bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Group Size and Synchrony on Pain Threshold Changes
Authors: Lewis Zachary , Sullivan Philip J.
Published: March 2018

Synchronization of behavior has repeatedly been shown to increase pain threshold, which is understood to be an indicator of endorphin activity. Although Weinstein et al. found that large and small groups showed the same effect, to date no study has manipulated group size to determine if it has an effect on change in pain threshold. Thirty-three participants rowed two 20-min time trials under two counterbalanced conditions—paired and large group. Pain threshold was assessed before, immediately post, 5-min post, and 10-min post each session. A repeated-measures (3 × 2) factorial ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between condition and time. Specifically, there was a significantly higher pain threshold in the large group than in the paired condition after 10 min of exercise.
Distribution of keratometry and its determinants in a general population of 6- to 12-year-old children
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Saatchi Mohammad , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Yekta Abbasali , Fotouhi Akbar
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

To determine the distribution of keratometry and its determinants in Iranian school children.

Methods:

The present cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 in Shahroud in the north of Iran. The entire rural population of elementary school children was invited to the study. In urban areas, cluster sampling was conducted. Pentacam HR (Oculus Inc., Lynnwood, WA) was used to measure the flat meridian, the steep meridian, and the mean keratometry. Linear regression was used to determine the associated variables with mean keratometry.

Results:

Of 5620 participated in the study, 5559 children were analyzed after applying the exclusion criteria. Mean keratometry was 43.56 ± 1.96 diopters (D) (95% confidence interval = 43.48–43.64) in the total sample, 43.18 ± 2.23 D (95% confidence interval = 43.09–43.26) in boys, and 44.01 ± 1.46 D (95% confidence interval = 43.95–44.07) in girls (p < 0.001). The highest and lowest mean keratometry was 43.28 ± 1.66 D (95% confidence interval = 43.00–43.55) and 42.89 ±2.70 D (95% confidence interval = 42.68–43.11) in 6-year-old and 10-year-old children, respectively (p = 0.031). The results of multiple linear regression showed that mean keratometry in girls was 0.82 D higher than in boys (p < 0.001), and in groups older than 9 years, it was significantly decreased. Mean keratometry in myopic children was 0.62 D higher than emmetropic children (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study provided valuable findings from the status of keratometry in Iranian children. In line with other studies, corneal power was higher in girls than in boys, and the cornea becomes flatter with age in children.
Ocular surface changes in recurrent pterygium cases post-operatively treated with 5-fluorouracil subconjunctival injections
Authors: García Tirado Amanda , Boto de los Bueis Ana , Rivas Jara Luis
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

To investigate the ocular surface changes occurring in eyes with recurrent pterygium post-operatively treated with 5-fluorouracil intralesional injections.

Methods:

Retrospective observational study of recurrent pterygium cases treated with weekly intralesional injections of 0.1 mL (5 mg) of 5-fluorouracil (10 injections). Impression cytology samples taken from the lesion, the healthy conjunctivae (inferior, superior, and contralateral to injury), and the cornea before and after treatment were analyzed. Clinical ocular characteristics (including Schirmer’s test and break-up time) were evaluated during treatment.

Results:

A total of 15 eyes were treated, with the mean follow-up of 27 ± 8.7 months (mean ± standard deviation). Prior to treatment initiation, the ocular surface citology over the pterygium was found to be abnormal. No epithelial cells (27%) and a lower goblet cell density (73%) compared to the healthy conjunctivae (p < 0.01) were found. Squamous metaplasia was observed to some degree in the cornea (100%), pterygium (81%) and healthy conjunctivae (73%). Following treatment, pterygium composition had changed: epithelial cell number (100%) and goblet cell density (47%) had increased (p < 0.05). Goblet cell density was also increased in healthy conjunctivae (67%; p < 0.05). The degree of squamous metaplasia decreased in the cornea (67%), pterygium (45%), and healthy conjunctivae (60%; p < 0.05). No adverse effects were reported, recurrence progression was arrested, and conjunctival redness and dry-eye severity level were decreased in all cases (p < 0.01).

Discussion:

The cytology of ocular surface in recurrent pterygium is abnormal. After weekly intralesional 5-fluorouracil injections, it tends to normalize. The 5-fluorouracil compound is a safe and effective treatment to prevent pterygium recurrence.
Diameter of inflow as a predictor of radiocephalic fistula flow
Authors: Kairaitis Lukas K , Collett James P , Swinnen Jan
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

The optimal method for vascular access surveillance is largely unknown. A previous case–control study suggested a simplified anatomical measure obtained by Doppler ultrasound—the narrowest segment of the circuit or “minimal luminal diameter” may identify patients with a dysfunctional radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula. The relationship between minimal luminal diameter and access flow (Qa) in the radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula has not previously been studied.

Methods:

Patients undergoing Doppler ultrasound of a radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula over an 8-month period were identified retrospectively. Minimal luminal diameter was identified and demographic and clinical data were collected. Qa was estimated by Doppler estimation of brachial artery flow. The relationship between minimal luminal diameter and Qa was examined by correlation and using different levels of minimal luminal diameter as a simplified measure to detect or exclude low Qa (<600 mL/min).

