bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Transfection Mediated by Dendrigraft Poly(L‐lysines): The Effect of Structure and Molecule Size
Authors: Hofman Jakub , Buncek Martin , Haluza Radovan , Streinz Ludvik , Ledvina Miroslav , Cigler Petr
Published: December 2012

Dendritic poly(L‐lysines) (DGL) constitute promising nanomaterials applicable as a nonviral gene‐delivery vector. In this study, we evaluate the transfection abilities of four DGL generations with special emphasis on the systematic description of the relationship of how generation (i.e., molecule size) affects the transfection efficacy. Using Hep2 cells, we demonstrated that the capability of unmodified DGL to deliver plasmid is of a magnitude lower than that of jetPEI. On the other hand, employing the Hep2 cell line stably transduced with eGFP, we observed that DGL G5 delivers the siRNA oligonucleotide with the same efficiency as Lipofectamine 2000. In further experiments, it was shown that DGL affords excellent ability to bind DNA, protect it against DNase I attack, and internalize it into cells.

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Human Mesenchymal Stem‐Cell Behaviour On Direct Laser Micropatterned Electrospun Scaffolds with Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Li Huaqiong , Wong Yee Shan , Wen Feng , Ng Kee Woei , Ng Gary Ka Lai , Venkatraman Subbu S. , Boey Freddy Yin Chiang , Tan Lay Poh
Published: December 2012

Direct laser machining and electrospinning are utilized to obtain a bi‐layered hybrid scaffold with hierarchical topographical features to mimic extracellular matrix‐like microenvironment of cells. Adult bone marrow derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are cultured in vitro in these hybrid scaffolds, and cell orientation, proliferation, viability, and differentiation are evaluated. The results show that this novel hybrid scaffold not only supports cell growth like traditional scaffolds, but also elicits positive responses from the cells, like lineage commitment and alignment, which are essential features of future scaffolds.

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Temperature‐Responsiveness and Antimicrobial Properties of CNT–PNIPAM Hybrid Brush Films
Authors: Pangilinan Katrina D. , Santos Catherine M. , Estillore Nicel C. , Rodrigues Debora F. , Advincula Rigoberto C.
Published: December 2012

Temperature‐responsive carbon nanotube (CNT)/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hybrid brush films were prepared by combining the layer‐by‐layer and surface‐initiated polymerization (LbL‐SIP) techniques. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is employed for the preparation of PNIPAM polymer brushes. Antibacterial activity of the CNT/PNIPAM films are investigated against Exiguobacterium sp. AT1b and Exiguobacterium sibiricum strains. Dead assay results show high microbial inactivation on coated surfaces with CNT films, while very low microbial inactivation is observed in PNIPAM films at all temperatures tested. The CNT–PNIPAM films, on the other hand, have antibacterial properties below 32 °C, which is below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), but allows biofilm formation above the LCST.
Thermochromic and Photovoltaic Properties of an Alternating Copolymer of Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene and Thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione
Authors: Li Zhao , Malenfant Patrick , Tao Ye , Ding Jianfu
Published: December 2012

The synthesis of a new alternating conjugated polymer, PDTTTPD, based on electron‐donating dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene (DTT) and electron‐withdrawing thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD) units is reported. This polymer shows strong thermochromic effect in chlorobenzene with a peak shift up to 170 nm. This phenomenon is studied with fluorescence spectroscopy and related to the steric hindrance along the polymer main chain. Polymer solar cells are fabricated from its blends with PC71BM, and shows modest power conversion efficiency up to 2.1%. The low efficiency is due to the low short‐circuit current, which is also attributed to the steric effect. Based on these results, a general design rule for polymer photovoltaic material with controlled backbone conformation is proposed.
A New Low‐Bandgap Polymer Containing Benzene‐Fused Quinoxaline: Significantly Enhanced Performance Caused by One Additional Benzene Ring
Authors: Li Shuang , Li Aiyuan , Yu Jian , Zhong Aoshu , Chen Su'an , Tang Runli , Deng Xianyu , Qin Jingui , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: December 2012

Two new alkoxy‐substituted quinoxaline (Qx)‐based copolymers, PBDTQx and PBDTPz, are designed and synthesized. The only difference between these two polymers is that two methyl groups of the Qx are replaced by one additional fused benzene ring. The UV–Vis absorptions, thermal stability, energy levels, field‐effect carrier mobility, and photovoltaic characteristics of the two copolymers are systematically evaluated to understand the relationships between the polymer structure at the molecular level and the photovoltaic performances. Photovoltaic cells based on the PBDTPz with a structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Polymer:PC71BM/PEO/Ca/Al exhibit a promising efficiency of 4.40%, while that of PBDTQx is relatively much poorer.
A Polymer Reaction Engineering Approach to Polynucleotide Replication
Authors: Schork F. Joseph
Published: December 2012

It is often interesting to look at specific scientific questions from the perspective of other, related technologies. The problem of nonenzymatic RNA replication can be viewed from the perspective of classical polymer science and with some interesting insights. This communication will show that current mechanism of stalling, which is used to account for the fact that the rate of insertion errors in nonenzymatic RNA replication are much lower than would be expected, can be modeled by using the Mayo–Lewis equation for calculating copolymer composition in copolymerizations of synthetic polymers. Using kinetic parameters from the literature, it is possible to independently predict the error threshold for RNA replication. Agreement with the accepted model for nonenzymatic replication is surprisingly good.

