bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional Chinese Medicine Could Increase the Survival of People Living with HIV in Rural Central China: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2004–2012
Authors: Jin Yantao , Guo Huijun , Wang Xin , Chen Xiumin , Jiang Ziqiang , Hu Guanpeng , Hou Jianghong , Jiang Shiqing , Yang Xiaoping , Liu Ying , Xu Liran , Wang Ning
Published: December 2014

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating people living with HIV (PLHIV) by comparing the survival of PLHIV treated with TCM and without TCM. To identify prognostic factors that affect the survival of PLHIV, patients who enrolled in the national TCM HIV treatment trial program (NTCMTP) in October 2004 and PLHIV in the same region who did not enroll in the NTCMTP were compared. Participants were followed up to October 2012. Survival time was estimated through the Kaplan–Meier method, and hazard ratios to identify prognostic factors were computed through Cox proportional hazard models. A total of 3,229 PLHIV (1,442 in the TCM therapy group and 1,787 in the non-TCM therapy group) were followed up for 21,876 person-years. In this time period, 751 (23.3%) died and 209 (6.5%) were lost to follow-up, for an overall mortality rate of 3.43/100 person-years. In the TCM therapy group, 287 (19.0%) died and 139 (9.7%) were lost to follow-up, and in the non-TCM therapy group, 464 (26.0%) PLHIV died and 70 (3.9%) were lost to follow-up. The mortality rate in the TCM therapy group was 2.97/100 person-years, which was lower than the rate of 3.79/100 person-years in the non-TCM therapy group. The 8-year cumulative survival in the TCM therapy group was 78.5%, lower than the 74.0% survival in the non-TCM therapy group. After adjusting for other factors, risk factors of death included male gender, older age, less education, taking combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) at enrollment, not taking cART at follow-up, and lower CD4 + T cell counts. Our retrospective cohort study indicates that TCM increased the survival and lengthened the lifetime of PLHIV in Henan Province of China. However, the limitations of a retrospective cohort could have biased the study, so prospective studies should be carried out to confirm our primary results.
Coulomb impurity effect on electrically induced Dirac bound states in graphene
Authors: Lee C. M. , Chan K. S.
Published: December 2014

Using the massless Dirac–Weyl model for monolayer graphene sheet, we study the low-lying spectra of a single Dirac electron system bound to an on-center positively charged Coulomb impurity, under both electrostatic potential and magnetic field. Numerical results obtained from diagonalization show that, the increase of the electrostatic potential causes the low-lying states to evolve from one Landau-type plateau to the higher ones, and the whole spectra exhibit similar features with slight shifts in eigenenergies when the on-center impurity is considered. Electrostatic-potential dependent optical spectra with their corresponding absorption coefficients as functions of incident photon energies for transitions between low-lying states are presented.
Overcoming Heterogeneity in Business Process Modeling with Rule-Based Semantic Mappings
Authors: Prackwieser Christoph , Buchmann Robert , Grossmann Wilfried , Karagiannis Dimitris
Published: December 2014

The paper tackles the problem of notational heterogeneity in business process modeling. Heterogeneity is overcome with an approach that induces semantic homogeneity independent of notation, driven by commonalities and recurring semantics in various control flow-oriented modeling languages, with the goal of enabling process simulation on a generic level. Thus, hybrid process models (for end-to-end or decomposed processes) having different parts or subprocesses modeled with different languages become simulate-able, making it possible to derive quantitative measures (lead time, costs, or resource capacity) across notational heterogeneity. The result also contributes to a better understanding of the process structure, as it helps with identifying interface problems and process execution requirements, and can support a multitude of areas that benefit from step by step process simulation (e.g. process-oriented requirement analysis, user interface design, generation of business-related test cases, compilation of handbooks and training material derived from processes). A use case is presented in the context of the ComVantage EU research project, where notational heterogeneity is induced by: (a) the specificity and hybrid character of a process-centric modeling method designed for the project application domain, and (b) the collaborative nature of the modeling effort, with different modelers working with different notations for different layers of abstraction in a shared on-line tool and model repository.
A Panorama of Imminent Doctoral Research in Data Mining
Authors: Varde Aparna S. , Tatti Nikolaj
Published: December 2014

As databases head towards data streams, discovering knowledge from the data poses challenges. The need to process and mine data is affected by the big data wave, advances in Web technology and other factors. The advent of the cloud with related technologies provides further momentum to enhance knowledge discovery. Data mining is also of interest to research communities outside computer science as there is a need to harvest data from various domains incorporating domainspecific factors. These and other issues motivate PhD students to pursue core and applied research in data mining along with stream data management, big data, cloud computing, Web knowledge discovery, domainspecific techniques and more. A PhD forum on data mining provides an excellent platform for doctoral students to present imminent research and get valuable feedback from experts. In addition it gives them the opportunity to disseminate the results of their work among fellow researchers, and publish their novel contributions at an early stage. IEEE ICDM hosts such a PhD forum for doctoral students with a data mining focus. This article describes the content of the work presented at the ICDM 2013 PhD forum. It also gives a brief overview of the organization of this forum. The article thus provides a panorama of recent doctoral student work in data mining that would be of interest to researchers in database management and related areas.
Polysaccharide Fibers as Matrices for Solid-Surface Fluorescence
Authors: Rogacheva Svetlana M. , Shipovskaya Anna B. , Strashko Anna V. , Gubina Tamara I. , Volkova Elena V. , Melnikov Andrey G.
Published: December 2014

