bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Das Nebeneinander aufsichts- und zivilrechtlicher Beratungsvorgaben im Anlegerschutz – Handlungsbedarf für den Gesetzgeber?
Authors: Koch Jens
Published: October 2014

Die Anlageberatung durch Kreditinstitute hat im deutschen Gesetzesrecht keinen zivilrechtlichen, sondern ausschließlich einen aufsichtsrechtlichen Niederschlag gefunden. Das Fallmaterial, das die Gerichte beschäftigt, ist aber vornehmlich zivilrechtlicher Natur. Diese Diskrepanz zwischen Fallreichtum im ungeregelten und geringer gerichtspraktischer Relevanz im geregelten Bereich wird im Schrifttum dadurch überbrückt, dass dem aufsichtsrechtlichen Regelungsfundus – mit unterschiedlichen dogmatischen Vorzeichen – auch eine Prägewirkung für die zivilrechtlichen Parteibeziehungen beigemessen wird. Der XI. Zivilsenat des BGH hat es dagegen in einer neueren Entscheidung vom 17. 9. 2013 abgelehnt, für die Lösung derartiger Fälle den aufsichtsrechtlichen Normenbestand als bindend anzuerkennen oder ihn auch nur im Rahmen einer unverbindlicheren „Ausstrahlungswirkung“ in die Rechtsanwendung einfließen zu lassen. Der folgende Beitrag zeigt die Folgewirkungen des Urteils auf und geht dabei insbesondere der Frage nach, ob es nunmehr dem Gesetzgeber obliegt, diese Abschottung des Zivilrechts gegenüber dem aufsichtsrechtlichen Normenbestand zu korrigieren.
Anlageberatung nach der MiFID II
Authors: Buck-Heeb Petra
Published: October 2014

Am 13. 5. 2014 hat der Europäische Rat den Text der MiFID II angenommen. Auch wenn die Regelungen noch in nationales Recht umgesetzt werden müssen und im Wesentlichen erst ab 3. 1. 2017 zu berücksichtigen sind (Art. 92 Abs. 1 Satz 3 MiFID II), sollten sich die Rechtsanwender bereits jetzt mit den einzelnen Bestimmungen auseinandersetzen. Dabei zeigt sich, dass immer wieder Unsicherheiten darüber bestehen, wie die Vorgaben in nationales (Aufsichts-)Recht transformiert werden. Fest steht aber jetzt schon, dass die Richtlinie zu weitreichenden Änderungen des Wertpapierhandelsrechts führen wird.
Neuordnung der Finanzmärkte in Europa durch MiFID II/MiFIR
Authors: Gomber Peter , Nassauer Frank
Published: October 2014

Die Anpassung der EU-Richtlinie über Märkte für Finanzinstrumente (MiFID II) und die Einführung einer begleitenden Verordnung (MiFIR) im Jahr 2014 werden erhebliche Auswirkungen auf die Finanzmärkte in Europa haben und zu einer grundlegenden Neuordnung der Finanzmarktstrukturen führen. Ausgehend von einer Diskussion der Zielerreichung der ursprünglichen Richtlinie (MiFID I) aus dem Jahr 2004 werden im vorliegenden Artikel die Zielsetzungen und Maßnahmen der Neuregelung beleuchtet. Wesentliche Elemente im Hinblick auf Marktstrukturen und den Wertpapierhandel sind die Einführung einer neuen Handelsplatzkategorie, des organisierten Handelssystems („Organised Trading Facility“; OTF), sowie die Ausweitung der bislang für Aktien geltenden Transparenzvorschriften auf weitere Finanzinstrumente. Zudem werden eine Handelsverpflichtung für Aktien und Derivate sowie eine Clearingpflicht für Derivate, die auf geregelten Märkten gehandelt werden, neu eingeführt. Schließlich werden der algorithmische Handel und der Hochfrequenzhandel auf europäischer Ebene reguliert, wobei die Regelungen weitgehend an das 2013 eingeführte deutsche Hochfrequenzhandelsgesetz angelehnt sind. Im Ausblick wird zunächst der weitere Prozess der Regulierung skizziert (insbesondere die sog. Level II-Maßnahmen). Abschließend werden mögliche Auswirkungen von MiFID II und MiFIR auf die Marktstruktur und den Wertpapierhandel aufgezeigt.
Die Erstreckung der Unterwerfung in die sofortige Zwangsvollstreckung auf den Zessionar der Grundschuld: Ein neuer Status quo nach dem Streit der Senate
Authors: Hoffmann Jochen
Published: October 2014

