bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic Final Demand as a Determinant of R&D Activity in Selected Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Świeczewska Iwona
Published: May 2014

This article presents the results of an empirical study conducted based on selected countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The study focused on the impact of domestic final demand for products manufactured by individual industries on the R&D activity in the country. The main research tools are the Leontief model and R&D multipliers. The application of the input-output methods allows domestic R&D expenditures to be broken down into institutional sectors to establish what part of the expenditures is embodied in products manufactured to meet final household demand, in exports, etc.
Selection of Optical Tomography Parameters for Gas Bubble Shape Analysis
Authors: Rząsa Mariusz R.
Published: May 2014

An optical tomograph in which a tested object is illuminated from five directions has been presented in the paper. The measurements of luminous intensity after changing into discrete signals (0 or 1) in the detectors equipped with 64 optical sensors were subjected to reconstruction by means of the matrix algorithm. Detailed description of the measuring sensor, as well as the principles of operation of the electronic system, has been given in the paper. Optical phenomena occurring at the phase boundary while transmitted through the sensor wall and phenomena inside the measuring space have also been taken into account. The method of the sensor calibration has been analysed and a way of technical solution of the problem under consideration has been discussed. The elaborated method has been tested using objects of the known shape and dimensions. It was found that reconstruction of the shapes of moving bubbles and determination of their main parameters is also possible with a reasonable accuracy.
Legal aspects of the association of overseas countries and territories with the European Union
Authors: Hruškovic Ivan
Published: May 2014

This article is concerned with an issue in European law that is historically derived from the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community. The aim is to illuminate the functions and objectives of the European Union that correspond to the provisions of Part Four of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union - Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories. The basic provisions are laid down in the primary law of the European Union but there are also other documents and legislative acts that lay down more detailed provisions on the given issue and reveal a more complex perspective. The article focuses on the existing legislation regulating the association of overseas countries and territories with the Union. The author first draws attention to the key provisions of the Treaty establishing the EEC that define the purpose, objectives and fundamental principles applied between the Union and the overseas countries and territories. The main purpose of the article, however, is to analyse the current legal basis of association and to highlight the need for a new legislative framework of cooperation. New legislation should take into account not only the interests of the Union, but also the desire of the overseas countries and territories for a new quality of mutual cooperation. The author argues that the best way to improve the association mechanism based on the Lisbon Treaty is to modernise the Union’s existing secondary legislation in this area. In this regard the author analyses issues related to Council decision 2001/822/EC on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Community and the proposal for a Council decision (COM/2012/362) of 16 July, 2012.
Snake Venom Poisoning in the Plovdiv Region from 2004 to 2012
Authors: Iliev Yanko T. , Tufkova Stoilka G. , Zagorov Marin Y. , Nikolova Stanka M.
Published: May 2014

INTRODUCTION: Envenomation by poisons of biological origin is very common globally in the tropical and subtropical areas mainly, where the biological diversity of the species clearly leads to evolution of highly toxic species. The weather warming trend in Bulgaria, whether cyclic or permanent, allows for a change in the biological response of reptiles and insects inhabiting the temperate zone by a possible migration of biological species from the subtropical zone towards the temperate zone because of the new environmental conditions. There are very few studies on snake bite envenoming in Bulgaria. The AIM of the study was to find the incidence of the acute accidental intoxication (AAI) caused by snake venom in adult individuals in a large region of Bulgaria between 2004 and 2012 and characterises it by number, type, main clinical features, course and socio-demographic parameters of the victims so that preventive measures can be taken, wherever necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied retrospectively all 68 cases of AAI caused by snake venom in adult individuals (> 18 years old) hospitalized in the Clinic of Toxicology in St. George University Hospital, Plovdiv over the period from 2004 to 2012 by 23 quantitative and qualitative parameters. RESULTS: We found that the average annual incidence of snake venom AAI in adult population in the region of Plovdiv was relatively low for the specified period (9.5 per 100000 residents); the snake venom AAI increases or decreases every other year, with no clearly delineated trend for now. The prevalence of envenomation by poisons of biological origin increased from 2.3% in 1990-1998 to 9.5-10.33% between 2007 and 2012. The main sociodemographic characteristics of snake bite victims are similar to those in other Balkan and Central European countries. The clinical response to poisons of biological origin is generally identical with the response to the viper (Vipera ammodytes) - mild to medium intensity with predominantly local toxic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm of Clinical Pathway 293 (CP) is effective and conducive to the reduction of duration of the morbid condition. There are, however, still aspects of it that can be optimised
Graphene-based Bolometers
Authors: Du Xu , Prober Daniel E. , Vora Heli , Mckitterick Christopher B.
Published: May 2014