Results:

A total of 81 Doppler ultrasound scans were performed. In all, 26 scans demonstrated brachial artery flow <600 mL/min. Simple logistic regression indicated a weak statistical relationship between the minimal luminal diameter and Qa (R2 = 0.27, p < 0.01). Minimal luminal diameter performed poorly as a marker of low Qa with low specificity, however, showed high negative predictive value for ruling out low Qa at a minimal luminal diameter of 3.2 mm or higher (94%). Qa estimated by brachial artery flow correlated well with Qa estimated by indicator dilution (R2 = 0.83, p < 0.01) without significant mean difference or proportional bias.

Conclusion:

Minimal luminal diameter correlates weakly with Qa. Low minimal luminal diameter values should not be used in isolation to determine low Qa for a radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula. Conversely, minimal luminal diameter >3.2 mm largely excludes a low-flow radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula in this cohort. Brachial artery flow is a reasonable measure of Qa in comparison with indicator dilution.
Pancreatitis Is a Silent Killer in Peritoneal Dialysis With Difficult Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Aliotta Roberta , Zanoli Luca , Lauretta Itria , Giunta Rosa , Ferrario Silvia , Rastelli Stefania , Rapisarda Sebastiano , Rahbari Elnaz , Rapisarda Francesco
Published: March 2018

Until 2018, 236 cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported in patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis. Here, we presented a patient with double renal transplantation with chronic renal failure, under renal replacement therapy by peritoneal dialysis, who developed acute pancreatitis with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, leukocytosis with neutrophil left shift which is complicated by pancreatic pseudocyst, candida peritonitis, fungal sepsis, overlapping of Acinetobacter baumannii sepsis, and pneumonitis. After the percutaneous cystogastrostomy drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst, changes from peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis, various thoracentesis, and polyantibiotics therapy, the resolution of the sepsis state was seen. The particular aspect of our case is the various comorbidity risks, severe pancreatitis associated with candida and A baumannii sepsis, and treatment strategy that lead to heal this kind of the high mortality rate condition.
Effect of nanoparticles on the tribo-layers and the tribology of a steel-on-steel couple
Authors: Chen Kangmin , Jiang Wei , Cui Xianghong , Wang Shuqi
Published: March 2018

The tribological behavior and tribo-layers of AISI 1045 steel sliding against 52100 steel were investigated in the case of supplying MoS2, Fe2O3, and their mixtures onto the sliding interface. When nanoparticles were supplied, tribo-layers were formed on the worn surfaces. The tribological behavior of the sliding pair depended on the characteristics of tribo-layers, which were decided by different nanoparticles. As the additives—especially the ones containing MoS2—were supplied onto the sliding interface, the wear rates and friction coefficients of both 1045 steel and 52100 steel were markedly decreased to extremely low values, approaching zero and marginally undulated with the increase in load. Single-component Fe2O3 nanoparticles markedly reduced the wear rate of 1045 steel with slightly increased friction coefficient, but its decreased extent was merely half of that of the additives containing MoS2. The improvement of the tribological performance of steels was attributed to the formation of protective tribo-layers. The addition of pure Fe2O3 resulted in the formation of insert-type tribo-layers, while cover-type tribo-layers were formed by the addition of the mixture additives of Fe2O3+MoS2 and pure MoS2. The cover-type tribo-layers provided more protective and lubricative functions than that of the insert-types.
Geographic origin as a determinant of left ventricular mass and diastolic function – the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Vähämurto L. , Juonala M. , Ruohonen S. , Hutri-Kähönen N. , Kähönen M. , Laitinen T. , Tossavainen P. , Jokinen E. , Viikari J. , Raitakari O.T. , Pahkala K.
Published: March 2018

