bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Author Financial Conflicts of Interest, Industry Funding, and Clinical Practice Guidelines for Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Tibau Ariadna , Bedard Philippe L. , Srikanthan Amirrtha , Ethier Josee-Lyne , Vera-Badillo Francisco E. , Templeton Arnoud J. , Ocaña Alberto , Seruga Bostjan , Barnadas Agustí , Amir Eitan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and consensus statements (CSs) are used to apply evidence-based medicine or expert recommendations to clinical practice. Here we explore author financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs), sources of guideline funding, and their relationship with endorsement of specific drugs.

Methods

An electronic search of MEDLINE was conducted to identify CPGs and CSs for common solid cancers published between January 2003 and October 2013. The search was restricted to articles evaluating systemic therapy. We extracted data on self-reported author FCOIs, funding sources, use of manuscript writers, and endorsement of specific drugs in the abstract of the article.

Results

Of 142 articles evaluated, 64% were CPGs, and 36% were CSs. The proportion of articles reporting FCOIs improved from 11% in 2003 to 93% in 2013 (P for trend < .001). Only 45% of articles explicitly reported funding sources. Of these, 65% disclosed partial or full industry sponsorship. Use of manuscript writers was declared in 13%, but many articles did not explicitly report the role of authors in the writing of the manuscript. Endorsement of specific drugs was significantly associated with author FCOIs (odds ratio [OR], 7.29; P = .001), but not with industry funding (OR, 0.95; P = .37).

Conclusion

Reporting of FCOIs in CPGs and CSs has improved over time. Despite prevalent funding of guideline development by industry, such funding is not associated with endorsement of specific drugs. Author FCOIs are prevalent, and endorsement of a specific drug seems to be more common when authors have FCOIs with the pharmaceutical company marketing that drug.
Recent Developments in Organocatalyzed Electroorganic Chemistry
Authors: Ogawa Kelli A , Boydston Andrew J
Published: November 2014

This highlight review focuses on the integration of organocatalysis and electrosynthesis. Specifically, we detail recent advances involving the use of organocatalysts to alter substrate redox potentials through the in situ generation of electroactive intermediates. The ability to redirect organocatalyzed pathways toward oxidative fates using electrolysis techniques has enabled highly efficient transformations that would traditionally require stoichiometric sacrificial oxidants.
The F1000Research Antibody Validation Article Collection
Authors: Helsby Matthew A. , Leung Mei Yee , Chalmers Andrew D.
Published: November 2014

Well validated antibodies are crucial to progress in a wide range of life science disciplines, but validating an antibody is a complex and ongoing process. Antibody validation is often carried out as preliminary work to a larger study so the validation data may go unpublished and needless duplication of efforts can occur. This collection of articles in F1000Research provides a home for papers describing antibody validation studies. Our goal is to encourage publishing of all studies, both positive and negative, which increase understanding of how antibodies perform. These could range from large studies with thousands of antibodies to small single figure studies which validate an individual antibody for a specific purpose. Opinion or Correspondence articles considering any aspect of antibody validation are also welcome. Here, we provide an introduction to the collection which we hope will grow and become a valuable resource for the many thousands of researchers who use antibodies.
Evaluation of Technogenic Impact on Hydrochemistry of the Teberda River
Authors: Онищенко  , Onishchenko V. , Дега  , Dega Natalya , Байчорова  , Baychorova E.
Published: November 2014

The paper presents research results for water chemistry of one of the Karachay-Cherkessia largest rivers – Teberda. Authors

apply contemporary techniques of comprehensive assessment of surface water contamination in mountain rivers under the

influence of technogenic and recreational factors. No similar research has been previously conducted. The research reveals

features of distribution of basic elements and compounds levels between separate river sites in anthropogenic areas.
Analytical Model of Suspensions Separation in Hydrodynamic Filter with Pivoting Perforated Partition
Authors: Мягков  , Myagkov I. , Львов  , Lvov V. , Девисилов  , Devisilov Vladimir , Шарай  , Sharay E.
Published: November 2014

The article develops a stochastic model of suspensions separation in hydrodynamic filter. Suspensions separation in the

filter is carried out due to hydrodynamic force action on suspension flow (first stage of separation) and filtering through a

porous membrane (second stage). Pivoting perforated partition is put into filter in front of the porous filtering membrane

to increase effectiveness of suspensions separation at stage one. Complex Couette flow develops in the gap between

filter bowl and the perforated partition. Specific modes of flow in the gap produce Taylor vortex, size and intensity of

which depend on parti-tion’s rotation speed and flow velocity. It produces a flow currently known as Couette-Taylor flow.