Fibers of cellulose diacetate (CDA) and chitosan (CTS) of polycationic and polybasic forms were tested as matrices for solid-surface fluorescence (SSF) of several fluorescent probes—eosin Y, trypaflavine, and pyrene. The morphology and surface potential of these matrices were examined. The influence of structural and energetic characteristics of the fibrous polysaccharide materials at SSF of the probes was shown. Fluorescence was studied in aqueous solutions of eosin Y and trypaflavine, in water-ethanolic and water-micellar surfactant media of pyrene, before and after dynamic sorption of the dyes on fibers and in the adsorbed state. The surface of CDA fiber was shown to be capable of sorbing trypaflavine from water and pyrene from water-micellar surfactant media of various types, so it can be a promising matrix for SSF of pyrene and trypaflavine and their chemical analogs. The Coulomb interactions were proposed to determine eosin Y and trypaflavine concentration on the surface of CTS matrices and the SSF of these probes. The CTS fibers were permeable to hydrophobic pyrene dissolved in an ethanol-water medium or solubilized in the micelles of ionic surfactants.
Research on Key Technologies of Unit‐Based CNC Machine Tool Assembly Design
Authors: Sheng Zhongqi , Zhang Lei , Xie Hualong , Liu Changchun
Published: December 2014

Assembly is the part that produces the maximum workload and consumed time during product design and manufacturing process. CNC machine tool is the key basic equipment in manufacturing industry and research on assembly design technologies of CNC machine tool has theoretical significance and practical value. This study established a simplified ASRG for CNC machine tool. The connection between parts, semantic information of transmission, and geometric constraint information were quantified to assembly connection strength to depict the assembling difficulty level. The transmissibility based on trust relationship was applied on the assembly connection strength. Assembly unit partition based on assembly connection strength was conducted, and interferential assembly units were identified and revised. The assembly sequence planning and optimization of parts in each assembly unit and between assembly units was conducted using genetic algorithm. With certain type of high speed CNC turning center, as an example, this paper explored into the assembly modeling, assembly unit partition, and assembly sequence planning and optimization and realized the optimized assembly sequence of headstock of CNC machine tool.
Elevated Testosterone and Progestin Concentrations in a Spayed Female Rabbit with an Adrenal Cortical Adenoma
Authors: Baine Katherine , Newkirk Kim , Fecteau Kellie A. , Souza Marcy J.
Published: December 2014

This case was described briefly in a recent book chapter (Lennox AM, Fecteau KA: 2014, Endocrine disease. In: BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine, eds. Meredith A, Lord B, pp 274–276. British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK). In the previous description, the tumor was described as a pheochromocytoma; however, further evaluation suggested that it more closely resembled an adrenal cortical adenoma. A 10-year-old, spayed female rabbit was presented for a behavior change of 8 months’ duration. The rabbit was inappropriately urinating and defecating, as well as demonstrating aggressive behaviors such as chasing, biting, and mounting various objects. The rabbit had elevated progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and testosterone concentrations, and ultrasound examination of the abdomen showed a round, homogenous nodule measuring 1.1 × 0.8 × 0.9 cm in the region of the left adrenal gland. Necropsy revealed a unilateral adrenal cortical adenoma. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first complete description of a female rabbit with an adrenal cortical adenoma documented in the literature.
On the Significance of New Biochemical Markers for the Diagnosis of Premature Labour
Authors: Rzepka Rafał , Dołęgowska Barbara , Rajewska Aleksandra , Kwiatkowski Sebastian
Published: December 2014

Preterm labour is defined as a birth taking place between 22nd and 37th weeks of gestation. Despite numerous studies on the aetiology and pathogenesis of preterm labour, its very cause still remains unclear. The importance of the cytokines and acute inflammation in preterm labour aetiology is nowadays well-proven. However, chronic inflammation as an element of the pathogenesis of premature labour is still unclear. This paper presents a literature review on the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), negative soluble isoforms of RAGE, chemokine-stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and one of the adipokines, resistin, in the pathogenesis of preterm labour. We conclude that the chronic inflammatory response can play a much more important role in the pathogenesis of preterm delivery than the acute one.
Kinetics and Thermodynamic Studies of Depolymerization of Nylon Waste by Hydrolysis Reaction
Authors: Patil D. B. , Madhamshettiwar S. V.
Published: December 2014

