bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When bad things happen our brains change but psychotherapy and support can help the recovery of our brains and our lives
Authors: Holttum Sue
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This paper summarises two 2014 research papers. The purpose of this paper is to suggest how the treatment of “schizophrenia” and other serious mental distress might realistically benefit both from new research evidence and recommendations for values-based practice that supports personally meaningful recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

– First the author discusses a paper that reviews recent research on how people may come to have experiences labelled as psychosis. It looks at what happens to our brains and bodies when we experience severe stress and adversity, especially in childhood. Then the author discusses a paper that updates the international and values-driven consensus on how mental health services can support personal recovery, that is, recovery uniquely meaningful to each person and incorporating social inclusion.

Findings

– The first paper summarises how a very adverse childhood can lead to experiences labelled as psychotic because of how the brain and body copes with stress. This and another paper suggest talking therapies may allow these changes to reverse. The paper on recommendations for practice illustrates the international consensus and wealth of guidance available to support values-based recovery-focused practice. Both allow the possibility that refusing antipsychotics may be a sensible decision.

Originality/value

– The review of evidence on adversity, the brain and psychosis is the first summary of new research in this area since 2001. The paper on recovery-focused practice brings together a wealth of relevant material and recommendations for psychiatry.
Establishing a recovery college in a Scottish University
Authors: McCaig Marie , McNay Lisa , Marland Glenn , Bradstreet Simon , Campbell Jim
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the establishment of the Dumfries and Galloway Wellness and Recovery College (The College) within the University of the West of Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

– A narrative approach is taken to outline the project and justify its philosophy.

Findings

– Progress so far is outlined and the vision for the future is explained.

Social implications

– It is believed that stigma and discrimination are pernicious and pervasive and a concerted and deliberately conscious attempt is needed to establish an inclusive, egalitarian and aligned approach whereby practices match values base.

Originality/value

– This is justified as being in keeping with a philosophy based on the concepts of recovery, co-production co-delivery and co-receiving. Although not without precedent this development is innovative in being embedded within the university sector and challenging existing paradigms in terms of the positive and inclusive approach to mental health.
Ad fontes! Books on shelves!
Authors: van de Pas John
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a signpost to the librarian that might be helpful in making strategic assessments for the future of the public library, and helping in the process of decision-making about the course to be followed. Thereby critical remarks about the Internet-based “virtual library lobby” are summed up as arguments against following that path blindly, and alternatives to a technology-centred approach are put forward by focusing on the cultural uses of the library as a public place.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this article a viewpoint is developed, based on an exploration of selected literature on the function of the library as an institution in society, and different viewpoints that are put forward in the debate on the future of libraries in the Internet era are analyzed. Some contend that going virtual is the only feasible course to take. Others emphasize that many functions of the library are unquantifiable because of their cultural nature, and rooted in physical interaction of citizens with a real space of bricks, mortar and books. These functions may never be fully virtualized, but are deemed essential to the community in which the library institution is rooted, and even society at large.

Findings

– If librarians choose the technological path of the virtual library, they are rapidly being made obsolete by the multinational commercial information aggregators, where free access to information is no longer provided. If the library takes the cultural path, defining its future as an institution instrumental to “the commons” providing freedom to citizens, the actual use citizens make of library as public places should be taken as central starting point for a feasible future, and technology should be used as a means to that end.

Research limitations/implications

– The article is a viewpoint, based on a limited selection of literature.

Practical implications

– The viewpoint offers a critical assessment relevant to those librarians responsible for creating a roadmap for the future of their public library.

Social implications

– This study underpins the importance of the public library as one of the last true public areas, open to all for the benefit of the community.

Originality/value

– This study offers a different point of view, possibly even a warning call, against embracing technological determinism that brings with it enclosure of The Commons, which the Public Library in its true meaning should offer. Internet-based services are often put forward (and welcomed by many) as the solution for the future for free access to information. In the article, the case is made that unfettered free access for information to citizens is at odds with actual developments on the Internet, that according to leading Internet critics is rapidly being turned into a commercial advertising platform or market place.
Attributes and retail format preference for branded pulses
Authors: M. Geetha , Naidu Gitanjali
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the attribute preferences of buyers of branded pulses and to study the differences in preferences between consumers who purchase from traditional retail stores and those who purchase from modern retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 300 respondents (150 respondents from traditional and 150 respondents from modern retail outlet) participated in the study. Conjoint analysis was used to assess the consumers’ attribute preferences for branded pulses.

Findings

– For both traditional and modern retail outlets, profile with highest utility was the profile with established brand, low price, high quality and normal packaging.

Research limitations/implications

– Shoppers of traditional and modern retail outlets have similar attribute preferences for branded pulses. Hence, it can be concluded that the purchase point makes no difference in consumer attribute preferences.

Practical implications

– Results indicate that in both traditional and modern retail outlet customers prefer the same profile of attributes. Two important attributes determining their purchase are also the same. Hence a company entering into the sale of branded pulses will have to focus on these two important attributes irrespective of the purchase point.