Multidirectional Taylor vortex arising in the mainstream disrupts its hydrodynamics and creates turbulence. Given such

flow, calculation of hard phase separation with use of determinate models can be an error as does not include stochastic

processes. The article presents a new analytical model of suspensions separation, which takes in stochastic (probabilistic)

separation processes and is based on the theory of Markovian processes. Equations of diffusion type, particularly the

Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov equation, are offered to describe process of suspensions separation in hydrodynamic filters with

pivoting perforated partition.
Atopic eczema: the current state of clinical research
Authors: Lawton Sandra
Published: November 2014

Atopic eczema (AE), also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory, itchy skin condition that usually develops in early childhood. There has been a steep rise in the burden of atopic eczema, with up to 20% of children in developed countries now suffering from the disease ( Flohr and Mann, 2014 ). Although atopic eczema is not always recognised as a serious medical condition by health professionals, it can have a significant negative impact on quality of life for children and their parents or carers ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2013 ). The application of eczema treatments often results in conflict between parents and their children, which affects family relationships further and drains the carers' physical and emotional resources ( Santer et al, 2013 ). It is typically an episodic disease of exacerbation with flares occurring two or three times per month, with periods of remission. For some children, however, it is continuous ( NICE, 2013 ). Although a common condition, there are uncertainties regarding treatments used both for health professionals and for patients and their carers. A recent priority setting partnership highlighted the top 14 uncertainties ( Box 1 ), which will provide guidance for future research and answer questions that are important to both clinicians and patients (Batchelor et al, 2013). This article cannot cover all aspects of AE, but will give an update on some of the current research projects and signpost the reader to further resources.
The NHS end-of-term report
Authors: Tingle John
Published: November 2014

John Tingle discusses the Care Quality Commission's fifth annual report on the state of health and care in the NHS
Sustainable working practices and minimizing burnout in emergency medicine
Authors: Hassan Tajek B
Published: November 2014

Sustainable and satisfying working practices in emergency medicine are vital to produce career longevity and prevent premature ‘burnout’. A range of strategies is required to ensure success for the individual and the system in which he/she works.
What has the 4-hour access standard achieved?
Authors: Boyle Adrian , Mason Suzanne
Published: November 2014

Few performance management measures create as much heat and debate as the 4-hour target for emergency departments. This article critically reviews the history, evidence and effectiveness of the 4-hour standard for patients attending emergency departments.
Do we need ‘routine’ blood counts?
Authors: Thachil Jecko
Published: November 2014

Performing daily blood counts has become a routine part of hospital practice but with limited thought given to the need for them. In addition, the occasional abnormalities in these tests trigger further investigations which may have not been necessary if clinical examination was given adequate importance.
Acting on referrals – an escalating role for schools
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: November 2014

Reporting child abuse is not yet mandatory. As ministers debate the pros and cons, Ofsted raises its expectation of schools. How much should the designated person do when it comes to making sure social care take action? Suzanne O'Connell reports
The school with a herd of water buffalo
Authors: Lee-Potter Emma
Published: November 2014

West Rise Junior School owns a herd of Asian water buffalo, a swarm of bees and is building a Bronze Age village. Emma Lee-Potter visited this unusual, yet successful school
Can free schools plug the gap for places?
Authors: Learner Sue
Published: November 2014

Sue Learner examines whether the Government's free schools programme is helping or hindering the well-documented squeeze on local primary places.
Become a leaf detective
Authors: Hewson Claire
Published: November 2014

Discover a wealth of resources to help you make the most of National Tree Week and use lesson plans around the biology of trees as a perfect excuse to get outdoors.
Life on a narrow boat
Authors: McKeown Sal
Published: November 2014

The history of canals can provide a fascinating cross-curricular topic. Use the online game, ‘Build a Canal’, as a fun resource and a catalyst for further learning.
One step at a time to reach the right level
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: November 2014

In the first of a new series, Dorothy Lepkowska talks to a school which is meeting the challenge of assessment with its own programme, Learning Ladders.
The Management of Dental Patients Taking New Generation Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Scott Alun , Gibson John , Crighton Alexander
Published: November 2014

Recently, new oral anticoagulants have been introduced as alternatives to warfarin. While national guidelines for treatment of dental patients taking warfarin as an anticoagulant are well-established, no such information is available for these novel therapeutic agents. At present, the local guidance available is contradictory between different health boards/health planning units, and liaison with the medical practitioner managing the individual patient's anticoagulation is imperative if any invasive procedure is proposed. This paper examines the available evidence regarding these drugs and sets out proposals for clinical guidance of dental practitioners treating these patients in primary dental care.
Prescribing for Mucosal Disease in Primary Dental Care
Authors: Pemberton Michael N
Published: November 2014

Oral mucosal disease has a variety of causes, some of which are due to dysfunction of the immune system. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and oral lichen planus are the mucosal diseases of unknown cause seen most frequently in dental practice, and the most likely mucosal diseases for which a dentist will prescribe. This paper briefly reviews the clinical features of these conditions, their causation and pertinent information for managing them in a primary care setting. The prescribing of appropriate medications to treat the conditions in a general dental practice is described and discussed.
Disaster cosmopolitanism: Catastrophe and global community in the fiction of Daniel Maximin and Maryse Condé
Authors: Brant Daniel
Published: November 2014