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Characterizing inter‐compartmental water exchange in myelinated tissue using relaxation exchange spectroscopy
Authors: Dortch Richard D. , Harkins Kevin D. , Juttukonda Meher R. , Gore John C. , Does Mark D.
Published: December 2012

Purpose: To investigate inter‐compartmental water exchange in two model myelinated tissues ex vivo using relaxation exchange spectroscopy. Methods: Building upon a previously developed theoretical framework, a three‐compartment (myelin, intra‐axonal, and extra‐axonal water) model of the inversion‐recovery prepared relaxation exchange spectroscopy signal was applied in excised rat optic nerve and frog sciatic nerve samples to estimate the water residence time constants in myelin (τmyelin). Results: In the rat optic nerve samples, τmyelin = 138 ± 15 ms (mean ± standard deviation) was estimated. In sciatic nerve, which possesses thicker myelin sheaths than optic nerve, a much longer τmyelin = 2046 ± 140 ms was observed. Conclusion: Consistent with previous studies in rat spinal cord, the extrapolation of exchange rates in optic nerve to in vivo conditions indicates that τmyelin < 100 ms. This suggests that there is a significant effect of inter‐compartmental water exchange on the transverse relaxation of water protons in white matter. The much longer τmyelin values in sciatic nerve supports the postulate that the inter‐compartmental water exchange rate is mediated by myelin thickness. Together, these findings point to the potential for MRI methods to probe variations in myelin thickness in white matter. Magn Reson Med 70:1450–1459, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aus der Zwickmühle zur Innovation
Authors: Kaiserswerth Matthias
Published: December 2012

Wie kann die Forschung widersprüchlich scheinenden Erwartungen — kurzfristig Wert schaffen und langfristig Neues hervorbringen — gerecht werden? Ein Blick auf das strategische Forschungsmanagement bei IBM zeigt, wie der Spagat als Antrieb genutzt werden kann.
Effizient in die Zukunft
Authors: Krüger Péter , Hoffschulz Holger , Michelfelder Ingo
Published: December 2012

Der Open‐Innovation‐Ansatz macht es möglich: 90 Partner aus Industrie und Wissenschaft erforschen gemeinsam Kohlenstoffnanomaterialien.
Im Zeichen der Unsicherheit
Authors: Schneider Bernd
Published: December 2012

Im dritten Quartal gab es weniger Übernahmen als im Quartal zuvor. Die Quartalstransaktionswerte dagegen steigen seit Beginn des Jahres. Finanzinvestoren hoffen.
Risk of upper gastrointestinal complications in a cohort of users of nimesulide and other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Authors: Castellsague Jordi , Pisa Federica , Rosolen Valentina , Drigo Daniela , Riera‐Guardia Nuria , Giangreco Manuela , Clagnan Elena , Tosolini Francesca , Zanier Loris , Barbone Fabio , Perez‐Gutthann Susana
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Information on the risk of upper gastrointestinal complications (UGIC) in users of nimesulide, the most used nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) in Italy, is scarce. In the context of the European regulatory review on nimesulide, we estimated and compared the risk associated with nimesulide and other individual NSAIDs with the risk in nonusers.

Methods

We used 2001–2008 data from regional health databases in Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), Italy, to conduct a cohort and nested case–control study of users of NSAIDs. Cases were identified by specific and nonspecific hospital discharge diagnoses in primary and secondary position and validated through hospital records. Ten controls per case were selected using density‐based sampling from the cohort. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The cohort included 588 827 NSAIDs users and 3031 UGIC cases. Nonspecific codes contributed to 23% of cases and secondary codes to 5%. Among current users, IR per 1000 person‐years decreased from 4.45 cases in 2001 to 2.21 cases in 2008. The RR (95%CI) for current use of NSAIDs was 3.28 (2.86, 3.76). RR was <2 for rofecoxib, celecoxib, and nimesulide; 2 to <5 for naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, etoricoxib, and meloxicam; and ≥5 for ketoprofen, piroxicam, and ketorolac.

Conclusions

IRs of UGIC in FVG decreased about 50% between 2001 and 2008. Nimesulide was in the low–medium range of RR. A complete ascertainment of UGIC cases in databases may require validation of nonspecific codes, secondary codes, and additional codes such as peritonitis and acute posthemorrhagic anemia. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐corrosion properties of bis(benzimidazole) derivatives for N80 steel in H2S solution
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Yue , Yin Xiangyu , Qian Jianhua
Published: December 2012

