bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All motors have to decide is what to do with the DNA that is given them
Authors: Briggs Koan , Fischer Christopher J.
Published: November 2014

DNA translocases are a diverse group of molecular motors responsible for a wide variety of cellular functions. The goal of this review is to identify common aspects in the mechanisms for how these enzymes couple the binding and hydrolysis of ATP to their movement along DNA. Not surprisingly, the shared structural components contained within the catalytic domains of several of these motors appear to give rise to common aspects of DNA translocation. Perhaps more interesting, however, are the differences between the families of translocases and the potential associated implications both for the functions of the members of these families and for the evolution of these families. However, as there are few translocases for which complete characterizations of the mechanisms of DNA binding, DNA translocation, and DNA-stimulated ATPase have been completed, it is difficult to form many inferences. We therefore hope that this review motivates the necessary further experimentation required for broader comparisons and conclusions.
Performance evaluation of Sysmex XN hematology analyzer in umbilical cord blood: a comparison study with Sysmex XE-2100
Authors: Kim Hanah , Hur Mina , Choi Sang-Gyeu , Moon Hee-Won , Yun Yeo-Min , Hwang Han Sung , Kwon Han Sung , Sohn In Sook
Published: November 2014

The Sysmex XN (XN) modular system (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) is a new automated hematology analyzer equipped with different principles from its previous version, Sysmex XE-2100. We compared the performances of Sysmex XN and XE-2100 in umbilical cord blood (CB) specimens.

In 160 CB specimens, complete blood count (CBC) parameters and white blood cells (WBC) differentials were compared between the two analyzers. Their flagging performances for blasts, abnormal/atypical lymphocytes, immature granulocytes and/or left-shift (IG), and nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) counts were compared with manual counts. For the blast flagging, Q values by Sysmex XN were further compared with manual slide review.

Sysmex XN and XE-2100 showed high or very high correlations for most CBC parameters but variable correlations for WBC differentials. Compared with XE-2100, XN showed significantly different flagging performances for blasts, abnormal/atypical lymphocytes, and IG. The flagging efficiency for blasts was significantly better on Sysmex XN than on XE-2100 (85.0% vs. 38.8%): Sysmex XN showed a remarkably increased specificity of blast flag, compromising its sensitivity of blast flag. Among the 24 specimens with blasts (range, 0.5%–1.5%), only one (4.2%) showed a positive Q value.

This study highlighted the remarkable differences of flagging performances between Sysmex XN and XE-2100 in CB specimens. The Sysmex XN modular system seems to be a suitable and practical option for the CB specimens used for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as well as for the specimens from neonates.
Association between SNP rs13376333 and rs1131820 in the KCNN3 gene and atrial fibrillation in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Luo Zhurong , Yan Chenghui , Zhang Wenli , Shen Xiaoli , Zheng Weixing , Chen Fengping , Cao Xiaozhi , Yang Yuhui , Lin Xianliang , Wang Zhiqing , Huang Mingfang
Published: November 2014

The small conductance calcium-activated potassium, subfamily N, member 3 (

A total of 889 AF patients and 1015 controls were enrolled. Two hundred and seventy-eight cases of AF were lone AF.

The genotype distribution and allele frequency of rs13376333 polymorphism were not different between total AF patients and controls. However, the genotype distribution of rs13376333 polymorphism was significantly different between lone AF and control group (p<0.001); and T allele frequency was significantly higher in lone AF group than that in controls (7.6% vs 3.6%, p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that T allele carriers of rs13376333 was significantly associated with lone AF (OR=2.31, 95% CI 1.41–3.78, p=0.001). No relationship between rs1131820 polymorphism and total AF or lone AF was found in this study.
A question of credibility – Effects of source cues and recommendations on information selection on news sites and blogs
Authors: Winter Stephan , Krämer Nicole C.
Published: November 2014

Internet users have access to a multitude of science-related information – on journalistic news sites but also on blogs with user-generated content. In this context, we investigated in two studies the factors which influence laypersons’ selective exposure (
Reader comments on mainstream online newspapers in Turkey: Perceptions of web editors and moderators
Authors: Ürper Dilruba Çatalbaş , Çevikel Tolga
Published: November 2014

This paper is a qualitative empirical study of the perceptions of web editors and moderators about reader comments. Drawing from the insights provided by nineteen in-depth interviews with newsroom staff, we contend that reader comments have so far made little impact on the practices of traditional journalism in Turkey and that their promise to foster more constructive online public deliberation is largely unfulfilled. Reader comments continue to be an underestimated and neglected feature of online news. Online journalists’ perceptions of reader comments are not based on any solid information of their readers but on their own personal observation and experiences. Moreover, freedom of expression in reader comments in mainstream newspapers is very limited due to legal and political pressures and prevalent self-censorship. Online journalists define politics and sports as the main categories that receive the highest number of comments most of the time. They also observe in reader comments the manifestation of a current political polarization in Turkey and point out the existence of majority pressure and a spiral of silence in relation to the Kurdish issue.
Low Voltage Low Power Folded Mixer for S-Band Wireless Applications
Authors: Chen Shiqiang , Wang Junfeng
Published: November 2014

