bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nearest Neighbor Based Estimation Technique for Pricing Bermudan Options
Authors: Agarwal Ankush , Juneja Sandeep
Published: December 2014

Bermudan option is an option which allows the holder to exercise at pre-specified time instants where the aim is to maximize expected payoff upon exercise. In most practical cases, the underlying dimensionality of Bermudan options is high and the numerical methods for solving partial differential equations as satisfied by the price process become inapplicable. In the absence of analytical formula a popular approach is to solve the Bermudan option pricing problem approximately using dynamic programming via estimation of the so-called continuation value function. In this paper we develop a nearest neighbor estimator based technique which gives biased estimators for the true option price. We provide algorithms for calculating lower and upper biased estimators which can be used to construct valid confidence intervals. The computation of lower biased estimator is straightforward and relies on suboptimal exercise policy generated using the nearest neighbor estimate of the continuation value function. The upper biased estimator is similarly obtained using likelihood ratio weighted nearest neighbors. We analyze the convergence properties of mean square error of the lower biased estimator. We develop order of magnitude relationship between the simulation parameters and computational budget in an asymptotic regime as the computational budget increases to infinity.
Self-Assembly Influenced by Geometrical Orientation of Nanosheet in Layered Nanoparticles
Authors: Numata Kazuomi , Sato Kiminori
Published: December 2014

An influence of geometrical orientation of two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets on long-term rheological self-assembly with the aid of H 2 O molecules is investigated by positronium lifetime spectroscopy. It is found that self-assembly is accelerated for the well self-assembled sample due to in-plane ordering of 2D nanosheets. The acceleration of self-assembly is further enhanced for the sample prepared by uniaxial pressure compaction owing to stacking of 2D nanosheets with a highly ordered state. The present results evidence that self-assembly is significantly influenced by local geometrical orientation of 2D nanosheets in layered nanoparticles.
Germanium Nanocrystals-MWCNTs Composites as Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Goriparti Subrahmanyam , Miele Ermanno , Scarpellini Alice , Marras Sergio , Prato Mirko , Ansaldo Alberto , DeAngelis Francesco , Manna Liberato , Zaccaria Remo Proietti , Capiglia Claudio
Published: December 2014

Germanium (Ge) nanocrystals with and without multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are synthesised in via solvothermal approach. The active anode material is characterized by X-ray Diffraction pattern (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charging and discharging are employed to characterize electrochemical behaviour. The results show Ge-MWCNTs nanocomposite improved cycling performance with higher capacity retention compared to pure Ge electrode: discharge capacity of ~ 1170 mAh g-1 after 10 cycles and good capacity retention are achieved.
Improving the Electrochemistry of Anatase for Sodium Ion Batteries by Using Self-Organized TiO2 Nanotubes Prepared by Anodization under Variable Voltage
Authors: González José Ramón , Alcántara Ricardo , Nacimiento Francisco , Ortiz Gregorio F. , Tirado José L.
Published: December 2014

In order to prepare TiO2 nanotubes of controlled morphology, anodization of titanium under fixed potential or under variable potential was used. Self-organized TiO2 nanotubes with amorphous character are obtained, and after annealing at about 500°C in air atmosphere anatase-phase nanotubes are formed. The resulting areal capacity values in sodium cells are in the order of 1.0-1.5 mAh/cm2, and after 600 discharge-charge cycles the gravimetric capacity vs. Na is about 200 mAh/g [12]. Consequently, the electrochemical behavior of anatase in sodium cell can be competitive in comparison to the behavior in lithium cell. On the other hand, the use of aqueous electrolyte batteries may be an alternative. Using cyclic voltammetry, we have found that self-organized anatase nt-TiO2 electrode in aqueous solution containing lithium (or sodium) ions exhibits reversible redox processes, particularly after optimization of the electrolyte and electrode properties (i.e. anodization of Ti under ramping of voltage).
Anomalous Voltage Change in Charge and Discharge Curves for Electrode Materials Showing Plateau-like Behavior
Authors: Herrmann Matthias , Richter Frank , Riegel Bernhard
Published: December 2014

An overvoltage phenomenon was investigated that occurs during partial charge-discharge experiments for LiFePO4 as electrode material showing a plateau-like behavior. The temperature was varied in order to determine the influence on the voltage change (overvoltage). This overvoltage effect was recently reported by another group and discussed in light of a many-particle model. However these measurements were carried out only at room temperature. Hence temperature influence was supposed to be worth of consideration. Indeed, an increased overvoltage was observed at lower temperature, while an opposite effect was obtained at higher temperature. Increasing the number of partial charge-discharge cycles leads to an interference of single voltage bumps, but the overvoltage seems to saturate at a given voltage level.
Production of Silicon Particles for High-Capacity Anode Material Yielding Outstanding Production Capacity
Authors: Andersen Hanne Flåten , Filtvedt Werner , Mæhlen Jan Petter , Mongstad Trygve Tveiterås , Kirkengen Martin , Holt Arve
Published: December 2014