Originality/value

– The topic is relatively less researched in emerging markets especially where both branded pulses and organized retail are in their nascent stages.
Cough sweets and angels: the ordinary ethics of the extraordinary inSufi practice inLebanon
Authors: Clarke Morgan
Published: July 2014

This article presents an ethnographic account of the social production of the miraculous inSufi practice inLebanon, including displays of bodily mortification. It examines the interdependence of the extraordinary and the ordinary/everyday, following, but problematizing,MaxWeber's classic discussion of charismatic authority. ForWeber the extraordinary lies outside the bounds of rules. Adopting the terms of some recent interventions in the anthropology of ethics, I claim on the contrary that the extraordinary has its ordinary ethics too. In so doingInot only add to the anthropology of wonder but also challenge those who would argue that anthropology's especial focus is on the ordinary, to the exclusion of its opposite. If this is not to be mere piety, sorting out what belongs to which category will prove challenging. Especially within the anthropology of religion, one can hardly do with one without the other.
Contesting expertise: anthropologists at the Special Court for Sierra Leone
Authors: Anders Gerhard
Published: July 2014

This article examines how social anthropologists' expertise was employed in the international war crimes trials heard at the Special Court for Sierra Leone. It tracks how the anthropologists challenged the prosecution experts by raising concerns about their methodology and advancing a fundamental critique of abstract legal categories. The discussion between the experts centred on two contested issues: the character of the armed groups and the phenomenon of forced marriages during the civil war in Sierra Leone. The analysis of the experts' testimonies shows that the anthropologists were engaged in an epistemological contest with the prosecution experts. The article aims at understanding why the anthropologists' arguments had less resonance with the judges than the reports submitted by the prosecution experts. Beyond the courtroom, it also speaks to the general debate about expertise and ways to study it.
The multiple meanings ofmoongo: on the conceptual character of doorways and backbones inKilimanjaro
Authors: Myhre Knut Christian
Published: July 2014

By means of ‘connective analysis’, this article explores the multiple meanings ofmoongoamong theChagga‐speaking people ofRombo district,Kilimanjaro region, which resemble neglected meanings of the vernacular terms translated as ‘lineage’ elsewhere. These meanings were eclipsed by an analytical move that privileged ‘the political’ at the expense of other relations. By suspending the question of politics, it is shown howmoongois central to bridewealth exchanges and reproductive relationships, which provides new impetus to classic anthropological discussions of the house‐property complex. The result is to treatmoongoas a concept in its own right, which enunciates and concerns how persons and houses are transformations of each other and effects of particular relationships.
Elimination of Bioweapons Agents from Forensic Samples During Extraction of Human DNA
Authors: Timbers Jason , Wilkinson Della , Hause Christine C. , Smith Myron L. , Zaidi Mohsin A. , Laframboise Denis , Wright Kathryn E.
Published: July 2014

Collection of DNA for genetic profiling is a powerful means for the identification of individuals responsible for crimes and terrorist acts. Biologic hazards, such as bacteria, endospores, toxins, and viruses, could contaminate sites of terrorist activities and thus could be present in samples collected for profiling. The fate of these hazards during DNA isolation has not been thoroughly examined. Our goals were to determine whether the DNA extraction process used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police eliminates or neutralizes these agents and if not, to establish methods that render samples safe without compromising the human DNA. Our results show that bacteria, viruses, and toxins were reduced to undetectable levels during DNA extraction, but endospores remained viable. Filtration of samples after DNA isolation eliminated viable spores from the samples but left DNA intact. We also demonstrated that contamination of samples with some bacteria, endospores, and toxins for longer than 1 h compromised the ability to complete genetic profiling.
Population dynamics and economic losses caused by Zeuzera pyrina, a cryptic wood‐borer moth, in an olive orchard in Egypt
Authors: Hegazi Esmat , Schlyter Fredrik , Khafagi Wedad , Atwa Atwa , Agamy Essam , Konstantopoulou Maria
Published: July 2014

The leopard moth Zeuzera pyrina L. (ZP) is an invasive pest from Europe of increasing significance in North Africa, in particular for olive cultivation. We followed the temporal dynamics by combined light/pheromone trapping over a 10‐year period (2002–2011) in a 240‐ha olive farm in Northern Egypt.

The ZP had an annual cycle with one or two peak flights, from late April until October. Time series analysis showed a 2‐year cycle of trap catch. This cycle is likely related to the ‘on/off’ bearing pattern of the olive, where years of high and low yield are observed to alternate.

Larval damage in both ‘on’ and ‘off’ years in the infested trees gave fruit yield losses of 37–42%. The loss was estimated to 2.1–4.8 t/ha among susceptible varieties. The relative losses were the same during on and off years.

Infestation of four susceptible and five resistant olive cultivars in different cropping systems varied within and between adjacent plots. The results suggest less infestation by intercropping of resistant varieties, which could assist in ZP management.

