bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Values as a basis for human’s education
Authors: Zuziak Władysław
Published: May 2015

Wartykule ukazano proces wychowania człowieka w oparciu o wartości. Dokonujące się przemiany, odczuwane jako kryzys dotychczasowego świata wartości, wymagają refleksji aksjologicznej.Wartości wcześniej uważane za ważne typu: „człowiek-osoba” i „wolność” tracą dawniejsze znaczenie. Człowiek, bez odniesienia do boskości, staje się elementem społecznej struktury, traci poczucie godności oraz możliwość realizacji. Godzi się na egzystencję w świecie wartości pozornych. Również pojęcie wolności ulega zawężeniu. Oferowane społeczeństwu substytuty wolności mają ukryć faktyczne zniewolenie.Umiejętność wyboru wartości autentycznych (sprawiedliwość, prawdomówność, wolność) może pomagać w przywróceniu poczucia godności, wspierać rozwój osobowy, przełamywać bariery międzyludzkie. To są istotne cele wychowania. By je realizować konieczna jest zmiana systemu nauczania, wspierająca krytyczne, a zarazem integralne myślenie o sobie i świecie, pomocna w odnajdywaniu dróg samorealizacji. Ten rodzaj edukacji wymaga zwiększonego wysiłku również od wychowawców.
Tożsamość narodowa wobec idei absolutnej w systemie Hegla
Authors: Jochlik Artur
Published: May 2015

Artykuł koncentruje się wokół zagadnienia Heglowskiej tożsamości narodowej, które jest zawarte głównie w Zasadach filozofii prawa oraz w Wykładach z historii filozofii. Ukazane jest ono poprzez postęp świadomości człowieka dotyczącej jego wolności, jednakże w bardziej ograniczonym zakresie, niż ma to miejsce w Fenomenologii ducha. Celem tego artykułu jest ukazanie prawdziwego znaczenia tego zagadnienia, które jest skoncentrowane w pojęciu absolutnej idei, w Nauce logiki.
Projekt if-Theology. Pomiędzy fantazmatem a rzeczywistością
Authors: Dadaczyński, Olszewski Jerzy, Adam
Published: May 2015

Metateologia uprawiana „od wewnątrz” teologii zawiera twierdzenie, że warunkiem koniecznym uprawiania teologii przez dany podmiot jest wiara tego podmiotu. W artykule zaproponowano pewne przekształcenie – przy pomocy narzędzi logicznych – twierdzeń teologii. Niezależnie od różnych postaw propozycjonalnych różnych podmiotów wobec twierdzeń teologii wszystkie podmioty posiadają te samą postawę propozycjonalną wobec nowej postaci twierdzeń teologii. Stanowi to pewien argument przeciwko wspomnianemu na początku twierdzeniu metateologicznemu.
O relacji pomiędzy filozofią nauki a jurysprudencją w świetle problematyki naturalizacji prawa
Authors: Jakubiec Marek
Published: May 2015

Artykuł dotyczy wybranych aspektów relacji pomiędzy współczesną filozofią prawa oraz filozofią nauki. Zagadnienie to wydaje się szczególnie istotne w świetle wzrostu znaczenia podejścia naturalistycznego w naukach prawnych, następującego w związku z dynamicznym rozwojem nauk o zachowaniu. Dzięki analizie ich osiągnięć możliwe jest spojrzenie z interesującej perspektywy na istotne zagadnienia rozważane w ramach filozoficznoprawnego dyskursu. Nurtem, którego przedstawiciele uznają badanie faktów za najistotniejszy element refleksji nad pojęciem prawa, jest realizm prawny. Konsekwencją prezentowanego przez niektórych jego przedstawicieli nacisku na szeroko rozumiane analizy empiryczne w jurysprudencji jest wzrost znaczenia problemów rozważanych przez filozofów nauki dla filozofii prawa. Kilka z nich zostało wskazanych w tekście.
The freedom of all freedoms. On the grounding foundations of contemporary constitutional thinking
Authors: Böhr Christoph
Published: May 2015

In large parts of the world the freedom of all freedoms, namely religious freedom and the freedom of conscience, is at risk. But only if freedom in its most basic form, freedom of conscience as religious freedom, is guaranteed men are protected from physical and spiritual domination and violence by others. The need to protect men’s freedom is based on the assertion and the respect of human dignity as an inalienable right. And so is modern statehood. In our contemporary constitutions this conviction has become inviolable and irrevocable law on which governments base their legitimacy. The modern state is therefore rooted in a human conviction, a faith, that is, which to forget would take away its sole raison d’etre.
Prawo i etyka czynnikami kształtującymi wolność osoby ludzkiej
Authors: Gryżenia SDB Kazimierz
Published: May 2015

