bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Political Science in Great Britain and Germany: The Roles of LSE (The London School of Economics) and DHfP (The German Political Studies Institute)
Authors: Eisfeld Rainer 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the Deutsche Hochschule für Politik (DHfP, German Political Studies Institute) in Berlin both emerged extramurally. LSE was founded in 1895 by Fabian socialists Sidney and Beatrice Webb; DHfP was established in 1920 by liberal-national publicists Ernst Jäckh and Theodor Heuss. However, superficial resemblances ended there, as shown in the paper’s first part. The founders’ aims differed markedly; incorporation into London and Berlin universities occurred at different times and in different ways.
The chair of political science set up at LSE in 1914 was held, until 1950, by two reform-minded Fabians, Graham Wallas and Harold Laski. DHfP, which did not win academic recognition during the 1920s, split into nationalist, “functionalist”, and democratic “schools”. Against this backdrop, the paper’s second part discusses Harold Laski’s magnum opus (1925) A Grammar of Politics as an attempt at offering a vision of the “good society”, and Theodor Heuss’ 1932 study Hitler’s Course as an example of the divided Hochschule’s inability to provide adequate analytical assessments of the Nazi movement and of the gradual infringement, by established elites, of the Weimar constitution. Laski’s work and intellectual legacy reinforced the tendency towards the predominance, in British political science, of normative political theory. West German political science, initially pursued “from a Weimar perspective”, was also conceived as a highly normative enterprise emphasising classical political theory, the institutions and processes of representative government, and the problematic ideological and institutional predispositions peculiar to German political history. Against this background, the paper’s third part looks, on the one hand, at the contribution to “New Left” thinking (1961 ff.) by Ralph Miliband, who studied under Laski and taught at LSE until 1972, and at Paul Hirst’s 1990s theory of associative democracy, which builds on Laski’s pluralism. On the other hand, the paper considers Karl Dietrich Bracher’s seminal work The Failure of the Weimar Republic (1955) and Ernst Fraenkel’s 1964 collection Germany and the Western Democracies, which originated, respectively, from the (Research) Institute for Political Science – added to Berlin’s Free University in 1950 – and DHfP, re-launched in the same year.
In a brief concluding fourth part, the paper touches on the reception, both in Great Britain and West Germany, of the approaches of “modern” American political science since the mid-1960s.
Surface modification in inorganic filler of mixed matrix membrane for enhancing the gas separation performance
Authors: Ahmad Nor Naimah Rosyadah , Mukhtar Hilmi , Mohshim Dzeti Farhah , Nasir Rizwan , Man Zakaria 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The development of mixed matrix membrane (MMM) in gas separation process has drawn great attention due to its promising properties. MMM consists of a polymer as the matrix phase, whereas the inorganic filler serves as the dispersed phase. However, poor contact between these two phases often results in unselective gas flow and becomes one of the major issues in the MMM development. Currently, various modification techniques of the inorganic filler to improve the compatibility between the polymers and the particles have been reported. Because of this modification, the CO2 separation from natural gas is expected to enhance. This review provides a better understanding about the modification of inorganic filler. Mechanisms and factors affecting the modification of filler such as the effect of solvent polarity, the effect of water content in solvent, and the effect of drying condition are discussed. The details of the current progress in the MMM involving the silane-modified fillers are also summarized.
Acute community-acquired meningoencephalitis with Morganella morganii – a case report / Meningoencefalită acută comunitară cu Morganella morganii – prezentare de caz
