bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FORMATION OF THE CONCEPTUAL ASPECT OF THE SPEECH INPRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
Authors: Aкhmetzhanova  , Alshynbekova  , Tebenova
Published: July 2024

Қазіргіуақытта аутистік спектрлі бұзылысы бар балалар дефектологтардың, логопедтердің, психологтардың және аутизмнің пайда болу теорияларын белсенді зерттейтін, диагностикалық тәсілдерді дамытатын, сондай-ақ кешенді диагностиканың әртүрлі технологияларын және осы санаттағы баланы тәрбиелеп отырған отбасын түзетудің, сүйемелдеудің әртүрлі әдістерін жасайтын басқа мамандардыңназарын өзіне аударып отыр. Аутистік спектрлі бұзылысы барбалалардың негізгі проблемаларының бірі –сөзді түсінбеушілік, оның ұғымдық жағының бұзылуы, логикалық ойлаудың болмауы, эмоционалды байланыстың болмауы, нәтижесінде ерте жаста баланың коммуникативті сөйлеу дағдылары мен қимыл-қозғалыс дағдыларының қалыптаспауы мен дамымауы.Мақаланыңмақсаты –аутистікспектрлі бұзылысы бар бастауыш мектеп жасындағы балаларда сөйлеудің ұғымдық беріктігін қалыптастырудың оңтайлы әдістерін пәндік-практикалық іс-шаралар арқылы зерттеу және олардың тиімділігін анықтау.Зерттеу әдістері–психологиялық дамудың түрі ретінде белгілі ғалымдардың, атап айтқанда, К.С.Лебединскаяның, Е.Р. Баенскаяның, Л.С. Выготскийдің, О.С. Никольскаяның, М.М. Либлингнің, М.И.Лынскаяның, Р.А.Сулейменованың, Г.А. Ильмуратованың,А.К. Ерсаринаның, З.Б. Джангельдинованың, З.Б.Айтжанованың зерттеу еңбектеріндегі аутистік спектрлі бұзылысы бар балалартуралы көзқарастары, ой-пікірлерінегізге алынды.Қорытындылайкеле, зерттеу проблемасы бойынша, ғылыми-әдістемелік әдебиеттер талданды, аутистік спектрлі бұзылысы бар бастауыш мектеп жасындағы балалардағы сөйлеудің ұғымдық беріктігінің даму деңгейі аңықталды. Қалыптастырушы экспериментті жүргізу үшін жаттығулар бейімделіп, құрастырылды және тәжірибе барысында қолданылды. Соңында, алынған қорытындылар бойынша зерттеу нәтижелері анықталып,мектеп оқушыларына эксперимент ретінде қолданылып, анализ жасалып, гипотеза анықталып, математикалық ситатиска динамиканегізінде өңделді.
INTERACTION OF UNIVERSITIES WITH GRADUATESIN THE SYSTEM OF REPRODUCTION OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL:ANALYSIS OF EXISTING RESEARCH FRONTIERS
Authors: Khusainova Zhibek ,   Karaganda Buketov University, Bektleyeva Dina , Petrova Mariana ,   University  of  Telecommunications  and  Post,  Sofia,  Bulgaria
Published: July 2024

В статье освещены результаты исследования, направленного на изучение особенностей взаимодействия вузов со своими выпускниками в контексте существующих фронтитов исследований в мире. Выстраивание университетом долгосрочного взаимовыгодного и взаиморазвивающего партнёрства с выпускниками является важнейшим направлением его работы, так как способствует реализации стратегии устойчивого динамичного и поступательного развития вуза, совершенствованию академической политики, организационной культуры и в конечном итоге –повышению его клиентоориентированности, конкурентоспособности, репутации и престижа. Вместе с тем, для эффективной реализации механизма взаимодействия вузов со своими выпускниками необходима системная и масштабная исследовательская работа, потому что, до сих пор недостаточно систематизирована теоретико-методологическая база исследования проблемы взаимодействия вузов с выпускниками. Поэтому цельюданнойстатьи является методологическое исследование категориального ряда феномена взаимодействия университетов с выпускниками на основе библиометрического анализа опубликованных исследований. Данная статья будет полезна топ-менеджменту вузов для выстраивания эффективной стратегии работы с выпускниками, преподавателям и исследователям –для ознакомления с исследовательскими фронтирами по проблематике взаимодействия вузов с аламниями в контексте будущих исследований
Percepções de aprendizagem em gestão de custos para o setor de A&B: um estudo comparativo entre estudantes de Gastronomia e Ciências Contábeis
Authors: Silva Cleiton Almeida da
Published: July 2024