This article examines how Guadeloupean novelists Daniel Maximin and Maryse Condé – the former in L’Isolé soleil ([1981] 2001) and Soufrières ([1987] 2004) and the latter in En attendant la montée des eaux (2010) – articulate a ‘disaster cosmopolitanism’ in response to global catastrophes and suffering. Through close readings of these novels, this article explores how each author actualizes a framework for global solidarity beyond a purely French or Francophone scope in a world where the risk of catastrophe is ubiquitous. It argues that in these novels Maximin and Condé outline a global ‘disasterscape’ in which catastrophe becomes the link between different peoples and cultures across the world. Disaster cosmopolitanism imagines, then, globalization in terms of geographies of solidarity rather than neo-liberal economic competition. Incorporating humanitarian action into its response, disaster cosmopolitanism makes risk and catastrophe fundamental conditions of contemporary society and thinks about catastrophes relationally by drawing disparate peoples and regions together in the recognition of and shared responsibility for financial, ecological and technological risks and vulnerabilities.

Cet article examine la manière dont les romanciers guadeloupéens Daniel Maximin et Maryse Condé – le premier dans L’Isolé soleil ([1981] 2001) et Soufrières ([1987] 2004), la seconde dans En attendant la montée des eaux (2010) – articulent un ‘cosmopolitisme du désastre’ face à la souffrance et aux catastrophes mondiales. A travers des lectures détaillées de ces romans, cet article analyse comment les auteurs pensent la solidarité au-delà des contextes français et francophone dans un monde où le risque de catastrophes est omniprésent. Il soutient que Maximin et Condé tracent dans leurs romans les contours d’un ‘paysage’ mondial de désastres dans lequel les catastrophes deviennent un lien important entre peuples et cultures disparates. Le cosmopolitisme du désastre revient donc à imaginer la mondialisation comme un ensemble de géographies de solidarités au lieu de la concurrence économique acharnée que prône le néolibéralisme. Tout en intégrant l’action humanitaire à sa réponse, le cosmopolitisme du désastre fait du risque et des catastrophes des conditions fondamentales de la société contemporaine. Ainsi propose-t-il de penser les catastrophes de manière relationnelle afin de relier des peuples et des régions différents aussi bien autour de la reconnaissance que de la responsabilité partagée des risques et des vulnérabilités financiers, écologiques et technologiques.
AmmanNet (Al-Balad) Internet radio in Jordan and the West Bank: or, ‘I have seen the future of radio, and it is AmmanNet’
Authors: Najjar Orayb
Published: November 2014

Arab states have used terrestrial radio for nationalist mobilization and development extensively in the 1950s and 1960s. However, government restrictions, combined with the high cost of terrestrial broadcasting, kept radio out of private hands. After discussing the technological context that made digital radio possible in Jordan and the West Bank, I trace the development of the first Internet radio station in the Arab world, AmmanNet, and describe its developmental local programming as an example of a new type of media that digitally savvy youth are broadcasting. However, because some of the funding comes from NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and foreign governments, Arabs face a dilemma: accepting such funding provides them with equipment and training they may not otherwise have, but accepting it sometimes restricts their programming choices to discussions of local problems, rather than problems created by the Israeli occupation. Yet foreign funding also provides opportunities to discuss taboo social issues that state media rarely consider airing.
Nigerian or British: Muslim identity and the framing of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab in the British press
Authors: Yusha’u Muhammad Jameel
Published: November 2014

The story of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s alleged attempt to blow up a US airliner on 25 December 2009 received a lot of attention in the media. As the story developed it appeared that Umar Farouk studied in the United Kingdom and was resident in the country. Although Nigerian by birth, he received his education either in Britain or in British institutions. The nature of his upbringing and education raises questions about his identity. So how was the story framed in the British press? How was the story reported in relation to the representation of Muslims in the British press? This article studied the representation of the Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab story in four British newspapers: The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times and The Independent. These newspapers are among the quality press in the United Kingdom, and are read not only in the United Kingdom but across the world. Using the framing theory to provide a critique of the coverage of this story in the British press within the context of representation of identity, the research found that although there are ideological differences between the liberal and the conservative press in Britain, they share similarities when it comes to reporting stories that relate to Muslims. The findings of this research suggested that there are three key frames that shaped the reporting of the story in the British broadsheets. The frames are Muslim identity, Nigerian citizenship and British education. All the newspapers under study paid significant attention to these frames, while being silent on the main causes of radicalization. A common feature from the newspapers under study is the commonality in reporting between the conservative and the liberal press.
Sustentabilidade dos afetos: Notas sobre a conjugalidade como dimensão de análise da família na contemporaneidade
Authors: Scorsolini-Comin Fabio , Santos Manoel Antônio dos
Published: November 2014