Fast unbemerkt von der Fachöffentlichkeit hat der V. Zivilsenat des BGH mit einer subtilen Änderung seiner Rechtsprechung einen Schlussstrich unter einen Streit gezogen, der zu Anfang des Jahrzehnts zwischen XI. und VII. Zivilsenat geführt worden ist und der zeitweise zu erheblicher Unsicherheit in der notariellen Praxis geführt hatte. Inhaltlich ging es um die Auslegung einer formularmäßigen Unterwerfungserklärung und deren prozessuale Konsequenzen bei Vollstreckung durch den Zessionar einer Grundschuld. Der V. Zivilsenat hat insoweit offenbar die Rolle eines Vermittlers übernommen und durch seine Rechtsprechung einen neuen Status quo begründet. Das Ergebnis des Streits wird man als ein Unentschieden werten können, entspricht doch die neue Rechtslage weder den Vorstellungen des XI. noch des VII. Zivilsenats, sondern einer Kombination von Elementen beider Konzepte.
Servant Leadership and Affective Commitment in the Chinese Public Sector: The mediating Role of Perceived Organizational Support
Authors: Zhou Yingying , Miao Qing
Published: October 2014

This study examined a possible mediating mechanism between servant leadership and the affective commitment in Chinese employees. Servant leadership, perceived organizational support, and affective commitment was assessed among 239 full-time employees in the Chinese public sector in three rounds of surveys. Servant leadership influenced affective commitment through perceived organizational support. The effect of servant leadership exists in Chinese culture as well as Western cultures.
Response to Niklasson's Comment on Lin, et al. (2012): “The Relation between Postural Movement and Bilateral Motor Integration”
Authors: Lin Chin-Kai , Kuo Bor-Chen , Wu Huey-Min
Published: October 2014

In the study of Lin, Wu, Lin, Wu, Wu, Kuo, and Yeung (2012), the relationship between the validity of postural movement and bilateral motor integration in terms of sensory integration theory was examined. Postural movement is the ability to use the antigravity postures required for stabilization of the neck, trunk and upper extremities via muscle co-contractions in the neck and upper extremities, and balance. Niklasson's (2013) comment argued that postural movement should include primitive reflexes in terms of the general abilities approach. Niklasson (2013) focused on the efficacy of the treatment rather than the theoretical frameworks implied in the therapeutic activities. For that purpose Lin, et al. (2012) used sensory integration as the theoretical foundation, and the relationship between postural movement and bilateral motor integration was assessed via empirical data. The result of Lin, et al. (2012) was offered as a theoretical reference for therapeutic activities.
Haptic Recognition of Familiar Objects: Examining Lateralization of Specificity Effects
Authors: González-Alvarez Julio , Palomar-García María-ángeles
Published: October 2014

Previous research has found evidence in favor of two subsystems underlying object recognition: an abstract-category subsystem that mainly works in the left hemisphere (LH) and a specific-exemplar subsystem that mainly works in the right hemisphere (RH). This asymmetry has been observed in both the visual and auditory domains by means of long-term repetition priming experiments. This study explored whether this asymmetrical pattern extends to the haptic domain through an experiment in which 30 right-handed participants (24 women) ages 18 to 38 years could identify familiar objects with a single hand. The procedure included two blocks of trials, the study (presentation of primes) and the test phase (presentation of targets), separated by a short distractor task. Of interest was if repetition of the same exemplar object (e.g., the same cigarette lighter) produced more priming than repetition of a different exemplar of the same object category (e.g., a different cigarette lighter), and, crucially, if this hypothetical same-exemplar advantage (specificity) was larger when objects were identified with the left hand (RH). An ANOVA was performed on RTs with priming type (same-exemplar primed, different-exemplar primed and unprimed) and hand (left, right) as within-participants factors. Results showed a main effect of priming type due to a same-exemplar advantage (shorter RTs) both for the left and the right hand, but a non-significant interaction between specificity effects and hands.
Psychological Skill Model of Collegiate Athletes in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Kai , Chou Tzu-Chin Rejoice
Published: October 2014

The importance of psychological skills to an athlete is widely recognized. The Athletic Psychological Skills Inventory (APSI) was developed to evaluate psychological skills in the Taiwanese sports environment. This study employed the APSI model to refine the psychological skill factor structure. The model was supported as a reliable and valid form of measurement. A second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the factor structure of the APSI in Taiwanese collegiate athletes. Peaking under pressure and coping with adversity were combined into a simplified factor, coping with adversity.
Operational Model for Atmospheric Transport and Deposition of Air Pollution/ Operacyjny Model Atmosferycznego Transportu I Depozycji Zanieczyszczeń
Authors: Mazur Andrzej , Bartnicki Jerzy , Zwoździak Jerzy
Published: October 2014

An assessment of the current state of natural environment affected by air pollution, as well as, forecasts of pro-ecologic, economic and social activities are very often performed using models for atmospheric transport and deposition of air pollutants. In the present paper, we present an operational dispersion model developed at the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management in Warsaw. The basic assumptions and principles of the model are described together with the operational domain and examples of model applications. Two examples of model application are described and discussed here. The first, application is a simulation of the atmospheric transport and deposition of the radioactive isotopes released into the atmosphere during the Chernobyl Accident in 1998. The second example is related to simulation of atmospheric transport of the tracer released into the air during the ETEX experiment. These two examples and previous applications of the model showed that presented dispersion model is fully operational, not only for long term applications, but especially for emergency situations, like nuclear accidents or volcanic eruptions affecting Polish territory
Sorption Equilibrium of Azo Dyes Direct Orange 26 and Reactive Blue 81 onto a Cheap Plant Sorbent/Równowaga Sorpcji Barwników Azowych Direct Orange 26 I Reactive Blue 81 Na Tanim Sorbencie Roślinnym
Authors: Tomczak Elwira , Tosik Paweł
Published: October 2014

