bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation to the Bologna Process: The Case of Turkey
Authors: Furuzan Verda Gizem
Published: January 2013

The Bologna Declaration of 19 June 1999 was signed by 29 ministers responsible from higher education in their countries. The explicit purposes of the Bologna Process were to increase the comparability and readability of degrees across all member state higher education systems. The aim of the Bologna Process is to have a common bachelor’s–master’s–doctorate system in all of European Union member countries. The Bologna Process is the process of creating the European Higher Education Area and is based on cooperation between ministries, higher education institutions, students and staff from 47 countries, with the participation of international organizations. It has been a major reform initiative in the last two decades. This article describes with the dynamics of Bologna Process and the European Union’s growth and jobs strategy. It concentrates on the origins and applicability of the Bologna Process. Further, it reviews the applications and implementation of the Bologna Process in the Turkish higher education system. Besides, its effects to Turkish higher education sector are discussed.
The Sky is Falling: Inciting Subversion and the Defense of Liu Xiaobo
Authors: Rosenzweig Joshua
Published: January 2013

This chapter examines Liu as a target of criminal prosecution. It provides a careful and detailed historical review of the offence of inciting subversion, on which Liu was convicted. The chapter traces the legislative change from “counter-revolutionary crimes” to “crimes endangering state security” and the accordingly changing elements and nature of subversion offences. In the second half, Rosenzweig provides an analysis of the defenses that Liu Xiaobo and his lawyers presented in the trial. The chapter concludes that, given the offence of subversion is so vaguely defined, defenses are hard to come up with and of little legal consequence. This analysis thus supports the conclusion that prosecution of “subversion” only serves the purpose of silencing political speech.
Charter 08 and Charta 77: East European Past as China's Future?
Authors: Kotyzova Michaela
Published: January 2013

This chapter offers a comparison between Charter 08 and Charta 77, the manifesto written by Czechoslovak dissidents, mainly Vàclav Havel and Jan Patocka, to demand the respect of human rights by the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia. The two charters are similar in their content, both invoking international human rights norms and both attempting to function largely within the existing legal framework. Another related similarity between the two lies in the fact that their objectives are not so much to subvert the regimes as to provide a support structure when the regimes fall. However, despite their similarities, both exist in drastically different political and economic contexts. China in 2008 was different from Czechoslovakia in 1977 in terms of the politics, economy, and soft power that the respective communist parties may have, and those differences affect the impact of the respective charters in society.
Chitosan Electrodeposition for Microrobotic Drug Delivery
Authors: Fusco Stefano , Chatzipirpiridis George , Sivaraman Kartik M. , Ergeneman Olgaç , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador
Published: January 2013

A method to functionalize steerable magnetic microdevices through the co‐electrodeposition of drug loaded chitosan hydrogels is presented. The characteristics of the polymer matrix have been investigated in terms of fabrication, morphology, drug release and response to different environmental conditions. Modifications of the matrix behavior could be achieved by simple chemical post processing. The system is able to load and deliver 40–80 μg cm−2 of a model drug (Brilliant Green) in a sustained manner with different profiles. Chitosan allows a pH responsive behavior with faster and more efficient release under slightly acidic conditions as can be present in tumor or inflamed tissue. A prototype of a microrobot functionalized with the hydrogel is presented and proposed for the treatment of posterior eye diseases.
Tunable Substrates Unveil Chemical Complementation of a Genetic Cell Migration Defect
Authors: Hellmann Janina Kristin , Perschmann Nadine , Spatz Joachim P. , Frischknecht Friedrich
Published: January 2013

Cell migration is dependent on a number of physical and chemical parameters of the substrate that influence cellular signaling events as cell surface receptors interact with the substrate. These events can strengthen or loosen the contact of the cell with its environment and need to be orchestrated for efficient motility. A set of tunable substrates was used in combination with quantitative imaging to probe for potentially subtle differences in genetically modified and chemically treated rapidly migrating cells. As model cell, Plasmodium sporozoites were used, the forms of malaria parasites transmitted by the mosquito to the host. Sporozoites lacking a substrate‐binding surface protein moved on different surfaces with consistently lower efficiency and were more sensitive to adhesion ligand spacing than wild type sporozoites. Addition of an actin filament stabilizing chemical agent temporarily increased sporozoite motility on soft but not on hard substrates. Defined conditions were found where the chemical completely compensates the reduced migration capacity of the genetically modified parasites. As the onset of motility was delayed for sporozoites on unfavourable gels it is suggested that the parasite can slowly adjust to environmental elasticity, possibly by adapting the interplay between surface adhesins and actin filament dynamics. This demonstrates the utility of tunable substrates to dissect molecular function in cell adhesion and motility.
Multifunctional “Click” Prolinamides: A New Platform for Asymmetric Aldol Reactions in the Presence of Water with Catalyst Recycling
Authors: Paladhi Sushovan , Das Joydeb , Mishra Pratyush Kumar , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: January 2013