Wolność oznacza niezdeterminowane działanie człowieka, niezależność od czynników zewnętrznych, od skrępowania i przymusu fizycznego, psychicznego, moralnego, prawnego itp. Nieraz człowiek przypisuje sobie wolność absolutną, bezwzględną, która nie zna jakichkolwiek ograniczeń. Niewątpliwie wolność należy do konstytutywnych elementów każdego człowieka, jest niezbywalną jego własnością. Dzięki aktom wyboru kształtuje on swoją niepowtarzalną osobowość. Wolność jest uprawnieniem i zarazem obowiązkiem dokonywania wyborów, co implikuje odpowiedzialność za podjęte działania i wynikające z nich skutki. Nie każde działanie przynosi pożądane rezultaty, zarówno dla samego podmiotu działania, jak i jego otoczenia. Dlatego w kształtowaniu i korzystaniu z wolności niezbędne są kryteria i wyznaczniki. Wolność, a w ślad za nią podmiot wolności, podlega nieustannemu rozwojowi, wymagają więc odpowiedniej pielęgnacji i troski. Spośród wielu czynników kształtujących wolność osoby ludzkiej wybrano prawo i etykę.
Mieczysława A. Krąpca koncepcja uniwersytetu
Authors: Mazur Piotr Stanisław
Published: May 2015

Wolność oznacza niezdeterminowane działanie człowieka, niezależność od czynników zewnętrznych, od skrępowania i przymusu fizycznego, psychicznego, moralnego, prawnego itp. Nieraz człowiek przypisuje sobie wolność absolutną, bezwzględną, która nie zna jakichkolwiek ograniczeń. Niewątpliwie wolność należy do konstytutywnych elementów każdego człowieka, jest niezbywalną jego własnością. Dzięki aktom wyboru kształtuje on swoją niepowtarzalną osobowość. Wolność jest uprawnieniem i zarazem obowiązkiem dokonywania wyborów, co implikuje odpowiedzialność za podjęte działania i wynikające z nich skutki. Nie każde działanie przynosi pożądane rezultaty, zarówno dla samego podmiotu działania, jak i jego otoczenia. Dlatego w kształtowaniu i korzystaniu z wolności niezbędne są kryteria i wyznaczniki. Wolność, a w ślad za nią podmiot wolności, podlega nieustannemu rozwojowi, wymagają więc odpowiedniej pielęgnacji i troski. Spośród wielu czynników kształtujących wolność osoby ludzkiej wybrano prawo i etykę.
Kryzys podstaw matematyki przełomu XIX i XX wieku
Authors: Fila Marlena
Published: May 2015

By the end of the 19th century, mathematics had become very intensively developed. Mathematical logic became an independent discipline, and in the 1880s Cantor published his work on set theory. All this led to questions about the consistency of mathematical theories and decidability theorems. Therefore, for the second time in the history of mathematics, there emerged a crisis of the basis of mathematics.There were a few ideas for overcoming the crisis. In this paper, there will be described three trends in the philosophy of mathematics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries: logicism (Frege), intuitionism (Brouwer) and formalism (Hilbert). These three trends were described from the philosophical point of view and in the context of the crisis. Moreover, for each of them there will be present the most important methodological assumptions, and I will briefly describe attempts to achieve them. This will describe the problem in such a way that allows for the grasping of important differences and similarities between logicism, intuitionism and formalism and better understand their causes.
Jerrolda Levinsona ontologia dzieł muzycznych a zagadnienie indywidualnej esencji dzieła muzycznego
Authors: Nakoneczny Michał
Published: May 2015

In this paper, I set to analyze the kind of metaphysical essentialism that follows from Jerrold Levinson’s ontology of musical works. This paper is structured into three sections. In the first, I reconstruct those parts of Levinson’s ontology of musical works that entail essentialism. In the second section, I reconstruct Mackie’s (2009) and Forbes’ (1985) arguments for the indispensability of the individual essences of particular objects and show that they apply equally well to musical works. In the third, final section, I combine the conclusions of the two previous ones to prove that Levinson’s ontology of musical works is compatible with Mackie and Forbes’ postulate for the individal essences. I show, however, that even though Levinson correctly ascribes essential properties to musical works, his choice about which of those properties count as essential leads to counterintuitive consequences. I end this paper with a new argument showing that musical works do have essential properties but that they are different from those postulated by Levinson.
Terapia a filozofia. O kilku filozoficznych aspektach nauk o zdrowiu
Authors: Nowak Angelika , Jakubiec Marek
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we present some issues linked to therapy that seem important from the philosophical point of view. After some basic remarks concerning the problem of the therapist-patient relationship we discuss the philosophical presuppositions of three models of therapy: biomedical, humanistic and holistic. Each of them is based on different respective philosophical positions. Next, we try to examine whether the deconstruction of these assumptions may be relevant for contemporary representatives of the practical health sciences.
Life as Relatio: Classical Metaphysics and Trinitarian Ontology
Authors: Maspero Giulio
Published: May 2015