Azo dye-plant sorbent system was investigated in the paper. Direct Orange 26 and Reactive Blue 81 azo dyes were sourced from Boruta-Zachem Kolor Sp. z o.o. Mechanically and chemically modified rye straw was used as a “low-cost” biosorbent. During experiments, dye concentration changes in the solution and sorbent in time were measured at constant temperature until equilibrium was reached. Sorption equilibrium was described by 2-parameter (Freundlich, Langmuir) and 3-parameter (Redlich-Peterson and Radke-Prausnitz) equations widely used in adsorption studies. Characteristic coefficients of equations were determined and the proposed approximations of the results of experimental studies were evaluated statistically. Higher sorption capacity was obtained for Direct Orange 26 than for Reactive Blue 81.
Activity of Microorganisms Participating in Organic Matter Transformation in Haplic Luvisol Soil/Aktywność Mikroorganizmów Biorących Udział W Transformacji Materii Organicznej W Glebie Płowej
Authors: Księżopolska Alicja , Joniec Jolanta
Published: October 2014

The paper presents a study on the microbiological activity and the quality of organic matter of a Haplic Luvisol soil amended with selected organic and mineral materials (manure, clay, flotation lime, aluminium and iron oxides and a bark-keratin-urea preparation), during a three-year field experiment. In the soil under analysis (pH in 1M KCl pHKCl - 4.46, organic carbon Corg. - 0.465%) the following parameters of microbiological activity were assayed: numbers of microorganisms, activity of dehydrogenases, and respiration. In addition, the quality of organic matter was analysed through the determination of its susceptibility to chemical (biological) oxidation (oxidable carbon and non oxidable carbon). The components applied to the soil had a varied effect on the studied parameters of microbiological activity during the whole period of the study. The application of manure and clay caused an increase in the numbers of bacteria, in the activity of dehydrogenases, and in the intensity of the process of soil respiration. Soil respiration was stimulated also by the application of manure and clay in combination with Fe2O3 at the dose of 6 kg. Moreover, a decrease in the number of bacteria in the soil was noted after the combined application of manure, clay and Fe2O3 6 kg. The materials applied in the study caused a variation in the susceptibility of organic matter of Haplic Luvisol soil to oxidation. Soils amended with manure and clay in combination with calcium, aluminium, iron, were characterised by limited susceptibility to organic matter oxidation, while the bark-keratin-urea preparation applied caused a considerable improvement of that susceptibility
On the SPH Approximations in Modeling Water Waves
Authors: Szmidt Kazimierz
Published: October 2014

This paper presents an examination of approximation aspects of the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) in modeling the water wave phenomenon. Close attention is paid on consistency of the SPH formulation and its relation with a correction technique applied to improve the method accuracy. The considerations are confined to flow fields within finite domains with a free surface and fixed solid boundaries with free slip boundary conditions. In spite of a wide application of the SPH method in fluid mechanics, the appropriate modeling of the boundaries is still not clear. For solid straight line boundaries, a natural way is to use additional (virtual, ghost) particles outside the boundary and take into account mirror reflection of associated field variables. Such a method leads to good results, except for a vicinity of solid horizontal bottoms where, because of the SPH approximations in the description of pressure, a stratification of the fluid material particles may occur. In order to illustrate the last phenomenon, some numerical tests have been made. These numerical experiments show that the solid fluid bottom attracts the material particles and thus, to prevent these particles from penetration into the bottom, a mutual exchange of positions of real and ghost particles has been used in a computation procedure.
Application of an Element-free Galerkin Method to Water Wave Propagation Problems
Authors: Staroszczyk Ryszard
Published: October 2014

The paper is concerned with the problem of gravitational wave propagation in water of variable depth. The problem is solved numerically by applying an element-free Galerkin method. First, the proposed model is validated by comparing its predictions with experimental data for the plane flow in water of uniform depth. Then, as illustrations, results of numerical simulations performed for plane gravity waves propagating through a region with a sloping bed are presented. These results show the evolution of the free-surface elevation, displaying progressive steepening of the wave over the sloping bed, followed by its attenuation in a region of uniform depth. In addition, some of the results of the present model are compared with those obtained earlier by using the conventional finite element method.
Kinematic Analysis of the Instep Kick in Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Kapidžić Alen , Huremović Tarik , Biberovic Alija
Published: October 2014