“Click” chemistry is combined with organocatalysis to fabricate a multifunctional C3‐symmetrical dendritic prolinamide with a hydrophobic aromatic core and hydrophilic triazolinium arms that exhibit high efficiency in catalyzing the asymmetric aldol reaction with cyclic ketones. The catalyst is water‐compatible and remains active for five consecutive catalytic runs with a low catalyst loading (2 mol%), yielding the aldol products in high yields, diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities.
Identification and detection of the isolated sinus venosus from the Asian toad
Authors: Deng Xin , Guan Chao , Wang Yang , Zhang Bing , Li Sen , Sun Guiyuan , Hao Liying , Li Gensong
Published: January 2013

The pacemaker activity of mammalian sinoatrial node (SAN) of the heart plays a fundamental role in the integration of vital functions. Studying factors such as drugs that influence pacemaker activity of SAN has its significance. In this study, we isolated sinus venosus, SAN from toads (Bufo gargarizans), and analysed its electronic signal, histological characteristics and the influence of acetylcholine (ACh) and ivabradine on its pacemaker activity using PowerLab® and Chart® 5.0 software. We found that when isolated sinus venosus was treated with ACh, its histological distribution was disorganized and inter‐beat (RR) interval was also broadened. The high frequency normalized unit (HFnu) and Poincaré plot of heart rate variability (HRV) of the isolated sinus venosus was also altered upon ACh treatment in a time‐dependent and dose‐dependent manner. When treated with ivabradine, these parameters of HRV such as square root of the mean of the squared differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD) and HFnu were in the upward tendency, but low frequency normalized unit and low frequency/high frequency were in the opposite tendency. Taken together, we have developed a new model for studying the influences of drugs on autorhythmicity using isolated sinus venosus of the toad. With this model, we showed that ACh and ivabradine may affect the pacemaker activity by stimulating muscarinic receptor or inhibiting If current, respectively. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon Nanomaterials in Catalysis: Proton Affinity, Chemical and Electronic Properties, and their Catalytic Consequences
Authors: Zhu Jun , Holmen Anders , Chen De
Published: January 2013

The effects of the orientation of a graphene sheet, the edge structure of carbon nanofibers, and different surface functional groups on proton affinity, interactions with metal nanoparticles, and electronic modification of these structures, together with their catalytic consequences, have been reviewed. The ratio of prismatic to basal sites on the edge of carbon nanofibers has a remarkable influence on the properties of both the CNFs and the metal nanoparticles that are supported on it. The proton affinity, interactions with metal particles, and electronic density of metal particles can be further manipulated by fine‐tuning the functional groups, such as oxygen groups, and by B/N‐doping of the CNFs. The possibilities of using carbon nanofibers with different graphite‐sheet orientations as a platform for rational catalyst design are discussed.
Copper‐Incorporated Porous Polydivinylbenzene as Efficient and Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalyst in Ullmann Biaryl Ether Coupling
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Jian , Sun Jing , Zhu Longfeng , Zhang Haiyan , Liu Fujian , Zheng Dafang , Meng Xiangju , Shi Xiaodong , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: January 2013

The preparation of efficient and stable heterogeneous catalyst is very important for organic transformations. Herein, we report a copper‐incorporated porous, Schiff base‐modified polydivinylbenzene (PDVB‐SB‐Cu) as an excellent heterogeneous catalyst in promoting Ullmann biaryl ether coupling reactions. PDVB‐SB‐Cu was synthesized by incorporating copper species into PDVB‐SB. Combined characterizations by using 13C NMR, IR, XPS, N2 adsorption, and TEM indicated the synthesis of copper–Schiff base species on porous PDVB. Catalytic tests in the Ullmann biaryl ether coupling of iodobenzene and phenol indicated that the PDVB‐SB‐Cu catalyst gave high activity similar to that of the homogeneous Schiff base‐stabilized copper catalyst. This good reactivity was likely due to the polymer‐based porous materials, which provided more effective interactions between substrates and catalytic centers. Importantly, PDVB‐SB‐Cu has extraordinary recyclability. The advantages of high activities and good recyclability made the PDVB‐SB‐Cu catalyst a new class of solid‐support transition metal catalysts for fine chemical preparation.
A Recyclable Trinuclear Bifunctional Catalyst Derived from a Tetraoxo Bis‐Zn(salphen) Metalloligand
Authors: Escárcega‐Bobadilla Martha V. , Martínez Belmonte Marta , Martin Eddy , Escudero‐Adán Eduardo C. , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: January 2013