This paper describes a low voltage low power (LV-LP) folded mixer for S-band wireless applications. The proposed mixer could convert a 10 MHz intermediate frequency (IF) signal to a 2.4 GHz RF signal with a local oscillator (LO) power of 0 dBm at 2.39 GHz. The comparison with the previous reported mixers shows that the proposed mixer has the advantages of lower voltage, lower power consumption and higher conversion gain than most of the other works. Simulation results demonstrate that the mixer a remarkable conversion gain of 10.5 dB while consuming only 0.65 mW DC power from a 0.8 V supply voltage. The input-referred third-order intercept point (IIP3) of the mixer is 3.75 dBm, and the chip area is only 0.525 mm
Quantitative Analysis of Dynamic Softening Behaviors Induced by Dynamic Recrystallization for Ti-10V-2Fe-2Al Alloy
Authors: Quan Guozheng , Pu Shiao , Wen Hairong , Zou Zhenyu , Zhou Jie
Published: November 2014

In order to investigate the effect of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior on dynamic softening behavior of wrought Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al titanium alloy, a series of laboratory scale isothermal hot compression tests with a height reduction of 60% were performed in a temperature range of 948 K~1023 K in the (
Influence of Endogenous OUR Determination on the KLa$${K_L}a$$, Exogenous OUR, Total Oxygen Consumption and Heterotrophic Yield in a Completely Mixed Batch Reactor
Authors: Zamouche-Zerdazi R. , Bencheikh Lehocine M. , Meniai A.-H.
Published: November 2014

In wastewater treatment, waste removal and biomass activity are important processes which need to be monitored for a good process control. The difficulties in the interpretation of the total COD, BOD and VSS measurements encouraged the development of respirometric methods for assessing the kinetic constants. Respirometry is an important technique in assessing biological reaction in wastewater treatment.

K
L

a

$${K_L}a$$

, depends on endogenous oxygen uptake rate (OURend), is a key constant in evaluating respirogram-specific parameters. Generally, OURend is assumed constant in the dissolved oxygen equations. However, it is not the case. Consequently, this paper deals with the influence of OURend calculations region on

K
L

a

$${K_L}a$$

determination, exogenous oxygen uptake rate (OURexo), total oxygen consumption and heterotrophic yield (Y
H). It was shown that the value of OURend and

K
L

a

$${K_L}a$$

varied considerably, a maximum of 56%, depending on where to consider C
fin, on the oxygen concentration variation curve. Even though, the variation on OURend and

K
L

a

$${K_L}a$$

is important its influence on Yo/x and Y
H is attenuated to 7.5% and 6%, respectively. This may be due to the local nature of the first parameters (OURend and

K
L

a

$${K_L}a$$

) and the global nature of the later ones. Moreover, this can be seen through the variation of the calculated amount of oxygen consumed (QThete) which is of the order 7.6%.
Percolation on the institute-enterprise R&D collaboration networks
Authors: Li Chenguang , Zhang Yongan
Published: November 2014

Realistic network-like systems are usually composed of multiple networks with interacting relations such as school-enterprise research and development (R&D) collaboration networks. Here, we study the percolation properties of a special class of R&D collaboration network, namely institute-enterprise R&D collaboration networks (IERDCNs). We introduce two actual IERDCNs to show their structural properties, and we present a mathematical framework based on generating functions for analyzing an interacting network with any connection probability. Then,we illustrate the percolation threshold and structural parameter arithmetic in the sub-critical and supercritical regimes.We compare the predictions of our mathematical framework and arithmetic to data for two real R&D collaboration networks and a number of simulations. We find that our predictions are in remarkable agreement with the data. We show applications of the framework to electronics R&D collaboration networks
“Eloquence is Power”
Authors: Abbott Don Paul
Published: November 2014

Thomas Hobbes is a severe critic of rhetoric but he is also a careful student and skillful practitioner of the art of persuasion. Many critics have therefore argued that Hobbes's views of rhetoric are both conflicted and inconsistent. In contrast, I argue that Hobbes's conception of rhetoric displays remarkable consistency. While he rejects the abuses of rhetoric abundant in political oratory he nevertheless embraces the power of eloquence. In Leviathan Hobbes reconciles his appreciation of eloquence with his distrust of oratory by refashioning rhetoric into a private, rather than public art, which fulfills many of the traditional duties of rhetoric.
A Rare Case of ALCAPA and Rheumatic Mitral Valve Regurgitation in an Adult Patient
Authors: Formica Francesco , Amigoni Pietro , Mariani Silvia , Coppadoro Andrea , Mariani Serena , Paolini Giovanni
Published: November 2014

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital coronary artery defect leading to sudden cardiac death. Diagnosis is made after the onset of symptoms, mainly in the pediatric population. We describe an uncommon presentation of ALCAPA and rheumatic mitral valve regurgitation, diagnosed by a coronary 64-CT scan performed before a planned mitral valve repair operation.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation via Right Carotid Artery Route for Severe Aortic Regurgitation Management in a Patient with Chronic Operated Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Maureira Pablo , Liu Yihua , Stafford Neil , Fiore Antonio , Angioi Michael
Published: November 2014

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) technique is now widely accepted as an alternative for the treatment of very high-risk patients in cases of aortic stenosis. However, use of this technique in cases of pure native aortic regurgitation (AR) remains discussed.