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo principal explorar o panorama do ensino em gestão de custos aplicado ao contexto de A&B, tendo como amostra alunos dos cursos de Gastronomia e de Ciências Contábeis de uma universidade da cidade de São Paulo. A pesquisa tem caráter básico e exploratório, efetuada por meio de levantamento bibliográfico e questionário fechado aplicado aos estudantes. Buscou-se comparar a percepção do conhecimento adquirido sobre gestão de custos, a capacidade de aplicar ferramentas de gestão de custos ao contexto de A&B e suas percepções quanto ao papel dos profissionais de gastronomia nos processos de gestão de custos de cardápio. Dentre outros resultados, pôde-se observar quais ferramentas de custos tradicionais os estudantes conhecem e quais saberiam aplicar no contexto de A&B. Também pôde-se observar que os estudantes consideram a gestão de custos entre os 5 primeiros fatores críticos de sucesso para o setor. Esta pesquisa se mostra relevante uma vez que o setor gastronômico representa grande movimentação econômica nacional e o auxílio profissional no processo de gestão de custos de cardápio pode aumentar a sobrevivência e a competitividade do setor.
A importância dos produtores locais para as microcervejarias de Campos do Jordão (SP): um estudo de caso
Authors: Barbosa Thyago Augusto da Conceição , Isaac Victor Ragazzi , Coletti Gabriel Furlan
Published: July 2024

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo compreender qual é o papel dos produtores locais do setor de alimentação para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos por parte das microcervejarias da cidade de Campos do Jordão. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica que auxiliou na apresentação do contexto histórico e mercadológico da cerveja no Brasil e da importância dos aspectos relacionais para o desenvolvimento de um negócio do setor de alimentação. Ademais, foi conduzido um estudo de caso único junto à microcervejaria Gard, localizada em Campos do Jordão (SP). Os resultados apontam que a empresa se utiliza da estratégia de diferenciação de produto, ao passo que tem buscado cada vez mais utilizar-se de insumos de produtores locais do setor de alimentação para produzir produtos com diferentes características daqueles comercializados tradicionalmente. Por outro lado, há também uma preocupação por parte da microcervejaria para que os parceiros locais também obtenham benefícios e ganhos com a parceria. Esta pesquisa destaca que os produtores locais são estratégicos para microcervejarias, agregando valor aos produtos, fomentando inovações e proporcionando ganhos mútuos no setor de alimentação.
Diálogos interculturais na gastronomia França-Brasil através das criações e da formação da Chef Morena Leite
Authors: Campos Beatriz Marques
Published: July 2024

Este trabalho tem por objetivo debater sobre os sentidos atribuídos às moquecas no Brasil, prato clássico e identitário do território nacional, mas apropriado a partir de múltiplas formas. Em um debate sobre as legitimidades territoriais da iguaria, elegemos como fontes os impressos capixabas e baianos dos séculos XIX e XX, com vistas a compreender como eram executados os pratos, em que momento passaram a ser denominados baiana ou capixaba e buscando, por meio do método de análise de conteúdo, perceber aproximações e distanciamentos na confecção do prato ao longo do tempo. Além das fontes históricas, debatemos com autores que se debruçaram sobre as moquecas e seus sentidos ao longo do tempo, no Brasil e fora dele.
Overview Of Students’ Entrepreneurial Interests Supporting Factors
Authors: Irdianti Irdianti
Published: July 2024

The aim of this research is to obtain an overview of the factors that can support the growth of entrepreneurial interest in students. The research method used in this research is a library research approach using 6 previous research articles related to students' interest in entrepreneurship. Based on the research results, it is known that the factors that influence students' interest in entrepreneurship come from internal and external factors. Internal factors, including motivation, creativity and innovation in students, have a joint influence on interest in entrepreneurship and play an active role in students' interest in entrepreneurship. Apart from that, external factors such as family environment; entrepreneurship education; income expectations; the use of social media and learning soft skills has a significant influence on students' interest in entrepreneurship. Furthermore, there will be expectations of greater income obtained from business. Furthermore, there are differences in entrepreneurial interest between male and female students.
Shutter Island : ombre et lumière de la fable cinématographique
Authors: Bron Jean-Albert
Published: July 2024

Le film Shutter Island (Martin Scorsese, 2010) se prête ici à une réflexion sur la fable, en tant que récit d’invention proposant découverte et adhésion à une interprétation de soi et du monde : elle est objet de croyance car porteuse de valeurs et de normes sociales. Le film déplace les données du roman de Dennis Lehane (2003) et vient « contrarier » — comme le proposait Jacques Rancière (2001) — la signification morale du récit littéraire.