Aristotle, Metaphysics.Augustine, The Trinity.Ayres L., (Mis)Adventures in Trinitarian Ontologies, in: J. Polkinghorne (ed.), The Trinity and an Entangled World, Cambridge 2010, pp. 130–145.Bausola A., La libertà, Brescia 1990.Berti E., “Per i viventi l’essere è il vivere” (Aristotle, De anima 415.b.13), in: M. Sánchez Sorondo (ed.), La vita, Roma 1998, p. 29.Berti E., Attualità dell’eredità di Aristotele, PATH 5 (2006) p. 302–305.Daniélou J., Dieu et nous, Paris 1956.Donati P., Relational Sociology. A New Paradigm for the Social Sciences, London–New York 2011.Gregory of Nyssa, Contra Eunomium.Lafont G., Peut-on connaitre Dieu en Jésus-Christ?, Paris 1969.Maspero G., Patristic Trinitarian Ontology, in: G. Maspero, R. J. Wozniak (eds.), Rethinking Trinitarian Theology: Disputed Questions And Contemporary Issues in Trinitarian Theology, London–New York 2011.Maspero G., Remarks on the Relevance of Gregory of Nyssa’s Trinitarian Doctrine for the Epistemological Perspective of 20th Century Psychoanalysis, European Journal of Science and Theology 6 (2010) p. 17–31.Musso P., Science and the Idea of Reason, Milano–Udine 2011.Plato, Laws.Plato, Sofist.Plato, Symposium.Ratzinger J., Introduction to Christianity, San Francisco 2004.Reale G., Metafisica di Aristotele, Milano 2004.Ruiz Aldaz J.I., article Contra Eunomium III, in: L. F. Mateo-Seco, G. Maspero (eds.), The Brill Dictionary of Gregory of Nyssa, Leuven 2010, pp. 307–310.Thomas Aquinas, Disputed Questions Concerning Divine Power.Zizioulas J., Trinitarian Freedom: is God Free in Trinitarian Life?, in: G. Maspero, R. J. Wozniak (eds.), Rethinking Trinitarian Theology: Disputed Questions And Contemporary Issues in Trinitarian Theology, London–New York 2011.
Natura Pura: A Concept for the New Evangelization
Authors: Seiler Christopher M.
Published: May 2015

This article explores the concept of Natura Pura. It addresses its aspects both from the point of Scholastic thought as seen especially in the thinking of Thomas Aquinas. It also addresses the metaphysical question in relation to the thought of Aquinas and Henri de Lucbac.
Monastic Exegesis and the Biblical Typology of Monasticism in the Patristic Period
Authors: Kasprzak Dariusz
Published: May 2015

Monastic exegesis of the Bible in the Patristic period was characterized by ascetic pragmatism, reminiscence and meditation of the canonical text and at the same time its extra-verbal literal and spiritual interpretation. The consequence of such a manner of reading the text of the Bible was to acknowledge the monastic way of life as the royal path (via regia) and the monk as the one possessing certain spiritual knowledge and living faith. Systematic ignoring of the original Hebrew text by ancient monks, as well as by the Fathers of the Church, in using literal – spiritual and anagogical exegesis led to every biblical text being understood in a spiritual manner, i.e. as a text leading a monk to salvation. The biblical typologies of the monastic life also started to be derived from the theological rule of the Testaments. Those typologies resulted from the formerly adopted Christocentric theological premise assuming that the whole Bible tells about Christ and leads to Christ. They were the spiritual interpretation of the biblical text and were aimed at accounting for monasticism as the biblical form of life.
Diastolic Dysfunction Occurs Early in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Treated Concurrently With Radiation Therapy and Trastuzumab
Authors: Cao Lu , Cai Gang , Chang Cai , Miao Ai-Yu , Yu Xiao-Li , Yang Zhao-Zhi , Ma Jin-Li , Zhang Qian , Wu Jiong , Guo Xiao-Mao , Chen Jia-Yi
Published: May 2015

Background.

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is used routinely to monitor cardiac dysfunction associated with breast cancer treatment. In this study the prevalence of early left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and its relationship to the dose-volume of the heart irradiated were evaluated in HER2-positive breast cancer patients undergoing concurrent trastuzumab and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT).

Materials and Methods.

Data from 40 breast cancer patients treated with concurrent trastuzumab and left-sided adjuvant RT between September 2011 and October 2012 were collected prospectively. For comparison, 32 patients treated with concurrent trastuzumab and right-sided adjuvant RT and 71 patients treated with left-sided RT alone were collected retrospectively. Echocardiography was obtained before RT, immediately following RT, and 3 and 6 months after RT. Doses to the heart and left ventricle (LV) were quantified.

Results.

Prior to RT with concurrent trastuzumab, 11 of 29 (left) and 8 of 25 (right) patients with normal baseline left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) developed LVDD. In patients receiving left-sided RT alone, 12 of 61 patients with normal baseline LVDF developed LVDD. Dmean, D15–D40, D60–D70, and V3–V10 of the LV were significantly higher in patients who developed LVDD after concurrent trastuzumab and left-sided RT. In contrast, only two patients developed grade 1 LVEF decrease after both concurrent treatment and left-sided RT alone.

Conclusion.

Changes in LVDF compared with LVEF are more sensitive for early detection of cardiotoxicity. The dose-volume of the heart contributes significantly to the risk of LVDD in patients with left-sided breast cancer treated concurrently with trastuzumab.

Implications for Practice:

Abnormalities in diastolic function are more sensitive than changes in the left ventricular ejection fraction for detecting acute cardiotoxicity and are related to the dose-volume of the heart irradiated in patients with left-sided breast cancer receiving radiotherapy concurrently with trastuzumab. This result highlights the importance of decreasing the dose-volume of heart irradiated as a protective strategy in the treatment setting of concurrent trastuzumab and radiotherapy. Diastolic dysfunction may serve as a more sensitive tool for the early detection of cardiac damage and should be incorporated as a routine parameter in the functional monitoring of cardiotoxicity.
Symptoms and Symptom Attribution Among Women on Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Rosenberg Shoshana M. , Stanton Annette L. , Petrie Keith J. , Partridge Ann H.
Published: May 2015

Background.

Adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) influences breast cancer survival. Because ET side effects are frequently cited as reasons for nonadherence, understanding how perceptions and motivations in relation to ET are associated with symptom attribution can help promote timely symptom management.

Materials and Methods.

Participants were 2,086 breast cancer survivors recruited through the Army of Women registry who were current tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor (AI) users. Participants reported whether they were bothered by each of 47 symptoms during the past month and whether they thought each symptom was related to taking ET. Frequencies of overall symptoms and symptoms attributed and misattributed to ET were calculated, and linear regression was used to assess sociodemographics, emotions, and illness perceptions as predictors of symptoms attributed to ET.

Results.

Women attributed a mean of 8.9 symptoms and misattributed a mean of 1.5 symptoms to ET. In the multivariable analysis, younger age, a more recent diagnosis, AI use (vs. tamoxifen), anxiety, depressive symptoms, more ET-related negative emotions, more concern about long-term ET use, and greater perceived ET necessity were independently associated with attribution of more symptoms to ET. More perceived ET necessity was associated with correctly attributing symptoms to ET, whereas higher depressive symptoms and more concern about ET use were associated with misattribution of symptoms to ET.

Conclusion.

Given that many women perceive a range of symptoms as a consequence of ET, attention to these symptoms may reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life, potentially improving ET adherence and optimizing survival.

Implications for Practice:

Many breast cancer survivors on endocrine therapy (ET) experience a range of side effects while taking ET. Targeting potentially modifiable factors associated with attributing a greater number of symptoms to ET, including perceived need for ET, concerns about long-term ET use, negative emotions toward ET, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, may reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life.
Frequency, Predictors, and Medical Record Documentation of Chemical Coping Among Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Kwon Jung Hye , Tanco Kimberson , Park Ji Chan , Wong Angelique , Seo Lisa , Liu Diane , Chisholm Gary , Williams Janet , Hui David , Bruera Eduardo
Published: May 2015

Background.

In this prospective study, we determined the frequency of opioid-related chemical coping among advanced cancer patients, as diagnosed by palliative medicine specialists. We also determined predictors for chemical coping and the concordance between the physician's diagnosis and documentation in the medical records.

Patients and Methods.

Palliative medicine specialists evaluated and diagnosed consecutive patients seen for chemical coping. The proportion of patients identified as chemically coping was compared with the proportion documented in the medical records. Demographic data; cancer diagnosis; history of smoking; substance abuse; psychiatric disease; morphine equivalent daily dosage; Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener (CAGE) questionnaire scores; and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System scores were also collected.

Results.

A total of 432 patients were evaluated. Overall, 76 patients (18%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14%–21%) were diagnosed as chemically coping. Documentation of chemical coping in the medical records was reported for only 15 patients (4%; 95% CI: 2%–6%). CAGE positivity (odds ratio [OR]: 2.89), younger age (OR: 0.97 per year), better performance status (OR: 0.68 per point), pain (OR: 1.20 per point), and well-being (OR: 1.28 per point) were found to be significant predictors of chemical coping by protocol definition. After recursive partitioning, 21 of 50 patients (42%) who were CAGE positive and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2 were diagnosed as chemically coping.

Conclusion.

Approximately 18% of palliative care patients seen were diagnosed as chemically coping by palliative medicine specialists. The frequency of documentation in the medical records was significantly lower. Better and safer ways for physicians to assess and report chemical coping are needed.

Implications for Practice:

Cancer pain is a multidimensional symptom for which opioids are the mainstay of treatment. However, opioids can have a double effect resulting in drug-seeking behaviors. Chemical coping occurs when a patient uses opioids in a nonprescribed way to cope with various stressful events. This can lead to misuse of opioids and complications including neurotoxicities, respiratory depression, and death. Proper diagnosis and documentation is needed to ensure proper management of pain and to avoid unnecessary harm. The findings of this study suggest that ∼18% of advanced cancer patients seen by a palliative care service were diagnosed as chemical coping, but only 4% were documented in the medical records.
Incarcerated mothers and fathers: How their absences disrupt children's high school graduation
Authors: Huynh-Hohnbaum Anh-Luu , Bussell Tim , Lee Gi
Published: May 2015