We attempted to establish which applied kinematic variables significantly contributed to the efficiency of the instep kick motion in soccer. The study sample comprised 13 boys (age: 13 ± 0.5 yrs; body mass: 41.50 ± 8.40 kg; body height: 151.46 ± 5.93 cm) from the FC Sloboda school of soccer. Each participant performed three kicks with maximum strength that were video recorded with two synchronized cameras (Casio Ex-F1) positioned 12 m away from the place of the kick. Data were collected by analyzing the video recordings of each kick. Data processing was performed using the APAS motion analysis system (Ariel Dynamics Inc., San Diego, CA). On the basis of the forward selection method of multiple regression analysis, we determined the correlations between the prediction variables and the selected criteria (speed of the ball; p = 0.01). On the basis of the regression coefficients, it was concluded that two variables significantly contributed to the speed of the ball: speed of the foot of the kicking leg at the time of contact with the ball (p = 0.01) and the distance between the angle support leg and center of the ball (“foot posterior displacement”) (p = 0.01). In order to achieve the best possible technical performance and, therefore, a higher speed of the ball, soccer players must pay attention to two important elements during training. First, it is necessary to position the support leg as close to the ball as possible and, second, maximize the force used in the initial phases of the kick to achieve a high speed of the kicking foot
The Effect of Course Length on Individual Medley Swimming Performance in National and International Athletes
Authors: Wolfrum Mathias , Rüst Christoph Alexander , Rosemann Thomas , Lepers Romuald , Knechtle Beat
Published: October 2014

Effects of course length (25 m versus 50 m) and advances in performance of individual medley swimming were examined for men and women in Swiss national competitions and FINA World Championships during 2000-2011. Linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse 200 m and 400 m race results for 26,081 swims on the Swiss high score list and 382 FINA finalists. Swiss and FINA swimmers of both sexes were, on average, 4.3±3.2% faster on short courses for both race distances. Sex-related differences in swim speed were significantly greater for FINA swimmers competing in short-course events than in long-course events (10.3±0.2% versus 9.7±0.3%, p<0.01), but did not differ for Swiss swimmers (p>0.05). Sex-related differences in swimming speed decreased with increasing race distance for both short- and long-course events for Swiss athletes, and for FINA athletes in long-course events. Performance improved significantly (p<0.05) during 2000-2011 for FINA men competing in either course length and FINA females competing in short-course events, but not for Swiss swimmers. Overall, the results showed that men and women individual medley swimmers, competing at both national and international levels, have faster average swimming speeds on short courses than on long courses, for both 200 m and 400 m distances. FINA athletes demonstrate an improving performance in the vast majority of individual medley events, while performance at national level seems to have reached a plateau during 2000-2011
A Single-Unit Design Structure and Gender Differences in the Swimming World Championships
Authors: Pushkar Svetlana , Issurin Vladimir B. , Verbitsky Oleg
Published: October 2014

Four 50 meter male/female finals - the freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, and backstroke - swum during individual events at the Swimming World Championships (SWCs) can be defined in four clusters. The aim of the present study was to use a single-unit design structure, in which the swimmer was defined at only one scale, to evaluate gender differences in start reaction times among elite swimmers in 50 m events. The top six male and female swimmers in the finals of four swimming stroke final events in six SWCs were analyzed. An unpaired t-test was used. The p-values were evaluated using Neo-Fisherian significance assessments (Hurlbert and Lombardi, 2012). For the freestyle, gender differences in the start reaction times were positively identified for five of the six SWCs. For the backstroke, gender differences in the start reaction times could be dismissed for five of the six SWCs. For both the butterfly and breaststroke, gender differences in the start reaction times yielded inconsistent statistical differences. Pooling all swimmers together (df = 286) showed that an overall gender difference in the start reaction times could be positively identified: p = 0.00004. The contrast between the gender differences in start reaction times between the freestyle and backstroke may be associated with different types of gender adaptations to swimming performances. When the natural groupings of swimming stroke final events were ignored, sacrificial pseudoreplication occurred, which may lead to erroneous statistical differences
A Study on Activities Related to Habitation (Indwelling) and Their Meanings
Authors: Stachura Ewa , Binkowska Katarzyna
Published: October 2014

The process of transformation in Poland contributed to the dynamic development of the housing market and caused a growth of aspirations among Poles related to the housing environment. The diversity of lifestyles has brought about new, different expectations of the residential environment. Meanwhile, most surveys examining housing preferences and focused on the location of housing, services and infrastructure in housing estates, and urban and architectural standards show similar expectations of residents in regards to their housing environment. The phenomenon of the homogenization of expectations regarding the residential environment appears regardless of the household lifecycle, place of residence, or level of wealth (STACHURA 2013).

Research methods testing users’ preferences allow an expected set of characteristics of the housing environment to be specified. If the respondents' aspirations regarding the housing environment are similar regardless of the segment they belong to, it may be assumed that possible differences may be revealed by a more detailed study.