The application of silicon as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries requires cost-effective fabrication routes and facile processing of the material. Here we present the production and characterization of silicon particles prepared using a silane-based free-space reactor, allowing control of particle size distribution and crystallinity and an outstanding production capacity. The synthesized silicon particles were chemically characterized, prepared as anode material electrodes and electrochemically characterized. The effect of active material loading and electrolyte additives was studied.
Synthesis and Morphological Influence on High Capacity LiMnBO3 Cathode Material for New Generation Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Veena Ragupathi , Shanmukaraj Devaraj , Ganapathi Subramanian Nagarajan , Sudarkodi Raman
Published: December 2014

Nanosized LiMnBO3 with enhanced capacity has been synthesized by a sol gel method. The effect of annealing atmosphere on its morphology and electrochemical properties has been investigated. Powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD) results reveal co-existence of hexagonal and monoclinic phases in both Argon (Ar) and Nitrogen (N2) annealed samples. SEM images indicate diverse morphology of elongated spherical shape in Ar annealed and tetragonal rod shaped particles in N2 annealed samples. The dual phased electrode material under Ar atmosphere exhibit excellent electrochemical performance and delivered a high discharge capacity of 208 mAhg1 and good reversibility. Enhanced capacity deliverance is attributed to mixed morphology and mixed phase formation in the present LiMnBO3 nanocrystallites.
In Situ Solid State 7Li NMR Observation of Lithium Metal Deposition during Overcharge in Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Arai Juichi , Okada Yumika , Sugiyama T , Izuka M , Gotoh Kazuma , Takeda K
Published: December 2014

Lithium metal deposition during overcharge in a full cell composed of lithium metal oxide (LiCoO2) positive electrodes and carbon negative electrodes (a synthesized graphite, a natural graphite and two types of hard carbon) was observed by in situ
7Li solid state NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). Peak intensities corresponding to the GIC (Graphite Intercalation Compound, charged state) and dendritic Li (deposited metallic Li) were monitored at each 20% state of charge (SOC) during discharge (and charge) and each 17 minutes (or 1000 scans) after the cell capacity reached the expected overcharge. The GIC peak increased with charge and decreased with discharge during the normal voltage of operation. The Li metal deposition occurred after the cell was charged above its normal operational voltage (4.2 V) though intercalation into the carbon still simultaneously occured, suggesting that metallic Li can be formed when the negative electrode reaches a voltage below 0 V vs. Li. We also found that the dendritic Li is not inert but active to be oxidized again and intercalated into the carbon within a few hours. The dendritic Li formed on hard carbon was completely discharged, while that deposited on graphite was not, indicating that the electrochemical property of the dendritic Li varies with the nature of the negative electrode.
Doping LiCoO2 by Potassium and His Influence to Electrochemical Properties Depending on Time
Authors: Kazda Tomáš , Vondrák Jiri , Sedlaříková Marie , Čudek Pavel
Published: December 2014

LiCoO2 is one of the most commonly used cathode materials in lithium-ion accumulators. There are also some disadvantages given by its structure beside a number of advantages. One of them is its instability. This article focuses on improving its stability from the perspective of cyclbility and stability on higher load depending on the time elapsed from the synthesis. Solid state reaction method was chosen as the method of synthesis of this material and as the method of stabilizing the structure by doping by other element - in this case by potassium. Materials were also study by SEM microscopy for the comparison of structural changes of doped material.
Simultaneous Thermal Analysis for Fire Safety of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Libich Jiri , Vondrák Jiří , Sedlaříová Marie , Matheislová Hana , Bursíková Petra , Suchý Ondrej , Friedrichova Romana
Published: December 2014

Lithium-ion batteries are widely spread at consumer electronic devices, they appear as sufficient energy source for propulsion drive of electric vehicles. Their using in this high power application brings lot of advantages but marks the question of fire safety of Lithium-ion batteries. This short research presents testing of electrode materials using in Lithium-ion batteries by Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA). Within research were performed several tests of lithium-ion batteries in which batteries were overcharged, short circuited, charged with ten times of rated current. In the other part of testing the STA of our negative electrode material specimens was performed on STA i1500 device. The specimens of negative electrode material were represented by natural graphite in two forms, initial and lithiated. Lithiated graphite material can be considered as negative electrode material in charged state. Were used two analysis methods TG (Thermogravimetry) and DCS (Differential Scanning Calorimetry).
The Phosphate Flame Retardant Influence on Electrolytes Physical Properties
Authors: Máca Josef , Sedlarikova Marie , Vondrák Jiří , Frk Martin
Published: December 2014

The fire safety and temperature stability is very important property of solvents used in electrolytes. This question is discussed in these days because of more and more use of lithium ion batteries in industry. The lithium ion batteries with aprotic electrolytes are used not only in small electronic devices but also in larger industrial use as well as in car industry. Due this reasons are the electrolytes with flame retardant tested. This article is focused on change of specific conductivity and melting point of electrolytes by adding different flame retardants into electrolytes. According to the results the most suitable flame retardant is selected and suggested to use in aprotic electrolytes.
Preparation and Characterization of Graphite Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Humana Rita M , Ortiz Mariela G. , Thomas Jorge E. , Real Silvia G. , Sedlarikova Marie , Vondrák Jiri , Visintin Arnaldo
Published: December 2014

