bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Humoral Theory to Performant Risk Stratification in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Lefaucheur C. , Viglietti D. , Mangiola M. , Loupy A. , Zeevi A.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of the present review is to describe how we improve the model for risk stratification of transplant outcomes in kidney transplantation by incorporating the novel insights of donor-specific anti-HLA antibody (DSA) characteristics. The detection of anti-HLA DSA is widely used for the assessment of pre- and posttransplant risks of rejection and allograft loss; however, not all anti-HLA DSA carry the same risk for transplant outcomes. These antibodies have been shown to cause a wide spectrum of effects on allografts, ranging from the absence of injury to indolent or full-blown acute antibody-mediated rejection. Consequently, the presence of circulating anti-HLA DSA does not provide a sufficient level of accuracy for the risk stratification of allograft outcomes. Enhancing the predictive performance of anti-HLA DSA is currently one of the most pressing unmet needs for facilitating individualized treatment choices that may improve outcomes. Recent advancements in the assessment of anti-HLA DSA properties, including their strength, complement-binding capacity, and IgG subclass composition, significantly improved the risk stratification model to predict allograft injury and failure. Although risk stratification based on anti-HLA DSA properties appears promising, further specific studies that address immunological risk stratification in large and unselected populations are required to define the benefits and cost-effectiveness of such comprehensive assessment prior to clinical implementation.
Genetically Modified T-Cell-Based Adoptive Immunotherapy in Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Ye Baixin , Stary Creed M. , Gao Qingping , Wang Qiongyu , Zeng Zhi , Jian Zhihong , Gu Lijuan , Xiong Xiaoxing
Published: January 2017

A significant proportion of hematological malignancies remain limited in treatment options. Immune system modulation serves as a promising therapeutic approach to eliminate malignant cells. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a central role in antitumor immunity; unfortunately, nonspecific approaches for targeted recognition of tumor cells by CTLs to mediate tumor immune evasion in hematological malignancies imply multiple mechanisms, which may or may not be clinically relevant. Recently, genetically modified T-cell-based adoptive immunotherapy approaches, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and engineered T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapy, promise to overcome immune evasion by redirecting the specificity of CTLs to tumor cells. In clinic trials, CAR-T-cell- and TCR-T-cell-based adoptive immunotherapy have produced encouraging clinical outcomes, thereby demonstrating their therapeutic potential in mitigating tumor development. The purpose of the present review is to (1) provide a detailed overview of the multiple mechanisms for immune evasion related with T-cell-based therapies; (2) provide a current summary of the applications of CAR-T-cell- as well as neoantigen-specific TCR-T-cell-based adoptive immunotherapy and routes taken to overcome immune evasion; and (3) evaluate alternative approaches targeting immune evasionviaoptimization of CAR-T and TCR-T-cell immunotherapies.
AUV-Method for a Class of Constrained Minimized Problems of Maximum Eigenvalue Functions
Authors: Wang Wei , Jin Ming , Li Shanghua , Cao Xinyu
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we apply theUV-algorithm to solve the constrained minimization problem of a maximum eigenvalue function which is the composite function of an affine matrix-valued mapping and its maximum eigenvalue. Here, we convert the constrained problem into its equivalent unconstrained problem by the exact penalty function. However, the equivalent problem involves the sum of two nonsmooth functions, which makes it difficult to applyUV-algorithm to get the solution of the problem. Hence, our strategy first applies the smooth convex approximation of maximum eigenvalue function to get the approximate problem of the equivalent problem. Then the approximate problem, the space decomposition, and theU-Lagrangian of the object function at a given point will be addressed particularly. Finally, theUV-algorithm will be presented to get the approximate solution of the primal problem by solving the approximate problem.
Antituberculosis Drug-Induced Liver Injury with Autoimmune Features: Facing Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges
Authors: Rangel Maria Adriana , Pinto Pais Isabel , Duarte Raquel , Carvalho Isabel
Published: January 2017

The authors present a case report of antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury that offered diagnostic challenges (namely, the possibility of drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis) and treatment difficulties.
On the Stochastic Dynamics of a Social Epidemics Model
Authors: Wang Xun-Yang , Zhang Peng-Zhan , Yang Qing-Shan
Published: January 2017

Alcohol abuse is a major social problem, which has caused a lot of damages or hidden dangers to the individual and the society. In this paper, with random factors of alcoholism considered in mortality rate of compartment populations, we formulate a stochastic alcoholism model according to compartment theory of infectious disease. Based on this model, we investigate the long-term stochastic dynamics behaviors of two equilibria of the corresponding deterministic model and point out the effect of random disturbance on the stability of the system. We find that when R0≤1, we get the estimation between the trajectory of stochastic system and E0=(Π/μs,0,0,0) in the average in time with respect to the disturbance intensity, while when R0>1, stochastic system is ergodic and has the unique stationary distribution. Finally, we carry out numerical simulations to support the corresponding theoretical results.
A Nationwide Survey of UK Oncologists’ Views on the Choice of Radiotherapy Regime for the Reconstructed Chest Wall in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Davis Nicola , Jyothirmayi Rema
Published: January 2017