Authors: Tilea Brindusa , Szekely Edit , Teches Simona , Tilea Ioan 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Morganella morganii (M. morganii) is a Gram-negative aerobic and facultative anaerobic rod, belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. This pathogen is uncommon in community-acquired infections, most often being found in postoperative nosocomial and urinary tract infections. Infection of the central nervous system with this pathogen is rare. We present the case of a 66-year-old patient who underwent colon cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, had left iliac anus, type 2 diabetes and developed acute meningoencephalitis caused by M. morganii. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed increased number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, modified biochemistry and AmpC beta-lactamase producing M. morganii strain. After initiation of antibiotic treatment, initially with empirical therapy represented by meropenem and vancomycin, afterwards adjusted to meropenem and ciprofloxacin, according to the stain’s susceptibility to antimicrobials the patient’s evolution was favourable, in spite of the existence of two immune suppressing conditions.
Diagnostic accuracy of three biomarkers in identifying serious bacterial infections in children younger than 36 months with fever without source / Acurateţea diagnostică a trei biomarkeri în identificarea infecţiilor bacteriene severe la copiii cu vârsta sub 36 luni cu febră fără focar
Authors: Moldovan Diana Aniela , Baghiu Maria Despina , Balas Alina , Fabian-Frast Emese Rozalia , Boeriu Cristian 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of C-reactive protein, Procalcitonin and Interleukine-6 in identifying serious bacterial infections (SBI) in children with fever without source.
Methods: 139 children, aged 7 days to 36 months, addressing the Emergency Department from a Romanian university hospital, were prospectively enrolled during 2013. C-reactive protein, Procalcitonin and Interleukin-6 were determined for every patient. SBI diagnosis was based on cultures results and chest radiographs.
Results: 31 patients (22.3%) had SBI. C-reactive protein [AUC: 0.87 (95%CI: 0.81-0.92)] and Procalcitonin [AUC: 0.83 (95%CI: 0.76-0.89)] proved strong prediction value for SBI and performed better than Interleukin-6 [AUC: 0.77 (95%CI: 0.69-0.84)]. For the group of children with the duration of fever less than 8 hours, Interleukin- 6 was the best predictor [AUC: 0.88 (0.76-0.95)].
Conclusions: Both C-reactive protein and Procalcitonin are strong and similar predictors for SBI, and Interleukin- 6 might be a better SBI screening tool for children with shorter duration of fever.
Low Serum Paraoxonase-1 Lactonase and Arylesterase Activities in Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Sandor Raluca , Leucuta Daniel , Dronca Eleonora , Niculae Alexandru , Cret Victoria , Silaghi Ciprian , Suciu Soimita 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) binds mainly to high density lipoproteins (HDLs) and protects low density lipoproteins (LDLs) against oxidation. While paraoxonase and arylesterase activities are traditionally assayed, lactonase activity, accounting for protection against LDL oxidation, was less investigated in obese children and adolescents. Therefore, we aimed to measure lactonase, paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in obese children and adolescents.
Study population included 68 children (35 obese and 33 normal-weight). Arylesterase and paraoxonase activities were assayed spectrophotometrically. Lactonase activity, ox-LDL and MDA levels were measured using a pH-sensitive colorimetric assay, an ELISA technique and a fluorimetric method, respectively. The lipid profile was assessed by common methods.
Lactonase and arylesterase activities were decreased in the presence of obesity. MDA, but not ox-LDL levels, showed significant differences between groups. Multiple regression analysis identified a reciprocal relationship and a possible association between lactonase and arylesterase activities and obesity.
Uric Acid, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Chronic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Iliesiu Adriana , Campeanu Alexandru , Marta Daciana , Parvu Irina , Gheorghe Gabriela 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Background. Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are major mechanisms involved in the progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). Serum uric acid (sUA) is related to CHF severity and could represent a marker of xanthine-oxidase activation. The relationship between sUA, oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation markers was assessed in patients with moderate-severe CHF and reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF).