Aims: Eastern Finns have higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and carotid intima-media thickness than western Finns although current differences in CHD risk factors are minimal. Left ventricular (LV) mass and diastolic function predict future cardiovascular events but their east–west differences are unknown. We examined the association of eastern/western baseline origin with LV mass and diastolic function. Methods : The study population included 2045 subjects of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study with data from the baseline survey (1980) and the latest follow-up (2011) when echocardiography was performed at the age of 34–49 years. Results: Subjects with eastern baseline origin had in 2011 higher LV mass (139±1.0 vs. 135±1.0 g, p=0.006) and E/e′-ratio indicating weaker LV diastolic function (4.86±0.03 vs. 4.74±0.03, p=0.02) than western subjects. Results were independent of age, sex, area of examination and CHD risk factors such as blood pressure and BMI (LV mass indexed with height: p<0.0001; E/e′-ratio: p=0.01). LV end-diastolic volume was higher among subjects with eastern baseline origin (135±0.9 vs. 131±0.9 ml, p=0.0011) but left atrial end-systolic volume, also indicating LV diastolic function, was not different between eastern and western subjects (43.4±0.5 vs. 44.0±0.5 ml, p=0.45). Most of the subjects were well within the normal limits of these echocardiographic measurements. Conclusions: In our healthy middle-aged population, geographic origin in eastern Finland associated with higher LV mass compared to western Finland. Higher E/e′-ratio suggests that subjects with eastern baseline origin might have higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in the future than western subjects.
Joining sandwich composite panels to tubes
Authors: Alves LM , Afonso RM , Silva CMA , Martins PAF
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes a new joining by forming process for connecting metal–polymer sandwich composite panels to metallic tubes. The process involves forming an annular flange with rectangular cross-section by partial sheet-bulk of the tube wall thickness and performing the mechanical interlocking by upsetting the free tube end against the sandwich composite with a flaring punch. The presentation addresses the main process variables and workability limits, and the overall conclusions are supported by experimentation and finite element analysis. Results show that the new proposed joining by forming process has potential to be used in mass production contributing, therefore, to extend the application of metal–polymer sandwich composites to structural components.
Virtual Monitoring of orthotropic steel deck using bridge weigh-in-motion algorithm: Case study
Authors: Zhang Longwei , Zhao Hua , OBrien Eugene J , Shao Xudong
Published: March 2018

This article outlines a Virtual Monitoring approach for fatigue life assessment of orthotropic steel deck bridges. Bridge weigh-in-motion was used to calculate traffic loads which were then used to calculate “virtual” strains. Some of these strains were checked through long-term monitoring of dynamic strain data. Field tests, incorporating calibration with pre-weighed trucks and monitoring the response to regular traffic, were conducted at Fochen Bridge, which has an orthotropic steel deck and is located in Foshan City, China. In the calibration tests, a 45-t 3-axle truck ran repeatedly across Lane 2, the middle lane in a 3-lane carriageway. The results show that using an influence surface to weigh vehicles can improve the accuracy of the weights and, by inference, of remaining service life calculations. The most fatigue-prone position was found to be at the cutout in the diaphragms. Results show that many vehicles are overweight—the maximum gross vehicle weight recorded was 148 t, nearly 3.6 times heavier than the fatigue design truck.
Mass customization model in food industry using industry 4.0 standard with fuzzy-based multi-criteria decision making methodology
Authors: Simon Janos , Trojanova Monika , Zbihlej Jozef , Sarosi Jozsef
Published: March 2018

This article presents a new model of customized mass production management with Industry 4.0 standards within the food industry. The aim of this article is to develop a method for managing the production line where it is possible to produce an entire spectrum of products without reconfiguring the production line. An illustrative example is the production of fruit yoghurt of various types. The entire life cycle of the product is monitored and documentation of all relevant raw material data is carried out through the production process all the way to product packaging where each product is specifically marked with QR code. A special technique for deciding on optimum maintenance of the production line has been introduced and a multi-criteria decision model has been developed using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process method where it is possible to achieve a high degree of minimization of maintenance costs. In this work, a fuzzy-based multi-criteria decision making methodology is developed for conceptual design evaluation in the cost reduction in maintenance of mass customization process. For the purposes of monitoring the production process itself, a LabVIEW application was created in the form of a SCADA system.
Effects of cut volute profile on squirrel cage fan performance and flow field
Authors: Jiang Boyan , Liu Hui , Li Bin , Wang Jun
Published: March 2018

The flow pattern in the volute of a squirrel cage fan is complicated and non-axisymmetric. In this article, the original volute profile of a squirrel cage fan was cut to control and reshape this non-axisymmetric flow structure. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of the cut volute profile on the fan aerodynamic and acoustic performance. The results showed that cutting the volute profile with a relative cut position of 90° and a secondary clearance of 0.02 D2 could enhance the fan total pressure at the volume flow rate of 0.4 QBEP by about 7% without affecting the noise level. High-precision steady computational fluid dynamics simulation was also carried out to reveal the flow mechanism of the performance improvement. The results indicated that cut volute profile caused an impeller-across flow structure in the vicinity of the second clearance and re-organized the circumference distribution of the impeller flow status. Both the impeller working capability and the overall flow losses of the cut fan increased compared to the original one but the increment of the former was greater. This explains why fan pressure improved under low-flow conditions.
Peripheral nerve injury increases contribution of L-type calcium channels to synaptic transmission in spinal lamina II: Role of α2δ–1 subunits
Authors: Alles Sascha RA , Garcia Esperanza , Balasubramanyan Sridhar , Jones Karen , Tyson John R , Joy Twinkle , Snutch Terrance P , Smith Peter A
Published: March 2018

Background

Following peripheral nerve chronic constriction injury, the accumulation of the α2δ–1 auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in primary afferent terminals contributes to the onset of neuropathic pain. Overexpression of α2δ–1 in Xenopus oocytes increases the opening properties of Cav1.2 L-type channels and allows Ca2+ influx at physiological membrane potentials. We therefore posited that L-type channels play a role in neurotransmitter release in the superficial dorsal horn in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain.