O atual cenário de transformações socioculturais, impulsionado pela perda do interesse na vida pública, emancipação das minorias sexuais e o declínio dos meios tradicionais de doação de identidade (família, religião, pertencimento político, entre outros) fez com que restasse aos indivíduos apenas a identidade amorosa e a esperança de realização amorosa. Este artigo discute a conjugalidade como dimensão de análise da família. Pontua-se que esta noção, além de colocar em xeque a identidade construída por um casal em relação ou união, é também uma dimensão que contribui para as investigações acerca da família e suas vicissitudes. Aliada a uma leitura sociológica, o constructo da conjugalidade extrapola sua origem psicanalítica e incorpora aspectos contextuais, como a transição da conjugalidade para a parentalidade, a presença feminina no mercado de trabalho, a divisão do trabalho doméstico em casais de dupla carreira, escolaridade dos cônjuges, condições materiais de sobrevivência, políticas de incentivo ou de controle de natalidade, entre outros fatores. Postula-se que a sustentabilidade dos afetos deve ser uma prática desenvolvida no âmbito da família e nas formas de se fortalecerem vínculos estabelecidos, primando-se pelo engendramento de modos mais plurais e flexíveis de ser e de amar, compatíveis com o ethos contemporâneo.
O Levenson’s Self Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP)
Authors: Coelho Luísa , Paixão Rui , Silva José Tomás da
Published: November 2014

Neste estudo analisa-se a versão portuguesa do Levenson’s Self Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP-VP). Os resultados são compatíveis com uma estrutura bifactorial: com um factor 1 (F1) de psicopatia primária, e um factor 2 (F2) de psicopatia secundária. Esta estrutura é capaz de explicar, respectivamente, 21.56% e 14.63% da variância. O modelo com dois factores, numa análise factorial confirmatória, revelou um bom ajustamento aos dados. A escala, reduzida a 19 itens, revela valores de consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach) de .81 para o total, .82 para F1 e .73 para F2. Verifica-se, ainda, que F1 é sensível ao género, com os homens a pontuarem mais alto nesta dimensão. Esta versão necessita, ainda, de ulterior validação factorial.
Im Bann der Identität
Authors: Hidas Zoltán
Published: November 2014

Der moderne Mensch sucht sich sowohl praktisch wie auch weltanschaulich in einer besonderen Form der Subjektivität zurechtzufinden - der »Identität«. Zoltán Hidas bietet eine längst überfällige Systematik der logisch konsequenten und prinzipiell unvereinbaren Gestaltwandlungen, die dieser Begriff durchmachte. Er zeigt, dass die theoretischen »Rationalisierungen« der personalen und kollektiven Identität in den Bahnen der Verabsolutierung, der Konkretisierung, der Soziologisierung sowie der Kulturalisierung verliefen. »Identität« erweist sich im soziologischen Überblick als eine weiterhin wirkmächtige Metapher, die durch die Idee der Kohärenz und Kontinuität in ihrem Bann hält und zu immer neuen Ausdeutungen anregt.
Sexualität und Biomacht
Authors: Laufenberg Mike
Published: November 2014

Ausgehend von vergangenen und aktuellen Konflikten um Sexualität unternimmt Mike Laufenberg eine Neulektüre von Foucaults Analyse der Biomacht. Er konzipiert Sexualität als Transaktionsfeld der Biopolitik, das in einer Gesellschaft zentrifugale Kräfte entfaltet - ein Problem, auf das die Sicherheitsdispositive der Biomacht mit Schutz und Immunisierung antworten. Inspiriert von Foucaults Idee einer homosexuellen Mikropolitik spürt er den Prozessen politischer Subjektivierung nach, die aus den Kämpfen um Sexualität hervorgehen und auf neue Lebensmöglichkeiten drängen. Gegen die biopolitische Prekarisierung von Lebensformen wird ein neues Verhältnis von Politik und Leben gesetzt, das von einer Logik der gemeinsamen Sorge getragen wird.
Becoming a Force in the Zone: Hedonopolitics, Masculinity, and the Quest for Respect on Haiti’s Streets
Authors: Kivland Chelsey L.
Published: November 2014

This article explores neighborhood organizing among young men in urban Haiti as a vernacular enactment of sovereignty that involves both a hedonistic and a gendered logic. Under conditions of democratization and global governance, the urban block, or base, has become a key site for building political community and creating connections to those in power. Central to base politics are public outings that engender power and respect for the organizers by demonstrating their force not through violence but through masculine social pleasures. This article elaborates three key outings—a street party, a soccer tournament, and a beach day—organized by neighbors and supported by state, NGO, and criminal actors. By focusing on hedonopolitics, rather than on the common tropes of violence and death, this article extends recent work on the embodiment of sovereign power, while also showing that masculine pleasure represents an underanalyzed yet important dimension of sovereignty.
Atypical presentation and manifestations in X-linked agammaglobulinemia patients with novelBTKmutations
Authors: Nahum Amit , Manson David , Ngan Bo
Published: November 2014

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a rare immunodeficiency caused by defects in the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene, characterized by impaired B-cell development, reduced immunoglobulin production, and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections at an early age. Some XLA patients show atypical presentations, with most reports concentrating on the diagnosis at a relatively old age. They presented with infections at late age or with unusual pathogens; however, other atypical manifestations have only rarely been reported.