A tetraoxo bis‐Zn(salphen) supramolecular host can bind various divalent metal salts, thereby providing access to trinuclear bifunctional systems that incorporate both Lewis acid sites and dynamically bound nucleophilic anions. The formation of these trinuclear species was investigated and their stability features were also determined. The application of these trinuclear complexes as bifunctional catalysts was evaluated in the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from epoxides and CO2. The catalytic data, in combination with control experiments, clearly demonstrate that these trinuclear compounds show much higher recycling potential compared to various control compounds and they can be used in up to five cycles without an observable loss in activity. Furthermore, this new recyclable catalytic system does not require any additives and can be applied under solvent‐free conditions.
A field study of lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines
Authors: Ishii Tsunayoshi , Oguchi Syuichi , Sakamoto Yoshiki , Okabe Shigemitsu
Published: January 2013

The number of home electric appliances, such as personal computers and telephones, has been rapidly increasing. Lightning damage to these home electric appliances has a great impact on a highly sophisticated information society. There are cases in which lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines cause malfunctions in them, even though they are equipped with surge protective devices to protect against lightning overvoltages. Therefore, for lightning protection of low‐voltage equipment including home electric appliances, it is important to understand the phenomenon of lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage power distribution lines. However, many aspects of this problem are not entirely clear, in particular how they are generated. The Tokyo Electric Power Company carried out lightning observations on low‐voltage distribution lines. The observation results provide a statistical distribution of lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines. A mechanism for generating lightning overvoltages in low‐voltage distribution lines is inferred from the observed waveforms and facilities data. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(2): 12–21, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21299
A follow‐up intervention in severely demented patients after discharge from a special Alzheimer acute care unit: impact on early emergency room re‐hospitalization rate
Authors: Villars Hélène , Dupuy Charlotte , Soler Pauline , Gardette Virginie , Soto Maria E. , Gillette Sophie , Nourhashemi Fati , BrunoVellas
Published: January 2013

Background

Emergency room (ER) re‐hospitalizations are prevalent in severe Alzheimer's disease affected older patients.

Design

Quasi‐experimental before and after study.

Setting

Discharge of severely demented patients from a Special Alzheimer Acute Care Unit.

Participants

A total of 390 patients hospitalized in the unit from 2007 through 2009, with at least one of the following characteristics: severe disruptive behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (agitation, aggressiveness, and psychotic symptoms), change of living arrangement related to BPSD, exhaustion of the principal caregiver, and discharge of a subject with anosognosia living alone in the community.

Intervention

The intervention consisted of an individualized care plan, targeting the problems observed during the hospital stay, implemented by the means of regular telephone contacts (in the first week after discharge, before the end of the first month, and then at 3 and 6 months) between a geriatric team and the patient's caregiver. Information was gathered on functional decline, BPSD, change of living arrangement and treatment. The calls were followed by a telephone intervention providing advice, support, and information to the caregiver. When required, these calls were followed by a consultation with a physician or psychologist, or by a consultation in the patient's home.

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was the ER re‐hospitalization rate, defined as occurring within 31 days of discharge.

Results

The early ER re‐hospitalization rate was 8.39% in 2007 versus 8.02% in 2008 (p = 0.818) and 7.47% in 2009 (p = 0.563). Vocal disruptive behavior are more prevalent in re‐hospitalized patients (9.64% versus 3.97%, p = 0.05) than in non re‐hospitalized patients.

Conclusion

We found a nonsignificant decrease of early ER re‐hospitalization rate at 1 month after discharge. Interventions addressing severe dementia affected patients with BPSD are needed, as this is a major issue in the organization of health care systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MiR‐182 and miR‐203 induce mesenchymal to epithelial transition and self‐sufficiency of growth signals via repressing SNAI2 in prostate cells
Authors: Qu Yi , Li Wen‐Cheng , Hellem Margrete Reime , Rostad Kari , Popa Mihaela , McCormack Emmet , Oyan Anne Margrete , Kalland Karl‐Henning , Ke Xi‐Song
Published: January 2013

MicroRNAs play critical roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Here, we report the dual functions of miR‐182 and miR‐203 in our previously described prostate cell model. MiR‐182 and miR‐203 were completely repressed during epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) from prostate epithelial EP156T cells to the progeny mesenchymal nontransformed EPT1 cells. Re‐expression of miR‐182 or miR‐203 in EPT1 cells and prostate cancer PC3 cells induced mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) features. Simultaneously, miR‐182 and miR‐203 provided EPT1 cells with the ability to self‐sufficiency of growth signals, a well‐recognized oncogenic feature. Gene expression profiling showed high overlap of the genes affected by miR‐182 and miR‐203. SNAI2 was identified as a common target of miR‐182 and miR‐203. Knock‐down of SNAI2 in EPT1 cells phenocopied re‐expression of either miR‐182 or miR‐203 regarding both MET and self‐sufficiency of growth signals. Strikingly, considerable overlaps of changed genes were found between the re‐expression of miR‐182/203 and knock‐down of SNAI2. Finally, P‐cadherin was identified as a direct target of SNAI2. We conclude that miR‐182 and miR‐203 induce MET features and growth factor independent growth via repressing SNAI2 in prostate cells. Our findings shed new light on the roles of miR‐182/203 in cancer related processes.
Functional MRI of the kidneys
Authors: Zhang Jeff L. , Rusinek Henry , Chandarana Hersh , Lee Vivian S.
Published: January 2013