In this work, we systematically investigated the effect of four bis(benzimidazole) derivatives containing different heteroatoms in molecular structures on inhibiting corrosion of N80 steel in 0.5 mmol·l−1 H2S solution by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and metallographic microscope. The results showed that within the range of 0.1–1.0 mmol·l−1, the adsorption of bis(benzimidazole) derivatives on N80 steel surface was found to follow Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Meanwhile, stable adsorbing monolayer between inhibitors and the metal surface was formed, which was confirmed by thermodynamic adsorption parameters (Kads, ). This series of bis(benzimidazole) derivatives exhibited obvious corrosion inhibitory properties for N80 steel. Moreover, they could both slow down the anodic dissolution of iron and the cathodic reduction reaction as mixed type corrosion inhibitors. The optimal inhibition efficiency was obtained for 1,3‐bis(benzimidazl‐2‐yl)‐2‐thiapropane (BBMS). Hopefully, this series of inhibitors might find applications in anti‐corrosion and many other areas. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemical indicaxanthin suppresses 7-ketocholesterol-induced THP-1 cell apoptosis by preventing cytosolic Ca2+increase and oxidative stress
Authors: Tesoriere Luisa , Attanzio Alessandro , Allegra Mario , Gentile Carla , Livrea Maria A.
Published: December 2012

7-Ketocholesterol (7-KC)-induced apoptosis of macrophages is considered a key event in the development of human atheromas. In the present study, the effect of indicaxanthin (Ind), a bioactive pigment from cactus pear fruit, on 7-KC-induced apoptosis of human monocyte/macrophage THP-1 cells was investigated. A pathophysiological condition was simulated by using amounts of 7-KC that can be reached in human atheromatous plaque. Ind was assayed within a micromolar concentration range, consistent with its plasma level after dietary supplementation with cactus pear fruit. Pro-apoptotic effects of 7-KC were assessed by cell cycle arrest, exposure of phosphatidylserine at the plasma membrane, variation of nuclear morphology, decrease of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential, activation of Bcl-2 antagonist of cell death and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 cleavage. Kinetic measurements within 24 h showed early formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species over basal levels, preceding NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX-4) over-expression and elevation of cytosolic Ca2+, with progressive depletion of total thiols. 7-KC-dependent activation of the redox-sensitive NF-κB was observed. Co-incubation of 2·5 μmof Ind completely prevented 7-KC-induced pro-apoptotic events. The effects of Ind may be ascribed to inhibition of NOX-4 basal activity and over-expression, inhibition of NF-κB activation, maintaining cell redox balance and Ca homeostasis, with prevention of mitochondrial damage and consequently apoptosis. The findings suggest that Ind, a highly bioavailable dietary phytochemical, may exert protective effects against atherogenetic toxicity of 7-KC at a concentration of nutritional interest.
North–south gradients in plasma concentrations of B-vitamins and other components of one-carbon metabolism in Western Europe: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study
Authors: Eussen Simone J. P. M. , Nilsen Roy M. , Midttun Øivind , Hustad Steinar , IJssennagger Noortje , Meyer Klaus , Fredriksen Åse , Ulvik Arve , Ueland Per M. , Brennan Paul , Johansson Mattias , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , Vineis Paolo , Chuang Shu-Chun , Boutron-Ruault Marie Christine , Dossus Laure , Perquier Florence , Overvad Kim , Teucher Birgit , Grote Verena A. , Trichopoulou Antonia , Adarakis George , Plada Maria , Sieri Sabina , Tumino Rosario , de Magistris Maria Santucci , Ros Martine M. , Peeters Petra H. M. , Redondo Maria Luisa , Zamora-Ros Raul , Chirlaque Maria-Dolores , Ardanaz Eva , Sonestedt Emily , Ericson Ulrika , Schneede Jörn , van Guelpen Bethany , Wark Petra A. , Gallo Valentina , Norat Teresa , Riboli Elio , Vollset Stein Emil
Published: December 2012

Different lifestyle patterns across Europe may influence plasma concentrations of B-vitamins and one-carbon metabolites and their relation to chronic disease. Comparison of published data on one-carbon metabolites in Western European regions is difficult due to differences in sampling procedures and analytical methods between studies. The present study aimed, to compare plasma concentrations of one-carbon metabolites in Western European regions with one laboratory performing all biochemical analyses. We performed the present study in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort among 5446 presumptively healthy individuals. Quantile regression was used to compare sex-specific median concentrations between Northern (Denmark and Sweden), Central (France, Germany, The Netherlands and United Kingdom) and Southern (Greece, Spain and Italy) European regions. The lowest folate concentrations were observed in Northern Europe (men, 10·4 nmol/l; women, 10·7 nmol/l) and highest concentrations in Central Europe. Cobalamin concentrations were slightly higher in Northern Europe (men, 330 pmol/l; women, 352 pmol/l) compared with Central and Southern Europe, but did not show a clear north–south gradient. Vitamin B2concentrations were highest in Northern Europe (men, 22·2 nmol/l; women, 26·0 nmol/l) and decreased towards Southern Europe (Ptrend< 0·001). Vitamin B6concentrations were highest in Central Europe in men (77·3 nmol/l) and highest in the North among women (70·4 nmol/l), with decreasing concentrations towards Southern Europe in women (Ptrend< 0·001). In men, concentrations of serine, glycine and sarcosine increased from the north to south. In women, sarcosine increased from Northern to Southern Europe. These findings may provide relevant information for the study of regional differences of chronic disease incidence in association with lifestyle.
Monastic Literacy in John Cassian: Toward a New Sublimity
Authors: Krawiec Rebecca
Published: December 2012