Methods: Description of patients with XLA and novel mutations in BTK who presented with atypical manifestations or developed noninfectious complications.

Results: Four patients presented unique manifestations unusual for XLA. The first with Granulomatous Dermatitis, the second with acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, the third with “Crohn's disease like” localized protein-losing enteropathy, and the last patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is an unexpected finding in a patient devoid of endogenous immunoglobulins. Mutations in BTK were found in all domains of the gene; 1 resulted in a stop codon and 3 were missense mutations.

Conclusions: Early recognition of atypical presentations and manifestations of patients with XLA is crucial for timely initiation of life-saving therapy, which may include anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments in addition to immunoglobulin.

Statement of novelty: In this study we present unique inflammatory and autoimmune phenomenons in XLA patients that were not described previously and are somewhat unexpected. These should alert the immunologist for the possibility of XLA diagnosis.
Splicing knot complements and bordered Floer homology
Authors: Hedden Matthew , Levine Adam Simon
Published: November 2014

We show that the integer homology sphere obtained by splicing two nontrivial knot complements in integer homology sphere L-spaces has Heegaard Floer homology of rank strictly greater than one. In particular, splicing the complements of nontrivial knots in the 3-sphere never produces an L-space. The proof uses bordered Floer homology.
Quarterly Fiscal Policy
Authors: Kendrick David A. , Amman Hans M.
Published: November 2014

Monetary policy is altered once a month. Fiscal policy is altered once a year. As a potential improvement this article examines the use of feedback control rules for fiscal policy that is altered quarterly. Following the work of Blinder and Orszag, modifications are discussed in Congressional practice and institutions that would facilitate this change.
Hydrogenolysis of lignin in ZnCl2 and KCl as an inorganic molten salt medium
Authors: Appelt Jörn , Gohrbandt Anne , Peters Jana , Bremer Martina , Fischer Steffen
Published: November 2014

Lignin can be converted into monomeric products with the aid of molten salt media. Molten zinc chloride (ZnCl2)/potassium chloride (KCl) mixtures are suitable for this purpose. The application of an eutectic mixture with low melting points leads to similar main products as are obtained by pyrolysis. The hydrogenolysis of an organosolv lignin in molten salts of ZnCl2/KCl was investigated as a function of reaction temperature, residence time, and lignin concentration, and the composition of liquid products and monophenols was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The yields can be optimized by the proper selection of the reaction temperature. A longer residence time and higher lignin concentrations lead to increased formation of solid residues and gaseous products. The liquid products mainly consist of substituted phenols derived from lignins. Polymeric products are the result of condensation reactions (i.e., the formation of new C-C linkages in the course of secondary reactions).
Load Segmentation for Convergence of Distribution Automation and Advanced Metering Infrastructure Systems
Authors: Pamulaparthy Balakrishna , KS Swarup , Kommu Rajagopal
Published: November 2014

Distribution automation (DA) applications are limited to feeder level today and have zero visibility outside of the substation feeder and reaching down to the low-voltage distribution network level. This has become a major obstacle in realizing many automated functions and enhancing existing DA capabilities. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems are being widely deployed by utilities across the world creating system-wide communications access to every monitoring and service point, which collects data from smart meters and sensors in short time intervals, in response to utility needs. DA and AMI systems convergence provides unique opportunities and capabilities for distribution grid modernization with the DA system acting as a controller and AMI system acting as feedback to DA system, for which DA applications have to understand and use the AMI data selectively and effectively. In this paper, we propose a load segmentation method that helps the DA system to accurately understand and use the AMI data for various automation applications with a suitable case study on power restoration.
Approaches to Study in Undergraduate Nursing Students in Regional Victoria, Australia
Authors: Brown Stephen , Wakeling Lara , Naiker Mani , White Sue
Published: November 2014

In developmental research to devise a strategy to identify students who may benefit from assistance with learning habits, approaches to study were explored in undergraduate nursing students (n=122) enrolled in a compulsory first-year course in physiology at a regional Australian university. The course constituted 30 credits (25%) of their first year of study. Using the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory (ASSIST), students were identified as adopting a deep (n=38, 31%), strategic (n= 30, 25%), or a surface (n=54, 44%) approach to study. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha [α]) for deep, strategic, and surface was 0.85, 0.87, and 0.76, respectively. Subsequently, a cluster analysis was done to identify two groupings: a “surface” group (n=53) and a “deep/strategic” group (n=69). The surface group scored lower in deep (33.28±6.42) and strategic (39.36±6.79) approaches and higher in the surface (46.96±9.57) approach. Conversely, the deep/strategic group scored 46.10±6.81, 57.17±7.81, and 41.87±6.47 in deep, strategic, and surface styles, respectively. This application of the ASSIST questionnaire and cluster analysis thus differentiated students adopting a surface approach to study. This strategy may enable educators to target resources, for example additional tutorial opportunities, peer-assisted study support, and tutor-led seminar sessions aimed at encouraging students to adopt a less superficial approach to study.
Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana in Wistar albino rats
Authors: Olukunle Johnny Olufemi , Jacobs Eniope Bamidele , Ajayi Olusola Lawrence , Biobaku Khalid Talha , Abatan Mathew Oluwole
Published: November 2014