Aims. This paper describes a UK survey of the choice of radiotherapy regime for the reconstructed chest wall in breast cancer patients. Questions focused on which fractionation regime consultants choose, their reasons for this, whether the type of reconstruction influences their choice, and whether bolus is used in patients who have undergone immediate reconstructive surgery. Materials and Methods. Between July 2014 and July 2015 a survey was sent by email to UK consultant radiation oncologists treating breast cancer. Results. The response rate was 73%. 67% of respondents use 40 Gray (Gy) in 15 fractions, with 22% using 50 Gy in 25 fractions and 7% using other regimes. For 90% of consultants the type of reconstruction did not influence their decision regarding choice of fractionation. 83% of respondents do not usually use a bolus for chest wall radiotherapy in patients who have had immediate reconstructive surgery. Conclusions. This survey illustrates there is variation in practice in the management of patients with breast cancer who have undergone immediate reconstructive surgery in the UK. There is a need for further research to determine which fractionation regime is optimal, whether the type of surgery is relevant, and whether bolus should be added.
Study on the Optimizing Operation of Exhaust Air Heat Recovery and Solar Energy Combined Thermal Compensation System for Ground-Coupled Heat Pump
Authors: Wang Kuan , Li Nianping , Peng Jinqing , He Yingdong
Published: January 2017

This study proposed an exhaust air heat recovery and solar energy combined thermal compensation system (ESTC) for ground-coupled heat pumps. Based on the prediction of the next day’s exhaust air temperature and solar irradiance, an optimized thermal compensation (OTC) method was developed in this study as well, in which the exhaust air heat recovery compensator and solar energy compensator in the ESTC system run at high efficiency throughout various times of day. Moreover, a modified solar term similar days group (STSDG) method was proposed to improve the accuracy of solar irradiance prediction in hazy weather. This modified STSDG method was based on air quality forecast and AQI (air quality index) correction factors. Through analyzing the operating parameters and the simulation results of a case study, the ESTC system proved to have good performance and high efficiency in eliminating the heat imbalance by using the OTC method. The thermal compensation quantity per unit energy consumption (TEC) of ESTC under the proposed method was 1.25 times as high as that under the traditional operation method. The modified STSDG method also exhibited high accuracy. For the accumulated solar irradiance of the four highest daily radiation hours, the monthly mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between the predicted values and the measured values was 6.35%.
Colorectal Cancer Metastasis to the Thymus Gland: Rare Presentation of Colorectal Cancer as Anterior Mediastinal Mass
Authors: Peters H. Charles , Liu Xiuli , Iqbal Atif , Cunningham Lisa A. , Tan Sanda A.
Published: January 2017

Despite improved screening modalities, 15–25% of newly diagnosed colorectal cancers are metastatic at the time of diagnosis. The vast majority of these cases present as hepatic metastasis; however, 22% present with concomitant extrahepatic disease. The thymus gland is an uncommon site of metastasis for any primary malignancy, particularly, colorectal cancer given its vascular and lymphatic drainage. This case report details our experience with a rare case of colorectal cancer metastasis to the thymus gland presenting as a symptomatic mediastinal mass.
Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng.: Traditional and Commercial Uses and Phytochemical and Pharmacological Significance in the African and Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Maroyi Alfred
Published: January 2017

Lippia javanica occurs naturally in central, eastern, and southern Africa and has also been recorded in the tropical Indian subcontinent. The potential of L. javanica as herbal or recreational tea and herbal medicine and its associated phytochemistry and biological properties are reviewed. The extensive literature survey revealed that L. javanica is used as herbal tea and has ethnomedicinal applications such as in colds, cough, fever, malaria, wounds, diarrhoea, chest pains, bronchitis, and asthma. Multiple classes of phytochemicals including volatile and nonvolatile secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, amino acids, flavonoids, iridoids, and triterpenes as well as several minerals have been identified from L. javanica. Scientific studies on L. javanica indicate that it has a wide range of pharmacological activities which include anticancer, antiamoebic, antidiabetic, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, and pesticidal effects. Although many of the traditional uses of L. javanica have been validated by phytochemical and pharmacological studies, there are still some gaps where current knowledge could be improved. Lippia javanica is popular as both herbal and recreational tea, but there is need for more precise studies to evaluate the safety and clinical value of its main active crude and pure compounds and to clarify their mechanisms of action.
Analysis of the Osteogenic Effects of Biomaterials Using Numerical Simulation
Authors: Wang Lan , Zhang Jie , Zhang Wen , Yang Hui-Lin , Luo Zong-Ping
Published: January 2017