Results

Whole-cell recording from lamina II neurons from rats, subject to sciatic chronic constriction injury, showed that the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, nitrendipine (2 µM) reduced the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. Nitrendipine had little or no effect on spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in neurons from sham-operated animals. To determine whether α2δ–1 is involved in upregulating function of Cav1.2 L-type channels, we tested the effect of the α2δ–1 ligand, gabapentin (100 µM) on currents recorded from HEK293F cells expressing Cav1.2/β4/α2δ–1 channels and found a significant decrease in peak amplitude with no effect on control Cav1.2/β4/α2δ–3 expressing cells. In PC-12 cells, gabapentin also significantly reduced the endogenous dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium current. In lamina II, gabapentin reduced spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency in neurons from animals subject to chronic constriction injury but not in those from sham-operated animals. Intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg nitrendipine increased paw withdrawal threshold in animals subject to chronic constriction injury.

Conclusion

We suggest that L-type channels show an increased contribution to synaptic transmission in lamina II dorsal horn following peripheral nerve injury. The effect of gabapentin on Cav1.2 via α2δ–1 may contribute to its anti-allodynic action.
Novel App- and Web-Supported Diabetes Prevention Program to Promote Weight Reduction, Physical Activity, and a Healthier Lifestyle: Observation of the Clinical Application
Authors: Arens Johann H. , Hauth Wolfgang , Weissmann Joerg
Published: March 2018

Background:

The increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus presents as a tsunami of health problems and health care costs. Preventing this development needs to target the underlying rise in metabolic syndrome cases through obesity and unhealthy lifestyle. Obesity is frequently perceived as a social issue with implicit psychological strain; health apps/weight-reduction programs are mushrooming from this side. The present program intends to bring weight reduction into the hands of HCPs by utilizing advanced digital technology.

Methods:

The prospective observational study analyzed 166 patients with metabolic syndrome as treated for weight reduction in 23 medical practices in Germany. Two approaches were observed: usual care (UC; n = 57) and a personalized health management program (PHM; n = 109). Key for PHM was the interaction between HCP and patient: reinforcing lifestyle changes through personalized goals and HCP-feedback via app- and web-based communication. Comparing PHM/UC was based on a time-to-success (5% weight reduction) analysis by Cox regression. Further exploratory analyses addressed the comparison of achievers and nonachievers.

Results:

Cox regression adjusted for sex, age, and BMI revealed a chance ratio for weight reduction of 6.2 (2.4-16.2, p = .0003) favoring PHM. Expected success rates were 44.8% for PHM, 11.5% for UC. PHM achievers reduced their weight by 8.0% and lowered their BMI by 2.7 points. Motivation for lifestyle changes represented a key for success.

Conclusions:

The approach of enhanced interaction of HCPs and patients via app- and web-based communication was a clear success and delivered favorable responder rates. Treating obesity from a medical viewpoint will help to deepen the motivation for changing lifestyles. The study represents a cornerstone for a wider scoped application of these novel digital health approaches.
Shared Care Models in the Treatment of Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Sultan Meshal A. , Pastrana Carlos S. , Pajer Kathleen A.
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

The aim of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of shared/collaborative care between mental health-care providers and primary care providers (PCPs) on the outcomes of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This evaluation will be very helpful in the allocation of ADHD resources for models with the strongest evidence.

Methods:

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis statement, we searched for randomized controlled trials, cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies on shared/collaborative care models in the treatment of ADHD. Using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL databases from January 2000 to December 2016, we retrieved English language articles for review. The validation search identified 75 records. Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this systematic review. There were insufficient data for a meta-analysis. The included studies involved 655 children and adolescents who had a diagnosis of ADHD. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias was used to estimate bias.

Results:

Overall, the results show that the effects of shared/collaborative care models were small to moderate (effect size: 0.1-0.6, P = .04) on symptom rating scales, but all positively affected functional outcomes (effect size: 0.3-0.7, P = .04-.01). The data indicated that the models were associated with increased PCPs’ comfort levels, but the evidence for increased capacity for diagnosing and managing ADHD was weaker.

Conclusions:

This review concludes that the current studies do not show strong evidence for the outcome of collaboration between PCPs and mental health professionals on ADHD management. Future research should consider providing education to PCPs on management guidelines prior to conducting the trials, and more innovation is needed to discover methods of collaboration that affect the direct care of ADHD.
Reliability of digital ulcer definitions as proposed by the UK Scleroderma Study Group: A challenge for clinical trial design
Authors: Hughes Michael , Tracey Andrew , Bhushan Monica , Chakravarty Kuntal , Denton Christopher P , Dubey Shirish , Guiducci Serena , Muir Lindsay , Ong Voon , Parker Louise , Pauling John D , Prabu Athiveeraramapandian , Rogers Christine , Roberts Christopher , Herrick Ariane L
Published: March 2018

Introduction:

The reliability of clinician grading of systemic sclerosis–related digital ulcers has been reported to be poor to moderate at best, which has important implications for clinical trial design. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of new proposed UK Scleroderma Study Group digital ulcer definitions among UK clinicians with an interest in systemic sclerosis.