Methods. In 57 patients with stable CHF, functional NYHA class III, with EF<40%, the LV function was assessed by N-terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and echocardiographically through the EF and E/e’ ratio, a marker of LV filling pressures. The relationship between LV function, sUA, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), paraoxonase 1 (PON-1) as OS markers and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) as markers of systemic inflammation was evaluated.

Results. The mean sUA level was 7.9 ± 2.2 mg/dl, and 61% of the CHF patients had hyperuricemia. CHF patients with elevated LV filling pressures (E/e’ ≥ 13) had higher sUA (8.6 ± 2.3 vs. 7.3 ± 1.4, p=0.08) and NT-proBNP levels (643±430 vs. 2531±709, p=0.003) and lower EF (29.8 ± 3.9 % vs. 36.3 ± 4.4 %, p=0.001). There was a significant correlation between sUA and IL-6 (r = 0.56, p<0.001), MDA (r= 0.49, p= 0.001), MPO (r=0.34, p=0.001) and PON-1 levels (r= −0.39, p= 0.003).

Conclusion. In CHF, hyperuricemia is associated with disease severity. High sUA levels in CHF with normal renal function may reflect increased xanthine-oxidase activity linked with chronic inflammatory response.
Using persistent homology and dynamical distances to analyze protein binding
Authors: Kovacev-Nikolic Violeta , Bubenik Peter , Nikolić Dragan , Heo Giseon 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPersistent homology captures the evolution of topological features of a model as a parameter changes. The most commonly used summary statistics of persistent homology are the barcode and the persistence diagram. Another summary statistic, the persistence landscape, was recently introduced by Bubenik. It is a functional summary, so it is easy to calculate sample means and variances, and it is straightforward to construct various test statistics. Implementing a permutation test we detect conformational changes between closed and open forms of the maltose-binding protein, a large biomolecule consisting of 370 amino acid residues. Furthermore, persistence landscapes can be applied to machine learning methods. A hyperplane from a support vector machine shows the clear separation between the closed and open proteins conformations. Moreover, because our approach captures dynamical properties of the protein our results may help in identifying residues susceptible to ligand binding; we show that the majority of active site residues and allosteric pathway residues are located in the vicinity of the most persistent loop in the corresponding filtered Vietoris-Rips complex. This finding was not observed in the classical anisotropic network model.
An exploration of the semantic domain of legal language
Authors: Hu Pi-Chan , Li Jian 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWhenever necessary, legal professionals expand or restrict the semantic domain of legal terms to justify their reasoning or ruling. The semantic domain expands or contracts in size depending on the different approaches towards interpretations adopted by legal professionals. This research illustrates the interpretations of judges and prosecutors of legal terms with empirical cases and court opinions. In the field of Criminal Law, the semantic domain often leads to the domain of criminal culpability and punishment. The shift in the semantic domain of legal terms matters a great deal to all of the stakeholders in a case. When the domain grows too broad, it will criminalize citizens beyond the intention of the Legislature. When the domain shrinks too much, the victims will not receive justice. Therefore, legal professionals have to be exceedingly modest and cautious when playing their roles as law interpreters.
Optical Response of Mixed Molybdenum Dichalcogenides for Solar Cell Applications Using the Modified Becke–Johnson Potential
Authors: Ahuja Ushma , Joshi Ritu , Kothari D.C. , Tiwari Harpal , Venugopalan K. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Energy bands and density of states (DOS) of mixed molybdenum dichalcogenides like MoS2, MoSeS, MoSe2, MoTe2, MoTeS, and MoTe0.5S1.5 are reported for the first time using the Tran–Blaha modified Becke–Johnson potential within full potential-linearised augmented plane wave technique. From the partial DOS, a strong hybridisation between the Mo-d and chalcogen-p states is observed below the Fermi energy E
F. In addition, the dielectric constants, absorption coefficients, and refractivity spectra of these compounds have also been deduced. The integrated absorption coefficients derived from the frequency-dependent absorption spectra within the energy range of 0–4.5 eV show a possibility of using molybdenum dichalcogenides, particularly MoTe0.5S1.5, in solar cell applications. Birefringence and degree of anisotropy are also discussed using the data on refractivity and imaginary components of the dielectric constant.
Marketing Islam Through Zakat Institutions in Indonesia
Authors: Jahar Asep Saepudin 
Published: January 2016