Both temporal and spatial dynamics strongly influence population dynamics and the dynamics are related to variation in the moth host plant.
DPP4 Inhibitors increase differentially the expression of surfactant proteins in Fischer 344 rats
Authors: Schmiedl A. , Grützner D. , Hoffmann T. , von Hörsten S. , Stephan M.
Published: July 2014

Aim

Intact surface active agent (surfactant) composed of surfactant‐associated proteins (SPs) and lipids is necessary for respiration and prevents alveoli from collapsing. CD26, a transmembrane glycoprotein exerting dipeptidyl peptidase activity (DPP4), highly expressed in lung parenchyma, is involved in inflammatory processes. A pharmacological inhibition of DPP4 influenced not only the inflammation but also elevated the SPs. Thus, DPP4 inhibitors may be a novel drug for treatment of diseases with surfactant deficiency. Therefore, we tested firstly the hypothesis that DPP4 inhibitors increase the expression of SPs in healthy rats.

Methods

SP mRNA and protein expression were determined different times after nebulization of aerosolized DPP4 inhibitors [L‐isoleucine‐thiazolidide (L‐Ile‐Thia), L‐valine‐pyrrolidide (L‐Val‐Pyrr)], budesonide, saline or stereoisomers.

Results

Compared with negative controls (1) L‐Ile‐Thia as well as budesonide led to a significant higher and L‐Val‐Pyrr had the tendency to a significant higher expression of SP‐A mRNA 6 h after nebulization, (2) the expression of SP‐D mRNA increased significantly 6 h after nebulization with L‐Ile‐Thia and 3 and 6 h after nebulization with Val‐pyrr, (3) SP‐B mRNA levels showed significantly higher values 3 and 6 h after nebulization with L‐Val‐Pyrr, (4) protein levels of SP‐A, SP‐B and SP‐C were elevated significantly 6 h after nebulization with L‐Val‐Pyrr as well as with budesonide, and (5) phospholipids were also increased in response to DPP4 inhibition; the minimal surface tension was comparable.

Conclusion

DPP4 inhibition influence differently the expression of surfactant proteins in healthy rats and may be suitable to elevate surfactant synthesis in different diseases accompanied with surfactant deficiencies.
Vascular niches: endothelial cells as tissue‐ and site‐specific multifunctional team players in health and disease
Authors: Géraud Cyrill , Koch Philipp‐S. , Goerdt Sergij
Published: July 2014

The cardiovascular system is a circulatory system that transports the blood and reaches out to almost every site of the body. Endothelial cells (EC) as the innermost cell layer of blood vessels constitute a huge interface between the blood and nearly all other tissues and cells. Although blood vessels and their EC were considered as rather inert and passive conduits early in the history of vascular discoveries, progress in vascular research now suggests that EC are actively involved in a plethora of physiological or pathophysiological processes. Endothelial heterogeneity and the concept of vascular niches are in the spotlight of current research in vascular biology. Endothelial heterogeneity comprises morphologic, molecular and functional features. It allows EC to adapt to the organ‐ and site‐specific requirements exhibited by different segments of the vascular tree. In organ‐specific vascular niches, EC mutually interact with neighboring cells. EC‐derived cytokines, called angiokines, acting in a paracrine (angiocrine) fashion have been shown to be decisively involved in various biological processes ranging from stem cell maintenance to organ regeneration as well as cancer progression and metastasis. In summary, EC should always be considered as teammates in the maintenance and regulation of complex multicellular network interactions in health and disease.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEBT LEVEL AND FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY IN ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT COUNTRIES
Authors: Camarero Mariam , Carrion‐i‐Silvestre Josep Lluís , Tamarit Cecilio
Published: July 2014

In this article we unify the traditional approaches to testing for fiscal sustainability considering the stock‐flow system that fiscal variables configure. Our approach encompasses previous ways of testing for sustainability. The results obtained for a group of 17 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries point to weak fiscal sustainability, as well as to the existence of cointegration between deficit and debt, confirming the relevance of the stock‐flow approach. Allowing for structural breaks and multicointegration turns out to be of critical importance to assess whether the fiscal authorities apply their policies looking for sustainability and whether, simultaneously, they try to stabilize real debt target levels.(JEL H62, E62, C22)
The course of headache in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a 12‐month prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Yri H. M. , Rönnbäck C. , Wegener M. , Hamann S. , Jensen R. H.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

Our aim was to prospectively describe the course of headache during the first year of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed IIH were consecutively included from December 2010 to June 2013. Treatment according to standard guidelines was initiated. Headache history was obtained by headache diaries and standardized interviews performed at baseline and after 1, 2, 3 and 12 months. Parallel changes in papilledema were assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). All patients had comprehensive neuro‐ophthalmological examinations including automated perimetry.