Methods:

Raters graded (through a custom-built interface) 90 images (80 unique and 10 repeat) of a range of digital lesions collected from patients with systemic sclerosis. Lesions were graded on an ordinal scale of severity: ‘no ulcer’, ‘healed ulcer’ or ‘digital ulcer’.

Results:

A total of 23 clinicians – 18 rheumatologists, 3 dermatologists, 1 hand surgeon and 1 specialist rheumatology nurse – completed the study. A total of 2070 (1840 unique + 230 repeat) image gradings were obtained. For intra-rater reliability, across all images, the overall weighted kappa coefficient was high (0.71) and was moderate (0.55) when averaged across individual raters. Overall inter-rater reliability was poor (0.15).

Conclusion:

Although our proposed digital ulcer definitions had high intra-rater reliability, the overall inter-rater reliability was poor. Our study highlights the challenges of digital ulcer assessment by clinicians with an interest in systemic sclerosis and provides a number of useful insights for future clinical trial design. Further research is warranted to improve the reliability of digital ulcer definition/rating as an outcome measure in clinical trials, including examining the role for objective measurement techniques, and the development of digital ulcer patient–reported outcome measures.
Bhutan: Fast Emerging as a Trafficking Centre
Authors: Wangmo Tandin
Published: March 2018

Bhutan – A kingdom defined as Shangri-La with a happiness index – is emerging as a centre for trafficking, especially for forced labour and commercial sexual exploitation. A porous border with neighbouring countries where sex-trafficking is rampant, gender inequality, a demand for girls with Oriental features and fair skin, and the institution of Drayang are the root causes for prostitution in Bhutan.
Inhibitory mechanisms of very low–dose rivaroxaban in non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Borst Oliver , Münzer Patrick , Alnaggar Nada , Geue Sascha , Tegtmeyer Roland , Rath Dominik , Droppa Michal , Seizer Peter , Heitmeier Stefan , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Jennings Lisa K. , Storey Robert F. , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Rocca Bianca , Spronk Henri , Ten Cate Hugo , Gawaz Meinrad , Geisler Tobias
Published: March 2018

Key Points

VLD rivaroxaban significantly reduces platelet-dependent thrombin generation and thrombus formation on top of DAPT in patients with ACS. Adjunctive treatment with VLD rivaroxaban additionally reduced TG and thrombus formation in both clopidogrel responders and nonresponders.
Financial Incentives and the Fertility-Sex Ratio Trade-Off
Authors: Anukriti S
Published: March 2018

Can financial incentives resolve the fertility-sex ratio trade-off faced by countries with persistent son preference and easy access to sex-selection technology? An Indian program, Devi Rupak, that seeks to lower fertility and the sex ratio is unable to do so. Although fertility decreases, the sex ratio at birth worsens as high son preference families are unwilling to forgo a son despite substantially higher benefits for a daughter. Thus, financial incentives may only play a limited role in the resolution of the fertility-sex ratio conflict. (JEL I38, J13, J16, J18, O15)
HnRNP L represses cryptic exons
Authors: McClory Sean P. , Lynch Kristen W. , Ling Jonathan P.
Published: March 2018

The fidelity of RNA splicing is regulated by a network of splicing enhancers and repressors, although the rules that govern this process are not yet fully understood. One mechanism that contributes to splicing fidelity is the repression of nonconserved cryptic exons by splicing factors that recognize dinucleotide repeats. We previously identified that TDP-43 and PTBP1/PTBP2 are capable of repressing cryptic exons utilizing UG and CU repeats, respectively. Here we demonstrate that hnRNP L (HNRNPL) also represses cryptic exons by utilizing exonic CA repeats, particularly near the 5′SS. We hypothesize that hnRNP L regulates CA repeat repression for both cryptic exon repression and developmental processes such as T cell differentiation.
ETICA, ROBOTICA E LAVORO: PROFILI D’INFORMATICA GIURIDICA
Authors: Di Viggiano Pasquale Luigi
Published: March 2018

Questo articolo trae spunto dalla Risoluzione del Parlamento europeo del 16 febbraio 2017 recante raccomandazioni alla Commissione concernenti norme di diritto civile sulla robotica L’avvento dell’Industria 4.0 ha incentivato ed esaltato l’uso di macchine intelligenti e dotate di gradi di autonomia sempre più crescenti. La ricerca sulla robotica, che oggi ha raggiunto livelli molto differenziati di applicazione, si appresta a diventare oggetto di interesse diffuso non solo nei processi produttivi, ma anche per i sistemi sociali funzionalmente differenziati. In particolare, il diritto si trova ad essere interessato dall’innovazione tecnologica più avanzata e dall’applicazione dell’Intelligenza Artificiale in quanto i robot, nelle scelte dell’Unione europea, sono destinatari di attribuzione di sempre maggiori responsabilità e di diritti. Questo solleva problemi, sia di carattere etico e sia di carattere giuridico, finora sconosciuti al diritto e sottovalutati dalla politica e dall’etica. Osservare dal punto di vista dell’Informatica giuridica questo fenomeno emergente consente di descrivere i modi attraverso i quali i sistemi sociali evolvono a seguito dell’irruzione delle nuove tecnologie nel sistema del diritto.
A world without bacterial meningitis: how genomic epidemiology can inform vaccination strategy
Authors: Rodrigues Charlene M.C. , Maiden Martin C.J.
Published: March 2018