Depolymerization reaction of nylon waste was carried out by hydrolysis reaction. Yield of depolymerization products was up to 72.20% for a two-hour reaction time. The products obtained were characterized by melting point and FTIR spectra. The values obtained for dibenzoyl derivative of hexamethylenediamine (DBHMD) agreed with those of the pure substance. Chemical kinetics of this reaction shows that it is a first-order reaction with respect to hexamethylenediamine (HMD) concentration with velocity constant 7.32×10-3 min−1. The energy of activation and Arrhenius constant obtained by Arrhenius plot were 87.22 KJg−1 and 0.129, respectively. The other thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy of activation (ΔH‡) and entropy of activation (ΔS‡) and free energy of activation were 5975.85 J and −270.86 J·K−1·mol−1 and 101.59 KJ·mol−1, respectively.
Defining Sample Quantiles by the True Rank Probability
Authors: Makkonen Lasse , Pajari Matti
Published: December 2014

Many definitions exist for sample quantiles and are included in statistical software. The need to adopt a standard definition of sample quantiles has been recognized and different definitions have been compared in terms of satisfying some desirable properties, but no consensus has been found. We outline here that comparisons of the sample quantile definitions are irrelevant because the probabilities associated with order-ranked sample values are known exactly. Accordingly, the standard definition for sample quantiles should be based on the true rank probabilities. We show that this allows more accurate inference of the tails of the distribution, and thus improves estimation of the probability of extreme events.
Protease fromAspergillus oryzae: Biochemical Characterization and Application as a Potential Biocatalyst for Production of Protein Hydrolysates with Antioxidant Activities
Authors: de Castro Ruann Janser Soares , Sato Helia Harumi
Published: December 2014

This study reports the biochemical characterization of a protease fromAspergillus oryzaeLBA 01 and the study of the antioxidant properties of protein hydrolysates produced with this protease. The biochemical characterization showed that the enzyme was most active over the pH range 5.0–5.5 and was stable from pH 4.5 to 5.5. The optimum temperature range for activity was 55–60°C, and the enzyme was stable at temperatures below 45°C. The activation energy (Ea) for azocasein hydrolysis and temperature quotient (Q10) were found to be 37.98 kJ mol−1and 1.64–1.53 at temperature range from 30 to 55°C, respectively. The enzyme exhibitedt1/2of 97.63 min and aDvalue of 324.31 at the optimum temperature for activity (57.2°C). Protease fromA. oryzaeLBA 01 was shown as a potentially useful biocatalyst for protein hydrolysis, increasing the antioxidant activities of soy protein isolate, bovine whey protein, and egg white protein from 2.0- to 10.0-fold.
MicroRNAs in Human Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Li Xu-Hui , Wang Elaine Lu , Zhou Hai-Meng , Yoshimoto Katsuhiko , Qian Zhi Rong
Published: December 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of recently identified noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at posttranscriptional level. Due to the large number of genes regulated by miRNAs, miRNAs play important roles in many cellular processes. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs are dysregulated in pituitary adenomas, a class of intracranial neoplasms which account for 10–15% of diagnosed brain tumors. Deregulated miRNAs and their targets contribute to pituitary adenomas progression and are associated with cell cycle control, apoptosis, invasion, and pharmacological treatment of pituitary adenomas. To provide an overview of miRNAs dysregulation and functions of these miRNAs in pituitary adenoma progression, we summarize the deregulated miRNAs and their targets to shed more light on their potential as therapeutic targets and novel biomarkers.
Chondroblastoma of the Knee Treated with Resection and Osteochondral Allograft Reconstruction
Authors: Fitzgerald Judd , Broehm Cory , Chafey David , Treme Gehron
Published: December 2014

Case. This case report describes the operative management of 16-year-old male with a symptomatic chondroblastoma of the distal femur with breach of the chondral surface. Following appropriate imaging and core needle biopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. The patient then underwent intralesional curettage and osteochondral allograft reconstruction of the defect. At one-year follow-up the patient was pain-free and has obtained excellent range of motion. There is radiographic evidence of allograft incorporation and no evidence of local recurrence.Conclusion. Osteochondral allograft reconstruction is an effective option following marginal resection and curettage of chondroblastoma involving the chondral surface of the distal femur.
Molecular and Cellular Basis of Autosomal Recessive Primary Microcephaly
Authors: Barbelanne Marine , Tsang William Y.
Published: December 2014

Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a rare hereditary neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a marked reduction in brain size and intellectual disability. MCPH is genetically heterogeneous and can exhibit additional clinical features that overlap with related disorders including Seckel syndrome, Meier-Gorlin syndrome, and microcephalic osteodysplastic dwarfism. In this review, we discuss the key proteins mutated in MCPH. To date, MCPH-causing mutations have been identified in twelve different genes, many of which encode proteins that are involved in cell cycle regulation or are present at the centrosome, an organelle crucial for mitotic spindle assembly and cell division. We highlight recent findings on MCPH proteins with regard to their role in cell cycle progression, centrosome function, and early brain development.
Multisite Kinetic Modeling of13C Metabolic MR Using [1-13C]Pyruvate
Authors: Gómez Damián Pedro A. , Sperl Jonathan I. , Janich Martin A. , Khegai Oleksandr , Wiesinger Florian , Glaser Steffen J. , Haase Axel , Schwaiger Markus , Schulte Rolf F. , Menzel Marion I.
Published: December 2014