Case Report: We report the case of a 68-year-old patient with severe AR referred to our hospital 10 years after a supracoronary ascending aorta replacement surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Because of respiratory contraindication to redo sternotomy, we treated this patient with the implantation of a CoreValve prosthesis inserted via right carotid access. We discuss the TAVI strategy in the case of severe AR and the possibility to use alternative vascular access.

Conclusion: In very high-risk patients, TAVI can be discussed and considered as an alternative treatment for severe AR, with right carotid access proven as feasible.
Application of Laser-based geological techniques to bone research: Calcium oxide distribution analyses of animal bones
Authors: Andrássy László , Maros Gyula , Kovács István János , Horváth Ágnes , Gulyás Katalin , Bertalan Éva , Besnyi Anikó , Füri Judit , Fancsik Tamás , Szekanecz Zoltán , Bhattoa Harjit Pal
Published: November 2014

The structural similarities between the inorganic component of bone tissue and geological formations make it possible that mathematic models may be used to determine weight percentage composition of different mineral element oxides constituting the inorganic component of bone tissue. The determined weight percentage composition can be verified with the determination of element oxide concentration values by laser induced plasma spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. It can be concluded from calculated weight percentage composition of the inorganic component of bone tissue and laboratory analyses that the properties of bone tissue are determined primarily by hydroxylapatite. The inorganic bone structure can be studied well by determining the calcium oxide concentration distribution using the laser induced plasma spectroscopy technique. In the present study, thin polished bone slides prepared from male bovine tibia were examined with laser induced plasma spectroscopy in a regular network and combined sampling system to derive the calculated calcium oxide concentration distribution. The superficial calcium oxide concentration distribution, as supported by “frequency distribution” curves, can be categorized into a number of groups. This, as such, helps in clearly demarcating the cortical and trabecular bone structures. Following analyses of bovine tibial bone, the authors found a positive association between the attenuation value, as determined by quantitative computer tomography and the “ρ” density, as used in geology. Furthermore, the calculated “ρ” density and the measured average calcium oxide concentration values showed inverse correlation. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(45), 1783–1793.
The value of radial shock wave therapy in the management of extended crural ulceration. Case report
Authors: Fekete László , Nagy György Ádám , Diamant Péter Kamilló , Halmy Csaba , Zentai Ágnes
Published: November 2014

The authors present the history of a 36-year-old woman who had crural ulceration in the ventral side of the left lower limb due to venous circulatory failure for 5 years. In addition to the application of dressing adapted to the actual status of the wound, the authors applied an extracorporal shock wave therapy two times per week. After this treatment the size of the ulcer significantly decreased and it became suitable for mesh-graft cover. The patient is currently asymptomatic. The authors draw attention to the fact that the number of patients having crural ulcer is increasing in developed countries including Hungary. Lower limb ulcers occur in 1–5% of the adult population. Predisposing factors include older age and civilization hazards such as obesity, diabetes and sedentary lifestyle. The main cause of the disease is circulatory failure; venous insufficiency occurs in about two-thirds of the patients, arterial ischemia in 15% and diabetic angiopathy in 15% of the cases. Infections, metabolic diseases and immunological disorders may be also an underlying cause in a small number of patients. In several patients the causative factors occur simultaneously making difficult to find and effective treatment. Despite the use of numerous preventive and therapeutic protocols, treatment is usually long and does not always match expectations of the patients. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(45), 1794–1799.
Significance of biochemical markers in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours and in the follow-up of patients
Authors: Tőke Judit , Czirják Gábor , Tóth Miklós , Rácz Károly , Patócs Attila
Published: November 2014

Circulating markers of neuroendocrine tumours are useful tools in the diagnosis of these tumours. Laboratory tests for general biomarkers have acceptable sensitivity for the recognition of neuroendocrine tumours as these biologically active proteins are typically synthesized by all types of neuroendocrine cells. Measurement of chromogranin A is widely used not only in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours but it may predict the prognosis of the diseases and the effect of the antitumor therapy. It is also a useful tool for the detection of residual tumours. Neurendocrine tumours represent a heterogeneous group of tumours with the ability to secrete several hormones and, therefore, measurement of these hormones can also serve as neuroendocrine cell type-specific markers in routine clinical practice. In this review the authors summarize the significance of tumour markers in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours as well as in the management and follow-up of patients with this disease. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(45), 1775–1782.
Minority Carrier Annihilation at Crystalline Silicon Interface in Metal Oxide Semiconductor Structure
Authors: Furukawa Jun , Shigeno Satoshi , Yoshidomi Shinya , Node Tomohito , Hasumi Masahiko , Sameshima Toshiyuki , Mizuno Tomohisa
Published: November 2014