In his two central monastic texts, theInstitutesand theConferences, John Cassian (c. 360-c.435) draws extensively on tropes of grammatical and rhetorical education. This language helps shape monasticism in ways that are culturally and socially acceptable to the elite, male audience in Gaul to which he is appealing. The effect of this language is not to create a monasticism that is comfortable for the elite but to transform his audience through a process analogous to their traditional education. He invents a new monastic reading culture that uses reading and writing to form the identity of a monk. Like all reading cultures, Cassian's requires a particular form of literacy, defined here as teaching certain reading methods and valuing particular texts. Indeed, Cassian's two works serve as the teaching texts for this monastic literacy and so compete against contemporaneous claims for other forms of monastic instruction. Cassian's texts function as monastic equivalents to rhetorical handbooks (theInstitutes) and works of literary theory (theConferences) and are themselves sublime replacements for “pagan” literature. The epitome of his monasticism, ecstatic prayer, is also described in terms of sublimity thereby appropriating rhetorical values and prestige into a new performance of the elite male self.
Vital Nature and Vital Piety: Johann Arndt and the Evangelical Vitalism of Cotton Mather
Authors: Grainger Brett Malcolm
Published: December 2012

Despite a surfeit of studies recognizing Cotton Mather's support for a range of alchemical and occult practices, historians have yet to integrate these occult activities with Mather's religious and scientific thought as a whole. I argue that we can bring clarity to Mather's engagement with the occult by refracting it through his reverence for Lutheran Pietist Johann Arndt, whose writings, especiallyVier bucher vom wahren Christentum (Four Books of True Christianity), offer a key to Mather's employment of hermetic materials in his major works of natural philosophy. Through analysis ofThe Christian PhilosopherandThe Angel of Bethesda,as well as Mather's private writings, I suggest that Mather's cosmology was vitalistic in ways not previously acknowledged by historians. This view of creation as dynamic, enchanted, and marked by divine signatures—evidenced most clearly in Mather's concept of thenishmath-chajim—helped Mather reconcile the new science, Puritan covenant theology, and alchemical traditions descending from Paracelsus. By positing a divine, dynamic presence in nature, Mather retained an orthodox view of God as sovereign and transcendent while intimately engaged in a process of cosmic redemption, slowly transmuting the base matter of a fallen creation into a new heaven and new earth.
PROPAGATION AND PRODUCTION OF GAC (MOMORDICA COCHINCHINENSIS SPRENG.), A GREENHOUSE CASE STUDY
Authors: PARKS SOPHIE E. , MURRAY CARLY T. , GALE DAVID L. , AL-KHAWALDEH BASEM , SPOHR LORRAINE J.
Published: December 2012

Greater cultivation of the underutilised Gac fruit, Momordica cochinchinensis, by poorly resourced householders and farmers would potentially improve livelihoods, and, on a larger scale, meet the increasing demand for Gac as a health product. Cultivation methods need to be developed to suit small- and large-scale production and must consider the unpredictable ratio of male to female plants grown from seed, and slow growth induced by cool temperatures. In this study, we examined the responses of Gac to propagation and protected cropping techniques to identify potential methods for increasing production. Plants germinated from seed in seed-raising mix under warm and humid conditions were grown hydroponically to maturity in a climate-controlled greenhouse during a temperate winter, producing fruits that were harvested ripe, from 44 weeks after sowing. Cuttings taken from female plants were dipped in indole-3-butyric rooting hormone powder or gel, or were left untreated, and then placed in rock wool, potting mix, water or closed media sachet. All treatment combinations, with the exception of the untreated potting mix, permitted the development of healthy plants in a second greenhouse crop. Growing plants from seed, then vegetatively increasing the number of productive female plants by cuttings is a means to increase Gac production with limited resources. Gac production using greenhouse technology, as described here for the first time, is relevant to other temperate regions. The finding that larger fruits have a higher percentage of edible aril than smaller fruits provides a new area of investigation towards enhancing production.
Food reformulation: the challenges to the food industry
Authors: Buttriss Judith L.
Published: December 2012

The role of the food industry (retailers, manufacturers and food service) in helping consumers eat healthily and sustainably has been receiving considerable attention in recent years. This paper focuses on the challenges facing the food industry and the role of food reformulation in meeting these challenges, through the lens of a public health nutritionist. Attention has been heightened by the Government's Responsibility Deal, launched in early 2011 by the Department of Health (England), by the UK's engagement with the global food security and food supply sustainability agendas and by the Government Office of Science's Foresight report. The Responsibility Deal's food network has to date focused on reduction of trans fatty acids, salt and calories and out-of-home calorie labelling (in food service settings). New pledges are expected soon on increasing fruit and vegetable intakes. Reformulation is a major feature of the Responsibility Deal's approach, and along with other approaches such as portion control, choice editing and information provision, there is potential to increase the breadth of healthier choices available to the public. With the exception of fruit and vegetables, the emphasis has been almost exclusively on aspects of the diet that are in excess for many of the population (e.g. energy and salt). Evidence of low consumption of some key micronutrients by some groups of the population, particularly adolescents and young adults, often alongside excess energy intake compared with expenditure, is all too often overlooked. This paper summarises the progress made to date, the challenges faced and the opportunities that exist, with particular focus on reformulation. One of the biggest challenges is the relatively poor understanding of how to effect positive and long-term dietary behaviour change. The paper concludes that, in isolation, reformulation is unlikely to provide a complete solution to the challenge of improving eating patterns and nutrient provision, although it is a contributor.
Does early-onset chronic or recurrent major depression impact outcomes with antidepressant medications? A CO-MED Trial Report
Authors: Sung S. C. , Wisniewski S. R. , Balasubramani G. K. , Zisook S. , Kurian B. , Warden D. , Trivedi M. H. , Rush A. J.
Published: December 2012

