bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enteric glia: A new player in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Capoccia E , Cirillo C , Gigli S , Pesce M , D’Alessandro A , Cuomo R , Sarnelli G , Steardo L , Esposito G
Published: November 2015

In addition to the well-known involvement of macrophages and neutrophils, other cell types have been recently reported to substantially contribute to the onset and progression of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Enteric glial cells (EGC) are the equivalent cell type of astrocyte in the central nervous system (CNS) and share with them many neurotrophic and neuro-immunomodulatory properties. This short review highlights the role of EGC in IBD, describing the role played by these cells in the maintenance of gut homeostasis, and their modulation of enteric neuronal activities. In pathological conditions, EGC have been reported to trigger and support bowel inflammation through the specific over-secretion of S100B protein, a pivotal neurotrophic factor able to induce chronic inflammatory changes in gut mucosa. New pharmacological tools that may improve the current therapeutic strategies for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), lowering side effects (i.e. corticosteroids) and costs (i.e. anti-TNFα monoclonal antibodies) represent a very important challenge for gastroenterologists and pharmacologists. Novel drugs capable to modulate enteric glia reactivity, limiting the pro-inflammatory release of S100B, may thus represent a significant innovation in the field of pharmacological interventions for inflammatory bowel diseases.
In vitro activity of Aloe vera inner gel against microorganisms grown in planktonic and sessile phases
Authors: Cataldi V , Di Bartolomeo S , Di Campli E , Nostro A , Cellini L , Di Giulio M
Published: November 2015

The failure of traditional antimicrobial treatments is becoming a worldwide problem. The use of Aloe vera is of particular interest for its role as curative agent and its efficacy in complementary therapies for a variety of illnesses. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of A. vera inner gel against a panel of microorganisms, Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and Candida albicans. In addition to A. vera inner gel being used in the treatment of peptic ulcers, in dermatological treatments, and wound healing, it was also tested on the sessile phase of clinical Helicobacter pylori strains (including multi-drug-resistant strains) and on planktonic and sessile phase of Staphylococcus aureus/Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from venous leg ulcers.

A. vera inner gel expresses its prevalent activity against Gram-negative bacteria and C. albicans in respect to Gram-positive bacteria. The results of the A. vera antibiofilm activity showed a decrease of the produced biomass in a concentration-dependent-way, in each analyzed microorganism. The data obtained show that A. vera inner gel has both an antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity suggesting its potential use for the treatment of microbial infections, in particular for H. pylori gastric infection, especially in case of multi-drug-resistance, as well as for an effective wound dressing.
Harmonizing Measures of Cognitive Performance Across International Surveys of Aging Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Chan Kitty S. , Gross Alden L. , Pezzin Liliana E. , Brandt Jason , Kasper Judith D.
Published: November 2015

Objective: To harmonize measures of cognitive performance using item response theory (IRT) across two international aging studies. Method: Data for persons ≥65 years from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, N = 9,471) and the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA, N = 5,444). Cognitive performance measures varied (HRS fielded 25, ELSA 13); 9 were in common. Measurement precision was examined for IRT scores based on (a) common items, (b) common items adjusted for differential item functioning (DIF), and (c) DIF-adjusted all items. Results: Three common items (day of date, immediate word recall, and delayed word recall) demonstrated DIF by survey. Adding survey-specific items improved precision but mainly for HRS respondents at lower cognitive levels. Discussion: IRT offers a feasible strategy for harmonizing cognitive performance measures across other surveys and for other multi-item constructs of interest in studies of aging. Practical implications depend on sample distribution and the difficulty mix of in-common and survey-specific items.
Some Reflections on the Fighting Power of the Italian Army in North Africa, 1940–1943
Authors: Carrier Richard
Published: November 2015

Most Anglo-American scholars neglect the contribution of the Italian army to the Axis campaign in North Africa, and depict most Italian combatants and units as weak and ineffective, prone to surrender. This paper proposes an analysis of the fighting power of Italian units during the campaign. It assesses how both weapons and training influenced the fighting power of men and units. Additionally, it suggests that two contingencies, the role of surprise and the presence of German troops, came into play. As a result, despite a growing technical stagnation in terms of weapons and equipment, most Italian units adapted, became efficient, and kept fighting mostly because of the emphasis put on training by numerous Italian officers.
Phylogeographic data revealed shallow genetic structure in the kelp Saccharina japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyta)
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yao Jian-Ting , Sun Zhong-Min , Fu Gang , Galanin Dmitry A. , Nagasato Chikako , Motomura Taizo , Hu Zi-Min , Duan De-Lin
Published: November 2015

Background

Population structure and genetic diversity of marine organisms in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean exhibited complex patterns.Saccharina japonicais a commercially and ecologically important kelp species widely distributed along the coast of Japan Sea. However, it is still poorly known about population genetics and phylogeographic patterns of wildS. japonicapopulations on a large geographic scale, which is an important contribution to breeding and conservation of this marine crop.