Background: Acalypha wilkesiana (Euphorbiaceae) is highly accepted for traditional treatment of human plasmodiasis in Africa.

Methods: The toxicological effects of the aqueous leaf extract of A. wilkesiana were studied in 45 male and female Wistar albino rats. An acute toxicity testing was done using 21 rats divided into seven groups and LD50 determined. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, the extract was administered orally over a period of 28 days to rats in three groups with doses of 400 mg kg−1, 800 mg kg−1 and 1,600 mg kg−1, respectively, and the fourth group administered with water served as control. Blood samples were collected for hematological and serum biochemical analysis; organs of the animals were harvested for histopathological examination.

Results: The acute toxicity testing showed that the extract was non-toxic at doses up to 3,000 mg kg−1 and the LD50 was calculated to be 2,828.34 mg kg−1. The study showed that at 1,600 mg kg−1 dose, the extract caused a decrease in the level of neutrophils (NEUT) while lymphocytes (LYMP) were statistically significantly increased. The administration of the extract also resulted in varying significant dose dependent increase in the levels of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). There were also significant increases in the level of total protein (TP), urea (URN) and albumin (GLB) especially at 1,600 mg kg−1 dosage. Histopathology showed that the extract caused mild to severe significant lesions that are dose dependent in the liver and kidney when compared with the control group.

Conclusions: Prolonged administration of high dose of A. wilkesiana extract has tendency to cause organ toxicity.
Varieties of Homeland Security: An Assessment of US State-level Definitions
Authors: Robinson Scott E. , Mallik Nicola
Published: November 2014

Homeland Security continues to struggle to define itself as a field of practice and scholarship. The difficulty in defining the field has led to a variety of conflicts over membership, content, and focus. This article reviews some of the prominent debates over the meaning of homeland security as a field of study and practice. It then defines a simple schema for definitions of homeland security inspired by the academic and legislative debates over the issue. A frequency cataloging of definitions from US state agencies illustrates the continued relevance of a “partial membership” approach to defining the field. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of the diversity of homeland security definitions for the development of the field.
The interplay between maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Farren Maria , Daly Niamh , O’Higgins Amy C. , McKeating Aoife , Maguire Patrick J. , Turner Michael J.
Published: November 2014

There is a strong epidemiological association between maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Since the publication of the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study on women with mild hyperglycemia in 2008, new criteria have been introduced in maternity services internationally for the diagnosis of GDM. As a result, the diagnosis of GDM may be made in one-third of obese women (n=68). The aim of this review was to examine the interplay between maternal obesity and GDM in light of the HAPO study and the subsequent revised diagnostic criteria. Obesity and GDM are important obstetric risk factors because they both are potentially modifiable. However, the new international criteria for the diagnosis of GDM have serious resource implications for maternity services provided to the large number of women attending for care in developed countries. Further consideration needs to be given as to whether obese women with mild hyperglycemia need to be referred to a multidisciplinary team antenatally if they do not require insulin treatment.
The use of key in projecting face-threatening acts in televised political debate
Authors: O’Grady Gerard
Published: November 2014

Before the 2010 UK general election the leaders of the three major political parties engaged in three televised debates. In the debates they were prohibited from directly engaging with one another and from infringing on their rivals’ speaking rights. The leaders attempted to exercise power through positive face attacks. Previous evidence has indicated that in the United Kingdom quality face attacks are more severe than social-identity face attacks. I investigate the communicative value of key, the pitch height of the initial onset syllable, in which the leaders pitched their face attacks, and illustrate that the type, amount, and key of face attacks changed across the debates. In the final debate there was an increased use of high key, which added salience to positive face attacks. It was noticeable that only the candidate behind in the polls consistently selected high key to boost his quality face attacks. The others tended to pitch quality face attacks with mid key. I illustrate that selection of key established the context in which the face attack was to be understood and show that a fuller understanding of face work in political debate requires an account of the implicatures generated by prosodic selections such as key.
Schottky Solar Cells with CuInS2 Nanocrystals as Absorber Material
Authors: Borchert Holger , Scheunemann Dorothea , Frevert Katja , Witt Florian , Klein Andreas , Parisi Jürgen
Published: November 2014