Results

Forty‐four patients were included. Thirty‐five patients completed the 12‐month follow‐up. Dramatic improvement in headache occurred within the first weeks after diagnosis. After 1 year, 15 patients reported no or only infrequent headache. However, 15 of the remaining 20 patients reported sustained chronic headache. Early age of onset and high diagnostic intracranial pressure (ICP) were associated with better headache outcome (≤1 headache days/month) after a year. Papilledema decreased rapidly within the first 2 months of diagnosis. After 1 year, OCT measures had normalized. Visual outcome was excellent in most patients.

Conclusions

Although headache in 43% of patients responded well to ICP management, sustained long‐term headache was seen in the remaining patients, despite resolution of papilledema. Headache in IIH may thus be attributed to more complex mechanisms than ICP elevation alone. High ICP and young age were associated with better headache outcome. Early treatment according to standard guidelines seems sufficient to ensure excellent visual outcome in the vast majority of patients.
High frequency of DQB1*05 and absolute absence of DRB1*13 in muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Nikolic A. V. , Andric Z. P. , Simonovic R. B. , Rakocevic Stojanovic V. M. , Basta I. Z. , Bojic S. D. , Lavrnic D. V.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease but certain genetic factors predispose its development. Since susceptibility to different forms of MG is linked to a number of allelic variants, the aim of this study was to explore the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) profile of our patients with muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) MG.

Methods

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing was performed in our cohort of 31 MuSK MG patients available for the study. The allele groups of DRB1* and DQB1* loci were typed with sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes and high resolution typing for DQB1* was performed using sequence‐specific primers. HLA frequencies were compared with unrelated healthy bone marrow donors.

Results

Significant association of MuSK MG with alleles DRB1*14 [odds ratio (OR) 3.8], DRB1*16 (OR 3.3) (P < 0.01) and DQB1*05 (OR 2.2) (P < 0.05) was found. In our patients the most frequent DQB1* allele was DQB1*05:02. An absolute absence of DRB1*13 in our cohort of MuSK MG patients was also found, whilst this allele was present in 25% (495/1992) of control subjects (OR 0) (P < 0.01). The HLA DRB1*16−DQB1*05 (OR 2.9) haplotype was found to be associated with MuSK MG (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The strong association of MuSK MG with DQB1*05 alleles observed in patient series from other countries was confirmed. The novel finding in our cohort of MuSK MG patients was the absolute absence of DRB1*13 allele, which might have a protective role in the development of MuSK MG, at least in our population.
Interface, interaction and integration: how people with chronic disease in Australia manage CAM and conventional medical services
Authors: Lin Vivian , Canaway Rachel , Carter Bronwyn
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To understand the extent to which conventional and complementary health care are integrated for CAM users with chronic conditions.

Methods

In‐depth interviews and a self‐administered questionnaire were used to collect data on care‐seeking, self‐management and CAM use among people with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease living in Victoria, Australia.

Results

Many participants reported regular, frequent and long‐term use of CAM therapies to maintain their health or assist in the management of their chronic condition. They generally managed the interface between convention and complementary health care on their own, as the perceived or expressed negative attitudes of some doctors, or the belief that the doctor did not need to know, were barriers to the disclosure of CAM use. For a smaller group, there was interaction between conventional and CAM providers, which limited the extent of uncertainty and conflicting information being (mis)interpreted by consumers.

Conclusions

Greater interaction between CAM and medical providers would be beneficial to consumers. Structural barriers, related to financing and service organization, need to be addressed. Attitudinal shifts of some health‐care practitioners also need to be addressed, in the context of workforce development.
Temperature‐dependent rheological property changes of thermoplastic gutta‐percha root filling materials
Authors: Moon H. J. , Lee J. H. , Ahn J. H. , Song H. J. , Park Y. J.
Published: July 2014

Aim

To compare the penetration resistance (PR) of six thermoplastic gutta‐percha (GP) materials against needle penetration at different temperatures.

Methodology

The PR of the following materials based on warm gutta‐percha techniques, Beefill GP Cartridge (Beefill), GP Obturator‐Hard/Medium/Soft (Dia‐H, Dia‐M, Dia‐S), Obtura (Obtura) and Tactendo Gutta (Tactendo), was measured as a function of temperature change (from 30 °C to 200 °C). The PR was measured using a force gauge, mounted on a motor‐driven micrometre stage, which pushed the penetration needle against GP in a glass cylinder at the designated temperatures. Data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis anova and Duncan's multiple range tests at 5% significance.

Results

The mean PR values for all assessed materials ranged from 15.55 MPa to 26.02 MPa at 30 °C, decreased to 0.18–1.61 MPa at 60 °C, and finally reached 0.02–0.12 MPa at 200 °C. The Obtura had the highest PR values at most of the measured temperatures. At 40–60 °C, Obtura had the highest PR value (P < 0.05), and Tactendo had the lowest amongst the tested materials. At 70–200 °C, both the mean PR values and melt flow temperature (MFR) of Obtura, Dia‐H and Dia‐M were significantly higher than those of other materials (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The PR values were changed by both the heating temperature and the brand or type of GP materials tested. Each material was associated with drastic decreases before reaching 60 °C in different degrees, and Obtura had the highest PR at most of the measured temperatures.
Generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Nofal Ahmad , Assaf Magda , Ghonemy Soheir , Nofal Eman , Yosef Ayman
Published: July 2014

Background

Generalized eruptive keratoacanthoma (GEKA) is an extremely rare variant of keratoacanthoma that poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Patients

The study included three patients presenting with highly pruritic, generalized eruption of numerous small skin and flesh‐colored follicular papules. They were mainly distributed on the face, neck, and trunk. Few larger nodules were also present. Mask‐like facies, mucosal involvement, and ectropion were evident in two patients. Family history was irrelevant, and general examination was unremarkable.