Results

We collected 612 mitochondrialCOIandtrnW-trnL sequences. Diversity indices suggested thatS. japonicapopulations along the coast of Hokkaido exhibited the highest genetic diversity. Bayesian Analysis of Population Structure (BAPS) revealed four clusters in the kelp species (cluster 1: Hokkaido and South Korea; cluster 2: northwestern Hokkaido; cluster 3: Far Eastern Russia; cluster 4: China). The network inferred from concatenated data exhibited two shallow genealogies corresponding to two BAPS groups (cluster 2 and cluster 3). We did not detect gene flow between the two shallow genealogies, but populations within genealogy have asymmetric gene exchange. Bayesian skyline plots and neutrality tests suggested thatS. japonicaexperienced postglacial expansion around 10.45 ka.

Conclusions

The coast of Hokkaido might be the origin and diversification center ofS. japonica. Gene exchange amongS. japonicapopulations could be caused by anthropogenic interference and oceanographic regimes. Postglacial expansions and gene exchange apparently led to more shared haplotypes and less differentiation that in turn led to the present shallow phylogeographical patterns inS. japonica.
Comparison of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and intensive care unit-acquired acute respiratory distress syndrome: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Kao Kuo-Chin , Hu Han-Chung , Hsieh Meng-Jer , Tsai Ying-Huang , Huang Chung-Chi
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a syndrome characterized by diffuse pulmonary edema and severe hypoxemia that usually occurs after an injury such as sepsis, aspiration and pneumonia. Little is known about the relation between the setting where the syndrome developed and outcomes in ARDS patients.

Methods

This is a 1-year prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary referred hospital. ARDS was defined by the Berlin criteria. Community-acquired ARDS, hospital-acquired ARDS and intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired ARDS were defined as ARDS occurring within 48 hours of hospital or ICU admission, more than 48 hours after hospital admission and ICU admission. The primary and secondary outcomes were short- and long- term mortality rates and ventilator-free and ICU-free days.

Results

Of the 3002 patients screened, 296 patients had a diagnosis of ARDS, including 70 (23.7 %) with community-acquired ARDS, 83 (28 %) with hospital-acquired ARDS, and 143 (48.3 %) with ICU-acquired ARDS. The overall ICU mortality rate was not significantly different in mild, moderate and severe ARDS (50 %, 50 % and 56 %, p = 0.25). The baseline characteristics were similar other than lower rate of liver disease and metastatic malignancy in community-acquired ARDS than in hospital-acquired and ICU-acquired ARDS. A multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age, sequential organ function assessment score and community-acquired ARDS were independently associated with hospital mortality. For community-acquired, hospital-acquired and ICU-acquired ARDS, ICU mortality rates were 37 % 61 % and 52 %; hospital mortality rates were 49 %, 74 % and 68 %. The ICU and hospital mortality rates of community-acquired ARDS were significantly lower than hospital-acquired and ICU-acquired ARDS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001). The number of ventilator-free days was significantly lower in ICU-acquired ARDS than in community-acquired and hospital-acquired ARDS (11 ± 9, 16 ± 9, and 14 ± 10 days, p = 0.001). The number of ICU-free days was significantly higher in community-acquired ARDS than in hospital-acquired and ICU-acquired ARDS (8 ± 10, 4 ± 8, and 3 ± 6 days, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Community-acquired ARDS have lower short- and long-term mortality rates than hospital-acquired or ICU-acquired ARDS.
Long-term mortality and risk factors for development of end-stage renal disease in critically ill patients with and without chronic kidney disease
Authors: Rimes-Stigare Claire , Frumento Paolo , Bottai Matteo , Mårtensson Johan , Martling Claes-Roland , Bell Max
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) amongst intensive care unit (ICU) admissions is rising. How mortality and risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) differs between those with and without CKD and with acute kidney injury (AKI) is unclear. Determining factors that increase the risk of ESRD is essential to optimise treatment, identify patients requiring nephrological surveillance and for quantification of dialysis provision.

Method

This cohort study used the Swedish intensive care register 2005–2011 consisting of 130,134 adult patients. Incomplete cases were excluded (26,771). Patients were classified (using diagnostic and intervention codes as well as admission creatinine values) into the following groups: ESRD, CKD, AKI, acute-on-chronic disease (AoC) or no renal dysfunction (control). Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome was ESRD incidence.

Results

Of 103,363 patients 4,192 had pre-existing CKD; 1389 had ESRD; 5273 developed AKI and 998 CKD patients developed AoC. One-year mortality was greatest in AoC patients (54 %) followed by AKI (48.7 %), CKD (47.6 %) and ESRD (40.3 %) (P < 0.001). Five-year mortality was highest for the CKD and AoC groups (71.3 % and 68.2 %, respectively) followed by AKI (61.8 %) and ESRD (62.9 %) (P < 0.001). ESRD incidence was greatest in the AoC and CKD groups (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) 259 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 156.9–429.1) and 96.4, (95 % CI 59.7–155.6) respectively) and elevated in AKI patients compared with controls (adjusted IRR 24 (95 % CI 3.9–42.0); P < 0.001). Risk factors independently associated with ESRD in 1-year survivors were, according to relative risk ratio, AoC (356; 95 % CI 69.9–1811), CKD (267; 95 % CI 55.1–1280), AKI (30; 95 % CI 5.98–154) and presence of elevated admission serum potassium (4.6; 95 % CI 1.30–16.40) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Pre-ICU renal disease significantly increases risk of death compared with controls. Subjects with AoC disease had extreme risk of developing ESRD. All patients with CKD who survive critical care should receive a nephrology referral.