The lithium-ion batteries are energy storage systems of high performance and low cost. They are employed in multiple portable devices and these require the use of increasingly smaller and lighter batteries with high energy and power density, fast charging and long service life. Moreover, these systems are promising for use in electric or hybrid vehicles. However, the lithium-ion battery still requires to improve the electrode materials properties, such as cost, energy density, cycle life, safety, and environmental compatibility. These batteries use carbon as anode material, usually synthetic graphite, because of its high coulombic efficiency and acceptable specific capacity for the formation of intercalation compounds (LiC6). In this paper the methodology used to prepare and characterize the reversible and irreversible capacity and, cyclic stability of graphite materials as anodes in lithium-ion batteries of commercial carbon and Sungite carbon, is presented. The results obtained using electrochemical techniques, are discussed.
Photovoltaic Modules Destruction Analysis
Authors: Vaněk Jiri , Zimáková Jana , Sturm Martin
Published: December 2014

In this paper we present the analysis of the causes that caused the destruction of photovoltaic modules cover glass in the group of modules randomly located in the photovoltaic field. Operator of photovoltaic system excluded the possibility of damage of these modules by impact of foreign objects because of their location in the photovoltaic field and because of no records of hail or similar events in this area. Damage of the cover glass in analyzed module appears to be adequate of safety glass cracking - uneven web of cracks in the glass with six central location with a different structure cracking. In the three of these areas is possible to find the area with the browning of the surface on the photovoltaic cells main contacts. This article also includes summarization of method which is possible to use for analyses of photovoltaic modules state.
Observation of Morphology Changes of Working Electrode during Cyclic Voltammetry by Using AFM
Authors: Zimáková Jana , Fryda D , Bača P
Published: December 2014

This article deals with the surface morphology changes of the lead-acid battery working electrode during the cyclic voltammetry measured by using AFM. At first it was tested several methods of surface preparation of lead plates used in the measurement. Cyclic voltammetry was performed. The measured values are shown in the relevant figures.
A Micropolymorphism Altering the Residue Triad 97/114/156 Determines the Relative Levels of Tapasin Independence and Distinct Peptide Profiles for HLA-A*24 Allotypes
Authors: Badrinath Soumya , Kunze-Schumacher Heike , Blasczyk Rainer , Huyton Trevor , Bade-Doeding Christina
Published: December 2014

While many HLA class I molecules interact directly with the peptide loading complex (PLC) for conventional loading of peptides certain class I molecules are able to present peptides in a way that circumvents the PLC components. We investigated micropolymorphisms at position 156 of HLA-A*24 allotypes and their effects on PLC dependence for assembly and peptide binding specificities. HLA-A*24:06156Trpand HLA-A*24:13156Leushowed high levels of cell surface expression while HLA-A*24:02156Glnwas expressed at low levels in tapasin deficient cells. Peptides presented by these allelic variants showed distinct differences in features and repertoire. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated all the HLA-A*24/156 variants to associate at similar levels with tapasin when present. Structurally, HLA-A*24:02 contains the residue triad Met97/His114/Gln156 and a Trp156 or Leu156 polymorphism provides tapasin independence by stabilizing these triad residues, thus generating an energetically stable and a more peptide receptive environment. Micropolymorphisms at position 156 can influence the generic peptide loading pathway for HLA-A*24 by altering their tapasin dependence for peptide selection. The trade-off for this tapasin independence could be the presentation of unusual ligands by these alleles, imposing significant risk following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Periodic Fever and Neutrophilic Dermatosis: Is It Sweet’s Syndrome?
Authors: Assari Raheleh , Ziaee Vahid , Parvaneh Nima , Moradinejad Mohammad-Hassan
Published: December 2014

A 7-year-old boy with high grade fever (39°C) and warm, erythematous, and indurated plaque above the left knee was referred. According to the previous records of this patient, these indurated plaques had been changed toward abscesses formation and then spontaneous drainage had occurred after about 6 to 7 days, and finally these lesions healed with scars. In multiple previous admissions, high grade fever, leukocytosis, and a noticeable increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were noted. After that, until 7th year of age, he had shoulder, gluteal, splenic, kidney, and left thigh lesions and pneumonia. The methylprednisolone pulse (30 mg/kg) was initiated with the diagnosis of Sweet’s syndrome. After about 10–14 days, almost all of the laboratory data regressed to nearly normal limits. After about 5 months, he was admitted again with tachypnea and high grade fever and leukocytosis. After infusion of one methylprednisolone pulse, the fever and tachypnea resolved rapidly in about 24 hours. In this admission, colchicine (1 mg/kg) was added to the oral prednisolone after discharge. In the periodic fever and neutrophilic dermatosis, the rheumatologist should search for sterile abscesses in other organs.
Cell Therapy for Chemically Induced Ovarian Failure in Mice
Authors: Terraciano Paula , Garcez Tuane , Ayres Laura , Durli Isabel , Baggio Melchiani , Kuhl Cristiana Palma , Laurino Claudia , Passos Eduardo , Paz Ana Helena , Cirne-Lima Elizabeth
Published: December 2014