Pour donner plus de portée à cette étude de cas, on s’appuiera d’abord sur la notion de programme de vérité (Paul Veyne, 1983) afin de mieux prendre en compte l’affrontement dans le film des deux versions qui opposent l’enquête du marshal Teddy Daniels et la névrose du malade interné Andrew Laeddis. On interrogera ensuite les modalités particulières qui articulent l’expérience intime et l’expérience socialisée : cette dualité fonde l’expérience filmique pour le spectateur, qui en retrouve l’image dans le Miroir du film. On s’appuie ici sur les réflexions d’Étienne Balibar sur la psychologie des foules (2016), et de Pierre Legendre sur l’anthropologie dogmatique (2001).

On se penchera enfin sur les processus d’interaction entre les médias, qui contribuent à un inquiétant obscurcissement de la fable cinématographique : la relation au roman se complique lorsque s’efface l’autorité narrative du docteur Sheehan, ou lorsque Scorsese joue sur trois régimes d’image dont l’entrelacs fonde en vérité le présent de l’enquête; lorsqu’enfin le film dialogue dans la mémoire du spectateur avec d’autres films, d’autres images, d’autres récits.
O zwalczaniu żebractwa i włóczęgostwa w II Rzeczypospolitej (1918–1939). Studium historycznoprawne
Authors: Danuta Janicka
Published: July 2024

Przedmiotem artykułu są zagadnienia prawne związane ze zwalczaniem żebractwa i włóczęgostwa w Polsce międzywojennej. Autorka przedstawia i porównuje przepisy prawa karnego rosyjskiego, pruskiego (a potem niemieckiego) i austriackiego, które obowiązywały na ziemiach polskich w XIX i na początku XX w. Ocenia, w jaki sposób państwa zaborcze polecały karać żebraków i włóczęgów na ziemiach polskich. Autorka wyjaśnia, że wielu przedstawicieli polskiej doktryny prawa oraz praktyki prawnej wyrażało pogląd, że omawiana kategoria ludzi z marginesu społecznego cierpi na degenerację psychofizyczną. Autorka analizuje także, kiedy i w jaki sposób zagadnienie żebractwa i włóczęgostwa stało się przedmiotem działalności ustawodawcy II Rzeczypospolitej. Oprócz przepisów prawnych i poglądów doktryny autorka prezentuje dane statystyczne z lat 1924–1933.
O przestępczości cudzoziemców i przestępczości wobec cudzoziemców w Polsce na podstawie statystyki policyjnej: Immigrants' crime and victimization in Poland based on police statistics
Authors: Justyna Włodarczyk-Madejska  , Maria Kopeć  , Gabriela Goździk
Published: July 2024

Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia problematykę przestępczości cudzoziemców w Polsce oraz zjawisko ich wiktymizacji w oparciu o statystyki policyjne. Podjęto w opracowaniu próbę omówienia etiologii pokrzywdzenia cudzoziemców przestępstwem oraz ukazano trudności i osiągnięcia związane z badaniem tego zjawiska. Przedstawiono także możliwe przyczyny zaangażowania imigrantów w działalność przestępczą. W kluczowej części opracowania ukazano, w oparciu o statystyki policyjne, dane liczbowe dotyczące skali przestępczości imigrantów w Polsce, struktury tego zjawiska oraz samych sprawców. Następnie omówione zostały dane na temat skali pokrzywdzenia imigrantów przestępstwem w Polsce oraz dotyczące osób pokrzywdzonych.   This article presents the issue of crimes committed by immigrants in Poland and the issue of their victimization based on police statistics. Authors describe the etiology of victimization of immigrants and show the problems and the achievements related to the study of this phenomenon. The article presents the possible causes for committing crimes by immigrants. In the main part, based on police statistics, authors present the size and structure of crimes committed by immigrants and analyze who are the offenders. They also show the size of crime victimization on the immigrants in Poland and data about victims.
Cntnap2 loss drives striatal neuron hyperexcitability and behavioral inflexibility
Authors: Cording Katherine R , Tu Emilie M , Wang Hongli , Agopyan-Miu Alexander HCW , Bateup Helen S
Published: July 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by two major diagnostic criteria - persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). Evidence from both human and animal model studies of ASD suggest that alteration of striatal circuits, which mediate motor learning, action selection, and habit formation, may contribute to the manifestation of RRBs.
CNTNAP2
is a syndromic ASD risk gene, and loss of function of
Cntnap2
in mice is associated with RRBs. How loss of
Cntnap2
impacts striatal neuron function is largely unknown. In this study, we utilized