We describe the development of an optimization algorithm for determining the effects of different properties of implanted biomaterials on bone growth, based on the finite element method and bone self-optimization theory. The rate of osteogenesis and the bone density distribution of the implanted biomaterials were quantitatively analyzed. Using the proposed algorithm, a femur with implanted biodegradable biomaterials was simulated, and the osteogenic effects of different materials were measured. Simulation experiments mainly considered variations in the elastic modulus (20–3000 MPa) and degradation period (10, 20, and 30 days) for the implanted biodegradable biomaterials. Based on our algorithm, the osteogenic effects of the materials were optimal when the elastic modulus was 1000 MPa and the degradation period was 20 days. The simulation results for the metaphyseal bone of the left femur were compared with micro-CT images from rats with defective femurs, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the algorithm. The proposed method was effective for optimization of the bone structure and is expected to have applications in matching appropriate bones and biomaterials. These results provide important insights into the development of implanted biomaterials for both clinical medicine and materials science.
Synaptic Reorganization of the Perisomatic Inhibitory Network in Hippocampi of Temporal Lobe Epileptic Patients
Authors: Wittner Lucia , Maglóczky Zsófia
Published: January 2017

GABAergic inhibition and particularly perisomatic inhibition play a crucial role in controlling the firing properties of large principal cell populations. Furthermore, GABAergic network is a key element in the therapy attempting to reduce epileptic activity. Here, we present a review showing the synaptic changes of perisomatic inhibitory neuronal subtypes in the hippocampus of temporal lobe epileptic patients, including parvalbumin- (PV-) containing and cannabinoid Type 1 (CB1) receptor-expressing (and mainly cholecystokinin-positive) perisomatic inhibitory cells, known to control hippocampal synchronies. We have examined the synaptic input of principal cells in the dentate gyrus and Cornu Ammonis region in human control and epileptic hippocampi. Perisomatic inhibitory terminals establishing symmetric synapses were found to be sprouted in the dentate gyrus. Preservation of perisomatic input was found in the Cornu Ammonis 1 and Cornu Ammonis 2 regions, as long as pyramidal cells are present. Higher density of CB1-immunostained terminals was found in the epileptic hippocampus of sclerotic patients, especially in the dentate gyrus. We concluded that both types of (PV- and GABAergic CB1-containing) perisomatic inhibitory cells are mainly preserved or showed sprouting in epileptic samples. The enhanced perisomatic inhibitory signaling may increase principal cell synchronization and contribute to generation of epileptic seizures and interictal spikes.
Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Kim Ha Won , Stansfield Brian K.
Published: January 2017

Aneurysms are characterized by structural deterioration of the vascular wall leading to progressive dilatation and, potentially, rupture of the aorta. While aortic aneurysms often remain clinically silent, the morbidity and mortality associated with aneurysm expansion and rupture are considerable. Over 13,000 deaths annually in the United States are attributable to aortic aneurysm rupture with less than 1 in 3 persons with aortic aneurysm rupture surviving to surgical intervention. Environmental and epidemiologic risk factors including smoking, male gender, hypertension, older age, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and family history are highly associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms, while heritable genetic mutations are commonly associated with aneurysms of the thoracic aorta. Similar to other forms of cardiovascular disease, family history, genetic variation, and heritable mutations modify the risk of aortic aneurysm formation and provide mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of human aortic aneurysms. This review will examine the relationship between heritable genetic and epigenetic influences on thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm formation and rupture.
Are Systematic Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency and Vitamin D Supplementation Currently Feasible for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?
Authors: Essouma Mickael , Noubiap Jean Jacques N.
Published: January 2017

Beyond its role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism for healthy bone mineralization, there is increasing awareness for vitamin D contribution in modulation of immune reactions. Given that ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving excess immune/inflammatory activity and posing great therapeutic challenges, it is conceivable to claim that vitamin D treatment may be a safe and effective treatment to influence or modify the primary disease and its related comorbidities. Nevertheless, consistent body of research supporting this hypothesis is still lacking. In this paper, we examine whether systematic screening and treatment for vitamin D deficiency are feasible at present. We will review the immunomodulatory role of vitamin D and its contribution in initiation and progression of AS, as well as how they would determine the occurrence of comorbid conditions. Our conclusion is that despite the overwhelmed interest about vitamin D treatment in AS patients, systematic screening and treatment for vitamin D deficiency of all AS patients are not feasible as yet. This stresses the need for further extensive well-designed research to prove vitamin D efficacy in AS beyond bone protection. And if utility is proven, personalized treatment regimes, duration of treatment, and threshold values for vitamin D should be provided.
Subsequent Fertility of Goats with Prenatal Mortality Diagnosed by Ultrasound and Treated by PGF2α and Oxytetracycline
Authors: Aban A. S. , Abdelghafar R. M. , Badawi M. E. , Almubarak A. M.
Published: January 2017