To achieve the state-of-the-art photon detectors, extensive research has been carried out on graphene-based bolometers. These utilize graphene’s promising properties including its small heat capacity, weak electron-phonon coupling, and small resistance. This article reviews the recent development of cryogenic graphene-based bolometers, which are of particular interest and importance for understanding as well as for taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of graphene. We summarize the major theoretical and experimental developments in the field, including the phonon cooling mechanism and its dependence on temperature, doping, and disorder, and the experimental approaches for realizing bolometric detectors.We also estimate the ultimate performance of an ideal graphene bolometer as a power detector and a single-photon detector if superconducting contacts are employed.
Effect of irrigation and nutrient on physical properties of safflower seeds
Authors: Feyzollahzadeh Maziar , ModaresMotlagh Asaad , Nikbakht Ali M.
Published: May 2014

The effect of irrigation and nutrient treatments on physical properties of safflower seeds was investigated. Physical properties of safflower seeds were determined at a moisture content of 7% w.b. The parameters determined at different treatments were: size, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, mass, volume, bulk and true densities, porosity, and static and dynamic coefficient of friction. The results showed a better effect of the use of organic fertilizers in comparison with chemical ones. The results showed that nutrient and irrigation treatments had a significant effect on most of the physical properties of safflower seeds at p<0.01.
Diatomaceous earth used against insect pests, applied alone or in combination with Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Shafighi Yasaman , Ziaee Masumeh , Ghosta Yobert
Published: May 2014

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to assess the insecticidal efficacy of the formulation SilicoSec® used alone or in combination with isolates of entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschinkoff) Sorokin and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin. SilicoSec® is a commercial diatomaceous earth (DE) formulation. Wheat was treated with 200 mg/kg of DE, 400 mg/kg of each isolates alone or a combination of them, against Tribolium castaneum Herbst, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), and Oryzaephilus surinamensis L. The experiments were carried out at 27±1°C and 65±5% relative humidity (RH) in continuous darkness. The pathogenicity of all isolates was significantly low even after 7 days of exposure, with the exception of R. dominica. The isolates were virulent to the beetles, but the efficacy of the isolates was enhanced in combination with the DE. Tribolium castaneum was the most resistant species, followed by R. dominica. The findings indicated that the addition of the DE to the isolates increased the pathogenicity especially at the highest exposure interval. The addition of DE may provide satisfactory control of the insect-pests of stored products.
Metazachlor residues in soil and rape seed
Authors: Kucharski Mariusz , Sadowski Jerzy
Published: May 2014

The purpose of the work was to analyse metazachlor contamination of the soil and metazachlor contamination of rape seeds. Monitoring tests were carried out during the 2010-2012 time period, on winter and spring oilseed rape fields located in south-western Poland. Soil and seed samples were collected at harvest time. The determination of metazachlor residues was conducted using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC/ECD). Based on the analysis of a total of 59 soil samples and 59 rape seed samples, metazachlor residue was detected in 45% of the soil samples of winter oilseed rape and in 71% of the soil samples of spring oilseed rape. Metazachlor contamination of rape seed was detected in 29% of winter rape samples and in 53% of spring rape samples. The concentration of assayed residue did not exceed 0.0005-0.0102 mg/kg. There were significantly higher amounts of metazachlor residue determined for the soil and seed samples of spring oilseed rape. None of the analyzed samples of oilseed rape seed showed a residue content exceeding the Maximum Residue Level (MRL).
What are cleats? Preliminary studies from the Konin lignite mine, Miocene of central Poland
Authors: Widera Marek
Published: May 2014

Cleats (fractures, joints) are discontinuities in coals, including lignites. They are important in mining activity because of their gas and water permeability in hard coal, and mainly because of their water permeability in lignites. As opposed to hard-coal cleats, lignite cleats have not been studied in detail before. The present contribution does so, using as an example the 1st Middle-Polish Lignite Seam (MPLS-1) in the Jóźwin IIB opencast mine in central Poland. It should be mentioned here that any remarks in the present contribution concerning MPLS-1 refer exclusively to this lignite seam in the Jóźwin IIB opencast mine.

The investigated discontinuities consist of two sets, i.e. the face and butt cleats, which are roughly oriented NW-SE and NE-SW, respectively. The mean spacing of the face cleats is ~12.4 cm, while the mean spacing of the butt cleats is ~12.8 cm. The maximum average aperture is ~4.9 mm for the face cleats and ~4.1 mm for the butt cleats. The cleat spacing and aperture do not depend on the lignite thickness, but the cleat spacing increases with increasing mineral-matter and xylite content, whereas the aperture increases when the contents decrease. The regional folding and local salt diapirism tentatively explain the formation of the orthogonal system of the lignite cleats, partly because of the parallelism of the face cleats and the major tectonic directions in central Poland.
Methods for Estimation of the Riverflow Potential for Hydrokinetic Power Generation
Authors: Kalnacs A. , Kalnacs J. , Mutule A. , Persis U.
Published: May 2014

