bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills Performance
Authors: Leite Mariana , Carvalho Ana F. , Costa Patrício , Pereira Ricardo , Moreira Antonio , Rodrigues Nuno , Laureano Sara , Correia-Pinto Jorge , Vilaça João L. , Leão Pedro
Published: May 2015

Introduction and Objectives. Laparoscopic surgery has undeniable advantages, such as reduced postoperative pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery. However, to improve surgeons’ performance, ergonomic adaptations of the laparoscopic instruments and introduction of robotic technology are needed. The aim of this study was to ascertain the influence of a new hand-held robotic device for laparoscopy (HHRDL) and 3D vision on laparoscopic skills performance of 2 different groups, naïve and expert. Materials and Methods. Each participant performed 3 laparoscopic tasks—Peg transfer, Wire chaser, Knot—in 4 different ways. With random sequencing we assigned the execution order of the tasks based on the first type of visualization and laparoscopic instrument. Time to complete each laparoscopic task was recorded and analyzed with one-way analysis of variance. Results. Eleven experts and 15 naïve participants were included. Three-dimensional video helps the naïve group to get better performance in Peg transfer, Wire chaser 2 hands, and Knot; the new device improved the execution of all laparoscopic tasks ( P < .05). For expert group, the 3D video system benefited them in Peg transfer and Wire chaser 1 hand, and the robotic device in Peg transfer, Wire chaser 1 hand, and Wire chaser 2 hands ( P < .05). Conclusion. The HHRDL helps the execution of difficult laparoscopic tasks, such as Knot, in the naïve group. Three-dimensional vision makes the laparoscopic performance of the participants without laparoscopic experience easier, unlike those with experience in laparoscopic procedures.
Intravaginally applied oxytocin improves post-menopausal vaginal atrophy
Authors: Al-Saqi Shahla H , Uvnäs-Moberg Kerstin , Jonasson Aino F
Published: May 2015

Objective

To explore the efficacy of local oxytocin for the treatment of post-menopausal vaginal atrophy.

Design

Double-blinded randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Healthy post-menopausal women in Stockholm, Sweden.

Participants

Sixty four post-menopausal women between February and June 2012 at the Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge/Sweden.

Main outcome measures

The efficacy of oxytocin for treatment of vaginal atrophy after seven weeks and cytological evaluation.

Results

The percentage of superficial cells in the vaginal smears and the maturation values were significantly increased after seven weeks of treatment with vagitocin 400 IU ( p = 0.0288 and p = 0.0002, respectively). The vaginal pH decreased significantly after seven weeks of treatment with vagitocin 100 IU ( p = 0.02). The scores of vaginal atrophy, according to the histological evaluation, were significantly reduced after administration of vagitocin 100 IU ( p = 0.03). The thickness of the endometrium did not differ between the treatment and placebo groups after seven weeks of treatment. The symptom experienced as the most bothersome was significantly reduced after seven weeks of treatment in the women receiving vagitocin 400 IU compared to women in the placebo group ( p = 0.0089).

Conclusions

Treatment with intravaginally applied oxytocin could be an alternative to local estrogen treatment in women with post-menopausal vaginal atrophy.
Student Satisfaction, Needs, and Learning Outcomes
Authors: Herdlein Richard , Zurner Emily
Published: May 2015

A study of student satisfaction, needs, and learning outcomes was commissioned by a comprehensive university in Western Europe to provide a professional evaluation of student services and the co-curricular activities of students. Such a study had not been completed in the past and was needed to align student services with the mission, long-range goals, and strategic planning of the university. The research involved both qualitative and quantitative methodologies conducted through volunteers divided into five focus groups of 33 national and international students and a survey involving 104 national students, of whom 86 provided complete data. The results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 22) and the constant comparison method. The study demonstrated that students view interactions outside the classroom as important opportunities to develop and hone a myriad of personal knowledge and skill sets important to becoming global citizens and internationally competent professionals.
Smoking Among Spanish Workers After Smoking Regulation
Authors: Hernández-Martín Marta , Meneses-Monroy Alfonso , Arranz Alonso Silvia , Martín-Casas Patricia
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of smoking among Spanish workers after a new smoking regulation became law. The researchers conducted a retrospective study with a worker sample. Information was collected via health examinations of 185 adults with a mean age of 35.93 ± 9.13 for men and 36.16 ± 9.52 for women who agreed to participate in the study in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The percentages of occasional smokers, light smokers, moderate smokers, and heavy smokers were compared by year for men and women. In 2010, 18% of women smokers were occasional, 45% light, 27% moderate, and 10% heavy smokers. Twenty-two percent of male smokers were occasional, 16% light, 28% moderate, and 34% heavy smokers. In 2011, 12% of ex-smokers were women and 14% were men. In 2012, 30% of ex-smokers were women and 22% were men. In conclusion, the percentage of ex-smokers has increased in this sample after the anti-smoking law was enacted.
Vocal Hoarseness and a Subglottic Mass
Authors: Rafizadeh Sassan , Yoneda Ken , Zeki Amir A.
Published: May 2015