Renal function is characterized by different physiologic aspects, including perfusion, glomerular filtration, interstitial diffusion, and tissue oxygenation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows great promise in assessing these renal tissue characteristics noninvasively. The last decade has witnessed a dramatic progress in MRI techniques for renal function assessment. This article briefly describes relevant renal anatomy and physiology, reviews the applications of functional MRI techniques for the diagnosis of renal diseases, and lists unresolved issues that will require future work. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:282–293. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation method for Raman depolarization measurements including geometrical effects and polarization aberrations
Authors: Schlösser M. , James T. M. , Fischer S. , Lewis R. J. , Bornschein B. , Telle H. H.
Published: January 2013

In this article, we address the notoriously difficult problem to quantitatively link measured Raman depolarization values to theoretical polarizability tensor quantities, since quantum calculations do not incorporate experimental parameters. For this, we introduce a numerical model to calculate, for realistic experimental configurations, effective Raman line strength functions, Φ, which find their way into depolarization ratios, ρ. The model is based on interlinked integrations over the angles in the light collection path and a finite Raman source volume along the excitation laser beam. The model deals also with the conditional aperture parameters, associated with more than one optical component in the light collection path. Finally, we also can take into account polarization aberrations introduced by the sample cell windows. The procedure was fully tested for Raman depolarization spectra of selected hydrogen isotopologues. Distinct aspects affecting Raman depolarization data were validated, namely: (1) excitation polarization impurities; (2) extended Raman excitation volumes; (3) Raman light collection over finite solid angles; and (4) polarization aberrations introduced by optics in the light collection path. The correction of the experimental measurement data for the aforementioned effects resulted in depolarization ratios for the Q1(J " ) Raman lines of H2 and T2, which mostly differed by less than 5% from those obtained by quantum‐calculations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trace level detection and identification of nitro‐based explosives by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Botti S. , Almaviva S. , Cantarini L. , Palucci A. , Puiu A. , Rufoloni A.
Published: January 2013

Methods for rapid identification of explosives and their associated compounds at trace level quantities are needed for security screening applications. In this paper, we apply the surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect and identify traces (as low as tens of pg) of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN), cyclotrimethylene‐trinitramine (RDX) and trinitrotoluene (TNT) using commercially available substrates (Klarite®, Renishaw diagnostics). High quality spectra were achieved within 10 s with a compact Raman spectrometer. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data was performed to understand what factors affected the spectral variation across the samples. It was found that 76% of the spectral variation was explained by the first three PCs. Score plots for these components showed that the energetic materials can be clearly classified on the basis of SERS spectra also at trace level quantity. Our measurements further demonstrate the potential for using SERS as fast, in situ analytical tool for safety devices, with a sensitivity which competes and, in some cases, overcomes other techniques. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of different particle processing on hypocholesterolemic and antiatherogenic activities of yam (Dioscorea pseudojaponica) in cholesterol‐fed rabbit model
Authors: Pan Chun‐Hsu , Tsai Chia‐Hua , Liu Fon‐Chang , Fan Ming‐Jen , Sheu Ming‐Jyh , Hsieh Wen‐Tsong , Wu Chieh‐Hsi
Published: January 2013

Background

Nanoparticle processing is implicated in enhancing bioactive or nutritional compound release from raw foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether different particle processing might affect the lipid‐lowering activity of Dioscorea pseudojaponica (DP) and to investigate whether DP could be a potential functional food for prevention of atherogenesis. Its possible molecular mechanisms were also evaluated.

Results

The results indicated that 50 mesh‐size DP (50 mesh DP) particles exhibited stronger effects than nanoscale DP (nano DP) particles in terms of lowering the level of serum cholesterol as well as reducing the extent of fatty liver and aortic fatty streak. Moreover, both DP particle types, particularly 50 mesh DP, significantly activated AMPK (5′‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase) and deactivated ACC (acetyl‐CoA carboxylase), as demonstrated by the increased levels of both enzymes in their phosphorylated form. Coincidently, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed a higher content (P < 0.01) of dioscin, a known lipid‐lowering compound, in 50 mesh DP than in nano DP.

Conclusion

These results suggest that improper processing conditions will lead to the decomposition of bioactive components in yam. They also demonstrate for the first time that the lipid‐lowering mechanisms of DP may occur through the AMPK–ACC pathway. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Production and partial characterisation of an inducer‐dependent novel antifungal compound(s) by Pediococcus acidilacticiLAB 5
Authors: Mandal Vivekananda , Sen Sukanta Kumar , Mandal Narayan Chandra
Published: January 2013

Background

Pediococcus acidilactici LAB 5 produces an antifungal compound under in vitro conditions in an inducer‐dependent manner. The main objective of the present study was to partially characterise this antifungal compound by UV–visible, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and GC/MS analyses and also to assess its potentiality against a number of food spoilage, plant‐pathogenic and human‐pathogenic fungal species.