The United States is faced with a growing number of children who have incarcerated parents and nearly one quarter of children who fail to complete high school. It has been shown that parental incarceration negatively impacts academic outcomes. This study examined whether parental incarceration affects children’s high school graduation. Data on 12,418 young adults was drawn from the Add Health Wave IV dataset. Logistic regression analyses examined differences between maternal and paternal incarceration and the effects of chronicity of incarceration. Whereas both were found to reduce the likelihood that children will complete high school, maternal incarceration had a greater impact. This study fills gaps in the literature examining differences in parental incarceration. Practice and policy implications are discussed.
Teachers Views On Variations At Organization Structure Of National Education
Authors: Ayyıldız Yasemin , şar Ali Haydar , Işıklar Abdullah
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study is to examine how the changes occurred at national education organization structure are perceived by teachers according to gender, professional career and the institution which schooling grade the teachers work. The study was carried out with the correlational research method. According to results obtained in study; It’s observed that Gender parameter has shown significant difference on deciding organizational need and evaluating organizational variations of Organization Structure of National Education. It’s observed that there is no significant difference on planning, applying and philosophical aspects of Organizational Variation At National Education Organizational Structure, there exist significant difference at variable of Professional seniority and this variation was observed for the teachers who have 1-5 and 16-20 years’ service period. It’s observed that there is no significant difference on planning, applying and philosophical aspects of Organizational Variation At Organization Structure of National Education, there exist significant difference at variations of organization structure of National Education, there exist significant difference on planning and evaluating organizational variation according to school type and this difference is observed between primary and high school teachers. It’s observed that there is no significant difference on planning, applying and philosophical aspects of Organizational Variation.
Kvaliteta zraka i mikroklimatski parametri pri iskopu tunela Mala Kapela
Authors: Klanfar Mario , Vrkljan Darko , Lončarić Miroslav
Published: May 2015

Glavni izvori opasnih i štetnih plinova pri iskopima tunela i podzemnih prostorija su miniranje te upotreba opreme pogonjene dizelskim motorima. U radu su analizirani podaci mjerenja imisija štetnih plinova te korelirani s uobičajenim radnim procesima pri iskopima tunela. Potvrđeno je da se najveće koncentracije javljaju pri miniranjima, a zatim pri utovaru i transportu, uslijed kojih koncentracije također i rastu iznad MDK. Određen je pad dobave zraka s duljinom ventilacijske cijevi, uslijed čega određeni plinovi pokazuju porast koncentracija. Mjereni podaci mikroklimatskih parametara u tunelu korelirani su s godišnjim dobom, udaljenošću od ulaznog portala te međusobno. Utvrđeno je da temperatura zraka na radilištima najviše zavisi o godišnjem dobu. I vanjskom zraku koji se ventilacijom dobavlja u tunel. Relativna vlažnost zraka ima nasumični karakter, tj. nisu utvrđene zavisnosti, osim da je unutar tunela vlažnost u prosjeku viša i manje promjenjiva nego vanjska. Za tlak zraka u tunelu utvrđeno je da odgovara vanjskom atmosferskom tlaku, odnosno postoji normalni pad tlaka s udaljenošću od portala kako niveleta tunela mijenja nadmorsku visinu.
Laser sintering of nano 13-93 glass scaffolds: Microstructure, mechanical properties and bioactivity
Authors: Cao Y. , Yang B. , Gao C. , Feng P. , Shuai C.
Published: May 2015

As the only bioactive material that can bond with both hard tissues and soft
tissues, bioactive glass has become much important in the field of tissue
engineering. 13-93 bioactive glass scaffolds were fabricated via selective
laser sintering (SLS). It was focused on the effects of laser sintering on
microstructure and mechanical properties of the scaffolds. The experimental
results showed that the sintered layer gradually became dense with the laser
power increasing and then some defects occurred, such as macroscopic caves.
The optimum compressive strength and fracture toughness were 21.43?0.87 MPa
and 1.14?0.09 MPa.m1/2, respectively. In vitro bioactivity showed that there
was the bone-like apatite layer on the surface of the scaffolds after soaking
in simulated body fluid (SBF), which was further evaluated by Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Moreover, cell culture study showed
MG-63 cells adhered and spread well on the scaffolds, and proliferated with
increasing time in cell culture. These indicated excellent bioactivity and
biocompatibility of nano 13-93 glass scaffolds.
Analyzing SystemC Designs: SystemC Analysis Approaches for Varying Applications
Authors: Stoppe Jannis , Drechsler Rolf
Published: May 2015

The complexity of hardware designs is still increasing according to Moore’s law. With embedded systems being more and more intertwined and working together not only with each other, but also with their environments as cyber physical systems (CPSs), more streamlined development workflows are employed to handle the increasing complexity during a system’s design phase. SystemC is a C++ library for the design of hardware/software systems, enabling the designer to quickly prototype, e.g., a distributed CPS without having to decide about particular implementation details (such as whether to implement a feature in hardware or in software) early in the design process. Thereby, this approach reduces the initial implementation’s complexity by offering an abstract layer with which to build a working prototype. However, as SystemC is based on C++, analyzing designs becomes a difficult task due to the complex language features that are available to the designer. Several fundamentally different approaches for analyzing SystemC designs have been suggested. This work illustrates several different SystemC analysis approaches, including their specific advantages and shortcomings, allowing designers to pick the right tools to assist them with a specific problem during the design of a system using SystemC.
Falls Associated with Muscle Strength in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis and Self-reported Knee Instability
Authors: de Zwart Arjan H. , van der Esch Martin , Pijnappels Mirjam A.G.M. , Hoozemans Marco J.M. , van der Leeden Marike , Roorda Leo D. , Dekker Joost , Lems Willem F. , van Dieën Jaap H.
Published: May 2015

Objective.