Hyperpolarized13C imaging allows real-timein vivomeasurements of metabolite levels. Quantification of metabolite conversion between [1-13C]pyruvate and downstream metabolites [1-13C]alanine, [1-13C]lactate, and [13C]bicarbonate can be achieved through kinetic modeling. Since pyruvate interacts dynamically and simultaneously with its downstream metabolites, the purpose of this work is the determination of parameter values through a multisite, dynamic model involving possible biochemical pathways present in MR spectroscopy. Kinetic modeling parameters were determined by fitting the multisite model to time-domain dynamic metabolite data. The results for different pyruvate doses were compared with those of different two-site models to evaluate the hypothesis that for identical data the uncertainty of a model and the signal-to-noise ratio determine the sensitivity in detecting small physiological differences in the target metabolism. In comparison to the two-site exchange models, the multisite model yielded metabolic conversion rates with smaller bias and smaller standard deviation, as demonstrated in simulations with different signal-to-noise ratio. Pyruvate dose effects observed previously were confirmed and quantified through metabolic conversion rate values. Parameter interdependency allowed an accurate quantification and can therefore be useful for monitoring metabolic activity in different tissues.
Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Panel of Single- and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes:In VitroEffects on Normal Syrian Hamster Embryo and Immortalized V79 Hamster Lung Cells
Authors: Darne C. , Terzetti F. , Coulais C. , Fontana C. , Binet S. , Gaté L. , Guichard Y.
Published: December 2014

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) belong to a specific class of nanomaterials with unique properties. Because of their anticipated use in a wide range of industrial applications, their toxicity is of increasing concern. In order to determine whether specific physicochemical characteristics of CNTs are responsible for their toxicological effects, we investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of eight CNTs representative of each of the commonly encountered classes: single- SW-, double- DW-, and multiwalled (MW) CNTs, purified and raw. In addition, because most previous studies of CNT toxicity were conducted on immortalized cell lines, we decided to compare results obtained from V79 cells, an established cell line, with results from SHE (Syrian hamster embryo) cells, an easy-to-handle normal cell model. After 24 hours of treatment, MWCNTs were generally found to be more cytotoxic than SW- or DWCNTs. MWCNTs also provoked more genotoxic effects. No correlation could be found between CNT genotoxicity and metal impurities, length, surface area, or induction of cellular oxidative stress, but genotoxicity was seen to increase with CNT width. The toxicity observed for some CNTs leads us to suggest that they might also act by interfering with the cell cycle, but no significant differences were observed between normal and immortalized cells.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors Family Is Involved in the Response to Treatment and Mild Clinical Course in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Yamamoto-Furusho J. K. , Jacintez-Cazares M. , Furuzawa-Carballeda J. , Fonseca-Camarillo G.
Published: December 2014

Background. PPARs play an important role in the regulation of intestinal inflammation.Methods. We included a total of 46 UC patients and 31 controls. The gene expression of PPARs was measured by RT-PCR and protein expression by immunohistochemistry.Results. PPARαgene expression was significantly decreased in patients with active UC compared with remission UC group(P=0.001)and controls(P=0.001). We found that low gene expression of PPARαin mucosa confers a higher risk of UC activity (P≤0.0001, OR = 22.6). We observed an increase of PPARαexpression in patients with UC who were treated with 5-aminosalicylates compared with those who received any other combined therapy (P=0.03, OR = 0.08). PPARγgene expression was decreased in the active UC group compared with UC in remission(P=0.001)and control group(P=0.001). An increased expression of PPARγgene was associated with mild clinical course of the disease (P≤0.001, OR = 0.05). No gene expression of PPARβ/δwas found in the colonic mucosa from UC patients and controls.Conclusion. Our results suggest that patients with high gene expression of PPARs have a better response to medical treatment and a mild clinical course of the disease.
Analysis of Nonlinear Vibration of Hard Coating Thin Plate by Finite Element Iteration Method
Authors: Li Hui , Ying Liu , Sun Wei
Published: December 2014

This paper studies nonlinear vibration mechanism of hard coating thin plate based on macroscopic vibration theory and proposes finite element iteration method (FEIM) to theoretically calculate its nature frequency and vibration response. First of all, strain dependent mechanical property of hard coating is briefly introduced and polynomial method is adopted to characterize the storage and loss modulus of coating material. Then, the principle formulas of inherent and dynamic response characteristics of the hard coating composite plate are derived. And consequently specific analysis procedure is proposed by combining ANSYS APDL and self-designed MATLAB program. Finally, a composite plate coated with MgO + Al2O3is taken as a study object and both nonlinear vibration test and analysis are conducted on the plate specimen with considering strain dependent mechanical parameters of hard coating. Through comparing the resulting frequency and response results, the practicability and reliability of FEIM have been verified and the corresponding analysis results can provide an important reference for further study on nonlinear vibration mechanism of hard coating composite structure.
Megacystis-Microcolon-Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome: Case Report and Review of Prenatal Ultrasonographic Findings
Authors: Tuzovic Lea , Anyane-Yeboa Kwame , Mills Ashley , Glassberg Kenneth , Miller Russell
Published: December 2014