We report a patient with tracheopathia osteoplastica (TPO), a rare or perhaps underrecognized disorder, detected in approximately 1 in every 2000 to 5000 patients who undergo bronchoscopy. TPO is marked by proliferation of bony and cartilaginous spurs leading to airway stenosis. Multiple submucosal cartilaginous and osseous nodules can develop in the respiratory tract and may involve the entire trachea and mainstem bronchi. Symptoms may range from a completely silent condition to life-threatening respiratory failure and diagnosis is made based on radiological and bronchoscopic findings. Although the etiology has not been established, TPO can be familial and is sometimes associated with chronic inflammation, such as seen with rheumatic diseases. This case highlights the need for understanding TPO so that it can be differentiated from potentially serious conditions such as necrotizing granulomatous diseases, invasive infections, and cancer.
Mouse prenatal platelet-forming lineages share a core transcriptional program but divergent dependence on MPL
Authors: Potts Kathryn S. , Sargeant Tobias J. , Dawson Caleb A. , Josefsson Emma C. , Hilton Douglas J. , Alexander Warren S. , Taoudi Samir
Published: May 2015

Key Points

Prenatal platelet-forming lineages are subject to common transcription factor controls despite distinct spatial and ancestral origins. Platelet-forming lineage production is MPL-independent on emergence, but MPL is required in the late fetus for efficient thrombopoiesis.
EBV-positive large B-cell lymphomas in young patients: a nodal lymphoma with evidence for a tolerogenic immune environment
Authors: Nicolae Alina , Pittaluga Stefania , Abdullah Shahed , Steinberg Seth M. , Pham Thu Anh , Davies-Hill Theresa , Xi Liqiang , Raffeld Mark , Jaffe Elaine S.
Published: May 2015

Key Points

EBV+ LBCLs in young patients resemble those seen in the elderly, but usually have a good outcome. Tumor cells exhibit PD-L1 expression, with high indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase–positive cell content, indications of a tolerogenic immune state.
Intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity and alternative driver genetic alterations in breast cancers with heterogeneous HER2 gene amplification
Authors: Ng Charlotte KY , Martelotto Luciano G , Gauthier Arnaud , Wen Huei-Chi , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Lim Raymond S , Cowell Catherine F , Wilkerson Paul M , Wai Patty , Rodrigues Daniel N , Arnould Laurent , Geyer Felipe C , Bromberg Silvio E , Lacroix-Triki Magali , Penault-Llorca Frederique , Giard Sylvia , Sastre-Garau Xavier , Natrajan Rachael , Norton Larry , Cottu Paul H , Weigelt Britta , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Reis-Filho Jorge S
Published: May 2015

Background

HER2 is overexpressed and amplified in approximately 15% of invasive breast cancers, and is the molecular target and predictive marker of response to anti-HER2 agents. In a subset of these cases, heterogeneous distribution of HER2 gene amplification can be found, which creates clinically challenging scenarios. Currently, breast cancers with HER2 amplification/overexpression in just over 10% of cancer cells are considered HER2-positive for clinical purposes; however, it is unclear as to whether the HER2-negative components of such tumors would be driven by distinct genetic alterations. Here we sought to characterize the pathologic and genetic features of the HER2-positive and HER2-negative components of breast cancers with heterogeneous HER2 gene amplification and to define the repertoire of potential driver genetic alterations in the HER2-negative components of these cases.

Results

We separately analyzed the HER2-negative and HER2-positive components of 12 HER2 heterogeneous breast cancers using gene copy number profiling and massively parallel sequencing, and identified potential driver genetic alterations restricted to the HER2-negative cells in each case. In vitro experiments provided functional evidence to suggest that BRF2 and DSN1 overexpression/amplification, and the HER2 I767M mutation may be alterations that compensate for the lack of HER2 amplification in the HER2-negative components of HER2 heterogeneous breast cancers.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that even driver genetic alterations, such as HER2 gene amplification, can be heterogeneously distributed within a cancer, and that the HER2-negative components are likely driven by genetic alterations not present in the HER2-positive components, including BRF2 and DSN1 amplification and HER2 somatic mutations.
Expression of Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in inflammatory bowel disease treated with mesenchymal stem cell transplantation: evaluation in a rat model
Authors: Xing Yanfen , Chen Xiaojie , Cao Yanwen , Huang Jianyun , Xie Xuhong , Wei Yaming
Published: May 2015

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of Wnt and Notch signaling pathway-related genes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (MSCT).

Methods

TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) was used to establish IBD in a rat model. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were transplanted via tail vein transfusion. Saline water was used in a control group. The expression of Wnt and Notch main signaling molecules was screened by gene chips and verified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the IBD rat model on day 14 and day 28 after transplantation.

Results

The IBD rat models were successfully established and MSCs were transplanted into those models. Genome-wide expression profile chips identified a total of 388 differentially expressive genes, of which 191 were upregulated and 197 were downregulated in the MSC-transplanted group in comparison with the IBD control group. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that the level of Olfm4 mRNA expression in the IBD group (2.54±0.20) was significantly increased compared with the MSCT group (1.39±0.54) and the normal group (1.62±0.25) (P <0.05). The Wnt3a mRNA was more highly expressed in IBD rats (2.92±0.94) and decreased in MSCT rats (0.17±0.63, P <0.05). The expression of GSK-3β mRNA was decreased in the setting of inflammation (0.65±0.04 versus 1.00±0.01 in normal group, P <0.05) but returned to normal levels after MSCT (0.81±0.17). The expression of β-catenin was observed to increase in IBD tissues (1.76±0.44) compared with normal tissues (1.00±0.01, P <0.05), but no difference was found in the MSCT group (1.12±0.36). Wnt11 declined at 14 days and returned to normal levels at 28 days in the IBD group; in comparison, a significantly lower expression was found in MSCT rats. There were no differences in the expression of Fzd3, c-myc, TCF4, and Wnt5a in inflammation, but all of those genes declined after MSCT treatment.