Thirteen Saanen and Saanen crossbred female goats, between the ages of 6 months and 7, years were presented to the clinic, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, for sonographic pregnancy diagnosis. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed using 3.5 MHz probe which revealed non-viable fetuses as judged by absence of heart beats and movements. Twelve goats were given single i/m injection of PGF2α analogue and 5% oxytetracycline. Ten goats responded to the treatment and six of them became pregnant and gave birth within the normal gestational period. One goat was diagnosed as non-pregnant, one goat developed hydrometra, and the subsequent fertility of two goats was unknown. Two full-term goats did not respond to treatment. Another dose of PGF2α was administered to them and again they did not respond. Manual attempts were done to deliver the full-term goat with dilated cervix and they were unsuccessful. Cesarean section and hysterectomy were then performed for the three full-term goats with unfavorable outcome. It can be concluded that ultrasound is a rapid, reliable, and nonhazardous procedure for the diagnosis of fetal mortality in goats and PGF2α treatment in conjunction with oxytetracycline is an efficient treatment.
Neimark-Sacker Bifurcation in Demand-Inventory Model with Stock-Level-Dependent Demand
Authors: Hachuła Piotr , Nockowska-Rosiak Magdalena , Schmeidel Ewa
Published: January 2017

An analysis of dynamics of demand-inventory model with stock-level-dependent demand formulated as a three-dimensional system of difference equations with four parameters is considered. By reducing the model to the planar system with five parameters, an analysis of one-parameter bifurcation of equilibrium points is presented. By the analytical method, we prove that nondegeneracy conditions for the existence of Neimark-Sacker bifurcation for the planar system are fulfilled. To check the sign of the first Lyapunov coefficient of Neimark-Sacker bifurcation, we use numerical simulations. We give phase portraits of the planar system to confirm the previous analytical results and show new interesting complex dynamical behaviours emerging in it. Finally, the economical interpretation of the system is given.
Sample Size Effect of Magnetomechanical Response for Magnetic Elastomers by Using Permanent Magnets
Authors: Oguro Tsubasa , Sasaki Shuhei , Tsujiei Yuri , Kawai Mika , Mitsumata Tetsu , Kaneko Tatsuo , Zrínyi Miklós
Published: January 2017

The size effect of magnetomechanical response of chemically cross-linked disk shaped magnetic elastomers placed on a permanent magnet has been investigated by unidirectional compression tests. A cylindrical permanent magnet with a size of 35 mm in diameter and 15 mm in height was used to create the magnetic field. The magnetic field strength was approximately 420 mT at the center of the upper surface of the magnet. The diameter of the magnetoelastic polymer disks was varied from 14 mm to 35 mm, whereas the height was kept constant (5 mm) in the undeformed state. We have studied the influence of the disk diameter on the stress-strain behavior of the magnetoelastic in the presence and in the lack of magnetic field. It was found that the smallest magnetic elastomer with 14 mm diameter did not exhibit measurable magnetomechanical response due to magnetic field. On the opposite, the magnetic elastomers with diameters larger than 30 mm contracted in the direction parallel to the mechanical stress and largely elongated in the perpendicular direction. An explanation is put forward to interpret this size-dependent behavior by taking into account the nonuniform field distribution of magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet.
The Effects of Compliance with Nutritional Counselling on Body Composition Parameters in Head and Neck Cancer Patients under Radiotherapy
Authors: Hopanci Bicakli D. , Ozkaya Akagunduz O. , Meseri Dalak R. , Esassolak M. , Uslu R. , Uyar M.
Published: January 2017

Background. Radiotherapy (RT) has been associated with increased risk of malnutrition in cancer patients, particularly in those with head and neck cancer (HNC). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of compliance of patients with individual dietary counselling on body composition parameters in HNC patients under RT. Material and Methods. Sixty-nine consecutive patients (mean age: 61.0±13.8) were prospectively followed. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed to determine body composition parameters before, in the middle of, and at the end of RT. All patients received nutritional counselling and majority of them (94.6%) received oral nutritional supplement (ONS) during RT or chemoradiotherapy. If a patient consumed ≥75% of the recommended energy and protein intake via ONS and regular food, he/she was considered to be “compliant” (n=18), while those who failed to meet this criteria were considered to be “noncompliant” (n=30). Results. Body mass index, weight, fat percentage, fat mass, fat free mass, and muscle mass did not decrease significantly over time in compliant patients, but in noncompliant patients, all of these indices decreased significantly from baseline compared to the end of treatment (p<0.001). Hand grip strength did not differ significantly between the two groups at baseline and over time in each group. When retrospectively evaluated, heavy mucositis was less commonly observed in compliant than noncompliant patients (11.1% versus 88.9%, resp.) (p<0.009). Conclusion. We conclude that body composition parameters were better in head and neck cancer patients considered as compliant with nutritional counselling than noncompliant ones during RT period.
Consensus Analysis of Fractional-Order Multiagent Systems with Double-Integrator
Authors: Yang Chunde , Li Wenjing , Zhu Wei
Published: January 2017

In nature, many phenomena can be explained by coordinated behavior of agents with fractional-order dynamics. In this paper, the consensus problem of fractional-order multiagent systems with double-integrator is studied, where the fractional-order satisfies0<α<2. Based on the fractional-order stability theory, Mittag-Leffler function, and Laplace transform, a necessary and sufficient condition is obtained under the assumption that the directed graph for the communication network contains a directed spanning tree. Finally, an example with simulation is presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
Robust Preamble-Based Timing Synchronization for OFDM Systems
Authors: Liu Yun , Ji Fei , Yu Hua , Wan Dehuan , Chen Fangjiong , Yang Ling
Published: January 2017