Bacterial meningitis remains an important cause of global morbidity and mortality. Although effective vaccinations exist and are being increasingly used worldwide, bacterial diversity threatens their impact and the ultimate goal of eliminating the disease. Through genomic epidemiology, we can appreciate bacterial population structure and its consequences for transmission dynamics, virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and development of new vaccines. Here, we review what we have learned through genomic epidemiological studies, following the rapid implementation of whole genome sequencing that can help to optimise preventative strategies for bacterial meningitis.
Między politologią i komunikologią
Authors: Dobek-Ostrowska Bogusława
Published: March 2018

Between Political Science and Media Studies. Together or Separately? Case of Studies Dedicated to Political and Media Systems in Central and Eastern Europe Political science is older science than communication studies, but during the last decades we observe a high dynamic of communication research and publications. It is linked with a development of television in the second part of 20th c., and the new media as internet and next, the social media in 21th c. The technologies of communication play a fundamental role as an object of research at both disciplines because they revolutionize the political world. A group of scholars, who are interested in a research between politics and communication, widens systematically. This process stated in 50s of 20th c. During the last two decades studies in political communication have confirmed how political and communication sciences are close. I will show this symbiosis on an example of relations between media and politics in Eastern and Central Europe.
Dyplomacja kulturalna jako narzędzie miękkiej siły Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Ryniejska-Kiełdanowicz Marta
Published: March 2018

Cultural Diplomacy as an Instrument of the European Union Soft Power The aim of this article is to answer the question of how European Union uses tools and methods of cultural diplomacy, the extent to which these can help achieve international aims and what are their functions. While the importance of culture has been on the rise in the realm of foreign affairs, its role in this field remains one of the most under‑studied aspects of policy. In this text I point out what is the cultural diplomacy, and which programs are proposed by EU to interest the world, not only in the European Union but also foreign audience. M.C. Cummings defines cultural diplomacy as the exchange of ideas, information, values, systems, traditions, beliefs, and other aspects of culture, with the intention of fostering mutual understanding. European Union uses culture to support their soft power potential, to generate goodwill, to frame international agenda in particular ways, to erect and re‑enact boundaries and/or to create societal linkages across them. According to J. Nye: cultural diplomacy is the best example of soft power, i.e. the possibility of communicating, via the conduit of culture, of values and ideas. Furthermore it is the ability to achieve to what is desired rather than attractiveness or coercion. It is the result of the attractiveness of a given culture, political ideals and the substance of the policy of a given country. Thus, Europe’s cultural diplomacy is an important element of EU relations with the rest of the world and thus plays a part in shaping the EU’s reputation and the exercise of union interests.
Europeizacja partii oraz systemów partyjnych Serbii i Chorwacji – między rzeczywistością a iluzjami
Authors: Mikucka-Wójtowicz Dominika
Published: March 2018

Europeanisation of Political Parties and the Party Systems in Serbia and Croatia – Between Reality and Illusions The problem of the influence of the Europeanisation process on party systems became a “hit” at international conferences in European studies and political sciences just after the “big‑bang” EU enlargement in 2004. Although in the last ten years this research has often encompassed the party systems of many Central and Eastern European countries, it still seldom includes the post‑Yugoslav states. On the other hand, although some scholars had assumed that the EU’s impact on party politics (including both political and organisational changes) in the new member states would be greater than in the old EU countries (EU‑15), in general their assumptions have not been confirmed. Of course we can find exceptions, though, and in the author’s opinion one of these is the Serbian party system. In the first part of the paper the author deals with conceptualisation of the Europeanisation of political parties, examining theoretical problems above all connected with the question of how we should measure the significance of the influence of Europeanisation on domestic party politics. The second part of the article is devoted to the problem of Europeanisation of Serbian and Croatian parties as well as the party systems in both investigated countries. To examine this question, four of the five elements (leaving aside government‑party relations) of Ladrech’s approach to the Europeanisation of national parties will be used.
Language Encounters: Toward a Better Comprehension of Contact‑Induced Lexical Change in Colonial Nahuatl
Authors: Olko Justyna
Published: March 2018