Cell therapy has been linked to an unexplained return of ovarian function and fertility in some cancer survivors. Studies modeling this in mice have shown that cells transplantation generates donor-derived oocytes in chemotherapy-treated recipients. This study was conducted to further clarify the impact of cell transplantation from different sources on female reproductive function after chemotherapy using a preclinical mouse model.Methods. Female mice were administered 7.5 mg/kg cisplatin followed by cell transplantation (one week later) using GFP+ female cell donors. For cell tracking, adipose derived stem cell GFP+ (ADSC), female germline stem cell GFP+/MVH+ (FGSC), or ovary cell suspension GFP+ mice were transplanted into cisplatin-treated wild-type recipients. After 7 or 14 days animals were killed and histological analysis, IHQ for GFP cells, and ELISA for estradiol were performed.Results. Histological examinations showed that ADSC, ovary cell suspension, and FGSC transplant increase the number of follicles with apparent normal structure in the cells recipient group euthanized on day 7. Cell tracking showed GFP+ samples 7 days after transplant.Conclusion. These data suggest that intraovarian injection of ADSCs and FGSC into mice with chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure diminished the damage caused by cisplatin.
Quantitation ofα-Lactalbumin by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Medicinal Adjuvant Lactose
Authors: Yan Rui , Qu Longmei , Luo Nan , Liu Yang , Liu Yu , Li Li , Chen Lijiang
Published: December 2014

Lactose is a widely used pharmaceutical excipient, sometimes irreplaceable. Traces of residual proteins left during production of lactose are potential allergen to body. The present paper describes a sensitive and specific LC-MS method for the determination ofα-lactalbumin (α-La) in lactose samples. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Acquity UPLC BEH300 C18 column (2.1×150 mm, 1.7 μm) with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of water containing 0.1% TFA and acetonitrile containing 0.1% TFA (80 : 20, v/v). Mass spectrometric detection was achieved by a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI interface operating in positive ionization mode. Quantitation was performed using selected ion monitoring ofm/z2364 forα-La. The calibration curve was linear from 0.2 to 10 µg/mL. The intra- and interday precisions were less than 7.6% and the accuracy ranged from 96.4 to 104.5%. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.15 µg/mL and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.05 µg/mL. This method was then successfully applied to investigate 6 different lactose samples. The application can provide technical preparation for the development of specification of lactose.
Organizational Predictors of Colonoscopy Follow-up for Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results: An Observational Study
Authors: Partin Melissa R. , Burgess Diana J. , Burgess James F. , Gravely Amy , Haggstrom David , Lillie Sarah E. , Nugent Sean , Powell Adam A. , Shaukat Aasma , Walter Louise C. , Nelson David B.
Published: December 2014

Background: This study assessed the contribution of organizational structures and processes identified from facility surveys to follow-up for positive fecal occult blood tests [FOBT-positive (FOBT+)].

Methods: We identified 74,104 patients with FOBT+ results from 98 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities between August 16, 2009 and March 20, 2011, and followed them until September 30, 2011, for completion of colonoscopy. We identified patient characteristics from VHA administrative records, and organizational factors from facility surveys completed by primary care and gastroenterology chiefs. We estimated predictors of colonoscopy completion within 60 days and six months using hierarchical logistic regression models.

Results: Thirty percent of patients with FOBT+ results received colonoscopy within 60 days and 49% within six months. Having gastroenterology or laboratory staff notify gastroenterology providers directly about FOBT+ cases was a significant predictor of 60-day [odds ratio (OR), 1.85; P = 0.01] and six-month follow-up (OR, 1.25; P = 0.008). Additional predictors of 60-day follow-up included adequacy of colonoscopy appointment availability (OR, 1.43; P = 0.01) and frequent individual feedback to primary care providers about FOBT+ referral timeliness (OR, 1.79; P = 0.04). Additional predictors of six-month follow-up included using guideline-concordant surveillance intervals for low-risk adenomas (OR, 1.57; P = 0.01) and using group appointments and combined verbal–written methods for colonoscopy preparation instruction (OR, 1.48; P = 0.0001).

Conclusion: Directly notifying gastroenterology providers about FOBT+ results, using guideline-concordant adenoma surveillance intervals, and using colonoscopy preparations instruction methods that provide both verbal and written information may increase overall follow-up rates. Enhancing follow-up within 60 days may require increased colonoscopy capacity and feedback to primary care providers.

Impact: These findings may inform organizational-level interventions to improve FOBT+ follow-up. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(2); 422–34. ©2014 AACR.
Differential Platelet Levels Affect Response to Taxane-Based Therapy in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Bottsford-Miller Justin , Choi Hyun-Jin , Dalton Heather J. , Stone Rebecca L. , Cho Min Soon , Haemmerle Monika , Nick Alpa M. , Pradeep Sunila , Zand Behrouz , Previs Rebecca A. , Pecot Chad V. , Crane Erin King , Hu Wei , Lutgendorf Susan K. , Afshar-Kharghan Vahid , Sood Anil K.
Published: December 2014

Purpose: We hypothesized that platelet levels during therapy could serve as a biomarker for response to therapy and that manipulation of platelet levels could impact responsiveness to chemotherapy.