This study presents a novel preamble-based timing offset estimation method for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. The proposed method is robust, immune to the carrier frequency offset (CFO), and independent of the structure of the preamble. The performance of the new method is demonstrated in terms of mean square error (MSE) obtained by simulation in multipath fading channels. The results indicate that the new method significantly improves timing performance in comparison with existing methods.
Morphology, Aggregation Properties, Cytocompatibility, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Citrate-Stabilized AuNPs Prepared by Modular Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Rudolf Rebeka , Majerič Peter , Tomić Sergej , Shariq Mohammed , Ferčec Urban , Budič Bojan , Friedrich Bernd , Vučević Dragana , Čolić Miodrag
Published: January 2017

Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis (USP) possesses a great potential for production of higher quantities of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), thus overcoming the problem of batch-to-batch variations in their properties. Recently, we demonstrated that USP with an additional evaporation chamber (modular USP) led to a better size control of AuNPs. However, their morphology, stability, toxicity, and immunomodulatory properties have not been investigated completely. Here, two types of spherical AuNPs were produced by using different USP parameters, followed by their stabilization in Na-citrate solution. No significant changes in their size, agglomeration, andz-potential occurred 3 months after their initial production in citrate solution. However, the conditioning of AuNPs in serum-containing cell culture media for 24 h induced an increase in the AuNPs’ hydrodynamic size and a red shift in their Surface Plasmon Resonance, pointing to their instability in biological media. Cytocompatibility tests showed that the produced AuNPs were internalized by L929 cells and primary human monocytes and were not cytotoxic at the concentrations lower than 200 μg/mL, but they exhibited antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. AuNPs reduced the percentage of CD14+CD16+but not CD14lowCD16+monocytes in vitro and reduced the expression of CD86, HLA-DR, TNF-α, and IL-12/IL-23 by these cells. These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of citrate-capped AuNPs produced by modular USP could be beneficial for their application in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
A Report of Two Cases of Age-Related Changes in Cervical Morphology in Postmenopausal Women with Vaginal Adenosis
Authors: Vigliani Marguerite B.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents two cases of women who had extensive vaginal adenosis from prenatal DES exposure, extending almost halfway down the vaginal canal. Both women were followed for decades with annual exams and Pap smears until after menopause. Clinical examination in both cases initially showed an absent pars vaginalis of the cervix, vaginal adenosis, and shallowness of the fornices. Several decades of annual exams showed these stigmata of DES exposure gradually disappear as the upper vagina progressively contracted. After menopause the upper vagina in both cases transformed into what appeared to be a normal cervix with all adenosis involuted into a normal endocervical canal. A timeline was created to show the morphological changes that were observed over time. This timeline illustrates how severe vaginal stenosis above the level of the squamocolumnar junction developed in middle age and was followed in the postmenopause by fusion of the upper vaginal walls in the midline resulting in the appearance of a normal, but prolapsed, cervix.
Rapid Prototyping Human Interfaces Using Stretchable Strain Sensor
Authors: Yamaji Tokiya , Nakamoto Hiroyuki , Ootaka Hideo , Hirata Ichiro , Kobayashi Futoshi
Published: January 2017

In the modern society with a variety of information electronic devices, human interfaces increase their importance in a boundary of a human and a device. In general, the human is required to get used to the device. Even if the device is designed as a universal device or a high-usability device, the device is not suitable for all users. The usability of the device depends on the individual user. Therefore, personalized and customized human interfaces are effective for the user. To create customized interfaces, we propose rapid prototyping human interfaces using stretchable strain sensors. The human interfaces comprise parts formed by a three-dimensional printer and the four strain sensors. The three-dimensional printer easily makes customized human interfaces. The outputs of the interface are calculated based on the sensor’s lengths. Experiments evaluate three human interfaces: a sheet-shaped interface, a sliding lever interface, and a tilting lever interface. We confirm that the three human interfaces obtain input operations with a high accuracy.
A QĀḌī'S ERRORS
Authors: Rebstock Ulrich
Published: January 2017

Reflections on qāḍī-error form part of the early Islamic legal tradition. Growth in the framework of the legal apparatus compelled Muslim jurists to address the notion of fallibility in a more complex manner. From the ninth century onwards, jurists identified particular aspects of qāḍī-error (khaṭa’ al-qāḍī) and gave them independant treatment. The ontological proximity of qāḍī-error to certain theological oncepts did not allow for simple and easy solutions. In general, the jursts focused their attention on the prevention of error, e.g., by establishing standards for the selection of the ideal qāḍĪ. But if a qāḍĪ, once appointed, nevertheless issued a faulty or defective judgment, it was necessary to examine his integrity, the procedure that he adopted, and the role played by witnesses and litigants. Within the MālikĪ school in particular, juristic discussion of these issues resulted in the penetration of pragmatic concepts into the fields of jurisprudence.
COMMUNAL STRIFE IN LATE MAMLŪK JERUSALEM
Authors: Litile Donald P.
Published: January 2017