We report photo induced minority carrier annihilation at the silicon surface in a metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) structure using 9.35 GHz microwave transmittance measurement. 7 Ωcm n-type 500-μm-thick crystalline silicon substrate coated with 100-nm-thick thermally grown SiO2 layers was used. 0.2-cm-long Al electrode bars were formed at the top and rear surfaces. 635 nm light illumination onto the top surface caused photo induced carriers to be in one side of the silicon region of the Al electrode. Microwave transmittance system detected photo induced carriers diffused from the light illuminated region via the MOS structured region. When the bias voltage was applied at +2.0 and -2.2 V to the electrode at the top surface, the surface recombination velocity increased from 44 (initial) to 83 and 86 cm/s, respectively because of depletion region formation at rear and top surface respectively. Those voltage applications caused change in the distribution of photo induced carriers in a 0.6-cm-wide region including light illuminated, MOS structured, microwave irradiated regions.
Konsensus dotyczący polityki gospodarczej kraju na średnim poziomie rozwoju wśród ekonomistów Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego w Krakowie
Authors: Janus Jakub , Burda Adrian , Pokrywka Łukasz
Published: November 2014

Both the recent financial crisis and the global recession vividly demonstrated the deficiencies in the economic theory. The main challenges faced by economists are to determine the economic role the state is to play and the particular features of its economic policy. The authors set out to determine the level of consensus on the above subjects among faculty members employed at the Cracow University of Economics (CUE). The research has been narrowed down to issues in the economic policies of emerging market economies (e.g. Poland). A survey containing 30 propositions was conducted in May and June 2011 in six departments of the CUE and covered fiscal, monetary, social, exchange-rate, trade, and regulatory policies. Analysis of the data collected enabled the authors to evaluate the level of consensus in each area and consequently, in a comprehensive manner, to discuss the relative convergence of opinions. The authors concluded that there is generally a significant level of consensus among participants, but the on-going redefinition of views on macroeconomic policies should also be noted.
Analiza ulgi prorodzinnej w kontekście zmian w ustawie o podatku dochodowym od osób fizycznych
Authors: Gołębiowski Bartosz
Published: November 2014

In modern economies, taxes have ceased to serve only fiscal functions - they are also a tool for regulating social and economic policy. As an essential element of the tax system, tax preferences make it possible for taxes to perform these functions. Frequent amendments result in increasing complexity of the tax system and the emergence of phenomena not previously observed. This article is based on the belief that the introduction of tax preferences in the form of pro-family tax relief in conjunction with other preferences and changes in tax law are the source of various dilemmas for the people affected. The existence of such dilemmas leads one to wonder whether pro-family tax relief is fair in terms of social justice and the principle of equal taxation. It is proven that in a particular case, this tax relief leads to the creation of "an unprofitable work area" - that is, a situation where, after a household reaches a certain income level, the amount of money available to it actually decreases.
Submucous Cleft Palate: A Systematic Review of Surgical Management Based on Perceptual and Instrumental Analysis
Authors: Gilleard Onur , Sell Debbie , Ghanem Ali M. , Tavsanoglu Yasemin , Birch Malcolm , Sommerlad Brian
Published: November 2014

Objective

Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is a congenital condition associated with abnormal development of the soft palate musculature. In a proportion of cases, this results in velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), the treatment for which includes pharyngeal flap surgery, pharyngoplasty, and palate reconstruction. The aim of this paper is to determine whether there is superiority of one or more types of surgical procedure over the others in improving speech in patients with VPI secondary to SMCP.

Methodology

Nine databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, were searched between inception and January 2013 to identify articles published relating to the surgical management of SMCP. Only studies that reported outcome measures for postoperative speech were included in the systematic review.

Results

Twenty-six studies analyzing the outcomes of surgery for VPI in patients with SMCP met the inclusion criteria. In these studies, speech outcomes were measured either in a binary fashion (i.e., normal speech or evidence of VPI) or using scales of VPI severity. Of the 26 studies, only two utilized blinded speech assessment, and 12 included both preoperative and postoperative speech assessment.

Conclusions

The review found little evidence to support any specific surgical intervention. This is in large part due to the inclusion of mixed etiologies within study populations and the lack of unbiased validated preoperative and postoperative speech assessment. Further methodologically rigorous studies need to be conducted to provide a secure evidence base for the surgical management of SMCP.
International Confederation for Cleft Lip and Palate and Related Craniofacial Anomalies Task Force Report: Holistic Outcomes
Authors: Broder Hillary L.
Published: November 2014

Objective

This paper describes the process and outcomes of the 2013 American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association task force on Holistic Outcomes. The goals and membership of the task force are presented.

Methods

Using internet communication, the group introduced themselves, shared ideas and information related to holistic assessment and implementation of using a validated holistic measure, the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) at participating international sites.

Results

Data from the sites were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Administration of the COHIP was successful. It varied from self-completion as well as verbal presentation due to language differences and a function of the short time period to complete collection. Additionally qualitative comments were reported by the task force site directors.