Results

Histopathological examination revealed typical features of keratoacanthoma, particularly in the larger lesions. Routine laboratory tests were normal, and ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed no evidence of malignancy. Based on the clinicopathological correlation, the diagnosis of our cases was GEKA of Grzybowski. Acitretin 1 mg/kg per day and methotrexate 15 mg/week for three months were associated with mild or no response. Cyclophosphamide pulse therapy 1 g/month for six months was associated with complete clearance of the lesions in the first two patients, while the third was lost to follow‐up after failure of acitretin therapy.

Conclusion

Because of the extreme rarity of reported cases, the common absence of classic large lesions of keratoacanthoma, the atypical histological presentations in some cases, and absence of a uniformly effective therapeutic approach, we believe that GEKA still represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Cyclophosphamide pulse therapy is a promising alternative to oral retinoids.
A time course study about gene expression of post‐thermal injury with DNA microarray
Authors: Ou Shan , Liu Guo‐Dong , Tan Yan , Zhou Le‐Shun , Bai Shu‐Rong , Xue Gang , Li Jun , Yang Yong , Cui Jian , Cheng Jing‐Min , Gu Jian‐Wen
Published: July 2014

Background

Burn injury is one of the most common and devastating forms of trauma in daily life. However, the exact sequence of events after burn injury remains unknown.

Objective

This study aims to investigate gene expression alterations after burn injury.

Methods

Microarray data set GSE8056 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, including 12 samples, equally distributed in four groups: normal skin tissue as control and damaged tissues 1–3 days after burn (early period); 4–7 days after burn (middle period); and more than 7 days after burn (late period). Packages in R language were utilized to pre‐process the data and filter out the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional annotation of all three groups of DEGs was conducted by using clusters of orthologous groups analysis. The DEGs shared by all three groups were picked out and analyzed with STRING to set up a protein–protein interaction network. CFinder was chosen to implement module analysis, and expression analysis systematic explorer was then adopted to reveal the dysfunctional pathways for each module.

Results

A total of 727, 782, and 445 DEGs were identified in the early, middle, and late period after burn, and 234 DEGs were identified as continually differentially expressed throughout all time periods, including genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐1β, and genes associated with cell proliferation. Three modules associated with cell proliferation and inflammatory responses were generated from the protein–protein interaction network.

Conclusion

Our findings are beneficial for understanding the progression of the wound healing response after burn.
Heat inactivation of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
Authors: Leclercq India , Batéjat Christophe , Burguière Ana M. , Manuguerra Jean‐Claude
Published: July 2014

The culture supernatants of the emerging Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) were submitted to three temperatures over time and tested for infectivity by TCID50 method on Vero E6 cells. At 56°C, almost 25 minutes were necessary to reduce the initial titre by 4 log10. Increasing temperature to 65°C had a strong negative effect on viral infectivity as virucidy dropped significantly to 1 minute. On the contrary, no significant decrease in titre was observed after 2 hours at 25°C. These data might be useful in establishing biosafety measures in laboratories against MERS‐CoV.
Prediction on the Surface Phase Diagram and Growth Morphology of Nanocrystal Ruthenium Dioxide
Authors: Xu Canhui , Jiang Yong , Yi Danqing , Zhang Haibin , Peng Shuming , Liang Jianhua
Published: July 2014

Surface energy has an important role in controlling the exposed facets and growth morphology of nanocrystals. In this study, we employed first‐principle thermodynamic modeling and calculations to evaluate the substantial effects of environmental factors (temperature and oxygen partial pressure), on the surface structure, stability, and nanocrystal morphology of rutile‐type ruthenium dioxide (RuO2). Both stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric surfaces with ideal bulk terminations were assessed. The relative ordering of stoichiometric surface stabilities was predicted as (110) > (101) > (100) > (001). The sensitive environment dependence of nonstoichiometric surface stabilities was evaluated by calculating the surface phase diagram, and partially validated by comparing with available experimental observations. The predicted surface stabilities were further coupled with the Gibbs–Wulff construction of equilibrium crystal shape, to predict the morphological evolutions of RuO2 nanocrystals under practical growth conditions. A morphology‐controlled growth technique was finally suggested for designing and developing hierarchical nanostructures by intelligently adjusting the thermodynamic growth conditions.
Sintering Behavior and Dielectric Properties of Ultra‐Low Temperature Fired Silver Molybdate Ceramics
Authors: Zhou Di , Li Wen‐Bo , Pang Li‐Xia , Guo Jing , Qi Ze‐Ming , Shao Tao , Yue Zhen‐Xing , Yao Xi
Published: July 2014