Objective: To investigate prenatal ultrasonographic findings associated with megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS). Methods: A PubMed search was performed using the terms ‘MMIHS', ‘MMIH' and ‘prenatal diagnosis'. Results: A total of 50 cases were analyzed. Prenatal diagnosis was achieved in 26% of cases. In 54% of patients with a correct antenatal diagnosis there was a previously affected sibling. Fetal megacystis with or without hydroureteronephrosis was the most common initial ultrasonographic finding (88%). While megacystis eventually complicated all fetal presentations, isolated bilateral hydronephrosis and isolated dilated stomach were noted (in 10 and 2% of cases, respectively) prior to megacystis. The initial sonographic abnormality was most commonly detected (in 70% of patients) in the second trimester. Amniotic fluid was normal in 69% and increased in 27% of cases. Gastrointestinal abnormalities were noted in 24% of pregnancies. Conclusion: MMIHS should be prenatally suspected when fetal megacystis is associated with a normal or increased amount of amniotic fluid and normal external genitalia, especially in the setting of a suggestive family history. Associated gastrointestinal findings support this diagnosis. Isolated bilateral hydronephrosis may precede the development of megacystis. Due to preserved renal function and a general absence of oligohydramnios, no rationale exists for vesicoamniotic shunt placement.
Intensive ambulante Expositionsbehandlung bei schweren Zwängen - zwei Modelle aus der Praxis für die Praxis
Authors: Hillebrand Thomas , Niedermeier Nico
Published: December 2014

Die Behandlung der Zwangsstörung umfasst auch im ambulanten Therapiesetting die Reizkonfrontation mit Reaktionsverhinderung (Expositionsbehandlung) als zentrales Therapieelement. In der Versorgungsrealität wird sie jedoch kaum leitliniengerecht angewendet. Dieser Artikel analysiert daher zahlreiche Hinderungsgründe und nennt Vorschläge zu deren Überwindung. Vor dem Hintergrund langjähriger Praxiserfahrung der Autoren werden zudem konkrete Hinweise zur Durchführung einer intensiven Exposition in der ambulanten Behandlungssituation beschrieben.
Effect of Autologous Bone Marrow Cell Transplantation Combined with Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting on Cardiac Function in Patients with Chronic Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Huishan , Wang Zengwei , Jiang Hui , Ma Dongchu , Zhou Weiwei , Zhang Guoxu , Chen Wei , Huang Jianhua , Liu Yu
Published: December 2014

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and effects of intramuscular injections of autologous bone marrow cells (BMC) combined with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafts (OPCAB) on improving cardiac function in chronic myocardial infarction patients. Methods: Ninety patients with chronic myocardial infarction were prospectively enrolled and randomized to an OPCAB with saline or an OPCAB with BMC-treatment group. After finishing CABG, patients received injections of BMC or saline into the marginal area of the infarct. The primary endpoint was incidence of emergent adverse events within 6 months. Results: There were no differences between the control and BMC-treated groups in baseline ejection fractions (EF) or wall motion score indices (WMSI) in the affected segments. At the 6-month follow-up, the ejection fraction was significantly increased in the BMC-treated group compared to controls (47.58 w 6.34 vs. 40.11 w 7.42; p < 0.05), whereas the WMSI were significantly decreased (1.25 w 0.32 vs. 1.54 w 0.53; p < 0.05), with no occurrences of life-threatening arrhythmias or death. The addition of BMC injections to OPCAB treatment increased regional perfusion to the marginal infarct area. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that BMC transplant is beneficial to the cardiac function with no adverse effects, and therefore a safe and feasible adjunct therapy providing beneficial effects in clinical practice. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Therapy Algorithm for Portal Vein Thrombosis in Liver Cirrhosis: The Internist's Point of View
Authors: Rössle Martin , Bausch Birke , Klinger Christoph
Published: December 2014

Background: Treatment of non-malignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with cirrhosis has been neglected in the past because of the fear of bleeding complications when using anticoagulation and due to the technical difficulties associated with the implantation of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). However, PVT has a negative impact on outcome and compromises liver transplantation, warranting treatment by using anticoagulation and TIPS. Methods: This review considers studies on the treatment of PVT in cirrhosis published in the last 10 years. Unfortunately, many of these studies are limited by their retrospective design and a small sample size. Results: Anticoagulation using low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or vitamin K antagonists is effective in the treatment of patients with limited and recent PVT, resulting in a recanalization in up to 50% of the patients. TIPS (plus local measures) results in a recanalization of up to 100% and reduces the rebleeding rate considerably in patients with recent or chronic PVT. Conclusion: Based on the presently limited knowledge, a therapy algorithm is suggested favouring the TIPS as a first-line treatment for PVT in patients with symptomatic portal hypertension. Patients with thus far asymptomatic portal hypertension may first receive anticoagulation, preferably using LMWH. If these patients have a condition where anticoagulation is not promising (complete, extended, chronic PVT) or ineffective, or if they are candidates for liver transplantation, the TIPS may be implanted without delay.
Grotius and the Rise of Christian ‘Radical Enlightenment’
Authors: Israel Jonathan
Published: December 2014

