Understanding the Theory of Karp, Miller and Winograd

The objective of this tutorial is to present the fundamental theory of Karp, Miller and Winograd, whose seminal paper laid the foundations regarding the systematic description of the organization of computations in systems of uniform recurrent equations by means of graph structures, via the definition of computability conditions and techniques for the construction of one-dimensional and multi-dimensional scheduling functions. Besides the description of this theory, the paper presents improvements and revisions made by other authors and furthermore, points out the differences regarding the conditions of causality and dependency between the general case of systems of recurrent equations and the special case of multiple nested loops.

Correction:Nonlinear dynamics in Divisia monetary aggregates:an application of recurrence quantification analysis

Following publication of the original article(Andreadis et al.2023),the authors reported that they mistakenly omitted the affiliations 1,2 and 3 for Ioannis Andreadis,Athanasios D.Fragkou and Theodoros E.Karakasidis.The correct affiliations for each author should read.

Nonlinear dynamics in Divisia monetary aggregates:an application of recurrence quantification analysis

We construct recurrence plots(RPs)and conduct recurrence quantification analysis(RQA)to investigate the dynamic properties of the new Center for Financial Stability(CFS)Divisia monetary aggregates for the United States.In this study,we use the lat-est vintage of Divisia aggregates,maintained within CFS.We use monthly data,from January 1967 to December 2020,which is a sample period that includes the extreme economic events of the 2007–2009 global financial crisis.We then make comparisons between narrow and broad Divisia money measures and find evidence of a nonlinear but reserved possible chaotic explanation of their origin.The application of RPs to broad Divisia monetary aggregates encompasses an additional drift structure around the global financial crisis in 2008.Applying the moving window RQA to the growth rates of narrow and broad Divisia monetary aggregates,we identify periods of changes in data-generating processes and associate such changes to monetary policy regimes and financial innovations that occurred during those times.

Role of autoantibodies in the clinical management of primary biliary cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by immune-driven destruction of small intrahepatic bile ducts leading a proportion of patients to hepatic failure over the years.Diagnosis at early stages in concert with ursodeoxycholic acid treatment has been linked with prevention of disease progression in the majority of cases.Diagnosis of PBC in a patient with cholestasis relies on the detection of disease-specific autoantibodies,including anti-mitochondrial antibodies,and disease-specific anti-nuclear antibodies targeting sp100 and gp210.These autoantibodies assist the diagnosis of the disease,and are amongst few autoantibodies the presence of which is included in the diagnostic criteria of the disease.They have also become important tools evaluating disease prognosis.Herein,we summarize existing data on detection of PBC-related autoantibodies and their clinical significance.Moreover,we provide insight on novel autoantibodies and their possible prognostic role in PBC patients.

Impact of parietal cell autoantibodies and non-organ-specific autoantibodies on the treatment outcome of patients with hepatitis C virus infection: A pilot study

AIM: Various side effects have been reported in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who were treated with interferon-alpha (IFN-α), including the appearance or exacerbation of underlying autoimmune diseases and the development of a variety of organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies (NOSA). However, very few studies in adults have been strictly designed to address: whether the prevalence and the titre of organ and NOSA in serial samples of HCV-treated patients were affected by IFN-α, and the impact of these autoantibodies on the treatment outcome of HCV patients.METHODS: We investigated whether parietal cell autoantibodies (PCA) and/or NOSA were related with treatment-outcome in 57 HCV-treated patients (19 sustainedresponders, 16 relapsers, 22 non-responders). Serum samples from patients were studied blindly at three timepoints (entry, end of treatment and end of followup). For the detection of autoantibodies we used indirect immunofluorescence, commercial and in-house ELISAs.RESULTS: Sustained biochemical response was associated with ANA-negativity at the entry or end of follow up. Sustained virological response was associated with the absence of PCA at the entry. Combined virological and biochemical sustained response (CVBSR) was associated with the absence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) at the end of follow up and PCA-negativity at the entry. Sustained virological and CVBSR were associated with a reduction of ANA and SMA titers during therapy.CONCLUSION: Although PCA and/or NOSA seropositivity should not affect the decision to treat HCV patients, the presence of some of them such as ANA, PCA and SMA before treatment or their increase during therapy with IFN- α may predict a worse response, indicating the need for a closer monitoring during treatment of HCV patients positive for these autoantibodies.

Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: A prospective non randomized study

AIM: To study the timing of laparoscopic cholecy- stectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis.METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2005, all American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (ASA)—RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis during the index admission. Thirty six were assigned to group 1, 58 to group 2, and 35 to group 3. The conversion rate and morbidity for the whole cohort of patients were 4.6% and 10.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the conversion rate, morbidity and postoperative hospital stay between the three groups.CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis during the index admission is safe, regardless of the time elapsed from the onset of symptoms. This policy can result in an overall shorter hospitalization.

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein: A novel non-invasive marker for assessing cirrhosis and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To assess serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP) as a marker of cirrhosis and risk of progression to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS: A COMP enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay was used to test 187 patients with chronic liver diseases at the time point of first evaluation. The selected patients included 72 with chronic hepatitis B infection, 75 with chronic hepatitis C infection, 22 with primary biliary cirrhosis, 7 with autoimmune hepatitis type 1, and 11 with alcoholic liver disease. Demographic, biochemical, histological and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded at the first evaluation. One hundred and forty-seven patients were followed for a median [interquartile range(IQR)] duration of 96.5(102) mo. The clinical, biochemical and histological data, as well as the development of cirrhosis, HCC according to internationally accepted criteria and in case of death, a liver-related cause during the follow-up period, were recorded at the electronic database of our clinic. COMP determination was also performed in 43 healthy individuals who served as the control study group.RESULTS: COMP positivity(> 15 U/L) was detected in 22%-36% among chronic liver disease groups. Strikingly, almost 83% of COMP-positive patients were cirrhotic at baseline, independently of cause of liver disease. Among the patients who developed HCC during follow-up, 73.7%(14/19) were COMP positive at baseline. COMP positivity was significantly associated with older age(P < 0.001), advanced fibrosis(P = 0.001) and necroinflammatory activity(P = 0.001), higher aspartate aminotransferase(P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase(P < 0.02), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(P = 0.003), alkaline phosphatase(P = 0.001), bilirubin(P < 0.05), international normalized ratio(P = 0.002) and alpha-fetoprotein levels(P < 0.02), and lower albumin(P < 0.001), and platelet count(P = 0.008). COMP levels [median(IQR)] were significantly higher in cirrhotics compared to non-cirrhotics [13.8(7.9) U/L vs 9.8(4.6) U/L, respectively; P < 0.001]. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, COMP-positivity was independently associated only with cirrhosis(OR = 4.40, 95%CI: 1.33-14.69, P = 0.015). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that COMP positivity was significantly associated with HCC development(P = 0.007) and higher incidence of liver-related death(P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Elevated COMP levels are strongly associated with cirrhosis and HCC progression. Serum COMP is a new promising non-invasive biomarker for HCC risk assessment in surveillance programs.

A case of splenic abscess after radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency 脱离(RFA ) 是首先为 unresectable 肝肿瘤的矫形疗法使用的一种创新技术。它不管多么的治疗学的指示，被扩展了并且现在包括许多其他的机关和疾病。有关于在怒气的 RFA 的使用的技术细节和复杂并发症的数据的少量。我们为脾的棘球蚴病用射频脱离报导部分脾切除术的一个案例，由脓肿形成复杂。

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of multi-base seismically isolated structures with uplift potentialⅡ:verification examples

当分析模型的数字确认在同伴纸发展了因为多底的非线性的动态分析地震地孤立结构，在这份报纸介绍的工作服务。到这个目的，二个数字例子用合并到节目 3D-BASIS-ME-MB 的计算算法被分析了，根据最新提出的分析模型发展了。第一个例子使在公牛在大学在地震模拟器上被测试并且也为节目 SAP2000 被用作一个确认例子的七故事的模型结构担心。第二个例子与一个段层式的地震隔离的系统使二塔的、有多层楼的结构担心。为确认的目的， 3D-BASIS-ME-MB 生产的关键结果与从另外的结构 / 有限的元素程序获得的试验性的结果，或结果相比。在两个例子，分析结构在适用的条件下面激动高举，因此产出对验证发达分析工具的能力的许多兴趣的一个盒子。关键词地震隔离 - 非线性的动态分析 - 高举 - 确认 - 多重上层建筑 /