Ag2MoO4 ceramic was prepared by using the solid‐state reaction method, which could be sintered at 450°C for 2 h, having a relative permittivity of 8.08, a Qf value of 17 000 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonance frequency about −133 ppm/°C. Ag2MoO4 ceramic was chemically compatible with silver but reacted seriously with aluminum to form (Ag0.5Al0.5)MoO4 during the sintering. The fitting of infrared spectra and the Shannon's additive rule were employed to study intrinsic dielectric behaviors of the ceramics at microwave region. Ionic displacive polarization and the electronic polarization contributed almost equally to the dielectric permittivity of the ceramic at microwave region. The Ag2MoO4 ceramics could be a good candidate for ultra‐low temperature co‐fired microwave devices.
Aquinas on Teaching and Learning
Authors: Davies Brian
Published: July 2014

Thomas Aquinas has a philosophy of education. In this article I try to indicate what it amounts to by focusing not only on his theoretical discussions of teaching and learning but also on what can be gleaned about his approach to teaching by looking at his own teaching practice as displayed in some of his writings. In addition, I look at two of Aquinas's sermons that shed light on what he thinks about teaching and learning.
Smartphone, tablet computer and e‐reader use by people with vision impairment
Authors: Crossland Michael D. , S. Silva Rui , Macedo Antonio F.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Consumer electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, and e‐book readers have become far more widely used in recent years. Many of these devices contain accessibility features such as large print and speech. Anecdotal experience suggests people with vision impairment frequently make use of these systems. Here we survey people with self‐identified vision impairment to determine their use of this equipment.

Method

An internet‐based survey was advertised to people with vision impairment by word of mouth, social media, and online. Respondents were asked demographic information, what devices they owned, what they used these devices for, and what accessibility features they used.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐two complete responses were received. Twenty‐six percent of the sample reported that they had no vision and the remainder reported they had low vision. One hundred and seven people (81%) reported using a smartphone. Those with no vision were as likely to use a smartphone or tablet as those with low vision. Speech was found useful by 59% of smartphone users. Fifty‐one percent of smartphone owners used the camera and screen as a magnifier. Forty‐eight percent of the sample used a tablet computer, and 17% used an e‐book reader. The most frequently cited reason for not using these devices included cost and lack of interest.

Conclusions

Smartphones, tablet computers, and e‐book readers can be used by people with vision impairment. Speech is used by people with low vision as well as those with no vision. Many of our (self‐selected) group used their smartphone camera and screen as a magnifier, and others used the camera flash as a spotlight.
Biosimilar granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor for mobilization of autologous peripheral blood stem cells in pediatric hematology‐oncology patients
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Tridello Gloria , Prete Arcangelo , Dallorso Sandro , Cannata Elisa , Massaccesi Erika , Risso Marco , De Bortoli Massimiliano , Caselli Désirée
Published: July 2014

Background

Recently biosimilars of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) became available for prophylaxis and treatment of postchemotherapy neutropenia and for mobilization of peripheral blood CD34+ cells for either autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Most of the data on the mobilization efficacy and safety of biosimilar G‐CSF are from adult patients, whereas no data are available in pediatric patients.

Study Design and Methods

This was a retrospective study on cases treated at three Italian pediatric transplant centers, from January 2011 to October 2013. Data were collected on all children undergoing first peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization after stimulation with biosimilar G‐CSF and chemotherapy. The results were compared with a historical control group.

Results

Twenty‐nine children underwent mobilization with biosimilar G‐CSF. Peak peripheral blood CD34+ cell count of 20 × 106/L was achieved in 90% of patients, with a median value of 71 × 106/L. Eighty‐three percent reached the desired target (CD34+/kg) dose. The median number of collected CD34+ cells was 10 × 106/kg (range, 4.8 × 106‐68.8 × 106/kg). No difference was observed in comparison with historical control group mobilized with originator filgrastim. Moreover, no major and/or unexpected side effects were reported.

Conclusion

Biosimilar G‐CSF resulted as effective and safe as originator filgrastim molecule in mobilizing PBSCs in children, with the advantage of a reduced cost.
Entropy Generation Analysis of a Chemical Absorption Process Where Carbon Dioxide is Absorbed by Falling Monoethanolamine Solution Film
Authors: Chermiti Imen , Hidouri Nejib , Ben Brahim Ammar
Published: July 2014