Background

Prior studies have suggested that major depressive disorder (MDD) with pre-adult onset represents a distinct subtype with greater symptom severity and higher rates of suicidal ideation. Whether these patients have poorer response to various types of antidepressant treatment than those with adult-onset MDD is unclear.

Method

A total of 665 psychiatric and primary care out-patients (aged 18–75 years) with non-psychotic chronic or recurrent MDD participated in a single-blind, randomized trial that compared the efficacy of escitalopram plus placebo, bupropion sustained-release plus escitalopram, or venlafaxine extended-release plus mirtazapine. We compared participants who self-reported MDD onset (before age 18) to those with a later onset (adult onset) with respect to baseline characteristics and treatment/outcome variables at 12 and 28 weeks.

Results

Early-onset chronic/recurrent MDD was associated with a distinct set of sociodemographic (female, younger age) and clinical correlates (longer duration of illness, greater number of prior episodes, greater likelihood of atypical features, higher rates of suicidality and psychiatric co-morbidity, fewer medical problems, poorer quality of life, greater history of child abuse/neglect). However, results from unadjusted and adjusted analyses showed no significant differences in response, remission, tolerability of medications, quality of life, or retention at 12 or 28 weeks.

Conclusions

Although early-onset chronic/recurrent MDD is associated with a more severe clinical picture, it does not seem to be useful for predicting differential treatment response to antidepressant medication. Clinicians should remain alert to an increased risk of suicidality in this population.
Praying for outcomes one knows would be bad
Authors: MAWSON T. J.
Published: December 2012

In this article, I consider what states of knowledge of the value of outcomes are consistent with a classical theist's praying to God that He bring about those outcomes. I proceed from a consideration of the cases which seem least problematic (the theist knows these outcomes to be ones which would be, at least after they've been prayed for, best or at least good), through a consideration of cases where the outcomes prayed for are ones the goodness and badness of which the theist is agnostic about, to consider finally praying for outcomes that the theist knows would be bad at the time he or she is praying for them. I conclude that even prayers of this last sort should, albeit only on rare occasions, be prayed.
Saving friends or saving strangers? Critical humanitarianism and the geopolitics of international law
Authors: MOORE THOMAS
Published: December 2012

What can critical geopolitics contribute to an understanding of the political dynamics of humanitarianism within International Relations? This article demands a reconsideration of the concept of humanitarianism by examining the spatial ordering of international society and the geopolitics of international law that condition our understanding of humanitarian agency and conduct within IR. The focus on critical geopolitics seeks to identify the normative structure of humanitarianism and how humanitarian claims – which are seemingly universal – are constituted through specific geopolitical discourses that structure agency and conduct within international life. Considering how humanitarianism is discursively structured as a geopolitical concept involves taking humanitarianism beyond its methodological privileging of impartiality, neutrality, and universality in making sense of humanitarianism. Critical humanitarianism does not accept the grounding of humanitarianism within an intuitive moral framework but instead locates humanitarian agency and conduct within a spatialised understanding of the international system. Such a spatialised ordering of humanitarianism takes the analytical focus away from ‘saving strangers’ (Wheeler) and ‘global conscience’ (Linklater) towards a consideration of the ways in which international law is the product of historical particulars that reflect a complex political sociology of the state (Schmitt).
Campylobacterseroconversion rates in selected countries in the European Union
Authors: TEUNIS P. F. M. , FALKENHORST G. , ANG C. W. , STRID M. A. , DE VALK H. , SADKOWSKA-TODYS M. , ZOTA L. , KUUSI M. , ROTA M. C. , SIMONSEN J. B. , MØLBAK K. , VAN DUYNHOVEN Y. T. H. P. , VAN PELT W.
Published: December 2012

As a major foodborne pathogen,Campylobacteris frequently isolated from food sources of animal origin. In contrast, humanCampylobacterillness is relatively rare, but has a considerable health burden due to acute enteric illness as well as severe sequelae. To study silent transmission, serum antibodies can be used as biomarkers to estimate seroconversion rates, as a proxy for infection pressure. This novel approach to serology shows that infections are much more common than disease, possibly because most infections remain asymptomatic. This study used antibody titres measured in serum samples collected from healthy subjects selected randomly in the general population from several countries in the European Union (EU). Estimates of seroconversion rates toCampylobacterwere calculated for seven countries: Romania, Poland, Italy, France, Finland, Denmark and The Netherlands. Results indicate high infection pressures in all these countries, slightly increasing in Eastern EU countries. Of these countries, the differences in rates of notified illnesses are much greater, with low numbers in France and Poland, possibly indicating lower probability of detection due to differences in the notification systems, but in the latter case it cannot be excluded that more frequent exposure confers better protection due to acquired immunity.
Treating the Psychological Sequelae of Proactive Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: Knowledge Building Through Systematic Case Based Research
Authors: Padmanabhanunni Anita , Edwards David
Published: December 2012