People perform many activities in their homes. These activities are related to everyday living, family and social life, work or hobbies. Each of them may be in assigned to one or more rooms in a dwelling. Activities may have different meanings and hold a different degree of importance to the residents. When purchasing a new dwelling, buyers prefer homes where the activities most important to them can be carried out in the most satisfactory way. The study attempts to establish the relationships between activities and sub-settings (dwelling or residential environment features) as well as between activities and their meanings.

This paper presents an extended method of examining residential preferences: respondents declare, in a survey questionnaire, what activities are carried out in the dwelling, and how they attach meanings to these activities. The pilot study showed that some of the activities are strongly associated with one specific room, while others may be connected to any room. Rooms in Polish homes have many functions. Some of the functions are strictly connected with the type of room (bedroom, bathroom), but there is also a set of everyday activities that can be assigned to different rooms, selected by the resident. The present research revealed that activities can take on different meanings, which determines their level of importance to the dwelling user.
Information on the Environment and its Protection in Real Property Management
Authors: Dudzińska Małgorzata , Kocur-Bera Katarzyna
Published: October 2014

Environmental protection regulations influence the use of real property. Land located within the borders of a national park or nature reserve is subject to partial or total restriction on development by construction, as well as, amongst others, business, trade, manufacturing or agricultural activities. Such areas are also subject to landscape protection, whereby real development by construction is possible, but only under the condition that it does not clash with the landscape values of the area. Therefore, real property management in such areas requires careful coordination with the relevant legislation concerning environmental protection.

While it is currently possible to obtain such information from existing environmental protection databases and systems, this has practical problems owing to the large amount of them and their scattered locations. Additionally, as each institution involved in environmental issues has collected material independently, there is a high level of data repetition as well as incomplete data. Such problems make it difficult to make full use of the database systems.

A lack of communication and reference between these databases and systems can create confusion. Comparative data on the same subject often differs depending on the source (as concerns graphic presentation and, much less frequently, data attributes). For example, the course of the same river differs depending on which data resources are used (NAŁĘCZ 2007). There are several hundreds of databases and registers maintained in Poland, with almost 300 databases and registers controlled by the Ministry of Environment. Almost 60 such databases can be found in public administrative bodies alone. A portion of the data regarding this topic is openly available on the Internet.

The aim of the paper is to present the existing information systems concerning environmental protection. The paper will also examine data obtained from these resources, as well as their availability and connections with real property management activities.
Transmission dynamics and control of Ebola virus disease outbreak in Nigeria, July to September 2014
Authors: Fasina F O , Shittu A , Lazarus D , Tomori O , Simonsen L , Viboud C , Chowell G
Published: October 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Epidemiology of pertussis in Italy: Disease trends over the last century
Authors: Gonfiantini M V , Carloni E , Gesualdo F , Pandolfi E , Agricola E , Rizzuto E , Iannazzo S , Ciofi Degli Atti M L , Villani A , Tozzi A  E
Published: October 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Aqueous soluble gold nanoparticle synthesis using polyethyleneimine and reduced glutathione
Authors: Taute Francois , Onani Martin , Madiehe Abram , Meyer Mervin
Published: October 2014

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are considered to be ideal drug delivery vehicles for chemotherapeutic molecules due to the bio-inert nature of the colloids. Critical factors which determine the cellular internalization and intracellular localization of AuNPs are nanoparticle size as well as surface charge. Polydisperse AuNPs with a cationic surface charge, rich in primary amines would present multiple covalent molecule attachment loci and would be ideal for the delivery of chemotherapeutics which have multiple intracellular sites of action. In an adapted synthesis method, polydisperse cationic AuNPs were produced which were soluble in aqueous solution and showed high chemical stability. The synthesis was conducted in a comparative manner using polyethyleneimine (PEI) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as AuNP surface passivation ligands. Anisotropic as well as spherical morphologies were observed for the PEI passivated AuNPs, where the morphology was dependent on the ratio of reducing agent to Au3+ in solution. Only spherical morphologies were observed when GSH was used as the passivation ligand under similar conditions. The surface chemistry of the AuNPs was characterized by means of attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy and elemental composition was determined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The PEI AuNPs surface was nitrogen rich, cationic and provided multiple covalent primary amine attachment points for downstream surface tailoring.
The figure of the teacher in Estonian school discourse
Authors: Puumeister Ott , Puumeister Mirjam
Published: October 2014

The article concerns itself with the figure of the teacher in Estonian society. We do not concentrate on the educational system as a whole, but on one specific and crucial element in this apparatus – the teacher. We begin by offering a brief historical overview of the conditions of pedagogues in the 20th century before moving on to describe the adoption of neo-liberal free market policies since the 1990s and the effects these policies had and still have on education. Our main concern is to understand the teacher as an actor in power relations; to achieve this understanding we have selected as our examples 1) surveillance techniques in school environment that have direct relations to the state and the market; and 2) the 2012 educational workers’ strike that made it quite clear that the teachers have been fixed to a position of wage workers. The overall and more abstract aim of the paper is to think about the social role of the teacher in Estonia.
Synthesis and immunological evaluation of protein conjugates of Neisseria meningitidis X capsular polysaccharide fragments
Authors: Morelli Laura , Cancogni Damiano , Tontini Marta , Nilo Alberto , Filippini Sara , Costantino Paolo , Romano Maria Rosaria , Berti Francesco , Adamo Roberto , Lay Luigi
Published: October 2014