Grotius has often been cited as a crucial link between the ‘Erasmian tradition’ of the Renaissance and Reformation era and the Enlightenment. But there is perhaps a case for identifying him more specifically with the roots of the ‘Radical Enlightenment’. This was partly because of his widely-suspected and commented on tendency towards Socinianism. But it was also due to the uses to which he put his highly sophisticated humanist philology. During the eighteenth century, Grotius’s Bible criticism was seen by some as the root of some of the most subversive criticism of the era. The German deist Reimarus, for instance, author of one of the most vitriolic attacks on Christian revelation of the age, more frequently mentions Grotius’s revisions in his footnotes than he does the criticism of Hobbes, Spinoza, Collins or Toland. This article surveys the aspects of Grotius that significantly contributed to shaping what developed into the ‘Radical Enlightenment’.
Beyond Minimalism
Authors: Somos Mark
Published: December 2014

This paper offers an interpretation of De veritate that resolves its ostensible self-contradictions and uncovers its coherence when it is read as a text designed primarily with an irenic purpose, a didactic method, and having a secularising effect regardless of the author’s intention.

The article has seven sections: (1) Introduction; (2) Proofs of Religious Truth (Standards of good religion: ethics, rewards, and the violence of conquest; Testimony and consensus; Miracles; Oracles and prophecies; Simplicity); (3) Religious Practice (Ceremonies and rites; Sacrifices; Adiaphora); (4) Distinctive Christian Truths (The Trinity; Jesus Christ; Son of God, Son of Man; Death, Resurrection, and Ascension; Free will; Immortality; Doctrinal omissions); (5) Proofs from Providential History (The Bible’s textual integrity; The spread of Christianity; The early Church and the Bible), (6) Aspects of Reception; and (7) Conclusion: Christianity according to De veritate (Summary of findings; Thesis 1: Secularising legalism; Thesis 2: Didactic secularisation).
Introduction
Authors: Blom Hans W.
Published: December 2014

This introduction to the papers of the 2011 conference in Potsdam on De veritate aims to put the reception of the work during the (early) Enlightenment into perspective, while introducing the several articles and their distinctive takes on Grotius and his theology. The importance of early-modern apologetics, its relations to natural theology, to rationalism and Deism, as well as to the changing self-image of Calvinism, are discussed. De veritate has been – and maybe still is – a mirror to reflect important issues of Enlightenment and religion.
Hieracium terraccianoi (Asteraceae), a new species endemic to the Pollino National Park (Southern Italy)
Authors: Di Gristina Emilio , Gottschlich Günter , Raimondo Francesco Maria
Published: December 2014

A new species endemic to the Pollino National Park (Southern Italy), Hieracium terraccianoi, is described and illustrated. Information on its morphology, distribution, ecology and taxonomic relationships is provided.
Alien bryozoans in the eastern Mediterranean Sea—new records from the coast of Lebanon
Authors: HARMELIN JEAN-GEORGES
Published: December 2014

The Levant Basin (SE Mediterranean) is the most exposed to the introduction of non-indigenous species. The current assessment of exotic bryozoans present along the coast of Lebanon has been completed by the recording of fourteen cheilostome species (one cryptogenic) collected by diving in 17 localities (2–42 m). This set of exotic bryozoans comprises ten genera, including four (Akatopora Davis, 1934, Drepanophora Harmer, 1957, Mucropetraliella Stach, 1936 and Predanophora Tilbrook, 2006) not previously reported in the Mediterranean, while Celleporaria is the most successful extra-Mediterranean genus with four species in the survey collection. A new Celleporina species, C. bitari n. sp., also collected in the Red Sea, is described. Although lessepsian migration through the Suez Canal is the main pathway for exotic bryozoans in this region, the geographic origin of some species suggests that shipping through Gibraltar Strait is also responsible to a large extent.
Humic acid degradation by the synthesized flower-like Ag/ZnO nanostructure as an efficient photocatalyst
Authors: Ghaneian Mohammad Taghi , Morovati Pouran , Ehrampoush Mohammad Hassan , Tabatabaee Masoumeh
Published: December 2014

Nano-sized flower-like Ag/ZnO was synthesized by a simple method using zinc acetate and silver acetate under hydrothermal condition. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the synthesized powder. Nano flower-like Ag/ZnO was used as a photocatalyst for degradation of humic acid in aqueous solution. The disappearance of HA was analyzed by measuring the absorbance of sample at special wavelength (254 nm). The effects of various parameters such as amount of photocatalyst, pH, initial humic acid concentration and irradiation time on degradation rate were systematically investigated. Photodegradation efficiency was small when the photolysis was carried out in the absence of Ag/ZnO and it was also negligible in the absence of light. Approximately 70% of humic acid (50 mg/L) has been eliminated after 40 minutes in the presences of catalyst (catalyst dose o.6 g/L and pH =7) and UVA irradiation. While, 100% of humic acid has been eliminated with solar irradiation.
SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS MANAGEMENT AS THE BASIC DRIVER OF ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT UNDER CURRENT CONDITIONS
Authors: Flek M. B. , Boguslavskiy Igor Vladimirovich , Ugnich E. A.
Published: December 2014