The extensive corpus of colonial Nahuatl texts lights on almost every sphere of colonial life and cross‑cultural interactions between the Europeans/Spaniards and the indigenous world. This corpus contains rich language data related to contact‑induced change that reveal a simultaneous, prolonged use of neologisms and loanwords, a widespread “Nahuatlization” of foreign terms as well as adoption of Spanish ideas and cultural stereotypes. The linguistic phenomena discussed in the present paper focus on lexical change, neologization, meaning change, borrowing and the creation of calques. These language innovations reveal the nuances of the complex process of cross‑cultural translation, the receptivity of European influence, the domestication of the new and the survival of traditional language resources.
construcción de estereotipos en las crónicas de Indias
Authors: Braco-García Eva
Published: March 2018

Creation of Stereotypes in the Spanish Chronicles of America
In describing the New World, its inhabitants and their cultures, the authors of the chronicles of America embraced a task which could only be fulfilled from the authors’ own cultural viewpoint: in the first place, they could only understand the New World they were exposed to by reference to the world they already knew; on the other hand, in order to attain their communicative goal, these authors had to describe every fact, object or cultural feature by reference to the common knowledge framework shared by them and their eventual readers. This process of cultural contextualization (or cross‑cultural description) decisively determined the emergence, contents and development of the “European” vision of the New World. This paper focuses upon some of the most outstanding features which built up the stereotypical, European image of the American Indians and their culture, claims that the core of this stereotype may be traced back to the most ancient chronicles and the process of cultural contextualization here outlined, and puts forward a methodological approach to analyze the cultural process by which this stereotype arose and developed.
De la historia de la filosofía a la filosofía de la filosofía de José Gaos (1900-1969)
Authors: Magallón Anaya Mario
Published: March 2018

About the History of Philosophy in Philosophy of Jose Gaos’ Philosophy
The philosopher José Gaos said that in universal history the thought of Spanish language has its place and its historic location is presented with the attitude assumed by Spain to modernity, which makes the thought of the Renaissance and the reform have resulted in the grandeur of colonial thought and has had a creative participation in the Counter. However the thought of decadence and independence was born of contact with modern Renaissance science and the philosophy of the Enlightenment, positivism, krausismo and philosophies that represent the latest reactions against modernity. José Gaos was a great exponent of the philosophical doctrines, so that the best way to present the leading ideas of the methods of work of the Seminar for the Study of Thinking Countries Spanish Language was used to cull the fundamental ideas by the thinkers of Latin America and their assumptions, which are always relevant references to their texts.
Czang Kaj‑szek – od fascynacji do rozczarowania rewolucją bolszewicką
Authors: Łozińska Teresa
Published: March 2018

Jiang Jieshi – from fascination to disappointment of the Bolshevik Revolution

This article is dedicated to Jiang Jieshi’s – one of the greatest leaders of 20th century China – attitude to the Bolshevik Revolution. After introduction the author outlines the May Fourth Movement, where it explains the reasons of rejection of the traditional culture by the Chinese intellectuals and their interest in the Russian Revolution. The main part of the article focuses on the reasons of Jiang Jieshi’s fascination of the revolution’s phenomenon, and on the explanation of his disappointment of the Bolshevik Revolution and the Soviet Russia for which his mission to Moscow in 1923 had played a crucial role.
Genealogia jako krytyka: Habermas vs. Foucault
Authors: Rasiński Lotar
Published: March 2018

Genealogy as critique: Habermas vs. Foucault The aim of this paper is to respond to the objections raised by Jürgen Habermas in his work The Philosophical Discourse of Modernity against Michel Foucault’s concept of genealogical critique. In my response I draw primarily on Foucault’s methodological texts and I demonstrate the strong connections of his ideas to the French historical epistemology of Gaston Bachelard and Georges Canguilhem. This connections concern mainly the ideas of the „recurrent method” and the „history of error” developed in this tradition. I argue that these ideas refute Habermas’ allegations against Foucault’s view of history (presentism) as well as his approach to the problem of truth (relativism). At the concluding part of my paper I focus on Foucault’s concept of freedom, emphasizing the practical and „anti‑romantic” character of this concept and its connection to the Marxian idea of emancipation (the objection of cryptonormativism).
La théorie de la reproduction des élites de Pierre Bourdieu et le cas des élites nord‑coréennes
Authors: Levi Nicolas
Published: March 2018

The following article aims at comparing the theory of Pierre Bourdieu dedicated to the reproduction of elites within the framework of the North Korean leadership. The first part of the article is dedicated to theoretical aspects of the analysis of Pierre Bourdieur and several other sociologists. The second part is related to the case of the North Korean leadership.
Branding caliphate
Authors: Górak-Sosnowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2018

Branding caliphate. ISIS, Al‑Baghdadi and the new era of global jihadism

In Summer 2014 Abu Bakr al‑Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Al‑Sham declared a caliphate in Iraq and Syria. By referring to the marketing technique of branding the author analyzes how the caliphate is created in the public space. In this case branding recalls the classical techniques used by Islamists (takfir, fighting bida’), but also means such things as using new information technologies and sophisticated forms of violence. The marking success of caliphate is the bigger that it is innovative, is an Utopia that became real and supports negative Western stereotypes about Islam.
Święta wojna w Bośni i Hercegowinie – geneza, aktorzy, zagrożenia
Authors: Fiszer Mateusz
Published: March 2018