We aimed to evaluate the associations between knee muscle strength (MS) and falls, controlling for knee joint proprioception, varus-valgus knee joint laxity, and knee pain, among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) reporting knee instability.

Methods.

A sample of 301 subjects (203 women, 98 men, 35–82 yrs) with established knee OA and self-reported knee instability was studied. The occurrence of at least 1 fall in the previous 3 months was assessed by questionnaire. Maximum knee extension and flexion strength were measured isokinetically. Additionally, proprioception, varus-valgus laxity, and pain were assessed. Student t tests were used to assess differences between subgroups. The association of muscle strength and falls was calculated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results.

Over 10% of the subjects (31 out of 301) reported a fall in the previous 3 months. High knee extension muscle strength (crude OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, p = 0.022) and high knee flexion muscle strength (crude OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.0–1.0, p = 0.048) were associated with a lower risk of falls. Proprioception and laxity did not confound this relationship. After adjusting for pain, extensor strength had an adjusted OR of 0.5 (95% CI 0.2–1.4, p = 0.212) for falls and flexor strength had an adjusted OR of 0.4 (95% CI 0.1–2.3, p = 0.312).

Conclusion.

High knee extension and flexion muscle strength decreased the risk of falls in patients with knee OA and self-reported knee instability. After considering the effect of pain, there was insufficient statistical power to detect an association between muscle strength and falls, which might be because of the low number of subjects who fell (n = 31).
Erectile Dysfunction Is Common among Patients with Gout
Authors: Schlesinger Naomi , Radvanski Diane C. , Cheng Jerry Q. , Kostis John B.
Published: May 2015

Objective.

To determine whether men with gout may have an increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) as compared with men without gout.

Methods.

In this cross-sectional study, men aged 18–89 presenting to the rheumatology clinic between August 26, 2010, and May 13, 2013, were asked to participate. The presence of ED was determined by the Sexual Health Inventory in Men (SHIM). SHIM classifies ED into 1 of 5 categories: absent (22–25), mild (17–21), mild to moderate (12–16), moderate (8–11), and severe (1–7). Patient’s history, physical examination, and recent laboratory studies were reviewed as well. Descriptive statistics and subgroup analyses were used to summarize the data.

Results.

Of the 201 men surveyed, 83 had gout (control, n = 118). A significantly greater proportion of patients with gout (63, 76%) had ED versus patients without gout (60, 51%, p = 0.0003). A significantly greater proportion of patients with gout (22, 26%) had severe ED versus patients without gout (17, 15%, p = 0.04). Patients with gout had an average SHIM score of 14.4 versus 18.48 in patients without gout (p < 0.0001). There was a statistically significant association between gout and ED. The association remained significant after adjustment for age, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Conclusion.

ED is present in most men with gout and is frequently severe. We propose that patients with gout be routinely screened for ED.
Enhanced Patient Involvement and the Need to Revise the Core Set — Report from the Psoriatic Arthritis Working Group at OMERACT 2014
Authors: Tillett William , Eder Lihi , Goel Niti , De Wit Maarten , Gladman Dafna D. , FitzGerald Oliver , Campbell Willemina , Helliwell Philip S. , Gossec Laure , Orbai Ana-Maria , Ogdie Alexis , Strand Vibeke , McHugh Neil J. , Mease Philip J.
Published: May 2015

Objective.

To discuss the need for revision of the “core set” of domains to be included for assessment in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) randomized controlled trials and longitudinal observational studies, review work undertaken since the 2012 meeting of Outcome Measures for Rheumatology 11 (OMERACT 11) to include patient perspectives in this revision, and reassess proposed composite measures in the context of new research data and the OMERACT Filter 2.0 framework.

Methods.

The OMERACT 12 (2014) PsA working group presented work completed over the last 2 years to incorporate patient involvement in PsA outcomes research, review the endorsed PsA core set based on the patient perspective as well as new research findings, and further develop PsA responder indices. Breakout groups then discussed 2 topics: (1) the need to revise the PsA core set, and opportunities to add, move, or merge existing domains to improve existing redundancy; and (2) how to incorporate the core set in a composite index. Breakout groups fed back to the working group before participant voting.

Results.

Meeting participants endorsed the need to revise the PsA core set according to the OMERACT Filter 2.0 framework (100%), and the inclusion of disease impact (94%) and fatigue (72%) in the inner circle. Breakout group feedback suggested the core set revision was an opportunity to consolidate pathophysiologic aspects such as arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, spondylitis as “inflammatory musculoskeletal disease,” and nail and skin psoriasis as “psoriasis activity.”

Conclusion.

Future work will focus on updating the PsA core set and development of responder indices with ongoing, meaningful involvement of patient research partners.
Upregulation of Thrombospondin 1 Expression in Synovial Tissues and Plasma of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 toward Fibroblast-like Synovial Cells
Authors: Suzuki Takahisa , Iwamoto Naoki , Yamasaki Satoshi , Nishino Ayako , Nakashima Yoshikazu , Horai Yoshiro , Kawashiri Shin-ya , Ichinose Kunihiro , Arima Kazuhiko , Tamai Mami , Nakamura Hideki , Origuchi Tomoki , Miyamoto Chikara , Osaki Makoto , Ohyama Kaname , Kuroda Naotaka , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: May 2015

Objective.