Conclusions

The canonical Wnt and Notch signaling pathways are activated in IBD and may be suppressed by stem cell transplantation to differentiate into intestinal epithelium after MSCT. Moreover, the non-canonical Wnt signaling may be inhibited by canonical Wnt signaling in the setting of inflammation and may also be suppressed by MSCT.
An image database of Drosophila melanogaster wings for phenomic and biometric analysis
Authors: Sonnenschein Anne , VanderZee David , Pitchers William R , Chari Sudarshan , Dworkin Ian
Published: May 2015

Background

Extracting important descriptors and features from images of biological specimens is an ongoing challenge. Features are often defined using landmarks and semi-landmarks that are determined a priori based on criteria such as homology or some other measure of biological significance. An alternative, widely used strategy uses computational pattern recognition, in which features are acquired from the image de novo. Subsets of these features are then selected based on objective criteria. Computational pattern recognition has been extensively developed primarily for the classification of samples into groups, whereas landmark methods have been broadly applied to biological inference.

Results

To compare these approaches and to provide a general community resource, we have constructed an image database of Drosophila melanogaster wings - individually identifiable and organized by sex, genotype and replicate imaging system - for the development and testing of measurement and classification tools for biological images. We have used this database to evaluate the relative performance of current classification strategies. Several supervised parametric and nonparametric machine learning algorithms were used on principal components extracted from geometric morphometric shape data (landmarks and semi-landmarks). For comparison, we also classified phenotypes based on de novo features extracted from wing images using several computer vision and pattern recognition methods as implemented in the Bioimage Classification and Annotation Tool (BioCAT).

Conclusions

Because we were able to thoroughly evaluate these strategies using the publicly available Drosophila wing database, we believe that this resource will facilitate the development and testing of new tools for the measurement and classification of complex biological phenotypes.
Components of therapy as mechanisms of change in cognitive therapy for people at risk of psychosis: Analysis of the EDIE-2 trial
Authors: Flach Clare , French Paul , Dunn Graham , Fowler David , Gumley Andrew I. , Birchwood Max , Stewart Suzanne L. K. , Morrison Anthony P.
Published: May 2015

Background

Research suggests that the way in which cognitive therapy is delivered is an important factor in determining outcomes. We test the hypotheses in which the development of a shared problem list, use of case formulation, homework tasks and active intervention strategies will act as process variables.

Method

Presence of these components during therapy is taken from therapist notes. The direct and indirect effect of the intervention is estimated by an instrumental variable analysis.

Results

A significant decrease in the symptom score for case formulation (coefficient =–23, 95% CI –44 to –1.7, P = 0.036) and homework (coefficient =–0.26, 95% CI –0.51 to –0.001, P = 0.049) is found. Improvement with the inclusion of active change strategies is of borderline significance (coefficient =–0.23, 95% CI –0.47 to 0.005, P = 0.056).

Conclusions

There is a greater treatment effect if formulation and homework are involved in therapy. However, high correlation between components means that these may be indicators of overall treatment fidelity.
A conserved role for Notch in priming the cellular response to Shh through ciliary localisation of the key Shh transducer, Smoothened
Authors: Stasiulewicz Magdalena , Gray Shona , Mastromina Ioanna , Silva Joana Clara , Bjorklund Mia , Seymour Philip A. , Booth David , Thompson Calum , Green Rich , Hall Emma A. , Serup Palle , Dale J. Kim
Published: May 2015

Notochord-derived Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is essential for dorso-ventral patterning of the overlying neural tube. Increasing concentration and duration of Shh signal induces progenitors to acquire progressively more ventral fates. We show Notch signalling augments the response of neuroepithelial cells to Shh, leading to the induction of higher expression levels of the Shh target gene Ptc1 and subsequently induction of more ventral cell fates. Furthermore, we demonstrate activated Notch1 leads to pronounced accumulation of Smo within primary cilia and elevated levels of full-length Gli3. Finally, we show Notch activity promotes longer primary cilia both in vitro and in vivo. Strikingly, these Notch-regulated effects are Shh-independent. These data identify Notch signalling as a novel modulator of Shh signalling which acts mechanistically via regulation of ciliary localisation of key components of its transduction machinery.
Profiling ribonucleotide modifications at full-transcriptome level: a step toward MS-based epitranscriptomics
Authors: Rose Rebecca E. , Quinn Ryan , Sayre Jackie L. , Fabris Daniele
Published: May 2015