Conclusions

Future directions for holistic assessment and communication among task force members and sites were discussed at the Congress and are presented in this report.
Calcutta’s sanitation heritage: a unique engineering legacy
Authors: Dey Ayanangshu
Published: November 2014

The city of Calcutta (now Kolkata), a ‘crowning glory’ of the British Raj from 1757 to 1911, served as the administrative capital of continental India. Calcutta is situated by the River Hooghly, a tributary of the Ganges. Since its inception in 1690, it fundamentally resembled the urban setting of London. Over the past 300 years, Calcutta has witnessed phenomenal growth and is now considered one of the sprawling metropolises of the world. Triggered by its growth as a commercial hub in the early nineteenth century and prevailing insalubrious sanitary condition, planning of sanitation and drainage was initiated by Governor-General Lord Wellesley. The extremely unhygienic conditions of the city, filthy condition of its drains, high rates of disease propagation and sickness could be compared to the infamous ‘great stink’ of London in 1858. Several sanitation schemes were proposed for Calcutta but that of William Clark was adopted for construction in 1858, following extensive review by experts in India and the UK and despite being the most costly proposition. This paper documents the history behind the development of this combined drainage system, which still serves Calcutta in the new millennium, and is still relevant in the construction and renewal of sustainable sewerage networks.
Efficacy and safety of balloon valvuloplasty as a treatment of choice for pulmonary stenosis in children and adolescents
Authors: Parezanovic Vojislav , Djukic Milan , Dzelebdzic Sanja , Ilisic Tamara , Stefanovic Igor , Vukomanovic Goran , Jovanovic Ida , Ilic Slobodan , Vulicevic Irena , Kalanj Jasna
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Pulmonary artery stenosis (PS) is a congenital heart defect
which occurs in 10% of all congenital heart defects. Pulmonary balloon
valvuloplasty (BVP) has been the treatment of choice of PS over the last 30
years. Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of
this method based on middle-term hospital follow-up, and safety of BVP based
on our experience. Methods. The study included 88 patients diagnosed with PS.
The patients were divided into three groups based on the severity of the
disease. Also, they were divided into two age groups in order to analyze the
frequency of complications. Hemodynamic measurements and echocardiography
results were recorded before, 24-36 hours after BVP and at the end of
follow-up. Results. The studied group involved patients of average age
3.75?4.3 years (20 days to 17 years). Immediately after BVP a significant
decrease of pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve (PV) was recorded in
all patients; this result was similar in all 3 groups of patients regardless
of the severity of stenosis (p<0.001). Complications of BVP occurred most
commonly in children up to 12 months of age (ventricular tachycardia 4.5% and
supraventricular tachycardia 6.8%). Pulmonary valve insufficiency after
dilatation occurred in 6.6% of cases, and was most common in children aged up
to 12 months. In 87 (98.9%) patients BVP was a definitive solution, and a
significant residual stenosis was not recorded during follow-up. Conclusion.
BVP is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of isolated PS in
children, regardless of the severity of stenosis but also regardless of
patients? age.
Bacterial infections in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites
Authors: Markovic-Zivkovic Bojana , Bjelakovic Goran , Nagorni Aleksandar , Benedeto-Stojanov Daniela , Petrovic Bratislav , Radisavljevic Mirjana , Petrovic Gordana
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Bacterial infections are common complications and the cause of
death in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. There is no standard method for
a rapid and low-cost diagnosis, and its prognosis is poor. Objective. The aim
of this study was to determine the etiology and frequency of bacterial
infections in patients with liver cirrhosis of different etiology, and the
influence of bacterial infections on the prognosis in patients with liver
cirrhosis and ascites. Methods. Sixty-four patients with cirrhosis and
ascites were included in the study. The diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial
peritonitis was established based on the diagnostic abdominal paracentesis
and the results of biochemical, cytological and microbiologic analysis of
ascitic fluid. The diagnosis of urinary infection and pneumonia were made
according to the standard criteria. Results. Spontaneous bacterial
peritonitis was diagnosed in 23 (35.9%) patients, urinary infections in 16
(25%) and pneumonia in 11 (17.2%). Gram positive and gram negative bacteria
in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis were etiologically almost equally
represented (52%; 48%). The most frequent causes were Escherichia coli and
Staphylococcus aureus. In 81% of patients urinary infections were caused by
gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli in 44%). The most frequent cause of
pneumonia was Streptococcus pneumoniae (46%). Conclusion. Spontaneous
bacterial peritonitis, urinary infections and bronchopneumonia are the most
frequent bacterial infections in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. A
timely recognition of bacterial infections and the initiation of treatment
have a positive effect on the prognosis of such patients.
Patient satisfaction in outpatient healthcare services at secondary level vs. tertiary level
Authors: Velikj-Stefanovska Vesna , Stefanovska-Petkovska Miodraga
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Patients satisfaction is a very important part of any clinical
practice both for evaluation and improvement of healthcare services.
Objective. The aim of this study was to determine patient satisfaction with
public outpatient healthcare services at secondary and tertiary level and to
assess possible differences between the two levels. Methods. In a
quantitative cross-sectional study, a convenient sample of 646 patients who
experienced public outpatient healthcare services at the secondary and
tertiary level during the last two months were interviewed. Patient
satisfaction questionnaires, with statements regarding various aspects of
satisfaction, were completed during face-to-face interviews (response rate
84.6%). The research instrument was tested for internal consistency using the
Cronbach?s coefficient alpha estimate. Results. The patients were
significantly more satisfied in tertiary than in secondary outpatient
healthcare facilities in almost all aspects of assessment related to general
settings, nurse/administrative staff performance and physician performance
(p<0.001). The patients in the secondary healthcare services (SHCS) were more
satisfied than in the tertiary healthcare services (THCS) but only regarding
the information on location (83.9% vs.78.3%) and possibilities to enter and
move inside the department (88.8% vs. 83.3%). Analysis of data for SHCS and
THCS showed that there was no significant difference between the mean overall
satisfaction scores with regard to patients? gender, age, marital status,
educational level, employment and number of visits. Conclusion. There is a
need to improve the current level of patient-provider relationship and
communication, as well as that of hospital environment, while special efforts
should be made to address the problem of patient waiting time and hospital
bureaucracy.
Cervical epidural hematoma: Case report
Authors: Novak Vesna , Stefanovic Ivan , Kostic Aleksandar , Radisavljevic Misa , Novak Martin , Jelenkovic Boban , Berilazic Luka
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Cervical epidural hematoma is a rare phenomenon in children.
MRI scan of the cervical spine is the method of choice in establishing
diagnosis and a quick evacuation of hematoma and decompression. Case Outline.
We present a case of 11-year-old boy whose lower extremities were paralysed
after a trivial injury of the cervical spine which he sustained while
playing. Seven days after the injury, severe clinical symptoms appeared, and
MRI of the spine showed the presence of cervical epidural hematoma.
Conclusion. Cervical epidural hematoma in children is very rare. Adequate
neurological examination, diagnostics and urgent surgical intervention are of
paramount importance for accomplishing good results. Early and persistent
rehabilitation are the condition for achieving maximal recovery.
Selection of the best consultant for SAP ERP project using combined AHP-IBA approach
Authors: Martinovic Natasa , Delibasic Boris
Published: November 2014