Trial registration

Clinical trials registration number: NCT02424747 April 20th 2015.
Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in the critically ill: cool tool or just another ‘toy’?
Authors: Forni Lui G. , Hasslacher Julia , Joannidis Michael
Published: November 2015

Assessment of volume and hydration status is far from easy and therefore technology such as bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) may complement our examination techniques. This study highlights the fact that clinical assessment of volume balance and BIVA may correlate, but whether the routine use of BIVA will avoid significant volume overload in the critically ill remains unknown. Further studies are needed but at the moment appear a little way off.
Editorial: Tweaking T cell receptor signaling thresholds through DAG: the role of diacylglycerol kinase ζ in T cell responses to TGF-β
Authors: Walsh Craig M
Published: November 2015

Discussion on the influence of diacyglycerol kinase ζ on TGFβ sensitivity in the context of T cell activation and immune tolerance.
When taking medication may be a sin: dietary requirements and food laws in psychotropic prescribing
Authors: Khokhar Waqqas A. , Dein Simon L. , Qureshi Mohammed S. , Hameed Imran , Ali Mohammed M. , Abbasi Yasir , Aman Hasan , Sood Ruchit
Published: November 2015

Religious laws do not usually forbid the use of psychotropic medication, but many do forbid the consumption of animal-based derivatives of bovine and/or porcine origin (e.g. gelatin and stearic acid) such as are found in many medications. Demonstrating awareness of this, combined with a genuine concern about how it affects the patient, may strengthen the doctor—patient relationship and avoid non-adherence. In this article, we outline dietary requirements of key religions and belief systems that may have a bearing when prescribing medication containing animal-based ingredients. We identify common psychotropics that contain animal-based derivatives and suggest alternative prescribing options and approaches to dealing with sensitive ethical issues.
Clinical neuromodulation in psychiatry: the state of the art or an art in a state?
Authors: Tracy Derek K. , David Anthony S.
Published: November 2015

Clinical neuromodulation began in psychiatry with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but in recent years several new techniques have been developed: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Each works in a different way, although the principle remains to effect therapeutic change through physically modifying brain activity. Their use in different clinical groups varies between techniques, as does their underlying evidence base. Most support currently exists for rTMS, with a more modest, but growing database for tDCS. Understandably, but problematically, most research in the other techniques has, to date, been in unmasked open trials. This article describes the mechanism of action and current evidence base for each technique, and notes the challenges facing future work in this potentially important field and new clinical avenue.
Advances in the understanding of delayed cerebral ischaemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Flynn Liam , Andrews Peter
Published: November 2015

Delayed cerebral ischaemia has been described as the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who survive the initial aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of delayed cerebral ischaemia is meagre at best and the calcium channel blocker nimodipine remains the only intervention to consistently improve functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. There is substantial evidence to support cerebral vessel narrowing as a causative factor in delayed cerebral ischaemia, but contemporary research demonstrating improvements in vessel narrowing has failed to show improved functional outcomes. This has encouraged researchers to investigate other potential causes of delayed cerebral ischaemia, such as early brain injury, microthrombosis, and cortical spreading depolarisation. Adherence to a common definition of delayed cerebral ischaemia is needed in order to allow easier assessment of studies using multiple different terms. Furthermore, improved recognition of delayed cerebral ischaemia would not only allow for faster treatment but also better assessment of interventions. Finally, understanding nimodipine’s mechanism of action may allow us to develop similar agents with improved efficacy.
On extremism of some of the Tora, the New Testament and the Quran texts (An experiment of linguistic, psycholinguistic and criminal law interpretation)
Authors: Оганесян  , Oganesyan Sergey
Published: November 2015

In the present research an effort is taken to interpret some texts of the Tora,

the New Testament and the Quran linguistically, psycholinguistically, ideologically

and intensionally from the point of view of the Criminal Code of the

Russian Federation, as well as necessity of removal of the religious extremism

reference from the text of the Federal Law N114-FZ dated 25 July 2002

“On Combating Extremist Activities” is being substantiated.
DEVELOPMENT OF MODELS OF TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBU-TIVE TASKS FOR VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF FOREST AREAS
Authors: Иванников  , Ivannikov Valeriy , Сушков  , Sushkov Sergey , Никонов  , Nikonov Vadim
Published: November 2015

In article the system of transport tasks (distributive, systems of drawing up balance of production and consumption of forest products), and also problems of optimization of planning of placement and concentration of production of forest products is considered. Various options of statement of tasks depending on power both the procuring, and processing productions are considered. As criteria of op-timization expensive indicators which need to be minimized are applied.
Changes in oral cavity during period of intensive vomiting in patient with somatoform autonomic dysfunction – description of the case.
Authors: Paszyńska Elżbieta , Słopień Agnieszka , Osińska Agata , Dmitrzak- Węglarz Monika , Rajewski Andrzej , Surdacka Anna
Published: November 2015

Cel
Zaburzenia odżywiania, w szczególności o typie przeczyszczającym, refluks żołądkowo-przełykowy (GERD), choroba alkoholowa i zespoły chorobowe przebiegające z obniżonym wydzielaniem śliny należą do głównych przyczyn endogennych występowania erozji zębów. Celem pracy jest prezentacja pacjentki z zaburzeniami występującymi pod postacią somatyczną, u której doszło do znacznych ubytków erozyjnych zębów, na skutek oddziaływania chemicznego kwasu żołądkowego na jamę ustną.