Results

The strain produced a broad‐spectrum antifungal compound(s) that was induced by certain constituent factors of MRS and malt extract media. The production was higher in solid culture than in broth culture. The product was found to be a mixture of lactic acid and a compound of molecular mass 83. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC90, 1.32–2.86 g L−1) of the active extract were much lower than those of sodium benzoate and calcium propionate. Scanning electron micrographs proved its drastic action on the development of conidial structures.

Conclusion

The chemical analysis indicated a novel compound with fungicidal activity. This compound could be used in fermented foods and feeds to extend their shelf life and also in agricultural crop plants against certain fungal pathogens. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Independent evaluation of low‐level laser therapy at 635 nm for non‐invasive body contouring of the waist, hips, and thighs
Authors: McRae Elizabeth , Boris Jaime
Published: January 2013

Introduction

The non‐invasive body‐contouring segment continues to exhibit uninhibited growth, a trend that has provoked the emergence of numerous body‐contouring devices. One particular device, low‐level laser therapy at 635 nm (LLLT‐635), has exhibited promising clinical results. We performed an independent, physician‐led trial to evaluate the utility of LLLT‐635 nm for non‐invasive body contouring of the waist, hips, and thighs.

Methods

Eighty‐six participants were retrospectively assessed at an individual clinic in the United States. A multi‐head laser device was administered every‐other‐day for 2 weeks. Each treatment consisted of 20 minutes of anterior and posterior treatment. Patients received concurrent treatment of the waist, hips, and bilateral thighs. Circumferential measurements were evaluated at baseline and one week following the 2‐week treatment administration phase.

Results

Compared with baseline, a statistically significant 2.99 in. (7.59 cm) mean loss was observed at the post‐procedure evaluation point (P < 0.0001). When analyzed individually, the waist, hips, and thighs each reported a statistically significant reduction of −1.12, −0.769, and −1.17, respectively. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed a weak linear dependence (r = 0.179) between the reported weight and circumference change.

Conclusion

These data further validate the clinical efficacy and safety of LLLT at 635 nm. Lasers Surg. Med. 45: 1–7, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Comprehensive Care Bundle on Management of Candidemia
Authors: Antworth Allen , Collins Curtis D. , Kunapuli Anjly , Klein Kristin , Carver Peggy , Gandhi Tejal , Washer Laraine , Nagel Jerod L.
Published: January 2013

Study Objective

To analyze the impact of a comprehensive care bundle directed by an antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) on the management of candidemia.

Design

Single‐center, quasi‐experimental study.

Setting

A 930‐bed academic hospital.

Patients

Seventy‐eight patients with candidemia were evaluated; 41 patients received the candidemia care bundle (AST group), and 37 did not (historical control group).

Measurements and Main Results

A candidemia care bundle was developed by an interdisciplinary AST, incorporating key elements from the Infectious Diseases Society of America's Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Candidemia. The AST made prospective recommendations in accordance with the care bundle. Bundle elements were utilization of appropriate antifungal agents with appropriate duration of use, removal of intravenous catheters, repeat blood cultures, monitoring of time until clearance of candidemia, and performance of ophthalmologic examinations. Compliance with all candidemia care bundle elements was significantly higher in the AST group versus the control group (78.0% vs 40.5%, p=0.0016). Implementation of the care bundle significantly improved rates of ophthalmologic examination (97.6% vs 75.7%, p=0.0108), selection of appropriate antifungal therapy (100% vs 86.5%, p=0.0488), and compliance with an appropriate duration of therapy (97.6% vs 67.7%, p=0.0012). In addition, the AST group had fewer excess total days of therapy beyond the recommended duration than the control group (5 vs 83 total antifungal days). Length of hospitalization (20 vs 21 days, p=0.9184), time until clearance of candidemia (3 vs 3 days p=0.610), rate of persistent candidemia (22% vs 40.5%, p=0.126), and rate of recurrent candidemia (4.9% vs 5.4%, p=0.916) were similar in the AST group versus the control group.

Conclusion

A comprehensive candidemia care bundle directed by our institution's AST improved the management of patients with candidemia. We encourage further exploration into the use of care bundles by ASTs as part of their multifaceted approach to promoting appropriate antimicrobial utilization and optimizing the management of patients with infectious diseases.
Recovery from chronic factitious disorder (Munchausen's syndrome): a personal account
Authors: Bass Christopher , Taylor Michael
Published: January 2013

This case report provides an account by a patient (with permission) of chronic factitious disorder and the factors that led to recovery. Such accounts are extremely rare in the literature. This account also throws into sharp focus current controversies in the classification of factitious disorders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxygenated Functional Group Density on Graphene Oxide: Its Effect on Cell Toxicity
Authors: Das Soumen , Singh Sanjay , Singh Virendra , Joung Daeha , Dowding Janet M. , Reid David , Anderson Jordan , Zhai Lei , Khondaker Saiful I. , Self William T. , Seal Sudipta
Published: January 2013