The present paper reports a study about entropy generation analysis for the case of chemical absorption of a gas into laminar falling liquid film. The CO2 absorption into monoethanolamine (MEA) aqueous solutions has been considered. Temperature and concentration expressions are determined by using Laplace transform and used for the entropy generation calculation. The effects of irreversibilities due to heat transfer, mass transfer, viscous effects, coupling effects between heat and mass transfer, and chemical reaction on the total entropy generation of the considered system are derived. The obtained results show that entropy generation is mainly due to chemical reaction irreversibility at the gas–liquid interface. Between this interface and the reaction film thickness (where the reaction take place), entropy generation is due to both chemical reaction and mass transfer irreversibilities. More details concerning the contribution of each kind of irreversibility to entropy generation through the falling film are graphically presented and discussed.
Biochemical and Antiparasitic Properties of Inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase PfCDPK1
Authors: Ansell Keith H. , Jones Hayley M. , Whalley David , Hearn Alisdair , Taylor Debra L. , Patin Emmanuel C. , Chapman Timothy M. , Osborne Simon A. , Wallace Claire , Birchall Kristian , Large Jonathan , Bouloc Nathalie , Smiljanic-Hurley Ela , Clough Barbara , Moon Robert W. , Green Judith L. , Holder Anthony A.
Published: July 2014

PfCDPK1 is a
Plasmodium falciparum
calcium-dependent protein kinase, which has been identified as a potential target for novel antimalarial chemotherapeutics. In order to further investigate the role of PfCDPK1, we established a high-throughput
in vitro
biochemical assay and used it to screen a library of over 35,000 small molecules. Five chemical series of inhibitors were initially identified from the screen, from which series 1 and 2 were selected for chemical optimization. Indicative of their mechanism of action, enzyme inhibition by these compounds was found to be sensitive to both the ATP concentration and substitution of the amino acid residue present at the “gatekeeper” position at the ATP-binding site of the enzyme. Medicinal chemistry efforts led to a series of PfCDPK1 inhibitors with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) below 10 nM against PfCDPK1 in a biochemical assay and 50% effective concentrations (EC
50
s) less than 100 nM for inhibition of parasite growth
in vitro
. Potent inhibition was combined with acceptable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties and equipotent inhibition of
Plasmodium vivax
CDPK1. However, we were unable to correlate biochemical inhibition with parasite growth inhibition for this series overall. Inhibition of
Plasmodium berghei
CDPK1 correlated well with PfCDPK1 inhibition, enabling progression of a set of compounds to
in vivo
evaluation in the
P. berghei
rodent model for malaria. These chemical series have potential for further development as inhibitors of CDPK1.
Susceptibility and Diversity in the Therapy-Refractory Genus Scedosporium
Authors: Lackner M. , Hagen F. , Meis J. F. , Gerrits van den Ende A. H. G. , Vu D. , Robert V. , Fritz J. , Moussa T. A. A. , de Hoog G. S.
Published: July 2014

Scedosporium
species show decreased susceptibility to the majority of systemic antifungal drugs. Acquired resistance is likely to disseminate differentially with the mode of exchange of genetic material between lineages. Inter- and intraspecific diversities of
Scedosporium
species were analyzed for three partitions (rDNA internal transcribed spacer gene [
ITS
], partial β-tubulin gene, and amplified fragment length polymorphism profiles), with the aim to establish distribution of resistance between species, populations, and strains. Heterogeneity of and recombination between lineages were determined, and distances between clusters were calculated using a centroid approach. Clinical, geographic, and antifungal data were plotted on diversity networks.
Scedosporium minutisporum
,
Scedosporium desertorum
, and
Scedosporium aurantiacum
were distinguished unambiguously in all partitions and had differential antifungal susceptibility profiles (ASP).
Pseudallescheria fusoidea
and
Pseudallescheria ellipsoidea
were indistinguishable from
Scedosporium boydii
.
Pseudallescheria angusta
took an intermediate position between
Scedosporium apiospermum
and
S. boydii
.
Scedosporium boydii
and
S. apiospermum
had identical ASP. Differences in (multi)resistance were linked to individual strains.
S. apiospermum
and
S. boydii
showed limited interbreeding and were recognized as valid, sympatric species. The
S. apiospermum/S. boydii
group, comprising the main clinically relevant
Scedosporium
species, consists of separate lineages and is interpreted as a complex undergoing sympatric evolution with incomplete lineage sorting. In routine diagnostics, the lineages in
S. apiospermum/S. boydii
are indicated with the umbrella descriptor “
S. apiospermum
complex”; individual species can be identified with rDNA
ITS
with 96.3% confidence. Voriconazole is recommended as the first-line treatment; resistance against this compound is rare.
Effects of Rifampin and Ketoconazole on Pharmacokinetics of Morinidazole in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Pang Xiaoyan , Zhang Yifan , Gao Ruina , Zhong Kan , Zhong Dafang , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: July 2014

Morinidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole antimicrobial drug, has been approved for the treatment of amoebiasis, trichomoniasis, and anaerobic bacterial infections in China. It was reported that drug-drug interaction happened after the coadministration of ornidazole, an analog of morinidazole, and rifampin or ketoconazole. Therefore, we measured the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of morinidazole and its metabolites in the healthy Chinese volunteers prior to and following the administration of rifampin or ketoconazole using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to time
t
(AUC
0-t
) and maximum concentration in serum (
C
max
) of morinidazole were decreased by 28% and 23%, respectively, after 6 days of exposure to 600 mg of rifampin once daily; the
C
max
s of
N