In Muslim histories of the Mamlūk period little attention is given to the affairs of minority communities unless these were in conflict with dominant Muslim interests and posed a threat to social and political stability. This in general is true of Mujīr al-Dīn al-'Ulaymī's work on the merits of Jerusalem for Muslims, al-Uns al-Jalīl bi-Ta'rīkh al-Quds wa' 1-Khalīl. Nevertheless, thanks to the special character of the book and the author's militantly Ḥanbalī outlook, al-Uns covers in exceptional detail several episodes involving communal strife in the city under Mamlūk rule, most notably two disputes over holy places, one involving Muslims and Jews, the other, Muslims and Christians. Examination of these complex disputes shows how the Mamlūk judicial system succeeded in adjudicating them through legal institutions and in accordance with legal principles.
ISLAMIC LAW AND CHRISTIAN HOLY SITES: JERUSALEM AND ITS VICINITY IN EARLY OTTOMAN TIMES
Authors: Peri Oded
Published: January 2017

As the birthplace of Christianity, Jerusalem and its vicinity possess the most important Christian holy sites, which have become a significant locus of adoration for Christians all over the world. Subsequently, Jerusalem emerged as the third most holy city in Islam. The preservation of this legally sanctioned duality has been a major challenge for whoever ruled Jerusalem in the name of Islam. Drawing on relevant documents culled from the records of the Sharī'a Court in Jerusalem, as well as the Başbakanhk Arşivi in Istanbul, I propose to study the Ottoman response to that challenge at a time when this and similar issues were still decided by the Ottomans themselves and yet untouched by intrusive foreign influence.
Vice in the Nicomachean Ethics
Authors: Nielsen Karen Margrethe
Published: January 2017

This paper aims to articulate Aristotle’s general account of vice, an account that applies to all special vices, regardless of their spheres of action and emotion, and whether they are states of excess or deficiency. Vice is ignorance in the decision (ἡ ἐν τῇ προαιρέσει ἄγνοια): the paper explains what this means.
Ontological Separation in Aristotle’s Metaphysics
Authors: Katz Emily
Published: January 2017

Ontological separation plays a key role in Aristotle’s metaphysical project: substances alone are ontologically χωριστόν. The standard view identifies Aristotelian ontological separation with ontological independence, so that ontological separation is a non-symmetric relation. I argue that there is strong textual evidence that Aristotle employs an asymmetric notion of separation in theMetaphysics—one that involves the dependence of other entities on the independent entity. I argue that this notion allows Aristotle to prevent the proliferation of substance-kinds and thus to secure the unity of his metaphysical system.
Body and Cosmos in Galen’s Account of the Soul
Authors: Havrda Matyáš
Published: January 2017

Galen’s physiology—his theory of elements, mixtures and the emergence of natural capacities—compels him to conceive of each part of the soul as a peculiar mixture of elementary qualities in the material substance of the organ (the liver, the heart or the brain) in which it is located. The reason why Galen, nevertheless, refrains from making a dogmatic assertion about the substance of the soul, or of human nature in general, is the acknowledged failure to account for two goal-directed activities—the formation of bodily organs and human intelligence—in terms of elementary qualities and their mixtures.
Seven new species of Tortanus (Atortus) (Copepoda, Calanoida, Tortanidae) from North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Mulyadi  , Nishida Shuhei , Ohtsuka Susumu
Published: January 2017

Seven new species of the planktonic copepod genus and subgenus Tortanus (Atortus) are described from North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Four of these species, T. (A.) indonesiensis, T. (A.) omorii, T. (A.) processus and T. (A.) lukmani, belong to the brevipes species complex sensu Ohtsuka & Kimoto (1989). Two species, T. (A.) sulawesiensis and T. (A.) manadoensis, can be placed in the recticauda species complex. The seventh species, however, T. (A.) bilobus, belongs to neither group, which will necessitate a revision of the current morphology-based grouping with the aid of a genetically-based phylogeny. The co-occurrence of multiple closely-related congeners in a relatively small area suggests possible microhabitat segregation among these species.
Bathyconchoecia incisa sp. nov. (Myodocopa, Halocyprididae), a new species of ostracod from the neritic zone of the South China Sea
Authors: Yin Jian-Qiang , Li Kai-Zhi , Tan Ye-Hui
Published: January 2017

Specimens previously identified as Bathyconchoecia paulula sensu Yin & Chen, 1991 and Bathyconchoecia galerita sensu Yin & Chen, 1991, together with two similar specimens, are reclassified as a new species, Bathyconchoecia incisa sp. nov., which we describe and illustrate in detail here. The present species is similar to Bathyconchoecia sagittarius and Bathyconchoecia kornickeri in having a shallow notch on the posterodorsal corner of the carapace, but can be easily distinguished from these species by the structure of the posterior margin of the carapace and the striated sculpturing on the surface of the valves. The specimens on which this new classification was based were collected at shallow depths (<125 m) off the east coast of Hainan Island, in the northern South China Sea and in the Zengmu (James) Shoal and adjacent areas in the southern South China Sea. B. incisa is likely to be a shallow-water species or has a wide bathymetric range.
Biology, abundance and distribution of Pennant’s swimming crab, Portumnus latipes (Pennant, 1777) along the coast of Portugal
Authors: Cores Claudia , Gaspar Miguel B. , Erzini Karim
Published: January 2017