To investigate the role of thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) in RA.

Methods.

Expression of TSP-1 in synovial tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. Expression of TSP-1 in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. Correlations among the plasma TSP-1 and other variables in patients with RA were examined.

Results.

Expression of TSP-1 was increased in rheumatoid synovial tissues. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) clearly increased TSP-1 expression in FLS on both mRNA and protein levels. Changes in plasma TSP-1 were associated with those in 28-joint Disease Activity Score-erythrocyte sedimentation rate and plasma TGF-β1.

Conclusion.

TSP-1 might be critically involved in the disease process of RA through the TGF-β1/TSP-1 axis.
NARA
Authors: Cissne Kristen
Published: May 2015

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is considered the official record keeper of the United States of America. In existence for over 75 years, NARA is responsible for a significant amount of records. With the changing times and technology, NARA has been faced with the challenge of becoming an organization focused on making these records available in a digital format. NARA has risen to the challenge in a multitude of ways. It continues to transform and discover new ways to meet the demands of its customer, the American people. This case study explores the major steps taken towards the digitization effort, and the biggest challenges faced. It covers the successes met thus far and expected plans for growth in the future.
Assessing E-Government Success Strategies using Internet Search Data
Authors: Boland Katherine M. , McNutt John G.
Published: May 2015

Evaluating e-government programs can be a challenging task. While determining program features and capacity are relatively straightforward processes, exploring the more dynamic nature of citizen response to e-government is difficult. Fortunately, recent advances in Internet search technology offer researchers new opportunities to address these research questions. Innovations, such as Google Trends and Google Insights for Search, have made longitudinal data on Internet searches accessible to scholars. The availability of this data opens a number of possible research avenues regarding e-government.
E-Government Portal Updates' Evaluation
Authors: Anthopoulos Leonidas , Sirakoulis Kleanthis
Published: May 2015

More than a decade has passed since the launch of the first e-Government one-stop web portals, which concern central points for digital access by citizens, enterprises and government. Due to the broad audience that these portals serve, various analyses have been performed concerning their effectiveness with regard to service delivery; trustworthiness with regard to service availability; usability; accessibility; and user satisfaction etc. The results from these analyses have extreme interest for governments, since they reflect government strategic planning, internal efficiency and effectiveness, while they have been utilized for their upgrades. E-Government portal upgrade appears to be something usual and various updates have been observed in most portals during this timeframe. This paper addresses and important issue: “do e-Government portal updates enhance user satisfaction?” To this end, a comparative qualitative evaluation of some major e-Government portals is performed, with the use of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) during 2009 and 2012.
New Questions for E-Government
Authors: Roman Alexandru V. , Miller Hugh T.
Published: May 2015

E-government's rise to prominence in the early 1990s was met with great enthusiasm amidst the promise that information communication technologies (ICTs) might fulfill the demands and expectations for improved democratic governance. Since then, significant progress has been made in terms of information provision and delivery of public services; yet, dialogue, a core dimension of democratic governance, remains largely unrealized within the digital context. This study employs content analysis within the frame of a check-off research protocol to determine if the population of state websites has the capacity to support digital democratic dialogue. The key question is whether there is an emphasis within the milieu of state websites to support e-dialogue outside the provision of information and e-services. The analysis suggests that efficiency rather than dialogue is the primary focus in the design of the state websites. Is, therefore, e-government a new development in the historical effort to enforce efficiency as a core value of governance?
New Professions, New Opportunities
Authors: Lenox Cynthia
Published: May 2015

This chapter is focused on how academic librarians have responded to the information needs of interdisciplinary programs. A review of literature of both American higher education and academic libraries is provided as a context for understanding current needs and collection development techniques. These techniques include the development of core book and journal lists, citation analysis, citation scatter analysis, the use of ontologies, and creative approaches to collection budgeting. The results of a survey of collection development librarians are presented, which identify current practices when dealing with interdisciplinary programs developed in recent years and the budget issues that either facilitate or present obstacles to the development of interdisciplinary library collections.
Big Data
Authors: Wahi Ashok Kumar , Medury Yajulu , Misra Rajnish Kumar
Published: May 2015

Big data has taken the world by storm. Everyone from every industry is not only talking about the impact of big data but is looking for ways to effectively leverage the power of big data. This challenge has heightened with the huge amount of unstructured data flowing from every direction, bringing along with it the increasing pressure to make data driven decisions rather than the gut-driven decisions. This article sheds light on how big data can be an enabler for smart enterprises if the organization is able to address the challenges posed by big data. Enterprises need to equip themselves with relevant technology, desired skills and a supporting managerial attitude to swim through the challenges of big data. It also highlights the need for all enterprises making the journey from 1.0 stage to Enterprise 2.0 to master the art of Big Data if they have to make the transition successful.
Nanotubes Connect CD4+ T Cells to Airway Smooth Muscle Cells: Novel Mechanism of T Cell Survival
Authors: Al Heialy Saba , Zeroual Melissa , Farahnak Soroor , McGovern Toby , Risse Paul-André , Novali Mauro , Lauzon Anne-Marie , Roman Horia N. , Martin James G.
Published: May 2015