The authors propose methods for estimation of the potential of riverflows for electricity production at hydrokinetic power plants. The methods can be applied to any river or its span where it is possible to move using a floating means. The methodical part includes validation of the flow velocity and bed depth measurement data using the available statistics as well as a case study. Analysis of the in-river measurement results for the selected spans of river Daugava shows that the flow rate variations exert only a minor influence on the flow velocity at particular sites. This testifies the hydrokinetic power plants as stable and predictable sources of electrical energy, both in a long term and, especially, in a short one. The proposed estimation methods could be useful in explorations of rivers, making them simpler and cheaper.
Determination of 3D Surface Roughness Parameters by Cross-Section Method
Authors: Rudzitis J. , Krizbergs J. , Kumermanis M. , Mozga N. , Ancans A. , Leitans A.
Published: May 2014

Currently, in the production engineering the surface roughness parameters are estimated in three dimensions, however, the equipment for these measurements is rather expensive and not always available. In many cases to buy such equipment is not economically justified. Therefore, the 3D surface roughness parameters are usually determined from the well-known 2D profile ones using the existing 2D equipment. This could be done best using the cross-section (or profile) method, especially in the case of nanoroughness estimation, with calculation of the mean values for the roughness height, spacing, and shape. This method - though mainly meant for irregular rough surfaces - can also be used for other types of rough surfaces. Particular emphasis is here given to the correlation between the surface cross-section (profile) parameters and 3D parameters as well as to the choice of the number of cross-cuttings and their orientation on the surface.
Design considerations for mesoporous silica nanoparticulate systems in facilitating biomedical applications
Authors: Desai Diti , Karaman Didem Sen , Prabhakar Neeraj , Tadayon Sina , Duchanoy Alain , Toivola Diana M. , Rajput Sadhana , Näreoja Tuomas , Rosenholm Jessica M.
Published: May 2014

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have advanced to the forefront of multifunctional nanoparticulate systems in nanomedicine, owing to this highly fexible materials platform enabling a multitude of design options, often in a modular fashion. Drug delivery ability, detectability via diferent imaging modalities, and stimuliresponsiveness are often combined into one particle system. Very sophisticated and versatile designs along with impressive demonstrations of applicability have been reported to date, but a common ground when it comes to some critical considerations valid for any nanoparticle intended for biomedical purposes is lacking to some degree. In this study, we attempt to take a glance at some of the most crucial aspects of biomedical nanoparticulate design and relate how they apply specifically toMSNs. These considerations include fuorophore labeling and leaching with respect to immobilization to MSNs, the surrounding conditions, carrier biodegradability, and surface coating. Surface modifcation strategies and surface charge tuning are further considered in conjunction to the relative amount of cellular uptake and serum protein adsorption. Cellular internalization routes and biological techniques used to evaluate especially in vitro biobehavior are discussed. Our attempt is hereby to draw attention to some of the most frequently occurring issues to be considered in the design of MSN systems for biomedical applications
Diet-Derived MicroRNAs: Separating the Dream from Reality
Authors: Cottrill Katherine A. , Chan Stephen Y.
Published: May 2014

Background: Both pleiotropic and ubiquitous, microRNAs (miRNAs) exert control over a wide range of cellular functions. They have been detected in virtually every extracellular fluid in the mammalian body, and many circulate substantial anatomical distances in plasma. Thus, secreted miRNAs are valuable not only as diagnostic tools but also may serve as novel biological effectors that can be transmitted between source and recipient tissue.

Design: This review will discuss the possibility of delivering functional miRNAs from exogenously derived dietary sources. We will examine prior research interrogating the existence and relevance of such a mechanism.

Findings: Recent findings have reported cross-kingdom transfer of specific plant-derived miRNAs to mammalian tissue following consumption of plant-based foods. These exogenous miRNAs were reported to be active in the recipient organisms, directing changes in gene expression at distant organ sites. In spite of this, subsequent studies have been unable to find evidence of substantial exogenous diet-derived miRNAs in mammalian circulation or tissues, regardless of diet.

Conclusion: Further examination of diet-derived miRNA uptake is ongoing, but it does not appear that horizontal delivery of miRNAs via normal dietary intake is a generalizable or frequent process to maintain robust expression of these miRNAs in most higher-order animal organisms.
Extended Technology Acceptance Model for SPSS Acceptance among Slovenian Students of Social Sciences
Authors: Brezavšček Alenka , Šparl Petra , Žnidaršič Anja
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose - IBM SPSS Statistics is among the most widely used programs for statistical analysis in social sciences. Due to many practical values it is frequently used as a tool for teaching statistical concepts in many social science university programs. In our opinion, motivation to learn and to use SPSS during the studying process plays a significant role in building a positive attitude towards SPSS which influences its usage at the professional level after finishing study.

Design/Methodology/Approach - The aim of this paper is the development of the model for analysing the acceptance of the SPSS among university students of social sciences. The model is based on the widely known Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). In addition to the traditional components of the TAM, six external variables were included. The model is tested using the web survey on the university students of social sciences from seven faculties at three Slovenian universities.