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals with tunable optical properties
are promising materials for light harvesting in solar cells. So far,
in particular cadmium and lead chalcogenide nanocrystals were
intensively studied in this respect, and the device performance has
made rapid progress in recent years. In contrast, less research
efforts were undertaken to develop solar cells based on Cd- and
Pb-free nanoparticles as absorber material. In the present work, we
report on Schottky solar cells with the absorber layer made of
colloidal copper indium disulfide nanocrystals. Absorber films with up
to ∼ 500 nm thickness were realized by a solution-based
layer-by-layer deposition technique. The device performance was
systematically studied dependent on the absorber layer
thickness. Decreasing photocurrent densities with increasing thickness
revealed charge transport to be a limiting factor for the device
performance.
Chronic exposure to TGFβ1 regulates myeloid cell inflammatory response in an IRF7‐dependent manner
Authors: Cohen Merav , Matcovitch Orit , David Eyal , Barnett‐Itzhaki Zohar , Keren‐Shaul Hadas , Blecher‐Gonen Ronnie , Jaitin Diego Adhemar , Sica Antonio , Amit Ido , Schwartz Michal
Published: November 2014

Tissue microenvironment influences the function of resident and infiltrating myeloid‐derived cells. In the central nervous system (CNS), resident microglia and freshly recruited infiltrating monocyte‐derived macrophages (mo‐MΦ) display distinct activities under pathological conditions, yet little is known about the microenvironment‐derived molecular mechanism that regulates these differences. Here, we demonstrate that long exposure to transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGFβ1) impaired the ability of myeloid cells to acquire a resolving anti‐inflammatory phenotype. Using genome‐wide expression analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next‐generation sequencing, we show that the capacity to undergo pro‐ to anti‐inflammatory (M1‐to‐M2) phenotype switch is controlled by the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) that is down‐regulated by the TGFβ1 pathway. RNAi‐mediated perturbation of Irf7 inhibited the M1‐to‐M2 switch, while IFNβ1 (an IRF7 pathway activator) restored it. In vivo induction of Irf7 expression in microglia, following spinal cord injury, reduced their pro‐inflammatory activity. These results highlight the key role of tissue‐specific environmental factors in determining the fate of resident myeloid‐derived cells under both physiological and pathological conditions.
Obesity-related hypertension: possible pathophysiological mechanisms
Authors: Vaněčková Ivana , Maletínská Lenka , Behuliak Michal , Nagelová Veronika , Zicha Josef , Kuneš Jaroslav
Published: November 2014

Hypertension is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, but despite a century of clinical and basic research, the discrete etiology of this disease is still not fully understood. The same is true for obesity, which is recognized as a major global epidemic health problem nowadays. Obesity is associated with an increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors including hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Epidemiological studies have shown that excess weight gain predicts future development of hypertension, and the relationship between BMI and blood pressure (BP) appears to be almost linear in different populations. There is no doubt that obesity-related hypertension is a multifactorial and polygenic trait, and multiple potential pathogenetic mechanisms probably contribute to the development of higher BP in obese humans. These include hyperinsulinemia, activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous system stimulation, abnormal levels of certain adipokines such as leptin, or cytokines acting at the vascular endothelial level. Moreover, some genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are also in play. Although the full manifestation of both hypertension and obesity occurs predominantly in adulthood, their roots can be traced back to early ontogeny. The detailed knowledge of alterations occurring in the organism of experimental animals during particular critical periods (developmental windows) could help to solve this phenomenon in humans and might facilitate the age-specific prevention of human obesity-related hypertension. In addition, better understanding of particular pathophysiological mechanisms might be useful in so-called personalized medicine.
Pediatric Exposure to Laundry Detergent Pods
Authors: Valdez Amanda L. , Casavant Marcel J. , Spiller Henry A. , Chounthirath Thiphalak , Xiang Huiyun , Smith Gary A.
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE:

Laundry detergent pods are a new product in the US marketplace. This study investigates the epidemiologic characteristics and outcomes of laundry detergent pod exposures among young children in the United States.

METHODS:

Using data from the National Poison Data System, exposures to laundry detergent pods among children younger than 6 years of age during 2012–2013 were investigated.

RESULTS:

There were 17 230 children younger than 6 years exposed to laundry detergent pods in 2012–2013. From March 2012 to April 2013, the monthly number of exposures increased by 645.3%, followed by a 25.1% decrease from April to December 2013. Children younger than 3 years accounted for 73.5% of cases. The major route of exposure was ingestion, accounting for 79.7% of cases. Among exposed children, 4.4% were hospitalized and 7.5% experienced a moderate or major medical outcome. A spectrum of clinical effects from minor to serious was seen with ingestion and ocular exposures. There were 102 patients (0.6%) exposed to a detergent pod via ingestion, aspiration, or a combination of routes, including ingestion, who required tracheal intubation. There was 1 confirmed death.