A vaccine to prevent infections from the emerging Neisseria meningitidis X (MenX) is becoming an urgent issue. Recently MenX capsular polysaccharide (CPS) fragments conjugated to CRM197 as carrier protein have been confirmed at preclinical stage as promising candidates for vaccine development. However, more insights about the minimal epitope required for the immunological activity of MenX CPS are needed. We report herein the chemical conjugation of fully synthetic MenX CPS oligomers (monomer, dimer, and trimer) to CRM197. Moreover, improvements in some crucial steps leading to the synthesis of MenX CPS fragments are described. Following immunization with the obtained neoglycoconjugates, the conjugated trimer was demonstrated as the minimal fragment possessing immunogenic activity, even though significantly lower than a pentadecamer obtained from the native polymer and conjugated to the same protein. This finding suggests that oligomers longer than three repeating units are possibly needed to mimic the activity of the native polysaccharide.
The Discovery and Development of Antiretroviral Agents
Authors: Lange Joep MA , Ananworanich Jintanat
Published: October 2014

Since the discovery of HIV as the causative agent of AIDS in 1983/1984, remarkable progress has been made in finding antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) that are effective against it. A major breakthrough occurred in 1996 when it was found that triple drug therapy (HAART) could durably suppress viral replication to minimal levels. It was then widely felt, however, that HAART was too expensive and complex for low- and middle-income countries, and so, with the exception of a few of these countries, such as Brazil, a massive scale-up did not begin until the WHO launched its ‘3 by 5′ initiative and sizeable funding mechanisms, such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria and the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), came into existence. A pivotal enabler of the scale-up was a steady lowering of drug prices through entry of generic antiretrovirals, competition between generic manufacturers and the making of volume commitments. The WHO Prequalification of Medicines Programme and the Expedited Review Provision of the US Food and Drug Administration have been important for the assurance of quality standards. Antiretroviral drug development by research-based pharmaceutical companies continues, with several important innovative products, such as long-acting agents, in the pipeline.
Simplification of Antiretroviral Therapy: A Necessary Step in the Public Health Response to HIV/AIDS in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Vitoria Marco , Ford Nathan , Doherty Meg , Flexner Charles
Published: October 2014

The global scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) over the past decade represents one of the great public health and human rights achievements of recent times. Moving from an individualized treatment approach to a simplified and standardized public health approach has been critical to ART scale-up, simplifying both prescribing practices and supply chain management. In terms of the latter, the risk of stock-outs can be reduced and simplified prescribing practices support task shifting of care to nursing and other non-physician clinicians; this strategy is critical to increase access to ART care in settings where physicians are limited in number. In order to support such simplification, successive World Health Organization guidelines for ART in resource-limited settings have aimed to reduce the number of recommended options for first-line ART in such settings. Future drug and regimen choices for resource-limited settings will likely be guided by the same principles that have led to the recommendation of a single preferred regimen and will favour drugs that have the following characteristics: minimal risk of failure, efficacy and tolerability, robustness and forgiveness, no overlapping resistance in treatment sequencing, convenience, affordability, and compatibility with anti-TB and anti-hepatitis treatments.
Prices Paid for Adult and Paediatric Antiretroviral Treatment by Low- and Middle-Income Countries in 2012: High, Low or Just Right?
Authors: Perriëns Joseph H , Habiyambere Vincent , Dongmo-Nguimfack Boniface , Hirnschall Gottfried
Published: October 2014

A viable market for antiretroviral drugs in low- and middle-income countries is key to the continued scale-up of antiretroviral treatment. We describe the price paid by low- and middle-income countries for 10 first- and 7 second-line adult and paediatric treatment regimens from 2003 to 2012, and compare the price of their finished formulations with the price of their active pharmaceutical ingredients in 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2012. Between 2003 and 2012 the median price of adult first-line treatment regimens per treatment-year decreased from USD499 to USD122, and that of second-line regimens from USD2,934 to USD497. In 2005 adult formulations were sold for a price 170% higher than the cost of their active pharmaceutical ingredients. This margin had decreased to 28% in 2012. Between 2004 and 2013, the price of paediatric treatment per treatment-year decreased from USD585 to USD147 for first-line and from USD763 to USD288 for second-line treatment. In 2005, paediatric treatment regimens were sold at a price 231% higher than the cost of their active pharmaceutical ingredients. This margin remained high and was 195% in 2012. The prices paid for antiretroviral drugs by low- and middle-income countries decreased between 2003 and 2012. Although the margins on their sale decreased, there is likely still space for price reduction, especially for the more recent World Health Organization recommended adult first-line regimens and for paediatric treatment.
Production of Antiretroviral Drugs in Middle- and Low-Income Countries
Authors: Pinheiro Eloan dos Santos , Brüning Karin , Macedo M Fernanda , Siani Antonio C
Published: October 2014