The elucidation of the biological significance of RNA post-transcriptional modifications is hampered by the dearth of effective high-throughput sequencing approaches for detecting, locating, and tracking their levels as a function of predetermined experimental factors. With the goal of confronting this knowledge gap, we devised a strategy for completing global surveys of all ribonucleotide modifications in a cell, which is based on the analysis of whole cell extracts by direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Our approach eschews chromatographic separation to promote instead the direct application of MS techniques capable of providing detection, differentiation, and quantification of post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) in complex ribonucleotide mixtures. Accurate mass analysis was used to carry out database-aided identification of PTMs, whereas multistep tandem mass spectrometry (MSn) and consecutive reaction monitoring (CRM) provided the necessary structural corroboration. We demonstrated that heat-map plots afforded by ion mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) can provide comprehensive modification profiles that are unique for different cell types and metabolic states. We showed that isolated tRNA samples can be used as controlled sources of PTMs in standard-additions quantification. Intrinsic internal standards enable direct comparisons of heat-maps obtained under different experimental conditions, thus offering the opportunity to evaluate the global effects of such conditions on the expression levels of all PTMs simultaneously. This type of comparative analysis will be expected to support the investigation of the system biology of RNA modifications, which will be aimed at exploring mutual correlations of their expression levels and providing new valuable insights into their biological significance.
Reduced expression of the mouse ribosomal protein Rpl17 alters the diversity of mature ribosomes by enhancing production of shortened 5.8S rRNA
Authors: Wang Minshi , Parshin Andrey V. , Shcherbik Natalia , Pestov Dimitri G.
Published: May 2015

Processing of rRNA during ribosome assembly can proceed through alternative pathways but it is unclear whether this could affect the structure of the ribosome. Here, we demonstrate that shortage of a ribosomal protein can change pre-rRNA processing in a way that over time alters ribosome diversity in the cell. Reducing the amount of Rpl17 in mouse cells led to stalled 60S subunit maturation, causing degradation of most of the synthesized precursors. A fraction of pre-60S subunits, however, were able to complete maturation, but with a 5′-truncated 5.8S rRNA, which we named 5.8SC. The 5′ exoribonuclease Xrn2 is involved in the generation of both 5.8SC and the canonical long form of 5.8S rRNA. Ribosomes containing 5.8SC rRNA are present in various mouse and human cells and engage in translation. These findings uncover a previously undescribed form of mammalian 5.8S rRNA and demonstrate that perturbations in ribosome assembly can be a source of heterogeneity in mature ribosomes.
Epidemiology and patterns of musculoskeletal motorcycle injuries in the USA
Authors: Burns Sean T. , Gugala Zbigniew , Jimenez Carlos J. , Mileski William J. , Lindsey Ronald W.
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Motorcycles have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation despite their association with a greater risk for injury compared with automobiles. Whereas the recent incidence of annual passenger vehicle fatalities in the United States of America (USA) has progressively declined, motorcycle fatalities have steadily increased in the past 11 years. Although motorcycle injuries (MIs) have been studied, to the author’s knowledge there are no published reports on MIs in the USA during this 11-year period.

Methods: Study data were derived from a prospectively collected Level I trauma center database. Data sampling included motorcycle crash injury evaluations for the 10-year period ending on 31 August 2008. This retrospective analysis included patient demographic and medical data, helmet use, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, injury severity score (ISS), length of hospital stay (LOS), specific injury diagnosis, and death. Data statistics were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and logistic regression.

Results: The study identified 1252 motorcycle crash injuries. Helmets were worn by 40.7% of patients for which helmet data were available. The rates of the most common orthopedic injuries were tibia/fibula (19.01%), spine (16.21%), and forearm (10.14%) fractures. The most common non-orthopedic motorcycle crash injuries were concussions (21.09%), skull fractures (8.23%), face fractures (13.66%), and hemo- and pneumothorax (8.79%). There was a significant correlation between greater age and higher ISS (r=0.21, P<0.0001) and longer LOS (r=0.22, P<0.0001). Older patients were also less likely to wear a helmet (OR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 0.997), associated with a significantly higher risk for death (after adjustment for helmet use OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.05). All patients without helmets had a significantly lower GCS score (P=0.0001) and a higher mortality rate (after adjustment for patient demographic data OR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.58). 

Conclusion: Compared with historical reports, the prevalence of skull, face, spine, and pelvis fractures have increased in American motorcycle crashes. Compared to recent European studies, the incidence of USA skull and face fractures is much higher, while the incidence of USA spine and pelvis fractures is more comparable; however, this is not associated with increased in-hospital mortality.
Analysis of Personnel and Documentary Provision in the System of Personnel Management of Organization (on the example of JSC “RSK Sterkh”)
Authors: Михайлова  , Mikhaylova A. , Казанова  , Kazanova A.
Published: May 2015

The article is devoted to the analysis of personnel and documentary provision in the system of personnel management of an organization on the example of JSC “RSK Sterkh”. The theoretical review of concepts of personnel and documentary provisionin the system of personnel management is carried out. Sociological methods are used. It is revealed that creation of the uniform resource center increases the e ectivenessof managing personnel and documentary provision in the system of personnel management. Economic e ect of creation is expressed through thegrowth of labor productivity of employees and reduction of time of document processing. Thus, the information system providing not only automation of traditional functions of o ce administration, but also realization of essentially new opportunities of management of document document ow will allow to lift an organization’s operation on qualitatively new level and will promote the increase in e ciency of JSC “RSK Sterkh” activities in general.
Mythical Canada in Polish Minds: the Image of Canada in Polish Literature
Authors: Paluszkiewicz‑Misiaczek Magdalena
Published: May 2015