Contact between airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and activated CD4+ T cells, a key interaction in diseases such as asthma, triggers ASM cell proliferation and enhances T cell survival. We hypothesized that direct contact between ASM and CD4+ T cells facilitated the transfer of anti-apoptotic proteins via nanotubes, resulting in increased survival of activated CD4+ T cells. CD4+ T cells, isolated from PBMCs of healthy subjects, when activated and cocultured with ASM cells for 24 h, formed nanotubes that were visualized by immunofluorescence and atomic force microscopy. Cell-to-cell transfer of the fluorescent dye calcein-AM confirmed cytoplasmic communication via nanotubes. Immunoreactive B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (Mcl-1), two major anti-apoptotic proteins, were present within the nanotubes. Downregulation of Mcl-1 by small interfering RNA in ASM cells significantly increased T cell apoptosis, whereas downregulation of Bcl-2 had no effect. Transfer of GFP-tagged Mcl-1 from ASM cells to CD4+ T cells via the nanotubes confirmed directionality of transfer. In conclusion, activated T cells communicate with ASM cells via nanotube formation. Direct transfer of Mcl-1 from ASM to CD+ T cells via nanotubes is involved in T cell survival. This study provides a novel mechanism of survival of CD4+ T cells that is dependent on interaction with a structural cell.
Transcription Factors STAT6 and KLF4 Implement Macrophage Polarization via the Dual Catalytic Powers of MCPIP
Authors: Kapoor Nidhi , Niu Jianli , Saad Yasser , Kumar Sanjay , Sirakova Tatiana , Becerra Edilu , Li Xiaoman , Kolattukudy Pappachan E.
Published: May 2015

Macrophage polarization plays a critical role in tissue homeostasis, disease pathogenesis, and inflammation and its resolution. IL-4–induced macrophage polarization involves induction of STAT6 and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), which induce each other and promote M2 polarization. However, how these transcription factors implement M2 polarization is not understood. We report that in murine macrophages MCP-1–induced protein (MCPIP), induced by KLF4, inhibits M1 polarization by inhibiting NF-κB activation and implements M2 polarization using both its deubiquitinase and RNase activities that cause sequential induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and autophagy required for M2 polarization. MCPIP also induces C/EBPβ and PPARγ, which promote M2 polarization. Macrophages from mice with myeloid-targeted overexpression of MCPIP show elevated expression of M2 markers and reduced response to LPS, whereas macrophages from mice with myeloid-specific deletion of MCPIP manifest elevated M1 polarization with enhanced phagocytic activity. Thus, both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that the transcription factors STAT6 and KLF4 implement IL-4–induced M2 polarization via the dual catalytic activities of MCPIP.
Enterprise technology in support for accounting information systems. an innovation and productivity approach
Authors: Medina-Quintero Jose Melchor , Mora Alberto , Abrego Demian
Published: May 2015

Technology and the accounting information systems are implemented in an organization with the aim of improving their efficiency. Companies spend large amounts of money on these tools every year in order to improve their organizational performance. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of SMEs’ technological alignment, information management and technological infrastructure on the performance of an institution (innovation and productivity) in which accounting information systems are used. An empirical study is conducted in enterprises belonging to the service, commercial and industrial sectors in Ciudad Victoria, México, with the help of the SmartPLS statistical tool. The results mainly show that technology has helped raise productivity (improvement in administrative activities, in decision-making and in the use of generated information).
Information systems and organizational memory: a literature review
Authors: Barros Victor Freitas de Azeredo , Ramos Isabel , Perez Gilberto
Published: May 2015

The advancement of technologies and Information Systems (IS) associated with the search for success in the competitive market leads organizations to seek strategies that assist in acquisition, retention, storage, and dissemination of knowledge in the organization in order to be reused in time, preserving its Organizational Memory (OM). Organizational Memory Information Systems (OMIS) emerge as an enhancer of the OM, providing effective support and resources for the organization, assisting in decision making, in the solution of problems, as well as in quality and development of products and services. This article is an analysis of some OMIS selected from a literature review about its features and functionality in order to understand how these information systems are seen by the organizations. With this research, we realized that the relationship between OM and IS is still inexpressive, even with the existence of some cases of success in the use of OMIS in the literature. The literature reveals that an individuals' knowledge is not integrated in information systems management process in most organizations; much of this knowledge is generated in the organization retained in an individual himself/herself. It is easy to see that there is a need for strategies and mechanisms in the organization to stimulate and provide better knowledge sharing between individuals which, when associated to IS, allows greater control and effective use of Organizational Memory.
Software selection through decision analysis and information systems management
Authors: Sarti Danilo Augusto
Published: May 2015

This paper aims to access the best alternative, from a set of five, of software for statistical analysis in a seed company in Brazil. The methodology considers the costs related to the process, R programming and its relationship with the final decision made regarding the software selection, being all these aspects framed by the tool discussed in (Howard, 1988; Howard, 2004) applied to the information technology context. The results present cost reduction in the process of statistical analysis and a change in the decision about the statistical software to be used by the enterprise. The paper consider only one specific application of analysis used by the enterprise which can be improved with the use of platforms such as Rstudio, and the packages Knitr and Shiny.
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