The association of cellular toxicity with the physiochemical properties of graphene‐based materials is largely unexplored. A fundamental understanding of this relationship is essential to engineer graphene‐based nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Here, an in vitro toxicological assessment of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and in correlation with their physiochemical properties is reported. GO is found to be more toxic than RGO of same size. GO and RGO induce significant increases in both intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Moreover, a significant amount of DNA damage is observed in GO treated cells, but not in RGO treated cells. Such observations support the hypothesis that oxidative stress mediates the cellular toxicity of GO. Interestingly, oxidative stress induced cytotoxicity reduces with a decreasing extent of oxygen functional group density on the RGO surface. It is concluded that although size of the GO sheet plays a role, the functional group density on the GO sheet is one of the key components in mediating cellular cytotoxicity. By controlling the GO reduction and maintaining the solubility, it is possible to minimize the toxicity of GO and unravel its wide range of biomedical applications.
Max Bergmann lecture Protein epitope mimetics in the age of structural vaccinology
Authors: Robinson John A.
Published: January 2013

This review highlights the growing importance of protein epitope mimetics in the discovery of new biologically active molecules and their potential applications in drug and vaccine research. The focus is on folded β‐hairpin mimetics, which are designed to mimic β‐hairpin motifs in biologically important peptides and proteins. An ever‐growing number of protein crystal structures reveal how β‐hairpin motifs often play key roles in protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions. This review illustrates how using protein structures as a starting point for small‐molecule mimetic design can provide novel ligands as protein–protein interaction inhibitors, as protease inhibitors, and as ligands for chemokine receptors and folded RNA targets, as well as novel antibiotics to combat the growing health threat posed by the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. The β‐hairpin antibiotics are shown to target a β‐barrel outer membrane protein (LptD) in Pseudomonas sp., which is essential for the biogenesis of the outer cell membrane. Another exciting prospect is that protein epitope mimetics will be of increasing importance in synthetic vaccine design, in the emerging field of structural vaccinology. Crystal structures of protective antibodies bound to their pathogen‐derived epitopes provide an ideal starting point for the design of synthetic epitope mimetics. The mimetics can be delivered to the immune system in a highly immunogenic format on the surface of synthetic virus‐like particles. The scientific challenges in molecular design remain great, but the potential significance of success in this area is even greater. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Socio‐Technical Challenges of Finland's Nuclear Waste Policy: Discussion of the Techno‐Scientific Community on the Geological Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel
Authors: Litmanen Tapio , Kojo Matti , Nurmi Anna
Published: January 2013

The objective of the paper is to study different views on the future challenges that the geological disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) will encounter. We investigate how engineers, natural scientists, representatives of the nuclear industry, regulators, and laypersons from non‐governmental organizations perceive the remaining socio‐technical challenges for implementing geological disposal by examining discussions in a professional magazine covering nuclear waste management issues. The paper focuses on the post‐site selection phase associated with the planned disposal facility at Olkiluoto in Finland. This phase (between 1999 and 2010) represents the period after the nuclear waste management company Posiva submitted the Decision‐in‐Principle (DiP) application for the final disposal facility for SNF in 1999 and the ratification of the DiP regarding the final disposal of SNF by the Finnish Parliament in May 2001. The paper provides a theoretical elaboration of the term socio‐technical that will lay the foundation for empirical analysis as well as a brief overview of the state of affairs regarding the Finnish SNF management program. Results show that market actors were clearly the most active players in defining and discussing final disposal. Qualitative analysis identified six kinds of socio‐technical challenges: socio‐technical regime challenges, social acceptance challenges, knowledge challenges, safety challenges, construction challenges, and flexibility challenges.
Why the Department of Homeland Security Needs an Office of Net Assessment
Authors: Forrest Patrick , Hilliker Alex
Published: January 2013

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to search for a distinct “added value” within the national security community. Statute requires DHS to lead on various security‐related programs and activities for which the Department frequently lacks sufficient analytical capacity. The authors argue that establishing an Office of Net Assessment (ONA) at DHS would bring much needed analytical capacity to the Department's planning efforts and provide a distinct and significant contribution to U.S. security efforts. The DHS ONA work product would be diagnostic as opposed to prescriptive, providing DHS leadership with substantive future threat assessments necessary to conduct long‐term strategic planning and address vulnerabilities within the homeland security enterprise. The Department could, in turn, share this original information with other members of the homeland security enterprise to better prioritize and focus their short‐term and long‐term security and planning efforts.
Discourse revisited: Dimensions and employment of first‐order strategy discourse during institutional adoption
Authors: Paroutis Sotirios , Heracleous Loizos
Published: January 2013