This review outlines the main issues concerning the production of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in middle- and low-income countries and the relevant political, legal and technical requirements for supporting such production. The requirements for efficient local production, including the manufacture of generic and branded products and public demand, have been considered from economic, market and socio-political perspectives. A steady and consistent government policy is crucial to success. Additional crucial factors in establishing local production are adequate infrastructure, qualified human resources in technical and managerial areas, and production–distribution logistics systems. The creation or strengthening of a national drug regulatory agency is a basic requirement. Production of ARVs relies on the structure of the international market for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which are highly monopolized for inclusion in branded or patented drugs, or are concentrated in a few Asian generic companies. Countries seeking to begin local production must develop strategies to overcome the various barriers. For instance, sub-Saharan African countries may benefit from developing multilateral health agreements with neighbouring countries. Such agreements are recommended and should be complemented by technology transfers, especially for the manufacture of APIs. Achieving a production level that is sustainable in the long term is crucial to maintaining patients’ access to ARVs.
Factors Impacting the Provision of Antiretroviral Therapy to People Living with HIV: The View from Haiti
Authors: Rouzier Vanessa , Farmer Paul E , Pape Jean W , Jerome Jean-Gregory , Van Onacker Joelle Deas , Morose Willy , Joseph Patrice , Leandre Fernet , Severe Patrice , Barry Donna , Deschamps Marie-Marcelle , Koenig Serena P
Published: October 2014

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and has the highest number of people living with HIV in the Caribbean, the region most impacted by HIV outside of Africa. Despite continuous political, socioeconomic and natural catastrophes, Haiti has mounted a very successful response to the HIV epidemic. Prevention and treatment strategies implemented by the government in collaboration with non-governmental organizations have been instrumental in decreasing the national HIV prevalence from a high of 6.2% in 1993 to 2.2% in 2012. We describe the history and epidemiology of HIV in Haiti and the expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) over the past decade, with the achievement of universal access to ART for patients meeting the 2010 World Health Organization guidelines. We also describe effective models of care, successes and challenges of international funding, and current challenges in the provision of ART. We are optimistic that the goal of providing ART for all in need remains in reach.
Sensory and Nurturing Nonpharmacological Interventions for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Authors: Fitzsimmons Suzanne , Barba Beth , Stump Maria
Published: October 2014

This article is part three of a four-part series addressing the use of nonphar-macological interventions in place of or in conjunction with psychotropic medications in older adults with cognitive impairment. Acquiring a better understanding of the mechanics for how each intervention works makes selection of an intervention easier at the time it is needed. Selection of the appropriate nonpharmacological intervention is based on person-centered care and how to adapt and implement it for each individual. Selection also depends on target behavior, behavior triggers, and the physical and cognitive functioning of the individual with the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Nonpharmacological interventions can be implemented by all staff members, not just recreational and activity personnel. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services initiative would like to see all staff involved with these interventions, which can be implemented on the spot, as they are needed, to prevent, reduce, or stop a particular behavior. The current article will describe sensory and nurturing interventions, present the evidence supporting their use, and provide information on effective implementation. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40
(11), 9–15.]
Personalized One-to-One Intervention in Agitated Individuals With Dementia: Responders versus Non-Responders
Authors: van der Ploeg Eva S. , Eppingstall Barbara , Camp Cameron J. , Runci Susannah J. , O’Connor Daniel W.
Published: October 2014

The aim of the current study was to explore why some individuals with dementia and agitated behavior showed limited response to a personalized intervention. Ten consistently agitated individuals (i.e., non-responders) were compared with 34 individuals who were more settled during the intervention (i.e., responders). Most participants had severe cognitive deficits; however, non-responders were more impaired. Where responders showed large improvements across conditions, agitated behavior remained equally high in non-responders. Responders and non-responders showed increased interest and engagement during the intervention. Increased agitated behavior was associated with severe cognitive impairment. Although studies have shown that psychosocial interventions can reduce agitated behavior, there does seem to be a point where it becomes more difficult to reduce this behavior. However, non-responders still displayed interest, and the authors believe further personalization of the intervention is possible. Therefore, severe dementia and agitated behavior should not exclude individuals from psychosocial interventions; however, a more detailed and timely implementation plan of such treatments may be warranted. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 41
(3), 22–29.]
Multinational Experiences in Reducing and Preventing the Use of Restraint and Seclusion
Authors: LeBel Janice L. , Duxbury Joy A. , Putkonen Anu , Sprague Titia , Rae Carolyn , Sharpe Joanne
Published: October 2014