Experimental Design: The medical records of patients with recurrent or progressive ovarian cancer were retrospectively queried for changes in platelet and CA-125 levels during primary therapy. In vitro coculture experiments and in vivo orthotopic models of human ovarian cancer in mice were used to test the effect of modulating platelet levels on tumor growth and responsiveness to docetaxel.

Results: Thrombocytosis at the diagnosis of ovarian cancer was correlated with decreased interval to progression (P = 0.05) and median overall survival (P = 0.007). Mean platelet levels corrected during primary therapy and rose at recurrence. Contrary to treatment-responsive patients, in a cohort of patients refractory to primary therapy, platelet levels did not normalize during therapy. In A2780, HeyA8, and SKOV3-ip1 ovarian cancer cell lines, platelet coculture protected against apoptosis (P < 0.05). In orthotopic models of human ovarian cancer, platelet depletion resulted in 70% reduced mean tumor weight (P < 0.05). Compared with mice treated with docetaxel, mice treated with both docetaxel and platelet-depleting antibody had a 62% decrease in mean tumor weight (P = 0.04). Platelet transfusion increased mean aggregate tumor weight 2.4-fold (P < 0.05), blocked the effect of docetaxel on tumor growth (P = 0.55) and decreased tumor cell apoptosis. Pretransfusion aspirinization of the platelets blocked the growth-promoting effects of transfusion.

Conclusions: Platelet-driven effects of chemotherapy response may explain clinical observations. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 602–10. ©2014 AACR.
Primary Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the Bladder: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Liu Bingbing , Zhang Chuanshan , Zhang Qin , Liu Guiqiu , Ma Zhe , Qi Junxia , Xin Qi , Wen Likun
Published: December 2014

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare tumor of the urinary system. Only three cases of EHE of the bladder have been reported to date, and the biological properties of the tumor in this location remain poorly characterized. We report a case of primary EHE of the urinary bladder in a 58-year-old woman who was treated by transurethral resection and review the existing literature on the diagnosis and treatment of EHE of the bladder.
Fibrinogen Reduction and Bleeding Complications in Plasma Exchange, Immunoadsorption and a Combination of the Two
Authors: Zöllner Simon , Pablik Eleonore , Druml Wilfred , Derfler Kurt , Rees Andrew , Biesenbach Peter
Published: December 2014

Background: Immunoadsorption (IAS) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) are considered safe although fibrinogen is removed. To date no comparison of fibrinogen reduction and associated risk of bleeding in apheresis exists. Methods: Retrospective analysis of TPE, three IAS adsorbers, and combined TPE/IAS regarding fibrinogen reduction and bleeding incidence in 67 patients (1,032 treatments). Results: TPE and TPE/IAS reduced fibrinogen by 64 ± 11% and 58 ± 9%, leading to concentrations <100 mg/dl in 20 and 17% of treatments, respectively. IAS decreased fibrinogen less than TPE (26 ± 6%, p < 0.0001), resulting in fibrinogen concentrations <100 mg/dl in 1% of treatments. The processed volume correlated with reduction in TPE (r = 0.64, p < 0.01), but not in IAS. Bleeding occurred in 1.3% (IAS), 2.3% (TPE) and 3.1% (TPE/IAS) of treatments. Conclusion: Hypofibrinogenemia occurs in 20% of patients after TPE and TPE/IAS, but rarely after IAS. IAS removes fibrinogen independently of volume processed. Overall, bleeding is rare in apheresis.
Primary Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Testis and Osseous, Cardiac, and Lymph Node Metastases in a Young Patient
Authors: Penke Matthias
Published: December 2014

A 19-year-old patient was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the testis and suffered from testicular pain and swelling after orchiectomy. After a comprehensive diagnosis, this tumor was shown to be a primary, metastasizing NET of the testis. Primary NETs of the testis are very rare; in the literature, only approximately 60 patients of all ages are mentioned. Less than 20% of the patients show a metastatic spread. In our patient, lymph node, cardiac, and osseous metastases have been found. It was possible to remove the lymph node metastases through surgery, and the osseous metastases were treated by means of radiation. The exploratory thoracotomy revealed a cardiac metastatic spread; however, it was so extended that a radical resection was not possible. Thereafter, the patient received palliative antiproliferative therapy with the somatostatin analogue lanreotide in the form of monthly subcutaneous injections. This treatment resulted in a stable disease situation. Result: It is possible to administer lanreotide autogel in order to control the growth of the tumor in a young patient with a metastasizing primary NET of the testis with an impossible curative resection of the metastases.
Secularism, Nationalism, and Minorities in Turkey
Authors: Merdjanova Ina
Published: December 2014