Despite decades of research on strategy, we still know little about what the concept of strategy means to actual strategists and how they use it in practice. Working at the intersections of institutional and practice theories, we use exploratory interviews with strategy directors and a longitudinal case study to uncover four dimensions of first‐order strategy discourse: functional, contextual, identity, and metaphorical. We also reveal three phases in the interrelation between first‐order strategy discourse and institutional work: shaping, settling, and selling and a differential emphasis (selective focusing) on dimensions of the first‐order strategy discourse during the institutional adoption process. We contribute to a deeper understanding of the concept of strategy in practice, the process of institutional adoption, and of the role of discourse in this process. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fischer–Tropsch conversion of biomass‐derived synthesis gas to liquid fuels
Authors: Lillebø Andreas Helland , Holmen Anders , Enger Bjørn Christian , Blekkan Edd Anders
Published: January 2013

Recent and ongoing research on Fischer–Tropsch catalysts for biomass conversion typically focus on the effects of impurities common in bio‐derived synthesis gas, and also on the effect of different synthesis gas compositions expected from biomass gasifiers. Cobalt and iron catalysts share the sensitivity toward some, but not all of the impurities. The most profound difference is the strong negative effect of alkali, alkaline earth, and nitrogen containing compounds on cobalt catalysts while these impurities have a negligible or no effect on iron catalysts. CO2 appears to mainly act as a diluent in cobalt‐based processes while iron catalysts respond differently to this component depending on catalyst design. In particular, iron catalysts containing Al2O3 as a structural promoter display a high stability, C5+ selectivity, and activity in CO2 rich synthesis gas.

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Science and Materials
Comparing Outcomes Between Side‐to‐Side Anastomosis and Other Anastomotic Configurations After Intestinal Resection for Patients with Crohn’s Disease: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Guo Zhen , Li Yi , Zhu Weiming , Gong Jianfeng , Li Ning , Li Jieshou
Published: January 2013

Background

Anastomotic configurations may be a predictor of postoperative recurrence for Crohn’s disease. One previous meta‐analysis showed side‐to‐side anastomosis was associated with fewer anastomotic leaks but did not reduce postoperative recurrence rates. After 2007, more articles that found distinct results were published. We aimed to update the meta‐analysis comparing outcomes between side‐to‐side anastomosis and other anastomotic configurations after intestinal resection for patients with Crohn’s disease.

Methods

A literature search that included PubMed, EMBASE, the Science Citation Index, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify studies up to May 2012. Trials comparing side‐to‐side anastomosis with other anastomotic configurations for Crohn’s disease were analyzed. Sensitivity analysis and heterogeneity assessment were also performed.

Results

Eleven trials compared side‐to‐side with other anastomotic configurations were included. Overall, results showed a significant reduction in the overall postoperative complications [n = 777; odds ratio (OR) = 0.60; P = 0.01], but side‐to‐side anastomosis did not reduce the anastomotic leak rate (n = 879; OR = 0.48; P = 0.07), complications other than anastomotic leak (n = 777; OR = 0.72; P = 0.13), endoscopic recurrence rates [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.73; P = 0.07], symptomatic recurrence rates (HR = 0.74; P = 0.20), and reoperation rates for recurrence (HR = 0.37; P = 0.06). Sensitivity analysis including two randomized controlled trials found no significant differences in short‐term complications between the two groups. Sensitivity analysis including nine trials comparing only stapled side‐to‐side anastomosis with other anastomotic configurations showed stapled side‐to‐side anastomosis could reduce reoperation rates (HR = 0.38; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Side‐to‐side anastomosis did not reduce short‐term complications and postoperative recurrence for Crohn’s disease. Stapled side‐to‐side anastomosis may lead to fewer reoperations needed for recurrence. Further randomized, controlled trials should be conducted for confirmation of recurrent events.
The Letters and Works of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
Authors: Montagu Mary Wortley
Published: January 2013

Self-taught in her father's library, the writer, satirist and poet Lady Mary Wortley Montagu had an inexhaustible appetite for travel and society. This third edition of her Letters and Works (1866) offers insight into the ambitions and frustrations of one of the most unconventional women of the eighteenth century. In addition to remarks on the follies and diversions of London, Volume 1 provides acute and often acerbic observations of the sights and people she encountered on her travels across Holland, France, Germany, Austria and Turkey. Letters to her family, to Alexander Pope, and to her sister the Countess of Mar are enhanced by an engraved portrait of Lady Mary in her famous Turkish-inspired dress, and an introductory memoir of her life; all of which ensures the enduring appeal of this entertaining collection of correspondence. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=montma
Modern Fortran in Practice
Authors: Markus Arjen
Published: January 2013