Results - The evaluation of the questionnaire was performed. Descriptive statistics were calculated. The dependencies among the model components were studied and the significant dependencies were pointed out.

Conclusion - The results of the empirical study prove that all external variables considered in the model are relevant, and directly influence both key components of the traditional TAM, ≫Perceived Usefulness≪ and ≫Perceived Ease of Use≪. Therefore, our model is useful to study the adoption and continuous utilization of SPSS among the students of social sciences. The obtained results are useful for educators, and can help them to improve the learning process.
Richard Hooker “The Pelagian”. Is There A Case? Notes On The Christian Letter
Authors: Stafford John K.
Published: May 2014

Richard Hooker explicitly rejected the charge of Pelagianism. In late 16th century Reformation England, this was no small charge. The extreme sensitivity of the question together with Puritan suspicions of actual or latent Catholic sympathies left Hooker on the defensive. This situation came together in the Christian Letter. Although Hooker’s marginalia is fragmentary, they reveal his considerable frustration at the question of his theological integrity. The anonymous author(s) of the Christian Letter attributed their suspicions to the density and ambiguity, as they saw the matter, of Hooker’s writing. For Hooker, this way of writing and thinking was simply what was needed in order to handle the subtleties of Christian theology, especially in times of religious disruption. Theology was not for him, a blunt instrument, but a reasoned and precise scalpel the wielding of which required a commensurate measure of skill to use properly. However, there were important points of departure between Hooker’s protagonist and his own outlook. The author of the Christian Letter had clearly set out to depict Hooker’s writing style as so excessively subtle and dependent on the Schoolmen that contrary motives might well lie behind it. If not Catholic, then Pelagian.
New Faunistic Records of the Subfamily Sympycninae (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) from Iran
Authors: Kazerani Farzaneh , Khaghaninia Samad , Grichanov Igor
Published: May 2014

Faunistic data is given for 4 species of the subfamily Sympycninae, new to the fauna of Iran. The specimens were collected in north-western Iran during 2013. The following species are recorded for the first time in this country: Campsicnemus curvipes (Fallén, 1823), C. umbripennis Loew, 1856, Sympycnus pulicarius (Fallén, 1823) and Syntormon pumilus (Meigen, 1824). The genus Campsicnemus Haliday, 1851 is newly reported from the country. Lists of the genera and species along with diagnostic characters, geographical distribution and supplementary figures of the species in question are given.
The evaluation of kindergarten teachers’ preparation to promote oral health among children
Authors: Chałas Renata , Maksymiuk Paweł , Fajgier Tomasz
Published: May 2014

Introduction. The problem of high caries prevalence among preschool children has been widely discussed in Poland. Studies show unsatisfactory level of children’s oral health. A reason of this situation could be insufficient health education. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate kindergarten teachers’ preparation to promote oral health among children. Material and methods. Ninety-seven preschool teachers from Lublin (96 women and 1 man) participated in the study. Teachers were asked to fill survey forms concerning: oral health education campaigns launched in the kindergarten, meals consumed by kids and basic issues of oral hygiene. Results and discussion. The majority of examined teachers (96.91%) confirmed that oral health education campaigns were executed at their workplace. Significantly less people confirmed execution of fluoridation programs. Half of the subjects (53.61%) rated their knowledge of oral health diseases prevention as good. Passing on the knowledge about oral hygiene during lessons with children was confirmed by 96.91% subjects. A great proportion of the subjects (71.13%) think that launching regular oral health education campaigns among teachers would help to improve oral health level of children. Conclusions. Kindergarten teachers have general, but not expert knowledge of oral health. Trained teachers could play an important role in raising children health status
Influence of prednisone on serum level of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma and interleukin-1 beta, in active pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Rybacka-Chabros Barabara , Pietrzak Aldona , Milanowski Janusz , Chabros Paweł
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma and interleukin-1 beta modulate the interaction between T-cells and macrophages and play the key role in immune defense in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Several studies have demonstrated that corticosteroids may improve clinical conditions of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Aim. The aim of the study was a potential impact of prednisone on the early immune response in HIV-negative young adults with active pulmonary tuberculosis, during the first four weeks of treatment. Material and methods. The study included 38 adults, aged 18-39 years, with active pulmonary tuberculosis. The first group of patients received only anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy whereas the second group of patients was administered antituberculosis chemotherapy and 20 mg prednisone, once daily. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma and interleukin 1-beta were measured using ELISA kits before treatment initiation as well after two and four weeks of treatment, in both study groups. Results. The highest serum levels of evaluated cytokines were observed before treatment initiation. Serum levels of cytokines were significantly decreased in patients who received anti-tuberculosis drugs and prednisone, compare to those not treated with prednisone (p<0.001), in all study periods. Conclusions. Adjunctive therapy, like 20 mg prednisone daily, remarkably inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines during the early stage of active pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-negative young adults, which is likely to be beneficial for this group of patients
The influence of chosen clinical and demografic factors on progress in reeducation of balance and walk of people after stroke
Authors: Dominika Flis , Bejer Agnieszka
Published: May 2014

Streszczenie

Wstęp: Poprawa równowagi i odtworzenie funkcji chodu jest jednym z głównych celów rehabilitacji poudarowej. Celem pracy jest określenie w jakim stopniu czynniki takie jak rodzaj udaru, strona niedowładu, wiek, płeć oraz modyfikowalne czynniki ryzyka mogą wpływać na proces rehabilitacji.