Background: Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) has emerged as a distinct category of sexual victimization and precipitates posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have examined the distinct psychological aspects of PTSD caused by DFSA. Gauntlett-Gilbert, Keegan and Petrak (2004) represent a notable exception and draw on cases, from their clinical experience, treated using Ehlers and Clarks' (2000) cognitive therapy (CT). Aims: This paper aims to further develop and refine clinical knowledge on CT for PTSD arising from DFSA and advance the findings of Gauntlett-Gilbert et al. (2004). Method: Systematic case based research was used to investigate the applicability of CT for PTSD related to DFSA. Three survivors were treated with CT within the South African context. Results: The case series corroborated existing findings but also documented the presence of somatic and visual intrusions among survivors with partial or complete amnesia for rape and illustrated the utility of imagery interventions in targeting intrusions. The study highlighted the role of physical paralysis in DFSA in compounding helplessness/powerlessness and the necessity of enhancing physical agency and building social support. Conclusion: Distinctive aspects of PTSD related to DFSA can be effectively treated by adapting CT to suit this population group.
Comparison of Attention Training and Cognitive Therapy in the Treatment of Social Phobia: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Donald Juliet , Abbott Maree J. , Smith Evelyn
Published: December 2012

Background: Prominent models of social phobia highlight the role played by attentional factors, such as self-focused attention, in the development and maintenance of social phobia. Elevated self-focused attention is associated with increases in self-rated anxiety. Treatments that aim to modify and change attentional processes, specifically self-focused attention, will have a direct effect on social phobia symptoms. Thus, Attention Training targets attentional focus. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Attention Training in comparison to an established treatment for social phobia, Cognitive Therapy. Method: Participants (Intention-to-treat = 45; completers = 30) were allocated to either 6 weeks of Attention Training or Cognitive Therapy. It was hypothesized that both treatments would be effective in reducing social phobia symptoms, but that Attention Training would work primarily by reducing levels of self-focused attention. Results: The results found an overall effectiveness of both treatment conditions in reducing social phobia symptoms. However, Attention Training significantly improved scores on the Self-Focused Attention questionnaire and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation questionnaire compared to Cognitive Therapy. Conclusion: Attention Training seems to be a promising treatment for social phobia.
Attitudes and institutions: contrasting experiences of Joint Forest Management in India
Authors: HUSAIN ZAKIR , BHATTACHARYA RABINDRA N.
Published: December 2012

The growing disenchantment with state management of natural resources has led to increasing reliance on co-management. This involves devolution of the rights to manage and control access to the resource from the state to the resource appropriators. Co-management has been introduced in many Third World countries with varying success. Co-management programmes have typically assumed that the resource community wants to conserve the resource and is prevented from doing so by their inability to form a collective choice arena. Hence such programmes have attempted to provide a collective choice arena. However, these attempts overlook the need to change the attitudes of resource users and create a demand for the resource regime. In this paper we have presented two case studies of Joint Forest Management in India to illustrate this point.
Ethical Absolutism and Education
Authors: Gardner Peter
Published: December 2012

At a conference I attended not so long ago I suggested to someone who had just read a paper that beneath his apparent commitment to a kind of ethical relativism he was in fact an ethical absolutist. The person I was addressing seemed quite upset by my suggestion and proceeded to argue that my understanding of his paper was somewhat awry. This experience was not new to me. Having taught ethics and philosophy of education courses for many years, courses which have been taken by undergraduates and by members of the teaching profession, I know that if I ever say to those I teach that they are adopting or favouring an absolutist position, then, more than likely, they will regard my remark as something to be opposed and they will often suggest that there must be some misunderstanding on my part. Judging by my experiences, ‘absolutist’ is a label most undergraduates and teachers wish to disown, particularly at the outset of ethics and philosophy courses, even though many of these disowners seem to subscribe to absolutist positions on such issues as racism, rape and child abuse. In his book Ethics; Discovering Right and Wrong Louis P. Pojman, talking about his own findings in this area, makes it clear that my teaching experiences are not unique. Over a period of several years and in several universities Pojman found that most of the students who took his ethics or philosophy courses explicitly rejected absolutism and affirmed support for some kind of relativism even though several of these aspiring relativists subscribed to absolutist positions on various ethical matters (Pojman, 1990, 19).
Anscombe on ‘Practical Knowledge’
Authors: Moran Richard
Published: December 2012