In Poland, although in‑depth knowledge of Canada is rather meager, the country of the maple leaf invariably carries positive connotations. In the popular imagination, Canada is typically perceived as a land of plenty, offering practically unlimited possibilities of development for its citizens. It is also seen through the prism of its natural environment and Aboriginal Peoples, and this is why the country is enveloped in an aura of mystery and adventure. Such a perception of Canada stems not so much from broad media coverage and ever‑present cultural as well as political influence, as is the case of the USA, but largely from a few popular literary works published throughout the 20th century. Among them there are translations of a few Canadian books which are popular in Poland, as well as a few books on the subject of Canada written by Polish authors.
The U.S. Marine as a Symbol of a Soldier and a Part of the American Myth
Authors: Kłosowicz Robert
Published: May 2015

The United States has many symbols. Though most of them did not originate in the country, they have become the country’s brand name in the perception of the general public. The history of the Marine Corps dates back to the ancient world, but modern formations of this type originated in the early 17th century, when the Netherlands, France and England began to compete for rule of the oceans. Marines are not only associated with the formation as such, but generally symbolize the American soldier, in particular one who serves outside the country, often as an instrument of Washington’s intervention. According to the traditional understanding, Marines were organized in units which were present on every battleship. On the one hand, the soldiers were on guard to ensure the crew’s discipline, while on the other they participated in onshore raids in small‑scale operations. Until the Spanish‑American War in 1898, the Marine Corps was a small battle unit, constantly threatened with being liquidated or absorbed by the army or the fleet. The outbreak of the war between the US and Spain changed the situation, giving way to a brilliant career for the Corps, which was not only saved but even developed by supporters of the idea of American expansionism who were then in power. Being stationed on board, they were always at hand, and thus became used to running small‑scale operations, chiefly of a police nature, mainly in Central American republics and the Caribbean. Marines were also popular heroes in the press for their participation in topical events of US foreign policy, which promoted the Corps among US citizens. Newspapers contained photographs of young men with glowing smiles, sporting khaki uniforms and wide‑brimmed hats, posing with weapons under a tropical sun. The fact that marines serve close to the President certainly contributes to their popularity. Marines of the HMX‑1 helicopter squadron have the honor and responsibility of providing short‑range air lift for the President of the United States. The orchestra that plays during official ceremonies at the White House is also part of the Corps. Marines continue to be an instrument of US intervention, and are employed to serve US foreign policy when the situation so requires. The US Marine Corps is one of the most recognizable combat forces worldwide, a flagship of the US armed force. Their popularity manifests itself also in the fact that they are frequent heroes of press releases, books and films.
Komunikologia – zarys teoretyczny i problemy praktyczne w świetle kształcenia kompetencji komunikacyjnych
Authors: Drabik-Frączek Beata , Załazińska Aneta
Published: May 2015

Communicology – theoretical overview and practical problems, in the light of teaching of communication skills

The article discusses communicology, a research discipline that has been gaining increasing popularity lately, both among scholars specializing in the problems of human communication (psychologists, philosophers, linguists), and among rhetoric and auto presentation coaches and trainers. The first part of the paper presents problems related to the definition of the term communicology, and gives a wider description of two models of communication: the code and the orchestral model. This part also introduces the axioms of communication proposed by the scholars of the Palo Alto school (Paul Watzlawick, Janet Beavin, and Don Jackson), as they are the foundation of the modern, pragmatic approach to communication as a feedback process in which the role of the receiver is no less important than that of the sender. The second part of the paper focuses on selected problems related to teaching of practical communication skills. It discusses the questions of communicative competence (as understood by Dell Hymes), non-verbal communication, development of assertiveness and empathy, and also the problem of communicative effectiveness and of the purpose of perfecting communicative skills (interpreted from the point of view of the ritual communication model of James Carey and Eric Rothenbuhler).
Koza i kozioł w polskich przysłowiach oraz wyrażeniach przysłowiowych
Authors: Kielak Olga
Published: May 2015

Goat and ram in Polish proverbs and proverbial expressions. One cultural-linguistic image of animals, or two?

The paper discusses proverbs and proverbial expressions relating to goats and rams. An analysis of the collected material has allowed the author to establish a series of common characteristics that are ascribed to animals of both sexes (to goats and rams), and of features that are only ascribed to one of them. The cultural-linguistic images of goats and rams, reconstructed based on proverbs and proverbial expressions, are not identical. The image of the ram is much more modest than that of the goat, a consequence of the quantitative disproportion between the data referring to the two animals. Apart from proverbs and proverbial expressions, ethnographic materials were used in the analysis, making it possible to explain the origin of the analysed proverbs.
„Wartość dodana”: o tłumaczeniu polskich elementów kulturowych we francuskim przekładzie powieści Wszystkie języki świata Zbigniewa Mentzla
Authors: Mitura Magdalena
Published: May 2015