The vivid interest in the philosophical and legal premises of secularism in Turkey, as well as in its workings in the public and private life of Turkish citizens resonates with an ongoing questioning in Western academia of the validity of established theories of secularization. More importantly, the political and social transformations in Turkey itself, and the growing role and visibility of Islam in the public sphere, especially during the last decade marked by the rule of the Islamic-oriented Justice and Development Party (jdp), have triggered a search for new explanatory frameworks and reconceptualization of Turkish secularism.The four books discussed in this article tackle the interrelated issues of secularism, nationalism and minorities in Turkey from a variety of disciplinary and methodological perspectives.
RESPONSE
Authors: Senituli Lopeti
Published: December 2014

In the final semester of my final year as an undergraduate at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji in the early 1970’s, a friend’s uncle (his mother’s brother) died as we were preparing for our final exams. His funeral was to be held on the same day as our final paper and he was only informed the day before. There was no time to make preparations with the University authorities to have him sit the exam paper at a later date as the funeral was on another island.
EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION FROM A SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW
Authors: Gaál Botond
Published: December 2014

Adrian Vlot used a lot of information when he wrote his article. I do not intend this brief presentation to give additional information or remarks on the topic. My aim is to support his ideas. I am a mathematician, physicist and theologian. I interpret science as a human activity describing and understanding the phenomena of the created universe based on observation, explaining the relationships in the universe afterwards and, in addition, discovering further areas via human intellectual abilities. In my interpretation technology is something through which man makes use of the experience, knowledge, discovered relationships and laws in practice to create new tools or new materials which facilitate further research. That is how science and technology are related. In historical chronology, technology preceded science but later science also achieved results preceding their application in practice. Among others, the chronological intertwining is represented by Faraday and Maxwell’s activities.
POLITICS IN ONE WORLD
Authors: Skillen James W
Published: December 2014

The program for this conference indicates that one of the fruitful, and thus positive, consequences of the conjunction of the western Enlightenment with Christianity has been political freedom and democracy, the breakup of state absolutism, and the establishing of human rights. Since these political-legal practices and ideals now appear to be almost universally approved or aspired to, we might hypothesize that they transcend, or serve as the ultimate political telos, for all cultures and societies. On the other hand, the truth might simply be that the push for democracy and human rights around the world represents nothing more than the pressures of western hegemony.
IS DEMOCRACY THE IDEAL UNIVERSAL POLITICAL SYSTEM?
Authors: Turaki Yusufu
Published: December 2014

James W. Skillen’s paper on Politics In One World raises a question on whether Democracy can be advocated as the ideal universal political system. Skillen’s answer is imbedded in this: “since these political-legal practices and ideals now appear to be almost universally approved or aspired to, we might hypothesize that they transcend, or serve as the ultimate political telos, for all cultures and societies”. Not fully convinced by this assertion, Skillen proffers an ideological question: “the truth might simply be that the call for democracy and human rights around the world represents nothing more than the pressures of western hegemony?” The entire paper of Skillen examined the two answers at length. My response to this paper is not to re-state issues of agreement but to raise fundamental and universal political issues. As a Christian, there is a lot that we have in common, but given our cultural backgrounds we differ in our interpretations of social history and political philosophy and also in our understanding of the concept of democracy and its universal application. Rather, I chose to highlight my differences with Skillen on the subject, Politics In One World.
EVOLUTION, HISTORY, AND THE INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER OF A PERSON
Authors: Stafleu M. D.
Published: December 2014

This paper describes an empirical approach to a Christian philosophical anthropology, moving by a number of steps from the circumference to the centre. I shall apply the metaphor of mutually enclosing horizons. The course of the argument is that people are part of nature, called from the animal kingdom, opening up natural characters and developing interhuman relations and normative characters in their history. Each person has an individual character and stands in the presence of the Lord. The latter is not the end, but the principle of Christian philosophy.
WET OF ESSENTIE
Authors: Ouwendorp C.
Published: December 2014

Essentie en accident zijn begrippen waarmee filosofen van oude tijden af tot op de dag van vandaag zich bezig hebben gehouden. Essentie kan omschreven worden als datgene waarom een ding is wat het is. Het is een equivalent van wat Aristoteles noemt to ti einai. De essentie is dus de radicale grond van de vele eigenschappen van een ding waarnaar de eigenschappen noodzakelijk verwijzen. Essentie wordt dan ook wel gezien als de abstracte (wijsgerige ) pendant van een concrete entiteit. De laatste betekent wat iets actueel is of kan zijn (ens actu, ens potentiâ), terwijl de eerste verwijst naar de grond waarom iets precies is wat het is. De vraag naar de essentie is dus de vraag naar het wat (quid) van een ding: wat is een boom?, wat is een mens? enz.
JUSTIN MARTYR AND THE LOGOS: AN APOLOGETICAL STRATEGY
Authors: Helleman Wendy Elgersma
Published: December 2014