Review of state-of-the-art decision support systems (DSSs) for prevention and suppression of forest fires

Forest ecosystems are our priceless natural resource and are a key component of the global carbon budget. Forest fires can be a hazard to the viability and sustainable management of forests with consequences for natural and cultural environments, economies, and the life quality of local and regional populations. Thus, the selection of strategies to manage forest fires, while considering both functional and economic efficiency, is of primary importance. The use of decision support systems(DSSs) by managers of forest fires has rapidly increased. This has strengthened capacity to prevent and suppress forest fires while protecting human lives and property. DSSs are a tool that can benefit incident management and decision making and policy, especially for emergencies such as natural disasters. In this study we reviewed state-of-the-art DSSs that use: database management systems and mathematical/economic algorithms for spatial optimization of firefighting forces; forest fire simulators and satellite technology for immediate detection and prediction of evolution of forest fires; GIS platforms that incorporate several tools to manipulate, process and analyze geographic data and develop strategic and operational plans.

Hemobilia as the initial manifestation of cholangiocarcinoma in a hemophilia B patient

Hemobilia is a rare manifestation of hemophilia and is usually iatrogenic following liver biopsy. There are only few reports of spontaneous hemobilia in hemophilia patients. Cholangiocarcinoma is a well-established cause of hemobilia. We describe a case of a 70-year-old male, with known haemophilia B and a past history of papillotomy, who presented with classical symptoms of hemobilia. The initial diagnostic work-up failed to demonstrate a potential cause of bleeding other than the coagulopathy. Three months later, he was readmitted to our hospital with a second episode of hemobilia. During the second work-up, a cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed both by imaging studies and by a significant elevation of cancer antigen 19-9. Although hemobilia could be attributed to hemophilia, especially in a patient with previous papillotomy, an underlying malignancy of the biliary tree should be suspected.

Primary biliary cirrhosis-specific autoantibodies in first degree relatives of Greek primary biliary cirrhosis patients

AIM:To determine the prevalence and significance of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-specific autoantibodies in firstdegree relatives (FDRs) of Greek PBC patients. METHODS:The presence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) and PBCspecific antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were determined using indirect immunofluores-cence assays, dot-blot assays, and molecularly based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 101 asymp-tomatic for liver-related symptoms FDRs of 44 PBCpatients. In order to specify our results, the same investigation was performed in 40 healthy controls and in a disease control group consisting of 40 asymptomatic for liver-related symptoms FDRs of patients with other autoimmune liver diseases namely, autoimmune hepati-tis-1 or primary sclerosing cholangitis (AIH-1/PSC). RESULTS: AMA positivity was observed in 19 (only 4 with abnormal liver function tests) FDRs of PBC patients and none of the healthy controls. The preva-lence of AMA was significantly higher in FDRs of PBC patients than in AIH-1/PSC FDRs and healthy controls [18.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI):12%-28.1% vs 2.5%, 95% CI:0.1%-14.7%, P = 0.01; 18.8%, 95% CI:12%-28.1% vs 0%, 95% CI: 0%-10.9%, P = 0.003, respectively]. PBC-specific ANA positivity was observed in only one FDR from a PSC patient. Multivariate analysis showed that having a proband with PBC independently associated with AMA positivity (odds ratio: 11.24, 95% CI:1.27-25.34, P = 0.03) whereas among the investigated comorbidities and risk factors, a positive past history for urinary tract infections (UTI) was also independently associated with AMA detection in FDRs of PBC patients (odds ratio:3.92, 95% CI:1.25-12.35,P = 0.02). CONCLUSION:In FDRs of Greek PBC patients, AMA prevalence is significantly increased and independently associated with past UTI. PBC-specific ANA were not detected in anyone of PBC FDRs.

Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection in haemodialysis patients from central Greece

AIM:To assess the hepatitis B virus(HBV)-DNA and the prevalence of occult HBV infection in end-stage renal failure(ESRF)patients from Central Greece. METHODS:Sera from 366 ESRF patients attending five out of six dialysis units from Central Greece were investigated for HBV-DNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Only serum samples with repeatedly detectable HBV-DNA were considered positive.IgG antibodies to hepatitis C virus(anti-HCV)were tested by a third generation enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),while IgG antibodies to hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV)were tested by two commercially available ELISAs.RESULTS:HBV-DNA was detected in 15/366 patient (4.1%)and HBsAg in 20/366(5.5%).The prevalenc of occult HBV infection was 0.9%(3/346 HBsAg negative patients).Occult HBV was not associate with a specific marker of HBV infection or anti-HCV o anti-HEV reactivity.There was no significant differenc in HBV-DNA titres,demographic and biochemica features,between patients with occult HBV infectio and those with HBsAg-positive chronic HBV infection. CONCLUSION:In central Greece,4%of ESRF patient had detectable HBV-DNA,though in this setting,th prevalence of occult HBV seems to be very low(0.9%).

Reversion of severe hepatopulmonary syndrome in a non cirrhotic patient after corticosteroid treatment for granulomatous hepatitis:A case report and review of the literature

肝肺症候群(HPS ) 包括肺内的脉管的膨胀的肝疾病，反常肺的煤气的交换和证据被定义为一个临床的三个一组。我们报导在最后年与疲劳，长持续的发烧，体重减轻，门静脉高血压的符号，肝脾大，胆汁郁积和进步 dyspnoea 介绍的 61 岁的男性。临床，实验室和组织检查所见证实了肉芽肿肝炎的诊断。由于肝的导致 granuloma 的门静脉高血压的 HPS 被证明是由提高对比的回响心动描记法证实了的病人的严重血氧不足的原因。在皮质甾治疗以后的 HPS 的回复被新提高对比的回响心动描记法与胆汁郁积的酶的正规化和病人的条件的改进一起证实。这是在有肝的肉芽肿的一个非肝脏硬化症的病人的 HPS 的完全的回复的第一个案例，显示在肝疾病的那肺内分流是功能的现象， HPS 能甚至在象在这种情况中的其他的肝参与被开发。

Determination of fire risk to assist fire management for insular areas: the case of a small Greek island

Forest fire risk estimation constitutes an essential process to prevent high-intensity fires which are associated with severe implications to the natural and cultural environment. The primary aim of this research was to determine fire risk levels based on the local features of an island,namely, the impact of fuel structures, slope, aspects, as well as the impact of the road network and inhabited regions. The contribution of all the involved factors to forest fires ignition and behavior highlight certain regions which are highly vulnerable. In addition, the influence of both natural and anthropogenic factors to forest fire phenomena is explored. In this study, natural factors play a dominant role compared to anthropogenic factors. Hence essential preventative measures must focus on specific areas and established immediately. Indicative measures may include: the optimal allocation of watchtowers as well as the spatial optimization of mobile firefighting vehicles;and, forest fuel treatments in areas characterized by extremely high fire risk. The added value of this fire prediction tool is that it is highly flexible and could be adopted elsewhere with the necessary adjustments to local characteristics.

Typology of Motivation and Aggression on the Basis of Social Network Variables: Examples of Complementary and Nested Behavioral Types through Conventional Statistics

Goal of this research is to suggest a typology of verbal aggressiveness, argumentativeness and motivational climate influence, pointing out examples of complementary types (namely containing no identical components) and nested types (containing identical components). Complete network analysis was conducted in a student class at the Dept. of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Thessaly (N = 66). Standardized questionnaires were used. Network analysis and Principal Component Analysis were implemented using Visone software and SPSS, respectively. Main results were: in the typology of targeting, parameters of motivation climate, verbal aggressiveness and argumentativeness were combined in several types (“affable ambitious”, “isolated victim”, “isolated ambitious”, “lightly victimized” and “severely victimized”) which were partially complementary and partially nested into each other. These depict student profiles vary from quite socialized and invulnerable to only isolated and victimized. They also reveal the significance of seeking knowledge acquirement vs. performance. The typology of general involvement (in- and out-degree) contains types tending to be rather nested into each other than complementary which varies from quite integrative to purely deconstructive appearance. This typology depicts the connection of motivation climate (and the subsequently induced familiarity) with verbal aggressiveness without diminishing susceptibility to argumentation. The fact that the typology of targeting is composed of several complementary types while in the typology of general involvement mainly of nested ones, can be attributed to the structural clarity of the former ones (a typology focusing

Individualization of chronic hepatitis C treatment according to the host characteristics

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection is a global health problem that affects more than 170 million people worldwide.It is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma,making the virus the most common cause of liver failure and transplantation.The standardof-care treatment for chronic hepatitis C(CHC)has been changed during the last decade and direct acting antiviral drugs have already been used.Besides,understanding of the pathogenesis of CHC has evolved rapidly during the last years and now several host factors are known to affect the natural history and response to treatment.Recent genome-wide association studies have shown the important role of interleukin-28B and inosine triphosphatase in HCV infection.The present review article attempts to summarize the current knowledge on the role of host factors towards individualization of HCV treatment.