+

-glucuronides were increased by 14%, while their AUC
0-t
s were hardly changed. After 7 days of exposure to 200 mg of ketoconazole once daily, the AUC
0-t
and
C
max
of the parent drug were not affected significantly.
C
max
s of
N

+

-glucuronides were decreased by 23%; AUC
0-t
s were decreased by 14%. The exposure of sulfate conjugate was hardly changed after the coadministration of rifampin or ketoconazole. Using recombinant enzyme of UGT1A9 and human hepatocytes, the mechanism of the altered PK behaviors of morinidazole and its metabolites was investigated. In human hepatocytes, ketoconazole dose dependently inhibited the formation of
N

+

-glucuronides (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
], 1.5 μM), while rifampin induced the mRNA level of UGT1A9 by 28% and the activity of UGT1A9 by 53%. In conclusion, the effects of rifampin and ketoconazole on the plasma exposures of morinidazole and
N

+

-glucuronide are less than 50%; therefore, rifampin and ketoconazole have little clinical significance in the pharmacokinetics of morinidazole.
Staphylococcus epidermidis
agr
Quorum-Sensing System: Signal Identification, Cross Talk, and Importance in Colonization
Authors: Olson Michael E. , Todd Daniel A. , Schaeffer Carolyn R. , Paharik Alexandra E. , Van Dyke Michael J. , Büttner Henning , Dunman Paul M. , Rohde Holger , Cech Nadja B. , Fey Paul D. , Horswill Alexander R.
Published: July 2014

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is an opportunistic pathogen that is one of the leading causes of medical device infections. Global regulators like the
agr
quorum-sensing system in this pathogen have received a limited amount of attention, leaving important questions unanswered. There are three
agr
types in
S. epidermidis
strains, but only one of the autoinducing peptide (AIP) signals has been identified (AIP-I), and cross talk between
agr
systems has not been tested. We structurally characterized all three AIP types using mass spectrometry and discovered that the AIP-II and AIP-III signals are 12 residues in length, making them the largest staphylococcal AIPs identified to date.
S. epidermidis
agr
reporter strains were developed for each system, and we determined that cross-inhibitory interactions occur between the
agr
type I and II systems and between the
agr
type I and III systems. In contrast, no cross talk was observed between the type II and III systems. To further understand the outputs of the
S. epidermidis
agr
system, an RNAIII mutant was constructed, and microarray studies revealed that exoenzymes (Ecp protease and Geh lipase) and low-molecular-weight toxins were downregulated in the mutant. Follow-up analysis of Ecp confirmed the RNAIII is required to induce protease activity and that
agr
cross talk modulates Ecp activity in a manner that mirrors the
agr
reporter results. Finally, we demonstrated that the
agr
system enhances skin colonization by
S. epidermidis
using a porcine model. This work expands our knowledge of
S. epidermidis
agr
system function and will aid future studies on cell-cell communication in this important opportunistic pathogen.
Unilateral isometric muscle fatigue decreases force production and activation of contralateral knee extensors but not elbow flexors
Authors: Halperin Israel , Copithorne David , Behm David G.
Published: July 2014

Nonlocal muscle fatigue occurs when fatiguing 1 muscle alters performance of another rested muscle. The purpose of the study was to investigate if fatiguing 2 separate muscles would affect the same rested muscle, and if fatiguing the same muscle would affect 2 separate muscles. Twenty-one trained males participated in 2 studies (n = 11; n = 10). Subjects performed 2 pre-test maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs) with the nondominant knee extensors. Thereafter they performed two 100-s MVCs with their dominant knee extensors, elbow flexors, or rested. Between and after the sets, a single MVC with the nondominant rested knee extensors was performed. Subsequently, 12 nondominant knee extensors repeated MVCs were completed. Force, quadriceps voluntary activation (VA), and electromyography (EMG) were measured. The same protocol was employed in study 2 except the nondominant elbow-flexors were tested. Study 1: Compared with control conditions, a significant decrease in nondominant knee extensors force, EMG, and VA was found under both fatiguing conditions (P ≤ 0.05; effect size (ES) = 0.91–1.15; 2%–8%). Additionally, decrements in all variables were found from the first post-intervention MVC to the last (P ≤ 0.05; ES = 0.82–2.40; 9%–20%). Study 2: No differences were found between conditions for all variables (P ≥ 0.33; ES ≤ 0.2; ≤3.0%). However, all variables decreased from the first post-intervention MVC to the last (P ≤ 0.05; ES = 0.4–3.0; 7.2%–19.7%). Whereas the rested knee extensors demonstrated nonlocal effects regardless of the muscle being fatigued, the elbow-flexors remained unaffected. This suggests that nonlocal effects are muscle specific, which may hold functional implications for training and performance.