This essay examines the transformation of charity administration operated by zakat agencies in Indonesia with special reference to Dompet Dhu’afa. This study offers an approach of marketing Islam in elaborating on zakat organizations that exercise community development through economic, social and humanitarian aid for disadvantaged people. The practice of zakat administration is basically designed to develop community-based programs among the poor and not struggle for Islamization or the politicization of Islam. Marketing zakat agencies does not attempt to commercialize religion; rather it is committed to the objective advancement about the effectiveness of religious teachings in Muslim communities. Marketing zakat to the public tries to demonstrate its role as the vanguard of social justice especially for the benefit of the destitute and needy. The proliferation of state-sponsored zakat agencies (BAZNAS) vis-à-vis community-based zakat organization (LAZ) is not a case of state-initiated Islamization. It is rather an attempt at regulating public affairs, including zakat funds, within the state administration.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i3.2353
Al-Qiyam al-Thaqāfīyah wa Ṭābi‘ al-Sha‘b li Jayl al-Muslimīn al-Shubbān al-Indūnīsīyīn
Authors: Hasanah Aan 
Published: January 2016

Cases of negative social behavior among students happen not only in public schools but also in madrasah. Actually, madrasah should be the right place for implanting character values because they teach religious education over more hours, and does so more comprehensively than public schools. However, the fact is the process has not run effectively due to how religious education is taught merely as a knowledge. Besides, madrasah conntinue to face internal and external problems. To deal with these problems, a model of implanting cultural values and national characters using a comprehensive approach based on Lickona’s theory is one of the solutions to developing positive characters values within madrasah. The theory recommends the adoption of an comprehensive implementation strategy inside and outside of the classroom, with it done in an integrated manner. This kind of implementation requires all parties—madrasah, parents, government and society—to be involved consistently in developing character values.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v22i3.2356
Decreasing Duration of Antibiotic Prescribing for Uncomplicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Authors: Schuler Christine L. , Courter Joshua D. , Conneely Shannon E. , Frost Meredith A. , Sherenian Michael G. , Shah Samir S. , Gosdin Craig H. 
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Short courses of antibiotics are often indicated for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections (uSSTIs). Our objective was to decrease duration of antibiotics prescribed in children hospitalized for uSSTIs by using quality improvement (QI) methods.

METHODS:
QI methods were used to decrease duration of antibiotics prescribed upon hospital discharge for uSSTIs. We sought to accomplish this goal by increasing outpatient prescriptions for short courses of therapy (≤7 days). Key drivers included awareness of evidence among physicians, changing the culture of prescribing, buy-in from prescribers, and monitoring of prescribing. Physician education, modification of antibiotic order sets for discharge prescriptions, and continual identification and mitigation of therapy plans, were key interventions implemented by using plan-do-study-act cycles. A run chart assessed the impact of the interventions over time.

RESULTS:
We identified 641 index admissions for uSSTIs over a 23-month period for patients aged &gt;90 days to 18 years. The proportion of children discharged with short courses of antibiotics increased from a baseline median of 23% to 74%, which was sustained for 6 months. Differences in the proportion of children admitted for treatment failure or recurrence before and after project initiation were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS:
Using QI methodology, we decreased duration of antibiotics prescribed in children hospitalized for uSSTIs by increasing prescriptions for short courses of antibiotics. Modification of electronic order sets for discharge prescriptions allowed for sustained improvement in prescribing practices. Our findings support the use of shorter outpatient antibiotic courses in most children with uSSTIs, and suggest criteria for complicated SSTIs.
Efficacy and Safety of Sirolimus in the Treatment of Complicated Vascular Anomalies
Authors: Adams Denise M. , Trenor Cameron C. , Hammill Adrienne M. , Vinks Alexander A. , Patel Manish N. , Chaudry Gulraiz , Wentzel Mary Sue , Mobberley-Schuman Paula S. , Campbell Lisa M. , Brookbank Christine , Gupta Anita , Chute Carol , Eile Jennifer , McKenna Jesse , Merrow Arnold C. , Fei Lin , Hornung Lindsey , Seid Michael , Dasgupta A. Roshni , Dickie Belinda H. , Elluru Ravindhra G. , Lucky Anne W. , Weiss Brian , Azizkhan Richard G. 
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Complicated vascular anomalies have limited therapeutic options and cause significant morbidity and mortality. This Phase II trial enrolled patients with complicated vascular anomalies to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment with sirolimus for 12 courses; each course was defined as 28 days.