Metoda
Siedemnastoletnia pacjentka została skierowana do Kliniki Psychiatrii Dzieci i Młodzieży w związku z uporczywymi nudnościami i wymiotami trwającymi od około 10 miesięcy. Z tego powodu chora była kilkakrotnie hospitalizowana na oddziałach pediatrycznych. Nudnościom i wymiotom towarzyszył również lęk przed wychodzeniem z domu, znajdowaniem się w miejscach publicznych. Chora obawiała się reakcji innych osób na swoje dolegliwości. Dodatkowo przeprowadzono stomatologiczne badanie przedmiotowe i podmiotowe jamy ustnej.

Wyniki
Zaburzenia występujące pod postacią somatyczną, w trakcie których doszło do intensywnych wymiotów można potraktować jako nietypowy przykład zaburzeń odżywiania o typie przeczyszczającym. Ubytki erozyjne zębów, były głównymi objawami wywołanymi zwracaniem treści pokarmowej w jamie ustnej. W badaniu przedmiotowym błony śluzowej jamy ustnej stwierdzono jej keratynizację, usuwalny nalot na języku oraz złuszczające zapalenie warg, związane z wysuszeniem i pęknięciami warg.

Wnioski
Zaobserwowane erozja tkanek twardych zębów i zmiany w makroskopowej budowie błony śluzowej jamy ustnej wydają się być głównymi objawami wywołanymi zwracaniem treści pokarmowej w postaci intensywnych i długotrwałych wymiotów. Zmiany te mogą stanowić duży problem zdrowotny, jak i estetyczny dla pacjenta. Zaburzenia somatomorficzne, jak wynika z opisanego przypadku, wymagają wielospecjalistycznej opieki medycznej, w tym regularnej oceny stomatologicznej.
Ambiguity Attitudes in a Large Representative Sample
Authors: Dimmock Stephen G. , Kouwenberg Roy , Wakker Peter P.
Published: November 2015

Using a theorem showing that matching probabilities of ambiguous events can capture ambiguity attitudes, we introduce a tractable method for measuring ambiguity attitudes and apply it in a large representative sample. In addition to ambiguity aversion, we confirm an ambiguity component recently found in laboratory studies: a-insensitivity, the tendency to treat subjective likelihoods as 50-50, thus overweighting extreme events. Our ambiguity measurements are associated with real economic decisions; specifically, a-insensitivity is negatively related to stock market participation. Ambiguity aversion is also negatively related to stock market participation, but only for subjects who perceive stock returns as highly ambiguous.

This paper was accepted by James Smith, decision analysis.
The Rich Domain of Risk
Authors: Armantier Olivier , Treich Nicolas
Published: November 2015

We report on two experiments challenging the common assumption that events with objective probabilities constitute a unique source of uncertainty. We find that, similar to the domain of ambiguity, the domain of risk is rich in the sense that behavior is systematically different when subjects face risky bets based on simple or more complex events. Furthermore, we find a tight association between attitudes toward complex risky bets and attitudes toward both ambiguity and compound lotteries. These results raise questions about the characterization of ambiguity aversion and the modeling of decisions under uncertainty.

This paper was accepted by James Smith, decision analysis.
Intrinsic computation
Authors: Siraj-Blatchford John
Published: November 2015

There is a fear that anything ICT is in some way ‘opposed to a child's natural learning, but is this the case, in fact, it is so much a part of the ‘every day’ that it may well no longer need its own Early Learning Goal?
Laser hair removal: the problems associated with promotions and discounts
Authors: Di-Scala Naomi
Published: November 2015

Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular procedure and there are several side effects that can occur when a treatment does not go to plan. Naomi Di-Scala looks at the impact that promotions and discounts are having on claims trends in the industry, explores why there is a high volume of laser hair removal claims, and provides aesthetic practitioners with top tips for the prevention of common complications
Recruiting and managing case studies to boost your business potential
Authors: Smith Victoria
Published: November 2015

Presenting successful treatment case studies in your clinic and on your website can give new and existing clients confidence in your services, says Victoria Smith. However, there are several issues to consider when searching for study participants, such as obtaining fully informed consent and using unaltered photographs. This article guides practitioners through the process of case study recruitment
Whither Japan? Seven Decades After Defeat
Authors: Bix Herbert P.
Published: November 2015

The hard-won lessons of Japan's wartime defeat are enshrined in its National Constitution and Article 9 in particular.… For the past seventy years, Article 9 remained a fundamental principle of Japanese diplomacy, undergirded by memories of the Asia-Pacific War and the U.S. occupation, buttressed by important revisionist histories of Japanese imperialism. A politically recovered, economically restored Japanese populace still appreciates the Constitution and the relevance of Article 9. But conservative politicians who never believed in the Constitution's ideals repeatedly challenged and worked around Article 9 despite the majority's support for it.… Today, once again, Article 9 stands in danger of abandonment by interpretation rather than revision by constitutional processes.

Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Cotton: The Fabric of Death
Authors: Lichtenstein J.
Published: November 2015

Sven Beckert, Empire of Cotton: A Global History (New York: Knopf, 2014), 640 pages, $35, hardback.
For four years following the 2008 mortgage crisis, I worked as a cotton merchant for one of the "big four" trading firms—ADM, Bunge, Cargill, and Louis Dreyfus. These shadowy giants, two of them privately held, maintain oligopoly control of agricultural commodity markets. From desks in Memphis, my colleagues and I purchased mountains of cotton in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, warehoused it, speculated on it, and sold it back to mills on those same continents.… We sat at the pinnacle of a web of political and economic forces that funneled cotton into facilities we owned and cash into our accounts, but nowhere in the office was there a visible sign of the violence that made it all possible.… Too often liberal histories focus on a single period, territory, or class perspective, and end up obscuring the truth, severing the threads that tie a moment to its historical roots. Sven Beckert's Empire of Cotton is different. Although a liberal historian, Beckert refuses to limit his scope in the traditional way. Instead, he follows the movement of cotton across time, space, and class, bringing forward the threads that bind the objects of an otherwise distorted past.

Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Urethral foreign body in an adolescent boy: report of two rare cases and review of literature
Authors: Prasad Ray Rajendra , Ghosh Bastab , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: November 2015

The presence of a foreign body in the urethra is uncommon. A wide variety of foreign bodies have been described in urethras, but they are often missed in physical examinations as the patient tries to hide the fact. We report two unusual cases of foreign bodies in the urethra in two adolescent boys suffering from psychiatric disorders. In the first case, a 12-year-old boy presented with introduction of sewing needle into the urethra 3 days back. The patient in that case suffered from a delusional disorder. In the second case, a 19 year old man introduced a metallic screw into his urethra for sexual gratification several times in the preceding 4 years. That patient suffered from schizophrenia. Although psychiatric illness is associated with urethral foreign body, such underlying psychiatric disorders are very rare.
Three-Phase Model of a Fluidized-Bed Catalytic Reactor for Polyethylene Synthesis
Authors: Bortolozzi R. A. , Chiovetta M. G.
Published: November 2015

A mathematical model of a bubbling fluidized-bed reactor for the production of polyolefins is presented. The model is employed to simulate a typical, commercial-scale reactor where the synthesis of polyethylene using supported catalysts is carried out. Results are used to follow the evolution of temperature within the reactor bed to avoid conditions producing polymer degradation. The fluidized bed is modeled as a heterogeneous system with a bubble gas phase and a solid-particle emulsion. The catalyst active sites are considered located within a growing, solid, ever changing particle composed of the support, the catalyst and the polymer being produced. The model sees the reactor as a three phase complex: (a) the bubble phase, transporting most of the gas entering the reactor; (b) the solid-particle phase, where polymerization takes place; and (c) the interstitial-gas phase among solid particles. Both gaseous phases move continuously upward, with different velocities, and are modeled as plug flows. For the solid-particle phase, modeling alternatives are explored, ranging from a descending plug-flow limiting case to the opposite extreme of a perfectly mixed tank related to the particle drag-effect the rising bubble produces in the bed. In the scouting process between these limits instabilities are predicted by the model. The most realistic representation of the bed is that of the two gas phases moving upward in two plug-flow patterns and the solids moving with ascending and descending trajectories due to back-mixing.
Modelling of Changes in Postharvest Quality Parameters of Stored Carrots Subjected to Pre- and Postharvest Treatments
Authors: Sobratee Nafiisa , Workneh Tilahun S.
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to develop qualitative models that enable prediction of quality of carrots. A full factorial experiment including preharvest biocatalyst application, dipping treatments and storage temperatures was employed. Eleven different biochemical and microbiological quality parameters of carrot (Daucus carota L.) were investigated. The effects of treatments on the shelf-life were investigated using discriminant analysis (DA). The lower storage temperatures (1°C) maintained the superior quality. Kinetic functions were applied to each parameter using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm to characterize the rate of change of quality. DAs significantly (P < 0.001) differentiated between the combined effects of the preharvest biocatalyst treatment and storage temperatures. Four discriminant functions factored the differentiation of the quality attributes based on storage time. The models fit well to the experimental data for storage at 1°C. The second-order reaction equations allowed for prediction of ascorbic acid, sucrose and sugar–hexose ratio. First-order reaction equations that allow estimation of fructose, sucrose equivalent, total coliform and total fungi and O2 were developed. The empirical evidence suggests that freshness was maintained in the carrots until day 14 (P < 0.001). Ascorbic acid, sucrose and sugar–hexose ratio were the most relevant parameters to rapidly detect the postharvest changes following the second-order decay rate.
Further study of oxazolidines derived from mefloquine and arenealdehydes: diastereoisomers and polymorphs
Authors: Goncalves Raoni S.B. , de Souza Marcus V.N. , Wardell Solange M.S.V. , Wardell James L.
Published: November 2015