“Added Value”: About Translation of Polish Cultural References in the French Version of the Novel Wszystkie języki świata [All Languages of the World] by Zbigniew Mentzel
The paper discusses broad elements of the procedure of amplification occurring during the translation of Polish cultural references into French. The analysis covered only those techniques which come as a consequence of the translation process itself, as they stem from different historical and social experiences of the reader of the original and reader of the translated text, and not from asymmetries of the two language systems. A review of translator’s decisions, including various kinds of explicitation and translator’s notes, also demonstrates that such explanations constitute an “added value”, for they prove to be a culture‑forming operation which is a prerequisite for understanding foreign reality by the target audience.
O problemach angielskiego tłumaczenia Trans‑Atlantyku Witolda Gombrowicza
Authors: Szwebs Weronika
Published: May 2015

On Witold Gombrowicz’s Trans‑Atlantyk in English Translation
The paper attempts to examine the English translation of Witold Gombrowicz’s Trans‑Atlantyk made by Carolyn French and Nina Karsov [Gombrowicz, 1994] from the quasi‑editorial perspective, therefore both the main text of the novel and the paratexts are subject to analysis. The focus is put on the strategy of presenting and translating these elements of the source text that are closely linked to Polish culture and thus potentially incomprehensible for a target reader. The discussion is inspired by theoretical approaches of Maria Tymoczko, Lawrence Venuti and Itamar Even‑Zohar, who consider the influence of cultural relations on both translation strategy and its further reception. The paper also analyses the press reviews of the English translation of Trans‑Atlantyk.
Markdown or Everyday Low Price? The Role of Behavioral Motives
Authors: Özer Özalp , Zheng Yanchong
Published: May 2015

We study a seller’s optimal pricing and inventory strategies when behavioral (nonpecuniary) motives affect consumers’ purchase decisions. In particular, the seller chooses between two pricing strategies, markdown or everyday low price, and determines the optimal prices and inventory level. Two salient behavioral motives that impact consumers’ purchase decisions and the seller’s optimal strategies are anticipated regret and misperception of product availability. Regret arises when a consumer initially chooses to wait but encounters stockout later, or when the consumer buys the product at the high price but realizes that the product is still available at the markdown price. In addition, consumers often perceive the product’s future availability to be different than its actual availability. We determine and quantify that both regret and availability misperception have significant operational and profit implications for the seller. For example, ignoring these behavioral factors can result in up to 10% profit losses. We contrast the roles of consumers’ strategic (pecuniary) motives with their behavioral (nonpecuniary) motives in affecting purchase, pricing, and inventory decisions. The presence of the behavioral motives reinstates the profitability of markdown over everyday low price, in sharp contrast to prior studies of only strategic motives that suggest the contrary. We characterize how and why strategic versus behavioral motives affect decisions in distinctive manners. In doing so, this paper also introduces and determines the behavioral benefits of pricing in leveraging consumers’ behavioral regularities. We advocate that tactics that may intensify consumers’ misperception of availability, such as disclosing low inventory levels, can have a far-reaching impact on improving the seller’s profit.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.2147 .

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Caring for stoma patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Murray Elizabeth , Rafferty Louise , Al-Hassan Khuloud , Hibbert Denise
Published: May 2015

The formation of a stoma can be a traumatic experience for the individual and their family, irrespective of age, gender, condition or indication for stoma surgery. Nevertheless, the importance of factors that may contribute to an individual's adaptation, such as level of education, socioeconomic background, external support network, and cultural and spiritual beliefs, are often overlooked. It is important for health professionals to recognise and understand the ostomate's religious and cultural beliefs and how they may affect adaptation to life with a stoma. Although literature is available that discusses the Muslim religion with regard to stoma surgery, there is little that relates specifically to the Muslim faith within the Saudi cultural context. Much of what the authors have experienced in their daily practice conflicts with the available international literature. This article aims to share these experiences of caring for Muslim ostomates in Saudi Arabia and provide guidance for other health professionals.
Communicating war in Mali, 2012: On-offline networked political agency in times of conflict
Authors: Bruijn Mirjam de , Pelckmans Lotte , Sangare Boukary
Published: May 2015

The Arab Spring raised high expectations for political freedom, especially for situations in which the rapid development of ICT intersects with political oppression and rebellion, as was the case in Mali, West Africa. In 2012 the country’s northern part fell into the hands of ‘rebels’ and jihadists were on the rise. This article tries to understand the development of political agency in relation to the unprecedented access to new ICT of the Fulani nomads and urbanites in the Mopti region (Hayre), who engage increasingly with new actors and networks present in the war zone: ‘rebels’ and jihadists; the diaspora from that region; and the journalistic and academic communities who visit the region. We argue that political agency is emerging in the relation between (newly appearing) information networks in both the on- and off-line worlds. These networked societies are embedded in cultural and social historical specificities of the Sudan-Sahel zone in conflict.
Kenya Decides: Kiswahili, social media and politics in Kenya’s 2013 general elections
Authors: Bing Natascha
Published: May 2015

As Kenya’s 2013 general elections have witnessed, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and new media have played a crucial role in shaping political landscapes. The debates on Twitter and Facebook, being important forums for Kenyans engaging in politics, display discussions in quite creative linguistic forms. In contrast to most recent studies focusing on how ICT and new media were catalysts for the 2007/08 post-election violence, this article will shed light on the role of Kiswahili and social media in the process of fostering participation in the 2013 general election campaigns. It takes a closer look at how the use of Kiswahili and mobile phones has shaped citizen engagement by offering new forms and spaces of expression. It will give insight into evolving digital practices of political communication during the 2013 general elections in Kenya.
Reappraising indigenous African communication systems in the twenty-first century: New uses for ancient media
Authors: Meribe nnaEmeka
Published: May 2015