Among the legacies of Elizabeth Anscombe's 1957 monograph Intention are the introduction of the notion of ‘practical knowledge’ into contemporary philosophical discussion of action, and her claim, pursued throughout the book, that an agent's knowledge of what he is doing is characteristically not based on observation. Each idea by itself has its own obscurities, of course, but my focus here will be on the relation between the two ideas, how it is that the discussion of action may lead us to speak of non-observational knowledge at all, and how this notion can be part of the understanding of a kind of ordinary knowledge that we have reason to consider practical rather than speculative. Anscombe mentions several quite different things under the heading of ‘non-observational knowledge’, and she first introduces the notion of the nonobservational for purely dialectical purposes, associated with the task of setting out the field she wants to investigate, in a way that avoids begging the very questions she means to raise. She needs a way of distinguishing the class of movements to which a special sense of the question ‘Why?’ applies, but which doesn't itself employ the concepts of ‘being intentional’ or ‘acting for a reason’. Section 8 begins: “What is required is to describe this class without using any notions like ‘intended’ or ‘willed’ or ‘voluntary’ and ‘involuntary’. This can be done as follows: we first point out a particular class of things which are true of a man: namely the class of things which he knows without observation.” (p. 13) She first illustrates this by the example of knowledge of the position of one's limbs, the immediate way one can normally tell, e.g., whether one's knee is bent or not. But examples of this sort are in fact ill suited to shed light on the idea of ‘practical knowledge’, which is the true focus of the idea of the non-observational in the study of action. When we see this we will be better able to see why Anscombe is concerned with the non-observational in the first place, and how this concern is tied to other characteristic Anscombian theses, for instance that an action will be intentional under some descriptions but not others, and that practical knowledge is distinguished from speculative knowledge in being “the cause of what it understands” (p. 87). And we will be able to understand how it is that an agent can be said to know without observation that he is doing something like painting the wall yellow, when this knowledge so patently involves claims about what is happening in the world, matters which it seems could only be known observationally.
Thin-Film Reaction between α-Fe2O3 and (001) MgO
Authors: Johnson Matthew T. , Carter C. Barry
Published: December 2012

The kinetics of a thin-film, solid-state reaction were investigated in
the spinel-forming oxide system Fe2O3/MgO. In
this study, epitactic thin films of Fe2O3 (α, or
corundum, structure) were deposited on (001)-oriented MgO using pulsed-laser
deposition (PLD). The resulting diffusion couples were then reacted at
elevated temperatures in air to induce the reaction between the thin-film
and bulk substrate to form the spinel, MgFe2O4. Both
the as-deposited and reacted diffusion couples were characterized using
low-voltage scanning and transmission electron microscopy. These techniques
allow the kinetics of the reaction and the structural properties of the
spinel to be investigated.
Low-loss Electron Energy-loss Spectroscopy and Dielectric Function of Biological and Geological Polymorphs of CaCO3
Authors: Katti Kalpana S. , Qian Maoxu , Frech Daniel W. , Sarikaya Mehmet
Published: December 2012

Previous work on microstructural characterization has shown variations in terms of defects and
organization of nanostructures in the two polymorphs of calcium carbonate, calcite, and aragonite in mollusc
shells. Large variations in mechanical properties are observed between these sections which have been attributed
to variations in composite microstructure as well as intrinsic properties of the inorganic phases. Here we present
local low-loss electron energy-loss spectroscopic (EELS) study of calcitic and aragonitic regions of abalone shell
that were compared to geological (single-crystal) counterpart polymorphs to reveal intrinsic differences that
could be related to organismal effects in biomineralization. In both sets of samples, local dielectric function is
computed using Kramer-Kronig analysis. The electronic structures of biogenic and geological calcitic materials
are not significantly different. On the other hand, electronic structure of biogenic aragonite is remarkably
different from that of geological aragonite. This difference is attributed to the increased contribution from
single electron excitations in biogenic aragonite as compared to that of geological aragonite. Implications of these changes are discussed in the context of
macromolecular involvement in the making of the microstructures and properties in biogenic phases.
A conceptual model and key variables for guiding supportive
interventions for family caregivers of people receiving palliative
care
Authors: HUDSON PETER
Published: December 2012

According to the World Health Organization, the patient and family
should be viewed as the “unit of care” when palliative care
is required. Therefore family caregivers should receive optimal
supportive care from health professionals. However, the impact of
supporting a dying relative is frequently described as having negative
physical and psychosocial sequalae. Furthermore, family caregivers
consistently report unmet needs and there has been a dearth of rigorous
supportive interventions published. In addition, comprehensive
conceptual frameworks to navigate the family caregiver experience and
guide intervention development are lacking. This article draws on
Lazarus and Folkman's seminal work on the transactional stress and
coping framework to present a conceptual model specific to family
caregivers of patients receiving palliative care. A comprehensive
account of key variables to aid understanding of the family caregiver
experience and intervention design is provided.
Importance of including small‐scale tile drain discharge in the calibration of a coupled groundwater‐surface water catchment model
Authors: Hansen Anne Lausten , Refsgaard Jens Christian , Christensen Britt Stenhøj Baun , Jensen Karsten Høgh
Published: December 2012