The biology, ecology and distribution of Pennant’s swimming crab (Portumnus latipes) along the coast of Portugal in 2015 was studied. Females dominated the catches and the highest percentage of berried females was recorded between February and April. Mean fecundity values were 7711, 10 004 and 4838 eggs for development stages I, II and III, respectively. Estimated Von Bertalanffy growth parameters , K and were 34.83 mm, 0.52 year−1 and −0.41 year for males, and 27.16 mm, 0.74 year−1 and −0.39 year for females, respectively. P. latipes is widely distributed along the Portuguese coast on sandy bottom to a maximum depth of 20 m, with the highest relative abundances from the south coast near estuaries and coastal lagoon inlets. Size distributions differed significantly () between the south and the southwest and northwest regions, with larger crabs in the south. Abundance was generally correlated with abundance of Donax trunculus and Donax vittatus, supporting the hypothesis of a predator-prey relationship.
Occurrence of praniza larvae of a gnathiid (Isopoda, Gnathiidae) on wild-caught orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton, 1822) (Perciformes, Serranidae), in Lingayen Gulf, Philippines
Authors: Cruz-Lacierda Erlinda R. , Nagasawa Kazuya
Published: January 2017

Praniza larvae of a gnathiid isopod were retrieved from the gills and branchial cavity of wild-caught orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton, 1822) (Perciformes, Serranidae) in Lingayen Gulf, Philippines. The prevalence and mean intensity of the praniza larvae were 82.3% and 2.2 on the gill filaments and 23.5% and 2.5 in the branchial cavity, respectively. The praniza larva is described and illustrated as there has been no work on the morphology of the parasite in the country where it was collected, to date. This report involves a new record for larval gnathiid infection on E. coioides in the Philippines.
New host record for the California mussel Mytilus californianus (Bivalvia, Mytilidae), epibiotic on the Pacific sand crab Emerita analoga (Decapoda, Hippidae) from Monterey Bay, California (U.S.A.)
Authors: Bhaduri R. N. , Valentich-Scott P. , Hilgers M. , Singh R.
Published: January 2017

Sea mussels form dense aggregations on temperate rocky shores; however, in the absence of such firm substrates, biogenic surface such as the calcified integument of crustaceans may become settlement sites for their larvae. In this paper we present the first report on the association between the California mussel Mytilus californianus Conrad, 1837 and the Pacific sand crab Emerita analoga (Stimpson, 1857), collected from a sandy beach in Monterey Bay, California, U.S.A. We examined 63 crabs, and three had epibiotic mussels attached on their lateroventral surfaces. The organisms were measured and photographed. Such low incidence rate is tied to the collection site, as sandy beaches are considered atypical habitats for this bivalve species. The occurrence of epibiotic M. californianus suggests a random and non-obligatory relationship with E. analoga.
Has the land hermit crab Coenobita purpureus settled in Taiwan?
Authors: Hsu Chia-Hsuan , Soong Keryea
Published: January 2017

The land hermit crab, Coenobita purpureus Stimpson, 1858 (Anomura, Coenobitidae), is endemic to Japan. However, for the first time one light blue male land hermit crab, with a shield length of 1.51 cm, was collected on Dongji Island, South Penghu Marine National Park, in Taiwan. This paper describes the morphological characteristics of the collected individual and provides colour illustrations and photographs of the specimen. Because dispersal is one of the fundamental traits of all species, we herein also discuss hypotheses on the possible dispersal of C. purpureus to Dongji Island. Finally, this record is notably the southernmost report in the known global distribution of C. purpureus.
Opening Address to the Tenth Anniversary Seminar of the Lund Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Public Life
Authors: Vollebaek Knut
Published: January 2017

The opening address has underlined the importance of the Lund Recommendations for the survival of multi-ethnic states. The best way to preserve inter-ethnic peace is to allow minorities to participate in public life and not to isolate them. The Lund Recommendations offer a broad list of options and arrangements promoting effective participation of minorities. The importance of participation was recently strengthened by the Council of Europe's Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention which adopted its own Commentary on the effective participation of persons belonging to national minorities in cultural, social and economic life and public life. Both the Lund Recommendations and Commentary complement each other. It has been emphasized that the seminar is to serve as an opportunity to exchange views and review experiences in the application of the Lund Recommendations, including identification of the recommended arrangements which worked less well or malfunctioned.
Effective Participation of National Minorities as a Tool for Conflict Prevention
Authors: Cohen Jonathan
Published: January 2017