Some ways to improve the efficiency of the enterprise management system are considered. The solution to this problem from the perspective of the synergistic approach, will allow increasing the utilization of the industrial enterprises’ potential, accelerating their economic development rate, and ensuring their product competitiveness. The aim of the article is to study the synergistic effects of the enterprise. The causes of positive and negative synergistic effects are considered. A generalized model of various in-plant synergistic effects formation is presented. The significance of the external and internal environmental impact on the synergies formation is shown. Types of synergetic effects reliant on the sources and their areas of origin are described. Knowledge of the cause-and-effect relations forming one or another type of the synergistic effect allows elaborating an effective strategy for the enterprise development.
EFFECT OF KINEMATIC PARAMETERS OF ELBOW MOTION ON BICEPS ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC SIGNAL
Authors: Bonilla F. , Lukyanov A. E. , Litvin A. V. , Deplov D. A.
Published: December 2014

The effect of the elbow motion kinematic parameters (angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration) on the surface electromyographic (EMG) signal of the biceps of the arm under the elbow motion execution with different load is analyzed. The dependences of the frequency and amplitude parameters of EMG signals on the elbow motion parameters under load lifting and lowering are established. The test bench structure is shown. The technique of recording EMG signals from the biceps, as well as of the signal processing methods are presented. Methods of statistical and spectral analysis are used for the quantification of the EMG signal values. In the time domain, the statistical analysis includes the determination of the following parameters: EMG amplitude values dispersion, average and RMS values, zero crossing value, waveform length. These parameters are determined on the measured values array basis of the signal generated within 0.3 sec. of the current time (‘sliding’ interval). The developed muscle force value is estimated; the cepstral coefficients are found. EMG biopotential distribution histograms are constructed. In the frequency domain, the EMG signals spectral analysis is carried out by Fast Fourier Transform. The spectrum total power, the average frequency, the median, and a spectral component with the dominant frequency are determined. The EMG biopotential registration and analysis are performed by means of Matlab. Information features which can be used for the intelligent control system synthesis based on neural networks are identified.
STATIC CHARACTERISTICS ANALYSIS OF INDIRECT CONTROL FLOW VALVE
Authors: Antonenko V. I.
Published: December 2014

A model of the indirect control flow divider for the steady state operation which maintains a twin-engined hydromechanical system in the synchronous common mode is considered. The divider is presented as an astatic regulator consisting of the sensor, amplifier, and regulating elements. However, its main static characteristics are the dependences of the timing failure on the regulating element spool speed, and those of the regulating element spool speed on the input control. The investigation of the static characteristics conducted according to a special program developed in the Mathcad package allows determining the presence of the hysteresis nonlinearity. The presence of the ambiguity zone is a troublesome factor indicating the self-oscillations onset probability in the closed loop system having a controller with such a property. In this case, the system would require the design constraints to ensure the characteristic of proportionality with saturation. Various design and operating parameters for the flow divider of the indirect control and the hydromechanical system are analyzed. This allows evaluating its effect, range of variation, and obtaining the basic approaches to designing synchronous in-phase systems. Two astatic regulator models with and without leakage at the amplifier element, as well as various types of the amplifier orifice overlapping are considered. This analysis has demonstrated the sufficient accuracy of the models, and the agreement of the results under the boundary conditions.
Hypotheses of neural code and the information model of the neuron detector
Authors: Parzhin Yuri
Published: December 2014

This paper deals with the problem of neural code solving. On the basis of the formulated hypotheses, the information model of a neuron detector is suggested, the detector being one of the basic elements of an artificial neural network (ANN). The paper subjects the connectionist paradigm of ANN building to criticism and suggests a new presentation paradigm for ANN building and neuro-elements (NE) learning. The adequacy of the suggested model is proved by the fact that it does not contradict the modern propositions of neuropsychology and neurophysiology.
Znáte plat svého šéfa? V Mondragonu vědí nejen to…
Authors: Binková Beáta
Published: December 2014

The Government Council for Sustainable Development organized a seminar called "How to promote business in the country through the financial participation of employees? - Inspiration behalf of Mondragon" at the Government Office Building on 14 October 2014. The seminar  focused on EU trends to identify barriers and ensure practical steps to remove barriers leading to financial contributions of employees in the country. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Mondragon Cooperative Corporation, which has been promoting employee financial participation for the last 58 years. This is an important economic tool that is not greatly used in the Czech Republic. For this reason, Vladimír Špidla, a member of the Government Council for Sustainable Development and Director of the Department of Advisors to Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, expressed serious interest in the promotion of employee financial contributions, the revival of cooperatives and the utilization of their potential in the Czech Republic.
Emergency Preparedness in the 10-Mile Emergency Planning Zone Surrounding Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Adalja Amesh A. , Sell Tara Kirk , Ravi Sanjana J. , Minton Katie , Morhard Ryan
Published: December 2014

Each of the nuclear power plants in the US is encircled by an Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). Within each EPZ, government officials, utility professionals, emergency managers, and public health practitioners collectively conduct extensive planning, exercises, and outreach to better protect their communities in the event of a nuclear accident. Our objective was to conduct a cross-sectional study of off-site public health preparedness within EPZs to better understand the dynamics of nuclear preparedness and uncover lessons for all-hazards preparedness.