Key Points

Using drain data in catchment model calibration improved general performance

Small‐scale performance is not acceptable and not improved much by drain data

Main reason to poor drainage simulation is inadequate spatial dynamics in head
Incorporation of uranium in benthic foraminiferal calcite reflects seawater carbonate ion concentration
Authors: Keul Nina , Langer Gerald , de Nooijer Lennart Jan , Nehrke Gernot , Reichart Gert‐Jan , Bijma Jelle
Published: December 2012

The chemical and isotopic composition of foraminiferal shells (so‐called proxies) reflects the physicochemical properties of the seawater. In current day paleoclimate research, the reconstruction of past seawater carbonate system to infer atmospheric CO2 concentrations is one of the most pressing challenges, and a variety of proxies have been investigated, such as foraminiferal U/Ca. Since in natural seawater and traditional CO2 perturbation experiments the carbonate system parameters covary, it is not possible to determine the parameter of the carbonate system causing, e.g., changes in U/Ca, complicating the use of the latter as a carbonate system proxy. We overcome this problem by culturing the benthic foraminifer Ammonia sp. at a range of carbonate chemistry manipulation treatments. Shell U/Ca values were determined to test sensitivity of U incorporation to various parameters of the carbonate system. We argue that is the parameter affecting the U/Ca ratio and consequently, the partitioning coefficient for U in Ammonia sp., DU. We can confirm the strong potential of foraminiferal U/Ca as a proxy.
Isentropic constraints by midlatitude surface warming on the Arctic midtroposphere
Authors: Laliberté F. , Kushner P. J.
Published: December 2012

In simulations of 21st century climate, it is argued that changes in midlatitude near‐surface moisture and temperature could explain the autumn midtropospheric Arctic warming. The argument is based on a comparison between the Arctic midtropospheric warming and theoretical estimates in which synoptic scale transient eddies propagate near‐surface warming anomalies along either dry potential temperature surfaces or equivalent (moist) potential temperature surfaces. In most models, it is observed that the Arctic midtropospheric warming can be obtained from the propagation of midlatitude near‐surface warming anomalies according to a dynamic that is intermediate between the dry and moist theories. While many models follow more closely the moist theory, few follow more closely the dry theory. This finding suggests that, as for the tropical atmosphere, theories of high‐latitude midtropospheric warming based on changes in poleward heat fluxes should include a moist component.
Cluster observations of hot flow anomalies with large flow deflections: 2. Bow shock geometry at HFA edges
Authors: Wang Shan , Zong Qiugang , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2012

Case and statistical studies of the bow shock geometry at hot flow anomaly (HFA) edges have been performed based on 87 HFAs with large flow deflections observed by the Cluster C1 spacecraft from 2003 to 2009. The results suggest that HFAs can be formed at both quasi‐parallel and quasi‐perpendicular shocks. In an accompanying paper, we show that the ions might be near‐specularly reflected at the bow shock and interact with the solar wind to form HFAs. The guiding center of specularly reflected ions will typically be swept downstream to the bow shock at quasi‐perpendicular shocks. However, this study shows that in at least 13 of these 87 (15%) HFAs, both the leading and trailing edges are at quasi‐perpendicular shocks. These HFAs show a high gyration velocity and a high fast magneto‐sonic Mach number, increasing the gyro‐radius and the possibility of pitch angle scattering, which might help the ions escape from the bow shock and move upstream. In addition, HFAs with both edges at quasi‐perpendicular shocks are closer to the bow shock than those with both edges at quasi‐parallel shocks. This might help the reflected ions at a quasi‐perpendicular shock interact with the incident solar wind immediately after the reflection and increase the possibility of HFA formation.
Structure and variability of the abyssal water masses in the Ionian Sea in the period 2003‐2010
Authors: Bensi Manuel , Rubino Angelo , Cardin Vanessa , Hainbucher Dagmar , Mancero‐Mosquera Isaac
Published: December 2012

This study presents aspects of the spatial and temporal variability of abyssal water masses in the Ionian Sea, as derived from recent temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and velocity observations and from comparisons between these and former observations. Previous studies showed how in the Southern Adriatic Sea the Adriatic Deep Water (AdDW) became fresher (ΔS ≈ −0.08) and colder (ΔT ≈ −0.1°C) after experiencing warming and salinification between 2003 and 2007. Our data, collected from October 2009 to July 2010 from two bottom moorings, one within the Strait of Otranto and the other in the northern Ionian, confirm this tendency: a bottom vein of southward‐flowing AdDW, whose temperature and salinity continuously decreased during the observation time, was detected there. Typically, the vein travel time between the two stations ranged between 45 and 50 days. This gave us a temporal estimate for AdDW anomaly propagation towards the Ionian abyss from their Adriatic generation region. The density excess of the observed vein was always enough to enable its existence as a bottom‐arrested current. This evidence confirms that, at that time (2009 and 2010), the Adriatic Sea was greatly contributing to the formation of Eastern Mediterranean Deep Water (EMDW), the bottom water of the Eastern Mediterranean. Hence, based on these results and on the evidence that, from 2003 to 2009, abyssal Ionian waters became saltier and warmer under the time‐lagged influence of AdDW, possible future changes in the EMDW characteristics, as a response to Adriatic variability, are discussed.