Holy war in Bosnia and Herzegovina – origins, actors and threats

The paper discusses the problem of mujahidin’s activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Bosnian war of 1992 to 1995. The author describes the background and the causes of the presence of holy warriors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the forms of financial and military support offered to them by the governments of Muslim countries, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia. The article presents also the organization of mujahidin’s units, their influence on the internal situation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the attitude of the Bosnian government towards the foreign warriors. According to the author, the presence of the mujahidin in the Balkans during the war was directly linked to the operation of international terrorist groups, which were given an opportunity to train and recruit volunteers for future terrorist attacks worldwide. The author also shows the role of Bosnian Muslim conservative communities in the global jihad.
Zasady dostępu do telewizji i wykorzystywania jej jako środka politycznej komunikacji marketingowej w Zjednoczonym Królestwie Wielkiej Brytanii i Irlandii Północnej
Authors: Żurawski Jakub
Published: March 2018

Rules for access to television as the medium of marketing political communication in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The author describes the principles of the use of television by politicians in the United Kingdom. First of all, the rules under the Communications Act 2003, the Royal Charter and Agreement for the BBC and documents issued by the Office of Communications are discussed. The role of ministers’ announcement as a tool available for the members of the government is emphasized. In the key part of the article the author analyzes and comments on the rules of allocation and emission of political party broadcasts (PPBs) and party election broadcasts (PEBs). These programmes are transmitted by both the BBC and commercial televisions. Afterwards, the author discusses the differences between major and minor parties, and then the existing ban on paid political advertising. Finally, the author points to the nature of the British political broadcasts system and its possible grounds.
W stronę modernizmu – z dziejów warszawskiej Szkoły Nauk Politycznych 1915‑1939
Authors: Włodarski Bartosz
Published: March 2018

In the direction of modernism – aspects of history of the School of Political Sciences in Warsaw in 1915‑1939
This paper aims to present the history of the School of Political Sciences in Warsaw since 1915 to the beginning of WWII. It is also an attempt to depict its origins and the evolution of its academic model inspired by the Paris Institute of Political Studies (École Libre des Sciences Politiques). The School of Political Sciences is shown from the perspective of former Polish émigrés in the Circle of former Polish students from Leipzig, led by Edmund Jan Reymann. Reyman, the founder and head of the school, brought about the setting up of the Social Institute (IS). The paper focuses on the role the School of Political Sciences in Warsaw, which operated from a modernistic building, played in the development of political sciences both in the capital and across the country. The school had become an academic centre equipped with modern facilities like specialist studies, libraries, research institutes and rich collections. Under the auspices of the school and IS many publishing activities were undertaken, the flagship being the Encyclopedia of Political Sciences, the biggest publication devoted to political sciences in the inter‑war period. This had led to the school acquiring the status of the Academy of Political Sciences in 1939.
Avaliação da capacidade funcional dos pacientes em uso de ventilação mecânica internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva
Authors: Silva Fernanda R. R. , Souza Tassiane B. , Dias Marcelle S. , Silva Ana Paula P. , Oliveira Kelly C. , Oliveira Marcela M. L. , Zamora Victor E. , Toste Eduardo L. , Carvalho Giovanna M. C. , Cruz Mônica R.
Published: March 2018

Introdução: Limitações físicas e psicológicas decorrentes do repouso prolongado no leito são complicações comumente encontradas no paciente crítico e impactam diretamente na capacidade funcional. Objetivos: Avaliar a evolução da capacidade funcional, da força muscular periférica e respiratória de pacientes ventilados mecanicamente internados no CTI Geral do Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto (HUPE). Metodologia: No período de dezembro de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017 observamos os pacientes admitidos no CTI. Pacientes que não evoluíram para ventilação mecânica (VM) foram excluídos. Os pacientes foram avaliados em quatro momentos: admissão no CTI geral (A1), primeiro dia de VM (A2), desmame da VM (A3) e alta do CTI (A4). Avaliamos a força muscular respiratória periférica, respiratória e a capacidade funcional através da escala PERME. Avaliamos a funcionalidade pré-internação hospitalar através do Índice de Katz no momento da admissão. Resultados: Foram incluídos 26 pacientes e 9 completaram as quatro avaliações. A mediana de idade foi de 63 (58 – 70) anos, SAPS III de 64 (44,75 – 68,50) e índice de Katz de 1 (0 - 1). Os valores do MRC, PImax e PEmax aumentaramprogressivamente. Os valores na escala Perme aumentaram de 2 (1,5-7,25) em A1 para 10 (6,75–22) em A4. Conclusão: A capacidade funcional, força muscular periférica e respiratória dos pacientes ventilados mecanicamente melhorou ao longo da internação no CTI Geral do HUPE. A escala Perme não foi aplicada em todos os momentos estipulados.Descritores: Fisioterapia; Unidade de terapia intensiva; Cuidados críticos; Polineuropatias; Limitação da mobilidade; Força muscular.