Materiał i metody: Badano kolejno zgłaszających się do oddziału rehabilitacji chorych z niedowładem połowiczym po pierwszym udarze mózgu. Kwalifikowano chorych w okresie do 1 miesiąca od udaru, bez chorób przewlekłych poza czynnikami ryzyka udaru mózgu, uczestniczących w 4-tygodniowym programie usprawniania. Do badania zakwalifikowano 50 chorych (24 mężczyzn i 26 kobiet). Średni wiek badanych wynosił 63 lata. Oceniano równowagę i chód pacjentów za pomocą testu Tinetti.

Wyniki: Efekty rehabilitacji są istotnie lepsze w grupie osób z udarem krwotocznym (p=0,0057) oraz z niedowładem prawostronnym (p=0,0094). Najsilniej z liczbą czynników ryzyka skorelowana jest zmiana oceny chodu (R= -0,72), przeciętnie liczba czynników ryzyka wpływała na zmiany w zakresie równowagi (R= -0,56). Wiek w stopniu umiarkowanym wpływa na efekty rehabilitacji, w zakresie funkcji chodu (R = -0,52).

Wnioski: Lepsze wyniki rehabilitacji uzyskują osoby młodsze, z niedowładem prawostronnym oraz po udarze krwotocznym mózgu. Płeć nie wpływa na osiągane wyniki usprawniania. Większa liczba współwystępujących czynników ryzyka determinuje gorsze efekty rehabilitacji.
Identification Through Technology in Contemporary Crime Narratives
Authors: Kocsis Ferenc
Published: May 2014

I propose a somewhat new approach to examine the characteristic epistemological concerns that can be witnessed in Detective fiction. An approach that takes into account a constituent of the said model and was not dealt with in depth previously: the inevitable technological mediatedness between the Subjects taking part in the interpretative process that defines the subject
The Use of Ergonomics to Streamline Processe
Authors: Schindlerová Vladimíra
Published: May 2014

At present, it is demanded more and more that the working conditions meet ergonomic principles. Most people have a sedentary job, and many of us spend many hours at the computer. This situation is related to the development of science and technology, and causes number of complications if the ergonomic principles are not observed. Research Institute of labour safety v.v.i. is engaged in examination, validation and application of methods of prevention of risks caused by work activities and endangering human health and the environment. This issue has already been addressed also in an engineering plant.
Carrying Capacity of Round Timber Bolted Joints with Steel Plates Under Static Loading / Únosnost Svorníkových Spojů Kulatiny S Vloženými Ocelovými Plechy Při Jednorázovém Statickém Namáhání
Authors: Lokaj Antonín , Klajmonová Kristýna
Published: May 2014

Aim of this article is in presentation of results of static tests of round timber bolted connections with steel plates. Round timber connections tests in tension were made on pressure machine EU100 in laboratory of the Faculty of Civil Engineering VSB-TU Ostrava. Results of laboratory tests have been statistically evaluated and completed by graphical records of deformation response on loading.
Behavior of the Intervertebral Disc Within the Motion Segment L3-L4 of The Human Spine Under Various Types of Physiological Load / Odozva Medzistavcovej Platničky V Rámci Pohybového Segmentu L3-L4 Ľudskej Chrbtice Na Rôzne Typy Fyziologického Zaťaženia
Authors: Minárová Mária , Sumec Jozef , Tješšová Mária
Published: May 2014

The paper deals with the biomechanical investigation on the motion segment - basic part of the human lumbar spine focused on the intervertebral disc response to the various types of load. It contains the description and the reason of the simplification of the model, the biomechanical laws; the mathematical treatment with the computational implementation added. The results are presented and discussed especially for the intervertebral disc.
Parametric Study on the Effects of Soil to Oscillation Velocity / Parametrická Studie Vlivu Typu Zeminy Na Amplitudu Rychlosti Kmitání
Authors: Petřík Tomáš , Hrubešová Eva , Stolárik Martin , Pinka Miroslav
Published: May 2014