From its earliest days, the Fortran programming language has been designed with computing efficiency in mind. The latest standard, Fortran 2008, incorporates a host of modern features, including object-orientation, array operations, user-defined types, and provisions for parallel computing. This tutorial guide shows Fortran programmers how to apply these features in twenty-first-century style: modular, concise, object-oriented, and resource-efficient, using multiple processors. It offers practical real-world examples of interfacing to C, memory management, graphics and GUIs, and parallel computing using MPI, OpenMP, and coarrays. The author also analyzes several numerical algorithms and their implementations and illustrates the use of several open source libraries. Full source code for the examples is available on the book's website.
Philosophie zoologique
Authors: Lamarck Jean Baptiste Pierre Antoine de Monet de
Published: January 2013

The great French zoologist Lamarck (1744–1829) was best known for his theory of evolution, called 'soft inheritance', whereby organisms pass down acquired characteristics to their offspring. Originally a soldier, Lamarck later studied medicine and biology, becoming particularly interested in botany. His distinguished career included admission to the French Academy of Sciences (1779), and appointments as Royal Botanist (1781) and as professor of zoology at the Musée Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle in 1793. Acknowledged as the premier authority on invertebrate zoology, he is credited with coining the term 'invertebrates'. In this two-volume work of 1809, he outlines his theory that under the pressure of different external circumstances, species can develop variations, and that new species and genera can eventually evolve as a result. Darwin paid tribute to Lamarck as the man who 'first did the eminent service of arousing attention to the probability of all change … being the result of law'.
Système des animaux sans vertèbres
Authors: Lamarck Jean Baptiste Pierre Antoine de Monet de
Published: January 2013

The great French zoologist Lamarck (1744–1829) was best known for his theory of evolution, called 'soft inheritance', whereby organisms pass down acquired characteristics to their offspring. Originally a soldier, Lamarck later studied medicine and biology, becoming particularly interested in botany; his distinguished career included admission to the French Academy of Sciences (1779), and appointments as Royal Botanist (1781) and as professor of zoology at the Musée Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle in 1793. Acknowledged as the premier authority on invertebrate zoology, he is credited with coining the term 'invertebrates'. This work, published in Paris in 1801, expands on Linnaeus' classification system, introducing seven sub-categories, creating finer divisions along lines of the species' inherent physical traits, and describing their natural characteristics and organisation. Also included is Lamarck's museum lecture, delivered in 1800, in which he first set out his ideas on evolution.
A Country without Strikes
Authors: Lloyd Henry Demarest , Reeves William Pember
Published: January 2013

Henry Demarest Lloyd (1847–1903), writer and social reformer, rose to prominence as one of America's first muckraker journalists. Born in New York City, Lloyd started his journalism career at the Chicago Tribune and went on to expose the abuse of power in American oil companies. He also pursued a career in politics. In 1899 he travelled to New Zealand and Australia, the 'political laboratories' of Great Britain, to investigate how they resolved the conflict between organised capital and organised labour, and how they promoted social welfare. This book, published in 1900, praises New Zealand's system of compulsory arbitration and describes many instances of successful dispute resolution, from clothing manufacture to newspaper typesetting. The book includes an introduction by William Pember Reeves (1857–1932), liberal newspaper editor and writer, who as New Zealand's minister of labour had brought in the Arbitration Act of 1894 and other important labour legislation.
Bovine tuberculosis and badgers in Britain: relevance of the past
Authors: ATKINS P. J. , ROBINSON P. A.
Published: January 2013

The European badger (Meles meles) has been identified as a wildlife reservoir of bovine tuberculosis and a source of transmission to cattle in Britain and Ireland. Both behavioural ecology and statistical ecological modelling have indicated the long-term persistence of the disease in some badger communities, and this is postulated to account for the high incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle across large tracts of England and Wales. This paper questions this consensus by using historical cartographic evidence to show that tuberculosis in cattle had a very different spatial distribution before 1960 to the present day. Since few of the badgers collected in road traffic accidents between 1972 and 1990 had tuberculosis in counties such as Cheshire, where the disease had until shortly before that been rife in the cattle population, the role of badgers as reservoirs in spreading disease in similar counties outside the south-west of England has to be questioned.
Pathogenesis of listeriosis during pregnancy
Authors: Poulsen Keith P. , Czuprynski Charles J.
Published: January 2013

Listeria monocytogenescauses several clinical manifestations in humans and domestic animals. This bacterium is a saprophyte in soil and ensiled feeds, which are sources of infection for food producing animals (i.e. ruminants). The most common route of infection for people is via ingestion of contaminated ready-to-eat food products such as produce, soft cheeses and deli meats. In the United States,L. monocytogenescauses relatively few cases of clinical disease compared to other food-borne pathogens. However, clinical listeriosis is associated with high mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, neonates, and the elderly.Listeriais an intracellular pathogen, which has been widely used in basic research to elucidate mechanisms of molecular pathogenesis and protective cell-mediated immunity. Despite the sizeable knowledge onL. monocytogenespathogenesis, key points regarding listeriosis during pregnancy and the perinatal period remain unknown. This review summarizes listeriosis in humans and domestic animals during pregnancy, and animal models used to study the pathogenesis and immune response toL. monocytogenesinfection during these periods.