CONCLUSIONS:

Laundry detergent pods pose a serious poisoning risk to young children. This nationwide study underscores the need for increased efforts to prevent exposure of young children to these products, which may include improvements in product packaging and labeling, development of a voluntary product safety standard, and public education. Product constituent reformulation is another potential strategy to mitigate the severity of clinical effects of laundry detergent pod exposure.
Changes in Obesity Between Fifth and Tenth Grades: A Longitudinal Study in Three Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Schuster Mark A. , Elliott Marc N. , Bogart Laura M. , Klein David J. , Feng Jeremy Y. , Wallander Jan L. , Cuccaro Paula , Tortolero Susan R.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND:

Despite epidemic childhood obesity levels, we know little about how BMI changes from preadolescence to adolescence and what factors influence changes.

METHODS:

We studied 3961 randomly selected public school students and 1 parent per student in 3 US metropolitan areas in fifth and again in tenth grades. In each grade, we measured child and parent height/weight and calculated BMI category. We examined whether baseline sociodemographic characteristics, child health-related factors, and parental obesity were significantly associated with exit from and entry into obesity from fifth to tenth grade.

RESULTS:

Fifth- and tenth-graders were 1%/2% underweight, 53%/60% normal weight, 19%/18% overweight, and 26%/20% obese, respectively. Among obese tenth-graders, 83% had been obese as fifth-graders and 13% had been overweight. Sixty-five percent of obese fifth-graders remained obese as tenth-graders, and 23% transitioned to overweight. Multivariately, obese fifth-graders who perceived themselves to be much heavier than ideal (P = .01) and those who had lower household education (P = .006) were less likely to exit obesity; by contrast, overweight fifth-graders were more likely to become obese if they had an obese parent (P < .001) or watched more television (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS:

Obese fifth-graders face challenges in reducing obesity, especially when they lack advantages associated with higher socioeconomic status or when they have a negative body image. Clinicians and others should educate parents on the importance of preventing obesity very early in development. Children who are not yet obese by fifth grade but who have an obese parent or who watch considerable television might benefit from monitoring, as might children who have negative body images.
Effect of substitutional doping on the thermal conductivity of Ti-based Half-Heusler compounds
Authors: Bhattacharya S. , Ponnambalam V. , Pope A.L. , Xia Y. , Poon S.J. , Littleton R.T. , Tritt T.M.
Published: November 2014

Half-Heusler alloys with the general formula TiNiSn1-XSbXare currently being investigated for their potential as thermoelectric (TE) materials.1,2,3,4These materials exhibit high thermopower (40–250μV/K) and low electrical resistivity values (0.1 - 8mΩ-cm) which yields a relatively large power factor (α2σT) of (0.2 - 1.0) W/m♦K at room temperature. The challenge is to reduce the relatively high thermal conductivity (≈ 10 W/m♦K) that is evident in these materials. The focus of this research is to investigate the effect of Sb-doping on the Sn site and Zr doping on the Ti site on the thermal conductivity of TiNiSn. Highly doped half-Heusler alloys have shown marked reduction in thermal conductivity to values on the order of 3.5 - 4.5 W/m♦K. Systematic determination of thermal conductivity in a variety of these doped materials as well as Sb and Zr doped TiNiSn are presented and discussed.
CYTOTOXIC SATURATED FATTY ACIDS FROM THE INDONESIAN SEA CUCUMBER Holothuria sp.
Authors: Januar Hedi Indra , Nursid Muhammad , Chasanah Ekowati
Published: November 2014

Sea cucumbers are one of Indonesia’s marine organism with the potential to be developed as possible herbal medicines. In a preliminary study of cytotoxic activity of ethanol extracts of 14Indonesian sea cucumber species, the most active extract came from the Holothuria sp. Thecurrent research aimed to identify the major cytotoxic component in the sea cucumber Holothuriasp., that yielded the most active extract. The samples were collected from South Lampung beach.Isolation of the cytotoxic component was done employing liquid flash and preparative reversedphase (C 18) chromatography. Cytotoxic ity evalu atio n of fractio ns collected durin g thechromatography was conducted using the MCF-7 tumor cell line. Elucidation of the structure ofmost active isolate was done by NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy and GC-FID(Gas-Chromatography-Flame Ionisation Detector) analysis. The results of these analyses showedthe most active compound to be stearic acid; IC 50towards MCF-7 cells 10.32 ppm.
Malformação arteriovenosa gástrica: tratamento por embolização
Authors: Bezerra Karenn Barros , Bacelar Júnior Expedito Aguiar , Pereira Nárjara Caroline de Sousa , Costa Fábio Alves da
Published: November 2014

Sangramento digestivo é causa comum de internação nos serviços de emergência. Hemorragias originadas de malformações arteriovenosas no estômago foram raramente descritas na literatura. O tratamento por embolização oferece boa chance de controle do sangramento. Descrevemos caso de paciente com hematêmese e melena recorrentes, cuja angiografia identificou malformação arteriovenosa na grande curvatura do estômago. Foi realizado tratamento da hemorragia por meio de embolização arterial.