The paper focuses on the possibility of evaluating the influence of character of the soil to oscillations velocity induced dynamic loads. Mathematical modeling is used to solve the parametric study. Models are created in software Plaxis 2d based on finite element method. Dynamic load is based on experimental measurements on the stand in the area of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, VSB-TUO. Soil properties are determined from the normative indicative characteristics.
Determination of Concrete Cube Strength from Used Samples / Určení Krychelné Pevnosti Betonu U Použitých Zkušebních Trámců
Authors: Sucharda Oldřich , Mikolášek David , Brožovský Jiří
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with the determination of compressive strength of concrete. Cubes, cylinders and re-used test beams were tested. The concrete beams were first subjected to three-point or fourpoint bending tests and then used for determination of the compressive strength of concrete. Some concrete beams were reinforced, while others had no reinforcement. Accuracy of the experiments and calculations was verified in a non-linear analysis.
HSV-1 ICP0: An E3 Ubiquitin Ligase That Counteracts Host Intrinsic and Innate Immunity
Authors: Perusina Lanfranca Mirna , Mostafa Heba , Davido David
Published: May 2014

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encoded E3 ubiquitin ligase, infected cell protein 0 (ICP0), is required for efficient lytic viral replication and regulates the switch between the lytic and latent states of HSV-1. As an E3 ubiquitin ligase, ICP0 directs the proteasomal degradation of several cellular targets, allowing the virus to counteract different cellular intrinsic and innate immune responses. In this review, we will focus on how ICP0’s E3 ubiquitin ligase activity inactivates the host intrinsic defenses, such as nuclear domain 10 (ND10), SUMO, and the DNA damage response to HSV-1 infection. In addition, we will examine ICP0’s capacity to impair the activation of interferon (innate) regulatory mediators that include IFI16 (IFN γ-inducible protein 16), MyD88 (myeloid differentiation factor 88), and Mal (MyD88 adaptor-like protein). We will also consider how ICP0 allows HSV-1 to evade activation of the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) inflammatory signaling pathway. Finally, ICP0’s paradoxical relationship with USP7 (ubiquitin specific protease 7) and its roles in intrinsic and innate immune responses to HSV-1 infection will be discussed.
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling during Cardiac Development and Repair
Authors: Buikema Jan , Zwetsloot Peter-Paul , Doevendans Pieter , Domian Ibrahim , Sluijter Joost
Published: May 2014

Active Wnt/β-catenin signaling is essential for proper cardiac specification, progenitor expansion and myocardial growth. During development, the mass of the embryonic heart increases multiple times to achieve the dimensions of adult ventricular chambers. Cell division in the embryonic heart is fairly present, whereas cell turnover in the adult myocardium is extremely low. Understanding of embryonic cardiomyocyte cell-replication, therefore, could improve strategies for cardiac regenerative therapeutics. Here, we review which role Wnt signaling plays in cardiac development and highlight a selection of attempts that have been made to modulate Wnt signaling after cardiac ischemic injury to improve cardiac function and reduce infarct size.
Treating the Newly Diagnosed Schizophrenic
Authors: Buskirk James , Mendel Werner
Published: May 2014

This month's column features a case presentation and discussion from the Psychiatry Grand Rounds of the Menninger Foundation, Topeka, Kansas. James Buskirk, MD, Section Chief of C.F. Menninger Memorial Hospital, presents a brief case vignette of a newly admitted, recently-diagnosed schizophrenic. Dr. Buskirk's presentation is followed by an analysis of the case by Werner Mendel, MD. Dr. Mendel, Clinical Director of the Hastings Regional Center in Hastings, Nebraska and an internationally renowned authority on the treatment of schizophrenia, discusses the case from the standpoint of determining the optimal approach to the treatment of the newly-diagnosed schizophrenic and describes a "mainstreaming" program that enables schizophrenic patients to return quickly and successfully to community living.
Hypotheses Regarding the Mechanism of Action of Electroconvulsive Therapy, Past and Present
Authors: O'Connor M Kevin
Published: May 2014

Understanding how ECT works should provide remarkable insights into the biology of mood disorder and the other conditions that are responsive to ECT.
New Anesthetic Agents Used in Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Weglinski Margaret
Published: May 2014

New anesthetic agents and cardiovascular drugs are frequently applied in the ECT setting.
The Clinical Approach to the Differential Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Bowden Charles L
Published: May 2014

According to recent findings, bipolar disorders are more frequently seen than most epidemiological data would suggest.
Editors' Introduction
Authors: Iqbal Naveed , Van Praag Herman M
Published: May 2014

Schizophrenia continues to be poorly understood with regard to its diagnosis, etiology, course, and treatment.
Use of Benzodiazepines in the Elderly
Authors: Wengel Steven P , Burke William J , Ranno Anthony E , Roccaforte William H
Published: May 2014

It is generally believed that new onset of anxiety disorders in old age is relatively rare. However, older adults present with anxiety in a variety of contexts.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Authors: Hollander Eric , Cohen Lisa J , Simeon Daphne
Published: May 2014

BDD may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on several dimensions, including symptom profile, patterns of comorbidity, family history, and a possible preferential response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
The Psychiatric Care of Women
Authors: Johnson Karen
Published: May 2014

Psychiatrists must understand the science of gender so it can be integrated into differential diagnoses and treatment plans.
Implications of Affect Theory for the Practice of Cognitive Therapy
Authors: Milestone Shelley F
Published: May 2014