This article focuses on Justin Martyr’s apologetical intent in his use of the term ‘logos’, recognizing ambiguity and word-play. The lengthy, complex discussions of Justin’s use of ‘logos’ (from early Christian debates on subordinationism, to more recent claims of A. Harnack regarding Justin’s ‘Hellenization’), have neglected the apologetical aspect. The author highlights the epistemological character of Justin’s central part/whole argument. Accordingly, both the position which understands Justin affirming a general revelation that gives more than partial access to truth outside of Christ (H. Chadwick), as well as one which affirms an unbridgeable chasm in knowledge of truth between Christians and unbelievers (R. Holte) is rejected. While only Christ, as ‘logos’, gives the complete revelation of God, Justin denies that this truth was totally veiled to unbelievers; they are without excuse in unjustly persecuting Christians.”
WHICH CAUSALITY? WHOSE EXPLANATION?
Authors: Geertsema Henk G.
Published: December 2014

Not all questions for explanation are answered by referring to a cause. Yet many answers to questions like: Why is something the case? Why does this occur? do mention a cause or are phrased as a causal explanation. Salmon seems to suggest that even functional explanations might sometimes be reformulated as a causal one. As an illustration of a functional explanation he mentions the fact that jackrabbits in the southwestern part of the United States have extremely large ears because they constitute an effective mechanism for the temperature regulation these rabbits need in the hot, arid regions they inhabit. Following Salmon’s causal account of a functional explanation one could phrase the answer to the question: What is the cause of the long ears of the jackrabbits? as: The hot and arid nature of the habitat where they live. Understood in this way, it is the heat of the area that is the cause of the extremely long ears of the jackrabbits. Yet there are some problems with this kind of a cause. The causal connection between the heat and the long ears is of a different nature than the one between the heat and the rise of the body temperature. The functional explanation even rephrased as a causal one can hardly be understood just in terms of a physical cause and effect. The causal effect of heat in relation to the development of long ears depends on the goal or function they serve for the survival of the jackrabbit under the specific conditions of its habitat.
DE BEZIELING VAN DE BURGERS VOOR DE EUROPESE WAARDENGEMEENSCHAP
Authors: Willem Sap Jan
Published: December 2014

Willen de lidstaten kunnen beantwoorden aan de politieke, rechtsstatelijke en sociale ambities van de Europese Unie, dan moet er iets gaan veranderen bij de overheidsstructuur in Brussel, Straatsburg en Luxemburg. Dan moet er weer aandacht komen voor de ‘ziel van Europa’. Vormen de Europese Gemeenschappen, begonnen om oorlog te voorkomen, alleen maar een vrije markt? Is de Europese Unie slechts een geografisch afgebakende ruimte voortgedreven door het grootkapitaal, of is het ook iets meer? Wat delen de burgers van Europa eigenlijk met elkaar? In de EU is het besef doorgedrongen dat het in een club van vijfentwintig lidstaten, die nog onvoldoende is doordrongen van de ‘idee Europa’, belangrijk is om te praten over gemeenschappelijke waarden.
DOOYEWEERD, SPANN, AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF TOTALITY
Authors: Glenn Friesen J.
Published: December 2014

I have previously compared the philosophy of Herman Dooyeweerd (1894- 1977) with the ideas of Franz von Baader (1765-1841).1 It is clear that Dooyeweerd obtained at least an indirect knowledge of Baader’s philosophy through the writings of Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920). Kuyper had extensive knowledge of Baader, and he refers to Baader with approval. A review of Dooyeweerd’s personal library2 has now confirmed that he also obtained knowledge of key ideas of Baader’s philosophy through the writings of the Austrian philosopher, sociologist and economist Othmar Spann (1878-1950).
INTRODUCTION
Authors: Griffioen Sander , Kuiper Roel
Published: December 2014

No summary available.
CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND THE CONCEPT OF CREATION
Authors: Stoker Pieter H.
Published: December 2014

The endeavour of science is to find unity in multitude, relatedness in diversity, continuity in discontinuity. By this way reality is simplified for scientific conception and description. With its reliance on observational data and logic, and with the scientific approach to understand the complexity, functionality, rationality and interrelationship of every aspect of reality, natural sciences do bring forward fascinating new insights on the concealed secrets in natural structures and processes. The crucial position of time in the laws of the universe followed from the work of Newton in the late seventeenth century. Newton gave time an abstract existence, independent from nature. Einstein restored time to its place in the heart of nature, as an integral part of the physical world. From the implications of Einstein’s time, scientists made one of the most important discoveries in the history of human thought: that time, and hence all of physical reality, must have had a definite origin in the past. Thus natural sciences have to accept the concept of origin. God formed man to glorify him as his earthly steward by giving him dominion over creation. Man is therefore responsible to God, also in his formation of science, by which a miraculous world of boundless diversity and interrelationship from the atomic scale to astronomical vastness is revealed. If we also take account of the transcendental revealed principle of creation, scientific thought becomes open, also in our ethical responsibility.
Energy and conflict: Security outsourcing in the protection of critical energy infrastructures
Authors: Zabyelina Yuliya , Kustova Irina
Published: December 2014

