surface water.
Use of a Combination of Vertical and Horizontal Boreholes in Massive Blasting of Benches in the Surface Quarry Rodež
Authors: Tori Matija , Vajović Stanojle , Goleš Niko , Muhić Elvir , Peternel Miha
Published: February 2018

This article deals with the extraction of minerals (limestone/marl/flysch) in the quarry Rodež, which is located in western Slovenia. During the extraction of minerals in a quarry, drilling and blasting of benches are used. The focus of the article is on the analysis of the parameters related to drilling and blasting in surface excavations when using a combination of explosions and introducing horizontal wells along with vertical holes in the bench. On the basis of the analysis of basic parameters through a combination of drilling horizontal wells and charging those with the ammonal + Anfex explosive, analyses of effects of seismic disturbances on potentially affected buildings have also been conducted. The article is connected to and deals exclusively with the basic parameters of drilling and blasting, with the introduction of horizontal drilling and with the analysis of seismic measurements of threatened buildings in accordance with the German standard German Institute for Standardisation (DIN) 4150 during the use of a new method of blasting.
Mycophenolate for persistent complex regional pain syndrome, a parallel, open, randomised, proof of concept trial
Authors: Goebel Andreas , Jacob Anu , Frank Bernhard , Sacco Paul , Alexander Guillermo , Philips Ceri , Bassett Paul , Moots Robert
Published: February 2018

Background and aims:

Current therapies for persistent complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are grossly inadequate. With accruing evidence to support an underlying immunological process and anecdotal evidence suggesting potential efficacy of mycophenolate, we wished to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of this treatment in patients with CRPS.

Methods:

A randomised, open, parallel, proof of concept trial was conducted. Patients with Budapest research criteria CRPS of >2-year duration and moderate or high pain intensity (numeric rating scale score ≥5) were enrolled. Eligible patients were randomised 1:1 to openly receive mycophenolate as add-on treatment, or their usual treatment alone, over 5.5 months. They then switched to the other treatment arm for 5.5 months. The main outcome was average the patients’ average pain intensity recorded over 14 days, between 5.0 and 5.5 months post randomisation, on 11-point (0–10) numeric rating scales, compared between trial arms. Skin sensitivities and additional outcomes were also assessed.

Results:

Twelve patients were enrolled. Nine provided outcomes and were analysed for the main outcome. Mycophenolate treatment was significantly more effective than control [drug-group mean (SD): pre: 7.4 (1.2)- post: 5.2 (1.3), n=4, control: pre: 7.7 (1.4)- post: 8.1 (0.9), n=5; −2.8 (95% CI: −4.7, −1.0), p=0.01, analysis of covariance]. There were four treatment responders (to mycophenolate treatment either before, or after switch), whose initial exquisite skin hyper-sensitivities, function and quality of life strongly improved. Side effects including itchiness, skin-cryptitis, increased pain, and increased depression caused 45% of the subjects to stop taking mycophenolate.

Conclusions:

Mycophenolate appears to reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life in a subgroup of patients with persistent CRPS.

Implications:

These results support the feasibility of conducting a definite trial to confirm the efficacy and effect size of mycophenolate treatment for persistent CRPS (EudraCT 2015-000263-14).