Advancements in communication technology appear to have combined with other factors to stifle research in Indigenous African Communication Systems (IACS). While the mass media and the new media are powerful communication systems that are arguably meeting most of contemporary society’s communication and information needs, there is an important segment of the developing world’s population that these media do not seem to carry along: the rural people. In Africa, rural people rarely have access to mainstream communication systems and their exposure to them is highly limited by several issues. However, they tend to attach much significance to their indigenous communication systems, indicating that the systems are still relevant today and are, therefore, worthy of being researched. This article examines the relationship between rural people and IACS. It investigates the use of these modes of communication in the mobilization of rural people for development projects. Through a study of two rural communities in south-east Nigeria, the article demonstrates why rural Africans have continued to rely on IACS and contends that these communication systems are not being idealized as they are still meeting the information needs of many.
Film Review
Authors: Villar-Pérez Raquel
Published: May 2015

Half of a Yellow Sun, Biyi Bandele (2013) United Kingdom/Nigeria: Shareman Media, Slate Films Film: Half of A Yellow Sun Release Date: September 2013 (TIFF) April 2014 (United Kingdom) August 2014 (Nigeria) Producer: Andrea Calderwood, Gail Egan Director: Biyi Bandele Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie A Production company: Shareman Media, Slate Films Production cost: US$8 million
Joan Roís de Corella i Miquel Peres: relacions familiars
Authors: Soler Abel
Published: May 2015

Fins ara coneixíem l’afinitat d’interessos —diguem-ne— «espirituals» entre els traductors del Kempis i el Cartoixà al català, el ciutadà Miquel Peres i el cavaller i mestre en Teologia Joan Roís de Corella, respectivament. Ambdós escriptors, usuaris del sintagma «valenciana prosa», elaboraven uns textos «artitzats» de naturalesa semblant i estilemes coincidents, i mostraven el seu gust per divulgar hagiografies «en pla», en llengua vulgar. La documentació d’arxiu ens reporta, a més, que Peres — poeta també del Cancionero General— era casat amb una filla de l’autor de Tragèdia de Caldesa, des del 1477.
Atalante y Atlas: deseo, invención y enigma en una pregunta satírica del Cancionero geral de Garcia de Resende
Authors: Tarrío Ana María S.
Published: May 2015

Este estudio procura explicar el sentido y la hilaridad de una enigmática pregunta satírica de João Rodrigues de Sá de Meneses a Luís da Silveira (Cancioneiro geral de Garcia de Resende) en torno de una invención palaciana. Esta invención habrá despertado la fértil imaginación erudita y jocosa de Sá de Meneses, trovador y humanista, que la satirizó como ambigua o confusa activando un juego homonímico con tres niveles de sentido en torno del término «atalante»: el sentido literal del deseo sexual irrefrenable de su amigo, con su clava o bastón erecto («clave non errante»), pasión excesiva que le llevaría a la ruina («cuenta vacía»); el sentido mitológico/astronómico de Atlas, sosteniendo una esfera o instrumento de navegación que no podía o debía errar; el sentido caballeresco del Atlante de Boyardo/Ariosto, sosteniendo un objeto de adivinación o magia que igualmente debería no equivocarse. La estrategia satírica se basa pues en la posición ridícula de un elemento, cuando observado a partir de una serie significante diferente. De acuerdo con esta lectura parece conveniente una alteración editorial a la propuesta de A. F. Dias, la edición en mayúsculas del término «Atalante», con una nota que aclare la homonimia con el nombre común y refiera el juego de palabras de Sá de Meneses y la ampliación o corrección de las entradas respectivas a estos versos en el «Vocabulario» del Cancioneiro geral de la misma autora (atalante y clave).
»Werde, die du bist«
Authors: Schwitalski Ellen
Published: May 2015

Im Zentrum des Buches stehen die Lebensläufe von Pädagoginnen und deren pädagogische Konzepte an einem der berühmtesten Landerziehungsheime - der heute noch bestehenden Odenwaldschule. Die sozialen und beruflichen Möglichkeiten, die sich Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts berufstätigen Pädagoginnen boten, förderten eine kulturkritische Szene, in der sich engagierte Frauen der Reformpädagogischen Bewegung entfalten und für eine Verbreitung der reformpädagogischen Praxis einsetzen konnten. Die an Archivfunden reiche Studie präsentiert im zweiten Teil faszinierende Porträts von mutigen und experimentierfreudigen Pionierinnen der Pädagogik.
Kunst für alle?
Authors: Lewitzky Uwe
Published: May 2015