In this paper we propose a combined AHP-IBA model for selecting the best SAP
consultant for an SAP ERP project. The goal of the SAP Project Manager is to
choose the best consultant, the one who is able to implement standard SAP
functionalities with quality and on time. When making a decision on the basis
of multiple criteria, the traditional Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method
does not take into account the fact that attributes may correlate, assuming
that there are no dependencies between them. However, the dependencies of the
attributes can often be used to model important knowledge for multiple
criteria decision analysis. We propose an extension to the traditional AHP
method by applying Interpolative realization of Boolean algebra (IBA), using
AHP to determine the criteria weights, and IBA to model the logical
interactions among criteria. The research conducted on ERP consultant
selection suggests that the decision making process is modelled more
accurately if logical interactions between attributes are modelled before
applying AHP.
Projecting Event-Based Analysis Dates in Clinical Trials: An Illustration Based on the International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (IDEA) Collaboration. Projecting Analysis Dates for the IDEA Collaboration
Authors: Renfro Lindsay A. , Grothey Axel M. , Paul James , Floriani Irene , Bonnetain Franck , Niedzwiecki Donna , Yamanaka Takeharu , Souglakos Ioannis , Yothers Greg , Sargent Daniel J.
Published: November 2014

Purpose: Clinical trials are expensive and lengthy, where success of a given trial depends on observing a prospectively defined number of patient events required to answer the clinical question. The point at which this analysis time occurs depends on both patient accrual and primary event rates, which typically vary throughout the trial's duration. We demonstrate real-time analysis date projections using data from a collection of six clinical trials that are part of the IDEA collaboration, an international preplanned pooling of data from six trials testing the duration of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer, and we additionally consider the hypothetical impact of one trial's early termination of follow-up.

Patients and Methods: In the absence of outcome data from IDEA, monthly accrual rates for each of the six IDEA trials were used to project subsequent trial-specific accrual, while historical data from similar Adjuvant Colon Cancer Endpoints (ACCENT) Group trials were used to construct a parametric model for IDEA's primary endpoint, disease-free survival, under the same treatment regimen. With this information and using the planned total accrual from each IDEA trial protocol, individual patient accrual and event dates were simulated and the overall IDEA interim and final analysis times projected. Projections were then compared with actual (previously undisclosed) trial-specific event totals at a recent census time for validation. The change in projected final analysis date assuming early termination of follow-up for one IDEA trial was also calculated.

Results: Trial-specific predicted event totals were close to the actual number of events per trial for the recent census date at which the number of events per trial was known, with the overall IDEA projected number of events only off by eight patients. Potential early termination of follow-up by one IDEA trial was estimated to postpone the overall IDEA final analysis date by 9 months.