Attacks on oil and gas infrastructures by terrorists and criminals in places like Nigeria, Colombia, Iraq and Russia have amplified the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructures (CEIs) to deliberate physical attacks. Being unable or unwilling to protect CEIs, many national governments have made attempts to alleviate these vulnerabilities through outsourcing of security, i.e. contracting the responsibility to protect CEIs out to non-state actors. This article advocates the need to conceptualize security outsourcing in the domain of critical energy infrastructure protection (CEIP) in order to explain a variety of regulatory choices made by governments in this domain. Based on a qualitative analysis of four case studies, the article discusses various types of security outsourcing in the protection of CEIs, including the militarization of national oil companies, public–private partnerships and the involvement of international organizations and local social groups. The typology may serve as a tool of describing, classifying and evaluating various forms of security outsourcing. The findings of the article help to deconstruct the complexity of security outsourcing and capture some of the major contemporary trends in energy security.
Fiber bias effect on characterization of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites by nanoindentation testing and modeling
Authors: Hu Zhong , Farahikia Mahdi , Delfanian Fereidoon
Published: December 2014

Fiber bias effect on characterization of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites by nanoindentation testing has been investigated by computer modeling and validated by experiments. IM7/PEEK composite was selected as a case study material. Nanoindentation tests using Berkovich indenter were carried out on fiber longitudinal direction and in the near fiber region of the matrix to attempt to determine the nanomechanical properties of the fibers and the interphase. A 3D finite element analysis model for simulating nanoindentation was developed, taking into account the carbon fibers’ transversely isotropic properties. A fiber bias effect inducing a gradient in modulus in fiber–matrix interphase region was observed from tests and confirmed by modeling, and this property transition thickness induced by the fiber bias is about 1–2 µm depending on the indentation depth, which suggests an inherent difficulty when attempting to determine the true interphase properties experimentally using the nanoindentation testing.
Agent-Based Modeling and Organization Studies: A critical realist perspective
Authors: Miller Kent D.
Published: December 2014

The method of agent-based modeling raises philosophy of science issues that modelers have yet to resolve in a way that reconciles their work with that of other management and organization researchers. As a result, agent-based modelers have made only modest contributions to advancing organization theory and empirical research. In response, this study proposes critical realism as a philosophical perspective to understand and orient agent-based modeling research. A critical realist perspective clarifies the nature and purpose of agent-based modeling and indicates the potential complementarity between agent-based modeling and other approaches to theory building and testing in the field of management and organization studies. Key emphases within critical realism on mechanismic explanations, emergence, simplifying assumptions, and abductive reasoning support agent-based modelers’ practices. Critical realism carries implications for specifying models, clarifying ontology, evaluating model outcomes, validating models, triangulating, and identifying the limits of agent-based modeling. This study provides practical guidance from a critical realist perspective—to modelers and nonmodelers—to advance the contribution of agent-based modeling to management and organization research.
Effects of heat treatment on the thermal and mechanical properties of ramie fabric-reinforced poly(lactic acid) biocomposites
Authors: Chen Xie , Ren Jie , Zhang Naiwen , Gu Shuying , Li Jianbo
Published: December 2014

Laminated biocomposites based on ramie fabric and poly(lactic acid) were prepared through hot compression molding followed by direct cooling (without heat treatment) or melt crystallization (with heat treatment). The effects of heat treatment and ramie fabric reinforcement on the thermal and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) composites were studied. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry measurements confirmed that the heat treatment was able to promote the formation of crystals and enhance the crystallinity of poly(lactic acid), and the addition of ramie fabric also accelerated the crystallization rate of poly(lactic acid). Hence, heat treatment and ramie fabric reinforcement both can improve the thermal stability of poly(lactic acid) biocomposites remarkably. The heat deflection temperature of poly(lactic acid)/24 wt% ramie fabric biocomposite with heat treatment was up to 149.3℃, with a highest increase of 90.7℃. The mechanical properties of the ramie fabric-reinforced poly(lactic acid) biocomposites were also improved after heat treatment.
Compensation, Ethical Sales Behavior and Customer Lifetime Value
Authors: Madhani Pankaj M.
Published: December 2014

A salesperson’s ethical behavior plays a critical role in forming, maintaining and sustaining long-term customer relationships. Ethical sales behavior increases customer satisfaction, trust, loyalty and eventually enhances customer lifetime value (CLV). The CLV approach quantifies the potential monetary value of customers over their lifetime and builds linkages between ethical sales behavior and the financial performance of the organization. An ethical sales practice is one of the drivers influencing and enhancing CLV. An ethical climate of the organization can be reinforced by implementing an effective sales compensation plan. The purpose of effective sales compensation is to recognize the role fulfilled by salespeople to maximize CLV as a result of ethical sales behavior. The frameworks developed in this research illustrates how the compensation practices of an organization influence ethical sales efforts and also shows that what a salesperson does influences customer acquisition, customer retention and customer expansion in the form of cross-selling/up-selling, which in turn affects customers’ CLV or their profitability to the organization. This article also provides a methodology for CLV calculation and provides its key dimensions. The research identifies various drivers of unethical sales behavior, looks at the optimal design for the sales compensation plan and develops various models for enhancing ethical behavior of salespeople and ultimately CLV.