Affect theory and cognitive therapy may be linked in three realms: the formal conceptualization of the patient, the nature of the therapeutic relationship, and the form of the therapeutic process.
Diagnosis and Classification of Dysthymia
Authors: Klein Daniel N , Kelly Helen Salisbury
Published: May 2014

The concept of dysthymia is an admixture of three older clinical constructs: neurotic depression, depressive personality, and chronic depression.
Comorbidity of Dysthymia
Authors: Markowitz John C
Published: May 2014

It is now clear that many chronic depressions are mood disorders that respond to antidepressant medications.
Measurement of Severity and Treatment Response in Dysthymia
Authors: Mason Barbara J , Kocsis James H , Leon Andrew C , Thompson Seth , Frances Allen J , Morgan Roberto O , Parides Michael K
Published: May 2014

Assessment of clinical response in dysthymia may have been limited by the structure and format of existing rating instruments.
Pharmacotherapy of Dysthymia
Authors: Harrison Wilma M , Stewart Jonathan W
Published: May 2014

Like other forms of chronic depression, dysthymia has often been unrecognized or underdiagnosed and untreated.
Computer-Assisted Assessment of DSM-III-R Diagnoses
Authors: First Michael B
Published: May 2014

By encoding the DSM-III-R diagnostic algorithms into a computer program, a procedurally accurate diagnostic assessment can be assured.
LSD and Ecstasy: Pharmacology, Phenomenology, and Treatment
Authors: Miller Norman S , Gold Mark S
Published: May 2014

A hallucination is a false perception, and these drugs induce exaggerated and "unreal" sensory phenomena including visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations.
The Role of the Laboratory in the Diagnosis of LSD and Ecstasy Psychosis
Authors: DuPont Robert L , Verebey Karl
Published: May 2014

LSD and Ecstasy and other hallucinogenic drugs (especially psilocybin mescaline) are in an anomalous position as frequently abused, widely available illicit drugs that are rarely identified in drug tests.
Sleep Disorders in Dementia
Authors: Satlin Andrew
Published: May 2014

Sleep-wake cycle abnormalities are often the greatest source of disruption in the lives of the demented patient's caregivers.
Using Antidepressant Medication in Depressed Children: An Algorithm
Authors: Johnston Hugh F , Fruehling J Jay
Published: May 2014

Child psychopharmacology does not lend itself easily to a "cookbook" approach.
Borderline and Other Dramatic Personality Disorders in the Psychiatric Emergency Service
Authors: Rouse John D
Published: May 2014

Excellent, readily available crisis care may be the factor that permits outpatient treatment to continue to a successful conclusion.
A 49-year-old Man With Recurrent Major Depression
Authors: Ketter Terence A
Published: May 2014

When a patient cannot be stabilized using standard pharmacologic treatments, clincians should consider certain underused medications.
A Recommendation System for Scientific Papers through Bayesian Nonparametric Hybrid Filtering
Authors: Rodriguez Abel , Vuppala Radhakrishna
Published: May 2014

Recommender systems have become an important area of research with numerous applications on e-commerce. This chapter introduces a joint statistical model for user preferences and item features that can serve as the basis for a recommendation about recently published scientific papers. The model is constructed using ideas from the literature on Bayesian nonparametric mixture modeling. More specifically, user preferences are modeled using an Infinite Relational Model (IRM) in which both users and items are independently partitioned into homogeneous groups, while item features are modeled using a topic model, which also partitions items into groups with homogenous features. Information is shared across both components of the model through a common partition of items. Hence, the model is a hybrid system that combines ideas from collaborative and content-based filtering. The chapter discusses three different computational strategies, including a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm for full posterior inference, an iterated conditional maximization algorithm, and a mean-field variational algorithm for point estimation and prediction in large datasets where Markov chain Monte Carlo approaches might not be practical. The model is illustrated through simulation studies and by analyzing data from CiteULike.
Si-NWs
Authors: Khayyat Maha Mohamed , Aïssa Brahim
Published: May 2014

Surfaces and interfaces have a special significance to nanotechnology because the surface/volume ratio of nanomaterials is larger than for the bulk ones. Therefore, interfaces of nanomaterials are more important to the properties of the nanomaterials than for larger scale materials. Moreover, crystal growth and more particularly Nanowires (NWs) growth occurs at the interfaces between the growing crystals and the supply media. This chapter focuses on the silicon nanowires grown using a Vapor-Liquid-Solid (VLS) concept. One of the key advantages of VLS is that controlled placement or templating of the seed metal produces templated NW growth. This templating is required for integration of NWs with other devices, which is desirable for many applications. The authors discuss issues on the discovery of fundamentally new phenomena versus performance benchmarking for many of the Si-NW applications. Finally, the authors attempt to look into the future and offer their personal opinions on the upcoming trends in nanowire research.
In2X3 (X=S, Se, Te) Semiconductor Thin Films
Authors: Emziane Mahieddine , Yoosuf Rahana
Published: May 2014