Cntnap2
-/-

mice to test whether altered striatal neuron activity contributes to aberrant motor behaviors relevant to ASD. We find that

Cntnap2
-/-

mice exhibit increased cortical drive of striatal projection neurons (SPNs), with the most pronounced effects in direct pathway SPNs. This enhanced drive is likely due to increased intrinsic excitability of SPNs, which make them more responsive to cortical inputs. We also find that

Cntnap2
-/-

mice exhibit spontaneous repetitive behaviors, increased motor routine learning, and cognitive inflexibility. Increased corticostriatal drive, in particular of the direct pathway, may contribute to the acquisition of repetitive, inflexible behaviors in
Cntnap2
mice.
Management of Zinc for Rice in Sodic Soils
Authors: R Vinothini. , Bose. K Subash Chandra , Baskar M.
Published: July 2024

The Influence of amendments on reclamation as well as the availability of plant nutrients will vary. The response of crop for the applied Zn will also vary with amendments. However, field experiment was conducted in sodic soil with various amendments viz., gypsum @ 50 % GR + green manure (6.25 t ha-1), green leaf manure (12.5 t ha-1) and press mud (10 t ha-1) as main-plot treatments. Different levels of zinc sulphate viz., 50, 100 and 150 percent of recommended dose as basal with and without foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5 per cent at panicle initiation (PI) and heading stage were imposed as sub-plot treatments. The rice (CO 52) was used as test crop. The results of field experiment revealed that reclamation of sodic soil with gypsum @ 50% GR + green manure @ 6.25 t ha-1 and ZnSO4 application @ 100% recommended dose (25 kg ha-1) along with foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 at panicle initiation and heading stages found to be the best for getting higher yield of rice in sodic soils. For unreclaimed sodic soil, ZnSO4 application @ 150% recommended dose (37.5 kg ha-1) along with foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% at panicle initiation and heading stages is found to be best. The amendments application significantly improved the physicochemical properties, exchangeable cations, available NPK, DTPA-micronutrients of soil. It also increased the uptake of NPK and DTPA-micronutrients of soil. The growth and yield parameters also showed a significant response for reclamation and ZnSO4 application. The application of gypsum + green manure (G+GM) or green leaf manure (GLM) or press mud (PM) can be effectively used as an amendment for the reclamation of sodic soil. The gypsum +GM exhibited its superiority over others.
Forecasting Oil Production and Consumption Using the Time-delayed Fractional Discrete Grey Model with Multiple Fractional Order
Authors: He Qingping , Hao Yiwu
Published: July 2024

Accurate production and consumption forecasts play a crucial role in economic development, environmental protection, and market investment. By introducing fractional accumulation and time delay effects, the timedelayed fractional discrete grey model with multiple fractional order can more accurately capture the dynamic changes in data. The versatility and flexibility of this model allow it to adapt to various data characteristics and complexities, thereby providing higher forecasting accuracy compared to traditional grey models. Therefore, this study employs the existing time-delayed fractional discrete grey model with multiple fractional order and combines it with the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm to optimize the fractional order. Experimental results show that the model demonstrates significant advantages in both fitting and forecasting capabilities. Through an in-depth analysis of oil production and consumption data in the Asia-Pacific region, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Middle East, this study proves the prediction accuracy and reliability of the TDF-DGM model in these regions. The average percentage error of oil production forecast in Asia-Pacific region is 3.0892%, the percentage error of oil consumption forecast in CIS is 2.3307%, and the percentage error of oil consumption forecast in the Middle East is 4.4986%. The prediction results are obvious due to other prediction models. The main objective of this study is to improve the accuracy and reliability of oil production and consumption forecasting using advanced modeling techniques. Based on model reliability, TDF-DGM model is used for strategic planning and investment decisions to improve accuracy and reduce risk.
Ungereimtheiten bei der Anwendung der Steuerermäßigung des § 12 Abs. 2 Nr. 9 UStG
Authors: Frye Bernhard
Published: July 2024