Conclusions: Real-time projection of the final analysis time during a trial, or the overall analysis time during a trial collaborative such as IDEA, has practical implications for trial feasibility when these projections are translated into additional time and resources required.
The Megaphone Effect in Social Media: How Ordinary Consumers Become Style Leaders
Authors: McQuarrie Edward F. , Phillips Barbara J.
Published: November 2014

Amassing an audience by blogging is a very recent form of online consumer behavior.
Consumers not only seek community as earlier studies show, they also look for taste leadership from certain peers Fashion bloggers take hold of the Internet “megaphone” to broadcast and influence taste within an elaborate social and cultural process. It teaches us some general principles about the ways professional marketing is affected by these “citizen journalists” on social media, and how their behavior is affected by marketers. These megaphone-holding consumers have real power, and their consumer-to-consumer relationships depend upon brands. Brands are increasingly coming to depend upon them as well. Although these bloggers started out as ordinary consumers, they were soon integrated into the professional fashion system and do not oppose it. They therefore pose no threat to professional marketers, but rather offeran alternative marketing opportunity within the complex web of social media.
Beyond Bedlam: How Consumers and Brands Alike Are Playing the Web
Authors: Deighton John , Kornfeld Leora
Published: November 2014

Effective social brand engagement can result from marketers “getting in the game” by playing with consumers.Play can take many different forms and can refer to different aspects. It can produce winners and losers, for example when marketers conquer the consumer’s wish to be let alone. It can refer to the collaboration among players to achieve, if not exactly a common purpose, at least separate purposes with joint resources. Or it can refer to conduct that bemuses and befuddles, leaving even the marketer unsure about the purpose of the game, except that he will be better known. It is apparent that people want to play with brands, and their managers must therefore decide if they want to actively offer participation and surrender to whatever form consumer play may take. However, brand managers should be prepared for surprising turns. Attention and consumer engagement are the prizes at stake for taking the venture, awards that are increasingly difficult to gain with more traditional communication campaigns.
Participatory Culture: From Co-Creating Brand Meaning to Changing the World
Authors: Jenkins Henry
Published: November 2014

Young people’s personal use of social media like blogs, networks and online platforms is actually a double-edged sword. Creativity and action can endorse brands, but they can also harm a brand as the new generation moves from being socially and culturally active to being politically and civically engaged. Brands can be the perfect plugs on which to hang their campaigns. In the example outlined in this article, the Harry Potter brand serves as a good of example to demonstrate such activism.Its entire magical world was embraced, and the company who owns and licenses the brand was systematically scrutinized and criticized. Warner Bros. mishandled this form of social brand engagement. The whole case is highly instructive to managers who increasingly face such challenges to their production and marketing methods every day.
For Us and by Us: The Charm and Power of Community Brands
Authors: Füller Johann
Published: November 2014

Online collaboration presents a real alternative to the company-centered innovation paradigm, and some users do more than just innovate, going the extra mile and actually creating brands themselves. The open-source movement, for instance, has produced a series of well-known brands such as Linux, Apache and Mozilla Firefox. The outdoor hiking community OutdoorSeiten.net serves as another example. Its members are dedicated to all types of outdoor sports and created their own gear to better fit their needs.
Often, community brands are not planned but evolve accidentally as byproducts of community interactions. Their value is seen not only within the community but throughout the whole industry. The ability to commonly design “ideal” products at lower expenses and without the threat of being exploited or overtaken by the next fashion wave enchants its users and fans alike.This phenomenon of engaged consumers producing their own brands places them in the same position as other producers, which is both a challenge and an opportunity for commercial companies.
Follow the Connections! Finding the Big Picture of Internet Communications
Authors: Maireder Axel
Published: November 2014

Many tools can be used to track down, store and comprehensively evaluate digital objects, things like how “buzz” develops and how “sentiments” are determined. This information can be used to develop a general evaluation of certain products or a schedule for releasing marketing material on these products. At the same time, the relevance of individual digital objects (e.g., tweets, blog posts and YouTube videos) and actors (e.g., individuals, media and organizations) frequently remains just as much of a mystery as the high-level networking and dynamics of the discussion do. It is the dynamics of these networks that most significantly contribute to the way that opinions are shaped on the Internet and determine whether videos go “viral” and discussions become “flame wars.” As part of the TANEP (Towards an Analytics of Networked Publics) project, the GfK Verein is funding research on methods that can bring these dynamics to visual life and, as a result, reflect the essence of the Internet as a network.The article demonstartes how information is gathered and what it can tell us.
Numerical Analysis of the Unsteady Propeller Performance in the Ship Wake Modified By Different Wake Improvement Devices
Authors: Bugalski Tomasz , Szantyr Jan A.
Published: November 2014