This article examines the relationship of the public participation of minorities in post Cold War Europe to conflict and conflict prevention through the lens of developing more effective approaches to participation. lt posits that public participation can be a means of preventing conflicts from becoming violent. Stares and inter-stare bodies have used a variety of incentives to address the insecurities of minorities and a range of factors influencing the degree to which minorities are able to participate in the political life of a stare are considered. Despite advances in adherence to standards, often as a result of incentives provided to stares, there remain severe challenges to effective participation for minorities. However, the article comments that the lack of participation per se and not just for minorities can exacerbate problems. This is particularly acute in peace processes, which present particular opportunities to adress public participation in a manner that can contribute to the sustainability of transitions to peace and development. While there are dilemmas in promoting public participation, a failure to be generous to minorities can undermine efforts to prevent conflicts.
Minorities and Socio-economic Participation: The Two Pillars of Minority Protection Revisited
Authors: Henrard Kristin
Published: January 2017

A broad comparative analysis has demonstrated that overall there is a high degree of convergence in the way and the extent to which the application of minority specific instruments and general human rights instruments address questions of socio-economic participation. The attention to minority specific characteristics and needs was not to be expected in relation to general human rights, while the detailed assessment of distinctive issues of relevance for socio-economic participation was not self evident in terms of minority specific instruments. The case of socio-economic participation of minorities thus presents itself as a model example of the increasing synergy between general human rights and minority specific rights in relation to minority protection. In terms of the two pillars for an adequate system of minority protection: both pillars seem to be moving towards each other in the kind of protection they are providing for minorities. Of course there are still differences of degree (in both respects of relative and expected focus and detail) but overall the similarities largely outweigh the differences.
The Promotion of Participation in Social, Economic and Cultural Life – NGO Strategies and Approaches
Authors: Chapman Chris
Published: January 2017

The aim of this article is to describe some of the approaches used by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to promote the participation of minorities in cultural, economic and social life, based mainly on the work of Minority Rights Group International (MRG), and subsequently to lay out some more analytical reflections about the interaction between minorities, governments and development actors in the cultural, economic and social domain, and about an approach to this issue that is based on human rights and in particular, minority rights. It will draw on examples from both within and outside of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) region.
Promoting Effective Participation of National Minorities in Economic, Social and Cultural Life through Project Activities
Authors: Altenhoener Charlotte
Published: January 2017

The article reflects on the contribution of High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) project activities towards effective minority participation in economic, social and cultural life and provides, after a brief introduction into project methodology and function, examples of projects in different regions. The article emphasizes the particular role of education as tool for the promotion of participation and integration into socio-economic life, giving insight into the reasoning and challenges related to education related projects in various regions of HCNM engagement.
Advisory and Consultative Bodies for the Promotion of Effective Participation of National Minorities
Authors: Weller Marc
Published: January 2017

This article assesses recent developments in relation to institutions designed to facilitate minority consultation. It reviews the relevant legal standards providing for minority consultation and then considers different types of minority consultative mechanisms. Based on a review of state practice in Europe, the article then considers best practices that have evolved among minority consultative bodies.
The Contribution of the European Court of Human Rights to the Promotion of the Effective Participation of National Minorities: Groping in the Dark for Something that May not Be There
Authors: Gilbert Geoff
Published: January 2017

This article addresses how far the effective participation of national minorities is expressly articulated by the European Court of Human Rights in its reasoning and, more fully, how far the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights can protect effective participation by national minorities. To that end, it adopts a broad understanding of the protection and implementation of effective participation and examines case law dealing with several different rights that impact upon the participation of national minorities. Finally, the more general issue of whether a judicial process can adequately achieve effective participation on its own and which non-judicial mechanisms are better placed is also discussed.
Effective Participation of National Minorities in Public Affairs in Light of National Case Law
Authors: Marko Joseph
Published: January 2017

Based on different concepts of nation-states, the article tries to demonstrate through the analysis of decisions of national courts that despite the same wording of the constitutional text, supreme and constitutional courts may come to totally differing conclusions in light of the constitutional history and doctrine of the respective country. The first part of the article gives an overview on case-law denying effective participation through non-recognition of ethnic diversity as a legal category, for instance through the ban of the formation of political parties along ethnic lines or through interpretative preemption of the legal status of minority groups. The second part of the article gives an overview of various legal mechanisms in order to enable, support, or even guarantee the representation and process-oriented effective participation of minorities in elected bodies, such as exemptions from threshold requirements in elections or reserved seats in parliament, and through cultural and territorial self-government regimes in those constitutional systems which legally recognize ethnic diversity. Nevertheless, the case-law demonstrates how difficult it remains to reconcile the notion of "effectiveness" with a positivistic and formal-reductionist understanding of terms such as equality, sovereignty, people or nation. The Lund Recommendations have served as an important guideline for a new, "communitarian" understanding of "effective" participation so that the author argues in conclusion that it requires more intra- and inter-disciplinary dialogue between law, politics and (legal) philosophy as well as between national and international minority protection mechanisms to "constitutionalize" this philosophy.