Restraint and seclusion (R/S) have been used in many countries and across service sectors for centuries. With the recent and increasing recognition of the harm associated with these procedures, efforts have been made to reduce and prevent R/S. Following a scathing media exposé in 1998 and congressional scrutiny, the United States began a national effort to reduce and prevent R/S use. With federal impetus and funding, an evidence-based practice, the Six Core Strategies
©
to Prevent Conflict, Violence and the Use of Seclusion and Restraint, was developed. This model was widely and successfully implemented in a number of U.S. states and is being adopted by other countries, including Finland, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Recently, the first cluster randomized controlled study of the Six Core Strategies in Finland provided the first evidence-based data of the safety and effectiveness of a coercion prevention methodology. Preliminary findings of some of the international efforts are discussed. Reduction in R/S use and other positive outcomes are also reported. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 52
(11), 22–29.]
Diverse Applications of Nanotechnology in Biomedicine, Chemistry, and Engineering
Authors: Kirubakaran Sivapriya , Thiruvenkatam Vijay
Published: October 2014

This chapter introduces the basic concepts of nano science to readers. Some novel methodologies for synthesizing nano particles are discussed briefly. Since the book title suggests diverse applications of nano materials, this chapter also summarizes the applications of nano technology in medicine (nano medicine), where tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are discussed. Other applications DNA nanotechnology in living organisms are discussed briefly. Overall, this chapter introduces the readers to broad sections of nano science and its applications in chemistry, engineering, and medicine.
Nanotechnology Applications in Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Akujuobi Cajetan M.
Published: October 2014

The 21st century has seen a massive explosion in the applications of nanotechnology. These applications cover all areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The advantage of nanotechnology comes from the fact that it has revolutionized the miniaturizations of many products that are useful to the well-being of society. A typical nanotechnology application example in biomedical engineering is its usage as drug eluting interfaces for implantable devices, such as vascular stents, orthopedic implants, and dental implants. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the various applications of nanotechnology to biomedical engineering. Some of the future nanotechnology applications in biomedical engineering include healthcare/medical, consumer medical goods, environmental, and electronics. The impact of nanotechnology applications to biomedical engineering is in many ways enabling humans to survive different ailments that otherwise could have been very difficult to manage. The safety aspects in the applications of nanotechnology to biomedical engineering are also examined.
Nanomedicine
Authors: Gaurab Roy , Dattatrya Shetti , Amit Yadav , Gopal C Kundu
Published: October 2014

Nanomedicine, an offshoot of nanotechnology, is considered as one of the most promising technologies of the 21st century. Due to their minute size, nanomedicines can easily target difficult-to-reach sites with improved solubility and bioavailability and reduced adverse effects. They also act as versatile delivery systems, carrying both chemotherapeutics and imaging agents to targeted sites. Hence, nanomedicine can be used to achieve the same therapeutic effect at smaller doses than their conventional counterparts and can offer impressive resolutions for various life-threatening diseases. Although certain issues have been raised about the potential toxicities of nanomaterials, it is anticipated that the advances in nanomedicine will furnish clarifications to many of modern medicine's unsolved problems. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive and contemporary survey of various nanomedicine products along with the major risks and side effects associated with the nanoparticles.
Nanotechnology Applications in Cardiology
Authors: Malhotra Ashim
Published: October 2014

Nanotechnology studies particles and fibers in the 10e-9 m dimensional range. Multiple advancements, availability of materials, manufacturing and process technology, and improvements in targeted-delivery capabilities have dramatically impacted the use of nanotechnology in medical science. However, nowhere has the benefit been as profound as in the field of cardiology. This chapter discusses various aspects of the use of nanotechnology, including materials, design, and formulation characteristics. The authors begin by introducing the complexity of cardiovascular disease, identifying the problem of scale, and of targeted delivery, followed by a brief history of nanotechnology. Specific instances of innovation milestones, such as the invention of Drug Eluting Stents are followed by a detailed discussion of materials and a proposed classification scheme. Nanotechnology-based cardiovascular imaging systems for use in diagnostic and preventive medicine and scaffolds for the design of 3D artificial constructs as putative futuristic replacements of transplant hearts are discussed in detail.
Nanotechnology for Omics-Based Ocular Drug Delivery
Authors: Hirani Anjali , Grover Aditya , Lee Yong Woo , Pathak Yashwant , Sutariya Vijaykumar
Published: October 2014

Millions of people suffer from ocular diseases that impair vision and can lead to blindness. Advances in genomics and proteomics have revealed a number of different molecular markers specific for different ocular diseases, thereby optimizing the processes of drug development and discovery. Nanotechnology can increase the throughput of data obtained in omics-based studies and allows for more sensitive diagnostic techniques as more efficient drug delivery systems. Biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterials developed through omics-based research are able to target reported molecular markers for different ocular diseases and offer novel alternatives to conventional drug therapy. In this chapter, the authors review the pathophysiology, current genomic and proteomic information, and current nanomaterial-based therapies of four ocular diseases: glaucoma, uveal melanoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Omics-based research can be used to elucidate specific genes and proteins and develop novel nanomedicine formulations to prevent, halt, or cure ocular diseases at the transcriptional or translational level.