The paper presents the summary of results of the numerical analysis of the unsteady propeller performance in the non-uniform ship wake modified by the different wake improvement devices. This analysis is performed using the lifting surface program DUNCAN for unsteady propeller analysis. Te object of the analysis is a 7000 ton chemical tanker, for which four different types of the wake improvement devices have been designed: two vortex generators, a pre-swirl stator, and a boundary layer alignment device. These produced five different cases of the ship wake structure: the original hull and hull equipped alternatively with four wake improvement devices. Two different propellers were analyzed in these five wake fields, one being the original reference propeller P0 and the other - a specially designed, optimized propeller P3. Te analyzed parameters were the pictures of unsteady cavitation on propeller blades, harmonics of pressure pulses generated by the cavitating propellers in the selected points and the fluctuating bearing forces on the propeller shaft. Some of the calculated cavitation phenomena were confronted with the experimental. Te objective of the calculations was to demonstrate the differences in the calculated unsteady propeller performance resulting from the application of different wake improvement devices. Te analysis and discussion of the results, together with the appropriate conclusions, are included in the paper.
Fatigue Analysis of Deepwater Hybrid Mooring Line Under Corrosion Effect
Authors: Qiao Dongsheng , Yan Jun , Ou Jinping
Published: November 2014

In the deepwater exploitation of oil and gas, replacing the polyester rope by a wire in the chain-wire-chain mooring line is proved to be fairly economic, but this may provoke some corresponding problems. Te aim of this paper is to compare the fatigue damage of two mooring system types, taking into account corrosion effects. Using a semi-submersible platform as the research object, two types of mooring systems of the similar static restoring stiffness were employed. Te mooring lines had the chain-wire-chain and chain-polyester-chain structure, respectively. Firstly, the numerical simulation model between the semi-submersible platform and its mooring system was built. Te time series of mooring line tension generated by each short-term sea state of South China Sea S4 area were calculated. Secondly, the rain flow counting method was employed to obtain the fatigue load spectrum. Thirdly, the Miner linear cumulative law model was used to compare the fatigue damage of the two mooring system types in long-term sea state. Finally, the corrosion effects from zero to twenty years were considered, and the comparison between the fatigue damage of the two mooring system types was recalculated.
Systematyka Gleb Polski - Stan Aktualny i Dalszy Rozwój
Authors: Kabała Cezary
Published: November 2014

Streszczenie

Piąte wydanie Systematyki gleb Polski umacnia zasadę klasyfikacji gleb w oparciu o ilościowo zdefiniowane poziomy i właściwości diagnostyczne. Nowe kryteria klasyfikacji bazują na podziałach międzynarodowych, jednak jednoczesne stosowanie rozwiązań zaczerpniętych z FAO-WRB i US Soil Taxonomy albo niekonsekwentne stosowanie ustalonych definicji jest powodem wewnętrznej niespójności klasyfikacji. Dalsze doskonalenie systematyki gleb Polski powinno objąć: wybórjednego międzynarodowego systemu referencyjnego dla poziomów i właściwości diagnostycznych, ustalenie hierarchii priorytetów klasyfikacyjnych i klucza do klasyfikacji gleb, doprecyzowanie definicji unikalnych poziomów diagnostycznych, opracowanie uniwersalnych zasad wyróżniania podtypów oraz doprecyzowanie kryteriów ilościowych na styku j ednostek. Należy również podj ąć próbę zmniej -szenia liczby typów i podtypów gleb, co może ułatwić odbiór, zrozumienie oraz nauczanie systematyki.
The Annapurna Water Cooperation Consensus
Authors: Gautam Upendra
Published: November 2014

Not Available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v15i0.11382HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentVolume: 15, 32014, JulyPage: 90-92
CO2 doped γ-irradiated hydroxyapatite for EPR dosimetry
Authors: Ziaie Farhood
Published: November 2014

Synthetic nano-structure hydroxyapatite samples were doped by carbon in furnace via exposing to CO2 circulating gas in different time of 30, 120, and 360 min under 100°C and 400°C of temperatures. FTIR, TEM and XRD analyses results confirmed the doping of carbonate group to the hydroxyapatite structure. The samples were irradiated in absorbed doses of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 80 kGy using a 60Co γ-ray source and subjected to EPR measurement, subsequently. The EPR signal intensities were constructed as a function of radiation dose, were compared with the results of raw sample and were studied from dosimetric point of view. The obtained results show a considerable increment in EPR signal intensities of the samples which were treated at 400°C. At the doses less than 20 kGy the carbon doped samples show a better EPR respond. This is much better for doses below 5 kGy in comparison to the raw samples and the response is quite linear.
Analysis of the flow instability among channels of the OTSG in the naval craft NPP
Authors: Su-xia Hou , Ji-jun Luo , Jun Xu , Jie-yu Liu
Published: November 2014

The instability occurring of the OTSG (Once-Through Steam Generator) in naval craft nuclear power plants is presented by the multivariable frequency domain theory. As concerning coupling interactions of the OTSG tubing, it is more accurate for analyzing the instability of OTSG compared to the common single variable method. A mathematical model for the system is derived from the fundamental equations by using the perturbation, Laplace-transform and the nodalization techniques. The stable boundary and parameters which influence the stability of the system are evaluated through computer simulation.