Kunst im öffentlichen Raum entwickelt sich verstärkt zum weichen Standortfaktor des Stadtmarketings. Es gilt nicht mehr der hehre Anspruch einer Kunst für alle, vielmehr funktioniert Kunst als Instrument der Homogenisierung und Inszenierung im Interesse der herrschenden Wachstumskoalition. Das Buch beleuchtet vor diesem Hintergrund den Kontext Stadtentwicklung/Neue Urbanität. Es erarbeitet anhand der Theorien Pierre Bourdieus und Henri Lefebvres neue Kriterien der Beurteilung, die dann u.a. bei den Kunstprojekten »Park Fiction« (Hamburg, seit 1995) und »Wochenklausur« (international, seit 1993) angewandt werden. Die Lektüren dieser Kunstwerke eröffnen eine Perspektive für die Schaffung kommunikativer Freiräume und ergänzen damit das herrschende Paradigma der Stadt.
Geographien kultureller Praxis
Authors: Boeckler Marc
Published: May 2015

Lässt sich im globalen Zeitalter noch eine Wirklichkeitswissenschaft »Anderer Orte« betreiben? Auf der Grundlage einer kritischen Auseinandersetzung mit Konzepten von Kultur, Raum und Praxis richtet diese Studie ihren entterritorialisierten Blick zunächst auf die allgemeine Denkfigur des Unternehmers und dann nach Syrien. Dort begleitet der Autor Industrieunternehmer durch ihren ökonomischen, politischen und sozialen Alltag und stellt sie sowohl als hybride Makler zwischen den Welten wie auch als machtvolle Akteure materieller und symbolischer Grenzziehungen vor. Mit seiner postkolonialen Perspektive versteht sich dieser Band als Beitrag zu einer kulturellen Geographie der globalen Moderne.
Szenisches Verhandeln
Authors: Atzpodien Uta
Published: May 2015

Theater kann zu einem äußerst dynamischen Ort kreativen Verhandelns kultureller und gesellschaftlicher Fragen werden. Das zeigt diese wissenschaftliche Reise durch das zeitgenössische Theater Brasiliens und insbesondere durch die Theaterszene in Sao Paulo. Dieser Band begegnet dem brasilianischen Theater des 20. Jahrhunderts und vor allem Theatergruppen und -machern seit den 90er Jahren in ihrem geschichtlichen und soziokulturellen Kontext. Im Dialog mit postkolonialen und lateinamerikanischen Kulturtheorien werden der Blick und das Verständnis für die im deutschen Sprachraum bisher kaum erforschte Theaterpraxis in Brasilien erweitert. Lange Brasilienaufenthalte und enge Kontakte zur Theaterszene ermöglichen der Außenperspektive der Autorin tiefer gehende Einblicke. Diese machen auch die wissenschaftliche Praxis zu einem kulturellen Verhandeln. Nicht die Dramatik steht im Zentrum - wie häufig in der hiesigen Beschäftigung mit dem Theater Lateinamerikas -, sondern das Theater als Inszenierung und vergängliches Ereignis in einem konkreten soziokulturellen Kontext. Es geht um ein Theater, das bewusst kollektiv orientiert ist, den Arbeitsprozess betont und gezielt nach grenzüberschreitenden Räumen sucht.
Im Rahmen
Authors: Kolokitha Trias-Afroditi
Published: May 2015

Ausgehend von den jüngsten Forschungsergebnissen zur Intermedialität widmet sich dieses Buch der Aufgabe, an den Nahtstellen medialer Ausdrucksformen Zwischenräume und Übergänge zu rahmen. Im Durchstreifen verschiedener Disziplinen und damit an ihren Übergängen werden kulturelle Phänomene, Beobachtungen und Operationen des Dazwischen mosaikartig zusammengestellt und in ihren (intermedialen) Beziehungen analysiert. Wie die hier vorgenommene Untersuchung der Kinematographie Jean-Luc Godards auf subversive Weise verdeutlicht, sind es eben diese Zwischenräume, die eine bedeutungstragende Organisation von Wahrnehmung und Artikulation ermöglichen.
»Die Macht von dreien ...«
Authors: Mutzl Johanna
Published: May 2015

In diesem Buch wird anhand der sehr erfolgreichen TV-Serie »Charmed« verdeutlicht, inwieweit die Medien an der kreativen Umprägung des Hexenbildes (von der bösen, verfolgten Hexe zur guten Super-Hexe) Anteil haben, welche Rolle sie in der Konstruktion moderner Fangemeinschaften spielen und was moderne Fangemeinschaften auszeichnet. Im Anschluss an eine breit angelegte Internet-Studie, an der sich über 700 Fans aus der ganzen Welt beteiligten, wurde außerdem ein Modell entwickelt, mit dessen Hilfe auf Fan-Websites neue Formen von Bedeutungskonstruktionen sowie neue Möglichkeiten der Teilnahme an Fangemeinschaften identifiziert werden können.
Der Widerspenstigen Zähmung?
Authors: Sudmann Andreas
Published: May 2015

In dieser Studie werden die Geschichte, Ökonomie und vor allem Politik des amerikanischen Independent-Films in seiner Beziehung zum Hollywood-Mainstream umfassend in den Blick genommen. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Frage, inwiefern der gegenwärtige Independent-Film nicht zuletzt aufgrund seiner industriellen und textuellen Nähe zum Zentrum der amerikanischen Filmindustrie noch eine Filmpraxis verkörpert, die nicht nur eine widerspenstige Alternative zum Hollywood-Kino darstellt, sondern allgemein den soziokulturellen Status quo herausfordert - insbesondere mittels interventionistischer Artikulationen von race, class und sex/gender.