The reaction between racemicerythro[(R*,S*)-2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-yl]-(2-piperidyl)methanol] and 2-formyl-5-nitrothiene in toluene generates a reaction mixture containing two diastereoisomers of 4-[3-(5-nitrothien-2-yl)-hexahydro[1,3]oxazolo[3,4-a]pyridin-1-yl]-2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)quinoline,6,– namely (2S*,3R*,4S*5R*)-6(6a) and (2R*,3S*,4S*,5R*)-6(6b) in a ratio of 5:1 as indicated by1H NMR spectroscopy (using the 1,3-oxazolidine ring numbering scheme for the chiral centres). Isolation of each product from the mefloquine/2-formyl-5-nitrothiene reaction mixture was achieved by fractional crystallisation of an ethanol solution, but not by column chromatography on silica, which led to the destruction of the minor product,6b. A second polymorphic form, [monoclinic,P21/c] of (2S*,3R*,4S*,5R*)-4-[3-(2-hydroxyphenyl-hexahydro[1,3]oxazolo[3,4-a]pyridin-1-yl]-2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)quinoline (monoclinic-7) has been isolated from MeOH solution: the previously reportedorthorhombicform, space group Fdd2, had been isolated from an ethanolic solution.
The crystal structure of the natural 1,2,4-triazolate compound NaCu2Cl3[N3C2H2]2[NH3]2·4H2O
Authors: Zubkova Natalia V. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Pekov Igor V. , Möhn Gerhard , Giester Gerald , Yapaskurt Vasiliy O. , Lykova Inna S. , Pushcharovsky Dmitry Yu.
Published: November 2015

The crystal structure of a new natural compound NaCu2Cl3[N3C2H2]2[NH3]2·4H2O, (further denoted I in the text) from a guano deposit located on the Pabellón de Pica Mountain, Iquique Province, Tarapacá Region, Chile, was studied by single-crystal low-temperature (200 K) XRD, R=2.42%. The compound I is orthorhombic, space group P212121; a=19.484(3), b=7.2136(10), c=11.999(4) Å, V=1686.5(7) Å3, Z=4. The crystal structure of I contains zig-zag chains of the corner-sharing Cu(1)-centered octahedra running along the a axis and isolated Cu(2)-centered octahedra connected with the chains via 1,2,4-triazolate anions. This structural fragment is close to that found in the mineral chanabayaite, Cu2(N3C2H2)2Cl(NH3, Cl, H2O, □)4. In contrast to Na-free chanabayaite, in the structure of I Na cations occupy Na(H2O)6 octahedra connected via common edges to form chains parallel to the chains of Cu(1)-centered octahedra. I is the second natural compound, after chanabayaite, with 1,2,4-triazolate anions N3C2H2
– and is assumed to be a protophase of chanabayaite; the latter was presumably formed as a result of Na and Cl leaching and dehydration of I.
Are We Ready to Raise the Minimum Age for Purchasing Tobacco?
Authors: Lesser Daniel
Published: November 2015

Objective

To promote dialogue among readers and between readers and editors, we offer here brief reports and observations on topics of interest authored by members of the AAP Grand Rounds editorial team.
The Med-Peds Hospitalist Workforce: Results From the American Academy of Pediatrics Workforce Survey
Authors: Donnelly Michael J. , Lubrano Lauren , Radabaugh Carrie L. , Lukela Michael P. , Friedland Allen R. , Ruch-Ross Holly S.
Published: November 2015

OBJECTIVE:

There is no published literature about the med-peds hospitalist workforce, physicians dually trained in internal medicine and pediatrics. Our objective was to analyze this subset of physicians by using data from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) workforce survey to assess practice patterns and workforce demographics. We hypothesized that demographic differences exist between hospitalists and nonhospitalists.

METHODS:

The AAP surveyed med-peds physicians from the Society of Hospital Medicine and the AAP to define workforce demographics and patterns of practice. We compared self-identified hospitalists with nonhospitalist physicians on multiple characteristics. Almost one-half of the hospitalists self-identified as being both primary care physicians and hospitalists; we therefore also compared the physicians self-identifying as being both primary care physicians and hospitalists with those who identified themselves solely as hospitalists.

RESULTS:

Of 1321 respondents, 297 physicians (22.4%) self-reported practicing as hospitalists. Hospitalists were more likely than nonhospitalists to have been practicing <10 years (P < .001), be employed by a health care organization (P < .001), work >50 hours per week (P < .001), and see only adults (P < .001) or children (P = .03) in their practice rather than a mix of both groups. Most, 191/229 (83.4%), see both adults and children in practice, and 250/277 (90.3%) stated that their training left them well prepared to practice both adult and pediatric medicine.

CONCLUSIONS:

Med-peds hospitalists are more likely to be newer to practice and be employed by a health care organization than nonhospitalists and to report satisfaction that their training sufficiently prepared them to see adults and children in practice.
Parent and Provider Perspectives on Pediatric Readmissions: What Can We Learn About Readiness for Discharge?
Authors: Brittan Mark , Albright Karen , Cifuentes Maribel , Jimenez-Zambrano Andrea , Kempe Allison
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

Readmissions are an increasingly recognized quality metric that will likely affect payments to children’s hospitals. Our aim was to inform future efforts to reduce readmissions by eliciting parent and provider perceptions of pediatric readmissions.

METHODS:

We interviewed English- and Spanish-speaking parents and inpatient providers of children with medical diagnoses who had unplanned readmissions (≤7 days). Parents were interviewed one-on-one during the readmission. Providers were interviewed in person or by phone within 1 week of the patient’s second discharge. Interviewees were queried about their perceptions of the reason for readmission and whether the readmission was preventable. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content methods. Code categories were developed and emergent themes independently identified by 2 analysts.