An Exploration of the Relation between Hunting and Aggressiveness: Using Inmates Networks at Prison Secondary School as an Illustration

Aim of this research is to explore the relation of hunting with aggressiveness. For this purpose, two samples of prison inmates (who were students of the prison secondary school) were collected (class A = 23, class B = 12). The network indicators for superficial, idiosyncratic and strategic behavior (particularly, aggressiveness), applied in Bekiari and Hasanagas (2016), which were based on the primary network variables (outdegree, indegree, Katz status, pagerank, authority) were used. Non-network variables were also used for the criminal profile of the inmates. The data were sampled with questionnaire. Spearman test was conducted for detecting correlation between aggressiveness and hunting and Principal Component Analysis was used for formulating a typology. The following results were produced: The criminal profile seems hardly to be related with hunting experience or attitude. The relation of hunting experience and attitude with the superficial, idiosyncratic and strategic aggressiveness was examined. These three occasions of aggressiveness are expected to describe the incidental reaction, impulsive and adaptive reaction, respectively. The hunting is quite irrelevant to the incidental reaction. The impulsiveness seems to be more strongly correlated with hunting. In case of adaptiveness, there are many similarities with impulsiveness. The typology which is based on the existence (or not) of hunting experience seems to be more insightful, as it reveals a gradual involvement of aggressiveness dimensions, from incidentality to impulsiveness and further to adaptiveness. The following behavioral patterns of gradually enhanced aggressiveness appear: incidentally just provoking, impulsively being aggressive but without harming, and adaptively being aggressive and harming.

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of multi-base seismically isolated structures with uplift potential Ⅰ:formulation

现代地震联盟者的复杂性孤立结构在它捕获象隔离乾那样的潜在的不连续的现象的全部和能力要求结构的系统和隔离系统的分析高举并且他们上层建筑和隔离硬件上的效果。在这篇论文，一个分析模型被开发，一个计算算法被提出分析复杂地震联盟者甚至当经历高度非线性的现象例如时，孤立上层建筑高举。计算模型有与强壮的非线性为隔离设备的各种各样的类型建模的能力，分析多重底(多达五个底) 上的多重上层建筑(多达五座分开的上层建筑) ，并且捕获忍受轴的力量上的侧面的负担的效果，包括适用高举。此处开发的模型被利用了形成软件平台 3D-BASIS-ME-MB，它与现代隔离系统为复杂结构的分析和设计向练习工程社区提供一个万用的工具。

Examining Relations of Aggressive Communication in Social Networks

Aim of this research is the detection of aggressive communication parameters and typology. A network sample of 62 students (male = 32, female = 30) and 4 instructors (male = 2, female = 2) at the physical education and sport sciences dept. at the University of Thessaly has been collected in 2016. A standardized questionnaire consisting of network and non-network part was used. Social network analysis (algebraic analysis) combined with conventional statistics has been used. Basic results are the following ones: Persons dedicated to sport appear to target others and be targeted. Dedication to study content is proved to play a role of a refuge against criticism. High grade and ambition seem to protect against negative comments. Physical qualification (tallness) seems also to discourage rudeness. Spatial-regional discrimination is also revealed. Mockery seems to be even a cause of absence from the courses. A superiority-induced aggressiveness (on economic basis) has been detected. Threat may be regarded as a behavioral extension of mockery (or inversely). In the course of study time, more aggressive persons emerge who even threat others. High grade students are unattractive for arguing. Internet seems to develop communication stimuli. The tendency for professional distinction is connected with arguing. Younger students show an integration deficit in terms of argumentation. Communicational types (three profiles of targets: “depreciated assaulted”, “attractive”, “repellent”, and two profiles of general involvement: “lively”, “controversial”) have emerged. A typology of targets is depicting a sharper fragmentation than a typology of general involvement (targeted and acting).