Indium chalcogenide thin film semiconductor compounds In2X3 (with X being a chalcogen atom, i.e., S, Se, or Te) are important materials in many current technological applications such as solar cells, micro-batteries, memory devices, etc. This chapter reviews the recent progress in In2X3 (X = S, Se, or Te) thin film research and development, with a particular attention paid to their growth and processing methods and parameters, and the effects that these have on the films microstructure. The intimate relationship between their fabrication conditions and the resulting physico-chemical and functional properties is discussed. Finally, results pertaining to the fabrication and characterization of these thin film materials, as well as the main devices and applications based on them are also highlighted and discussed in this chapter.
A Framework for Government 2.0 Development and Implementation
Authors: Chen Yu-Che
Published: May 2014

This book chapter formulates a framework for Government 2.0 development and implementation, drawing from literature on collaborative public management, public sector knowledge management, management Information Systems, innovation, and e-governance. This framework encompasses policy/managerial, organizational, and technological dimensions and identifies factors for success, such as supporting policy guidance and institutions, providing incentives and resources, and developing and promoting technical standards. Using the proposed framework, this chapter critically analyzes the possibility of Government 2.0 for the case of the United States. The analysis underscores the importance of institutional support, management commitment, and development of data standards and resource framework documents. The analysis also points to the need for improvement in the areas of provision of policy and management guidance, sustaining resource commitment, and expanding technical standards development and usability. The conclusion will summarize main points and make note of future research opportunities.
Virtual World Avatar Branding
Authors: Mowbray Thomas J.
Published: May 2014

Avatar branding is the process of creating a virtual personality, establishing a well-known virtual identity, and immersing oneself as an active participant in virtual society. In virtual worlds such as Second Life and the many Opensim worlds, avatar branding is an essential capability for many kinds of virtual world users, such as fine artists, musicians, poets, writers, deejays, athletes, actors, fashion designers, and other kinds of virtual celebrities. This chapter discusses the process of avatar branding and covers several examples of famous branded avatars.
Meeting Them Halfway
Authors: Ryan Jenna
Published: May 2014

Computer mediated communication (CMC), especially via Web 2.0 technologies like social networking and casting software, has become an essential part of the lives of the current generation of college students. This chapter will explore the possibilities for the use of these technologies by universities and colleges to connect with their students and to enhance instruction. Topics covered will include Facebook, Twitter, virtual worlds, casting software, and future trends.
Usability Impact Analysis of Collaborative Environments
Authors: Stephens R. Todd
Published: May 2014

This chapter will focus on the application of usability principles in a corporate collaborative environment in order to show improvements in utilization. Collaborative applications create a two-way communications structure as opposed to the one way communication method of traditional web environments. Collaboration applications can vary in the complexity from discussion forums to complex social software integration. Usability principles have been applied to web sites, but very little research has been done on the implications of usability in collaborative environments. Collaborative environments create a unique set of opportunities that create a different set of user goals. End users want a more collaborative environment that is easy to use and engaging. Organizations need to ensure the business goals stay at the forefront while improving the collaborative nature of the company.
Are ICT/Web 2.0 Tools Influencing Civic Engagement in Modern Democracies?
Authors: Nair Indu , Fraunholz Bardo , Unnithan Chandana
Published: May 2014

Web 2.0 tools, while mobilising citizens to make informed choices, may also manipulated public opinion. This hypothesis forms the central theme of this research investigation through the historiography lens. Based on concurrent research from decade, the authors take a closer look at citizen-to-citizen engagement, so as to trace the role of web 2.0 tools, in perhaps manipulating public opinion or enabling democratic governance through reversal of some existing defects in the Indian context. Specifically, they raise these questions: Has ICT enabled civic engagement manipulated public opinion in this developing democracy? Has it succeeded in reversing apparent defects in the electoral system, which is regarded pivotal in democracies? Focusing on the elections, the authors present a synopsis of the use of web 2.0 tools which were seemingly efficiently and prolifically used during the elections albeit to reach out to the large population base in this country.
The Role of Social Networking Sites for Language Learning in UK Higher Education
Authors: Brick Billy
Published: May 2014

This paper seeks to assess the potential for Social Networking Sites (SNSs) to play a role in language learning in the UK Higher Education (HE) sector. These sites are characterised by certain features including learning materials, synchronous and asynchronous video and text chat facilities, a peer review feature, and some sites also incorporate an award system, in the form of points (http://www.livemocha.com) or ‘berries' (http://www.busuu.com). This serves to motivate participants by rewarding them for their progress and for their peer review activities. In order to consider if, or how, to integrate SNSs into the UK HE curriculum it is important to consider the views of practitioners and learners towards such sites and whether they consider them to have a potential role in HE language education. The paper will report on the outcomes of two small research projects which have sought to establish the view of both practitioners and students towards SNSs in the HE context. When considered overall the practitioners were more positive about the site than the learners.