RESULTS:

The study included 30 readmitted children (median age 17 months, 70% male, 80% White or Hispanic, and 66% publically insured). We interviewed 30 parents (23% Spanish speaking) and 27 discharging or readmitting providers. Parents and providers identified several major factors as causing readmissions, including child related (health and symptoms), parent/family related (adherence to recommended care), provider/team related (medical management), communication difficulties, home supports, and quality of discharge teaching. Parents and providers had differing interpretations of the role or magnitude of these factors. Lack of shared understanding between parents and providers emerged as a potentially important cause of readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS:

We identified lack of shared understanding and communication difficulties between parents and providers as potential causes of readmission. Further research is needed to determine if improvements in identifying and addressing such problems can reduce pediatric readmissions.
Determination of growth-phase dependent influences exerted by prions on yeast lipid content using HPTLC—densitometry
Authors: Bui Q. , Sherma J. , Fried B. , Hines J.K.
Published: November 2015

Prions of the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae allow for the inheritance of complex traits based solely on the acquisition of cytoplasmic protein aggregates and confer distinctive phenotypes to the cells which harbor them, creating heterogeneity within an otherwise clonal cell population. These phenotypes typically arise from a loss-of-function of the prion-forming protein that is unable to perform its normal cellular function( s) while sequestered in prion amyloid aggregates, but the specific biochemical consequences of prion infection are poorly understood. To begin to address this issue, we initiated a direct investigation into the potential control that yeast prions exert over fungal lipid content by utilizing the prions [URE3] and [PSI+], the first two prions discovered in yeast. We utilized silica gel high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)—densitometry to conduct pair-wise quantifications of the relative levels of free sterols, free fatty acids, and triacylglycerols [petroleum ether—diethyl ether—acetic acid (80:20:1) mobile phase, phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) detection reagent]; steryl esters and squalene (hexane—petroleum ether—diethyl ether—acetic acid (50:20;5:1), PMA]; and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol (chloroform– diethyl ether—acetic acid (65:25:4.5), cupric sulfate—phosphoric acid) in otherwise clonal prion-infected ([PSI+] or [URE3]) and prion-free ([psi−] or [ure-o]) cells in two growth phases: log-phase and stationary phase. Our analysis revealed multiple statistically significant differences (p < 0.00625) between prion-infected and prion-free cells. Interestingly, prion-induced changes varied dramatically by growth phase, indicating that prions exert differential influences on cell physiology between log and stationary growth. Further experimental replication and extension of the analysis to other prions is expected to resolve additional physiological effects of prion infection. This investigation demonstrates that HPTLC—densitometry is an effective method for studying prion-induced alterations in lipid content in yeast.
Francis Bacon and the Art of Misinterpretation
Authors: Werlin Julianne
Published: November 2015

Recent research has shown how Francis Bacon drew on Renaissance practices of reading and writing to propose a new method for understanding nature. Yet Bacon was well aware that such techniques were vulnerable to error, miscommunication, and failure. Instances of misinterpretation in his utopian fantasyNew Atlantisreveal that his dream of a legible world accounts for the possibility of misreading. Bacon's characters and his audience are invited to interpret the text's symbols, but they are denied the basis for adequate interpretation. The paradoxes that arise from this strange position affirm the utility of Bacon's method and expose some of its limits.
Songs of Experience: Confessions, Penitence, and the Value of Error in Tasso and Spenser
Authors: Van der Laan Sarah
Published: November 2015

As the Reformation and Counter-Reformation swept Europe in the sixteenth century, penance (or its rejection) became a cornerstone of individual and confessional identities. Extending a post-Tridentine view of sacramental penance as consolation, Torquato Tasso'sGerusalemme liberatasuggests that penance offers a means to recover and even to benefit from the experience of error—and to incorporate romance error into epic action and ethics. Through extensive intertextual dialogue, Edmund Spenser'sFaerie Queeneengages this view to explore the fears produced in some lay people by the English Reformers' rejection of penance. Book 2 interrogates the possibilities for epic heroism in a fictional environment lacking any visible means to recover from error and therefore profoundly skeptical of experience and the errors to which it might lead. Spenser's virtuoso act of cultural translation reforms Tasso's penance-based ethics, exposes the shortcomings of one approach to reformation, and affirms the educational value of human error.
Reinventing Race, Colonization, and Globalisms across Deep Time: Lessons from theLongue Durée
Authors: Heng Geraldine
Published: November 2015

In July 1099, after three years of levantine military adventure during which new latin christian colonies were fashioned at edessa and Antioch, the transnational forces from Europe later known as the First Crusade finally captured their principal target: Jerusalem. Three eyewitness chronicles attest to the bloodbath that followed. Fulcher of Chartres, chaplain to one of the foremost Crusade leaders, estimated that “ten thousand were beheaded” at the Temple of Solomon alone(Chronicle77). The anonymous author of theGesta Francorum (The Deeds of the Franks)averred, “No-one has ever seen or heard of such a slaughter of pagans” (92). Raymond d'Aguiliers, chaplain to another Crusade leader, was effusive:

Some of the pagans were mercifully beheaded, others pierced by arrows plunged from towers, and yet others, tortured for a long time, were burned to death in searing flames. Piles of heads, hands, and feet lay in the houses and streets, and indeed there was a running to and fro of men and knights over the corpses…. [T]hese are few and petty details…. Shall we relate what took place there? If we told you, you would not believe us. So it is sufficient to relate that in the Temple of Solomon and the portico crusaders rode in blood to the knees and bridles of their horses. In my opinion, this was poetic justice…. Jerusalem was now littered with bodies. (Historia127-28)
Sovereignty and the Materiality of Caliphal Encounters
Authors: Anderson Glaire D.
Published: November 2015

This essay focuses on two tenth-century bronze objects, a basin and a bowl, inscribed with an epigraphic band that can be read as the repetition of the Arabic word for sovereignty,al-mulk.These objects were probably made in the area that now comprises Iran and Central Asia, an artistic, intellectual, and commercial center of the Islamic lands in the ninth and tenth centuries. Bronzes like these, luxury commodities that would have appeared gold when new, are rarely found outside Iran and Central Asia (Allan; Baer). Yet those I discuss here were discovered far from their likely region of origin—indeed, at opposite ends of the Islamic territories of Eurasia. The large bronze basin was discovered in Inner Mongolia, while the small bronze bowl was unearthed in Córdoba, in southern Spain. These inscribed objects hint at a transhemispheric cultural-political history that has implications for reigning narratives of modernity, including for those that relate to medieval studies.
World Studies and Relational Comparison
Authors: Shih Shu-Mei
Published: November 2015

A new kind of world studies is emerging. This is a world studies 2.0, since some forms of world studies, such as world literature, world music, and world cinema, have existed for some years in the humanities. These categories have been more narrowly defined and refer to literature, music, and cinema from places other than the West—that is, “the rest,” as seen from the West. In this vein, world literature has sometimes been euphemistically called “literature of the world at large,” conjuring a chase, if only halfhearted, after a world that somehow slipped away: at large.
In the Context of Infinite Contexts
Authors: Hsu Hua
Published: November 2015

Around the time I realized that I would be spending the better part of my twenties in graduate school, I saw an episode of theSimpsonsthat had an embarrassingly profound effect on me. The episode's conceit was alluringly simple: What would happen if the city of Springfield was entrusted to its smartest citizens rather than to politicians or bureaucrats? Or, in the blunt diagnosis of Julius Hibbert, a Springfield physician (and one of the city's smartest citizens), “Why do we live in a town where the smartest have no power and the stupidest run everything?” Why couldn't things be different?
RETENÇÃO DE ÁGUA EM UM LATOSSOLO EM RECUPERAÇÃO COM ADUBOS VERDES
Authors: Bonini Carolina dos Santos Batista , Bonini Neto Alfredo , Heinrichs Reges , Soares Filho Cecílio Viega
Published: November 2015

RESUMOA degradação dos solos é caracterizada pela mudança na qualidade da estrutura, provocando diminuição no tamanho dos poros, especialmente dos macroporos, o que leva à redução na área da seção transversal para o fluxo de água. Com isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a retenção de agua de um Latossolo em recuperação com adubos verdes. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizados, com 9 tratamentos e 4 repetições. Os tratamentos foram: Testemunha (solo mobilizado); Mucuna-preta (Stizolobiumaterrimum Piper & Tracy); Guandu (CajanuscajanL. Millsp), até 1994, após substituído por Feijão-de-porco (Canavalia ensiformes L);Calcário+Mucuna-preta; Calcário+Guandu até 1994, após substituído por Feijão-de-porco; Calcário+Gesso+Mucuna-preta;Calcário+Gesso+Guandu, até 1994, após substituído por Feijão-de-porco, duas Testemunhas T1 - Solo exposto (sem técnica de recuperação) e T2 - Vegetação nativa de Cerrado. Todos os tratamentos de recuperação após 1999 foram conduzidos com Brachiaria decumbens.Foi realizada coleta de solo (amostras indeformadas), nas camadas de 0,00-0,10; 0,10-0,20 e 0,20-0,40m para a determinação da retenção de água no solo, no ano de 2010. Os tratamentos de recuperação não influenciaram a retenção de agua no solo. A vegetação nativa do cerrado obteve menor valor, devido a melhor distribuição de tamanho de poros. Observou que quanto maior a retenção de água, maior a microporosidade do solo.Conclui-se que o solo ainda não está recuperado avaliando a retenção de agua no solo.Na camada superficial do solo, a retenção de agua é menor do que nas camadas mais profundas. PALAVRAS-CHAVE:porosidade do solo. área degradada. Matéria orgânica.
O JEITO CAMPONÊS DE FAZER AGRICULTURA: POLICULTIVO, PRÁTICAS AGROECOLÓGICAS E A RETROINOVAÇÃO
Authors: Witkowski Thadeu Henrique , Araujo Geisiane dos Santos , Rosa Paulo Roberto , Jorge Munir Felício
Published: November 2015

Palavras-chaveQuestão agrária, jeito de fazer agricultura, campesinato.
Triggers of Mass Atrocities
Authors: Straus Scott
Published: November 2015

The concept of “triggers” enjoys wide usage in the atrocity prevention policymaking community. However, the concept has received limited academic analysis. This paper reviews the concept critically, develops a definition, and subjects the concept to empirical analysis. The paper offers a mild endorsement of the concept of triggers of atrocity. The paper identifies four main categories of triggering event but cautions that triggers cannot be separated from context or decision-makers.