Using a qualitative, interview-based method, we consulted 120 county emergency managers, state health preparedness officers, state radiation health officials, and industry officials from 17 EPZs in ten different states.

Interviewees reflected that EPZ emergency preparedness is generally robust, results from strong public-private partnership between nuclear plants and emergency management agencies, and enhances all-hazard preparedness. However, there exist a few areas which merit further study and improvement. These areas include cross-state coordination, digital public communication, and optimizing the level of public education within EPZs.

This first-of-its-kind study provides a cross-sectional snapshot of emergency preparedness in the 10-mile EPZ surrounding nuclear power plants.
Investigation of pozzolanic activity of volcanic rocks from the northeast of the Black Sea
Authors: Çullu Mustafa , Bolat Hakan , Vural Alaaddin , Tuncer Ertan
Published: December 2014

Mineralogical and chemical properties, as well as the pozzolanic activities, of the volcanic rocks in the northeast of the Black Sea were examined. Physical and mechanical tests were conducted on samples collected from the study area and the feasibility of using volcanic rocks as pozzolanic admixture in the concrete industry was investigated. Mortar samples containing admixture in the ratios of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% were prepared by keeping fineness of pozzolanic admixtures fixed. By using these mortar samples, prismatic mortar samples of 4×4×16 cm were prepared and the samples were cured in water. Their 7-, 28-, and 90-day tensile strengths, compressive strengths, and ultrasonic pulse velocity were determined. As a result, it was determined that volcanic rocks can be used to produce blended cement by considering their specific gravity, pozzolanic activities, and compressive strengths. It was noted that increase in trass rate significantly reduced tensile and compressive strength of cement in the early stage as expected.
Editorial
Authors: Tatnall Arthur
Published: December 2014

This issue of the Journal of Business Systems, Governance and Ethics has articles relating to business in Europe, Australia, Taiwan and Malaysia. It covers topics including the use of ICT by SMEs in Europe, Public Private Partnerships in Victoria, family support for expatriate members of multinational companies, financial reporting using the Internet, the impact of children on women’s and men’s paid and unpaid work, and leadership and ethnicity issues in public companies in Malaysia.
Challenges to the Jordanian Electronic Government Initiative
Authors: Abu-Samaha Ala M. , Samad Yara Abdel
Published: December 2014

This paper aims to present a number of key challenges to the Jordanian Electronic Government Initiative as a precursor to embracing mobile government (the future electronic governmental service provision). The first wave of electronic governmental services was delivered through the web as the sole communication channel. Despite the limited success of a small number of governmental entities to utilise such a communication channel, the very limited penetration of the Internet in Jordan has dampened such cases of success and pushed key decision makers at the Electronic Government Initiative to consider more popular alternative communication media. This paper reflects on Jordan’s past experience with electronic government to identify lessons learnt to be carried on to future mobile and second wave of electronic governmental service provisions.
Moral Questions and Dilemmas: Early Times to Present Day Issues
Authors: Small Michael W. , Trowbridge Geoffrey A.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this paper was to look at developments which have occurred in ethical behaviour in a nation’s armed forces. The paper begins with the Greeks and their concept of arête ‘manly virtue’, and concludes with reference to courses in ethics conducted in various military academies. In Australia, the Department of Defence and the RAN have played a role in developing codes of conduct for all ranks, from senior officer to junior recruit. The paper suggests that developing an understanding of ethics in a military/naval context should be addressed at four levels. Criteria should be identified for identifying relevant ethical behaviour; agreement should be reached about what constitutes ethical behaviour; programs should be developed at recruit and officer cadet level; and finally, curricula in military/naval ethics should be an integral part of the program in military training establishments.
Using New Technology for Remote Witnessing of Legal Documents in Victoria
Authors: Darbyshire Adam , Darbyshire Paul
Published: December 2014

Current legal requirements concerning the witnessing of affidavits and statutory declaration require the physical presence of both the authorised witness and the deponent. This can be time consuming process and seriously disadvantages people in remote rural areas and even those in urban areas with transport problems. Countries such as Australia with a low average population density and limited access to authorised witnesses will feel the effects of these limited laws to a greater degree. The current laws governing this process were developed for good reason, but recent technology advancements allow us to implement a witnessing method that does not require the physical proximity of either the deponent nor the witness. Current laws will not at this time permit this process, however, in this paper we outline a strategy for remote witnessing of documents that could be considered both secure and transparent for the legal process. This paper additionally presents the results of a survey undertaken to obtain comments from legal practitioners on this proposed method of remote witnessing.