METHODS:
Treatment consisted of a continuous dosing schedule of oral sirolimus starting at 0.8 mg/m2 per dose twice daily, with pharmacokinetic-guided target serum trough levels of 10 to 15 ng/mL. The primary outcomes were responsiveness to sirolimus by the end of course 6 (evaluated according to functional impairment score, quality of life, and radiologic assessment) and the incidence of toxicities and/or infection-related deaths.

RESULTS:
Sixty-one patients were enrolled; 57 patients were evaluable for efficacy at the end of course 6, and 53 were evaluable at the end of course 12. No patient had a complete response at the end of course 6 or 12 as anticipated. At the end of course 6, a total of 47 patients had a partial response, 3 patients had stable disease, and 7 patients had progressive disease. Two patients were taken off of study medicine secondary to persistent adverse effects. Grade 3 and higher toxicities attributable to sirolimus included blood/bone marrow toxicity in 27% of patients, gastrointestinal toxicity in 3%, and metabolic/laboratory toxicity in 3%. No toxicity-related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSIONS:
Sirolimus was efficacious and well tolerated in these study patients with complicated vascular anomalies. Clinical activity was reported in the majority of the disorders.
Domestic and External Demand Shocks in Ukraine
Authors: Kopych Roman , Bardyn Iryna 
Published: January 2016

Persistent budget deficits and extremely high interest rates (while inflation remains relatively low) have been a distinct feature of the 2010–2013 period in Ukraine. By using a statistical technique of the vector autoregressive − vector error correction (VAR/VEC) model, it is established that: a) the budget deficit is a factor behind the exchange rate depreciation and an increase in the interest rate, with a very strong contractionary effect on output; b) a higher interest rate contributes to worsening of the budget balance and a significant decrease in output (both are standard macroeconomic relationships); c) nominal exchange rate depreciation permanently widens the budget deficit, combined with a temporary increase in the interest rate and short-lived output contraction. It is worth noting that upward interest rate pressure is the only statistically significant effect of a positive output shock. According to the variance decomposition, the budget balance determines up to 50% and the interest rate upwards of 40% of changes in the output, respectively. It is confirmed that an increase in output is of marginal importance for the budget balance. On the whole, our findings argue in favour of fiscal discipline in Ukraine as a stabilisation policy tool.
The Technology of Didactic Materials Designing in the Process of Managing of Students Independent Work in Reliance on their Individual-typological Peculiarities
Authors: Belokoz Elena 
Published: January 2016

Contemporary society need specialists who can independently refill their knowledge, be mobile and open to innovations. That is why there is a need to strategically put to the first place such process of teaching in the higher educational institutions in which management of independent students work would promote development of socially-valuable specialist, provide development of his individuality. In order to solve presented tasks, we offer the technology of projecting didactic materials in the process of managing independent work. That work suggests diagnosis of individual-typological features of students and development of students typology; correlation of contents and structure of individual work with individual-typological features of students, balance of tasks of different complexity level. In the core of the technology is projecting and realization of phased technique of managing independent students work based on identified individual types.
Research goal – to theoretically justify technology of projecting didactic materials in the process of managing independent work that is based on the individual-typological features of the students.
Research methods: theoretic-methodological analysis of the scientific psychological pedagogical literature on the research problem, analysis of the results of analysis individual typological features of the student, modeling.