Die Praxis im Umgang mit der Steuerermäßigung des § 12 Abs. 2 Nr. 9 UStG für Schwimmbäder, Heilbäder und Kureinrichtungen weist einige Ungereimtheiten auf, die im folgenden Beitrag dargestellt und aufgelöst werden.
Aircraft‐based CH4 flux estimates for validation of emissions from an agriculturally dominated area in Switzerland
Authors: Hiller Rebecca V. , Neininger Bruno , Brunner Dominik , Gerbig Christoph , Bretscher Daniel , Künzle Thomas , Buchmann Nina , Eugster Werner
Published: March 2014

For regional‐scale investigations of greenhouse gas budgets the spatially explicit information from local emission sources is needed, which then can be compared with flux measurements. Here we present the first validation of a section of a spatially explicit CH4 emission inventory of Switzerland. The validation was done for the agriculturally dominated Reuss Valley using measurements from a low‐flying aircraft (50–500 m above ground level). We distributed national emission estimates to a grid with 500 m cell size using available geostatistical data. Validation flux measurements were obtained using the eddy covariance (EC) technique and the boundary layer budgeting (BLB) approach that only uses the mean concentrations of the same aircraft transects. Inventory estimates for the flux footprint of the aircraft measurements were lowest (median 0.40 μg CH4m−2s−1), and BLB fluxes were highest (1.02 μg CH4m−2s−1) for the Reuss Valley, with EC fluxes in between (0.62 μg CH4m−2s−1). Flux estimates from measurements and inventory are within the same order of magnitude, but measured fluxes were significantly larger than the inventory emission estimates. The differences are larger than the uncertainties associated with storage of manure, temperature dependence of emissions, diurnal cycle of enteric fermentation by cattle, and the limitations of the inventory that only covers ≥90% of all expected methane emissions. From this we deduce that it is not unlikely that the Swiss CH4 emission inventory estimates are too low.
Uncertainty of different atmospheric ozone retrievals and its effect on temporal trends and radiative transfer simulations in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Román Roberto , Bilbao Julia , de Miguel Argimiro
Published: March 2014

Uncertainty in total ozone column (TOC) values is quantified for eight different databases through a direct comparison with ground‐based data at three Spanish locations, the maximum uncertainty being about 10.5 Dobson unit. A long‐term TOC series is constructed using the mentioned databases from 1950 to 2011 for nine locations in the Iberian Peninsula. The monthly TOC climatology in the nine locations is presented. An exhaustive analysis is performed of TOC series trends and their statistical significance in the periods 1950–2011, 1950–1984, and 1985–2011. A significant ozone reduction between 1950 and 2011 appears in the Iberian Peninsula with a strong reduction from the late 1970s to the mid‐1990s and with more or less constant or slightly increasing levels in the last 17 year. These trends are recalculated taking into account of uncertainty in the TOC values of the series, with a decrease in the number of statistically significant trends emerging. The statistically significant trends in annual and in the averaged Iberian Peninsula series are usually still significant even considering the uncertainty. Finally, a study is carried out of the uncertainty caused by TOC uncertainty in total shortwave and erythemal ultraviolet irradiances simulated under cloudless skies using a radiative transfer model.
Cellulose‐Based Biotemplated Silica Structuring
Authors: Van Opdenbosch Daniel , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: March 2014

There are many examples in nature where inorganic and organic phases are intricately connected to each other, both in form and function. Mineral phases impart increased mechanical strength as well as biological‐, chemical‐ and thermal resistance to natural organic structures. This is achieved by the provision of complex hierarchical structuring to the minerals by the biological tissue. The most important biopolymer cellulose has found numerous applications from assisting ceramic processing over composite manufacturing to biotemplating of ceramics. The pairing of cellulose and silica produced materials ranging from cellulose‐assisted preceramic green bodies via cellulose‐silica composite aerogels to biotemplated high‐surface and hierarchically nanostructured silica materials.
Environmentally Printing Efficient Organic Tandem Solar Cells with High Fill Factors: A Guideline Towards 20% Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Li Ning , Baran Derya , Spyropoulos George D. , Zhang Hong , Berny Stephane , Turbiez Mathieu , Ameri Tayebeh , Krebs Frederik C. , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: March 2014

The tandem concept involves stacking two or more cells with complementary absorption spectra in series or parallel connection, harvesting photons at the highest possible potential. It is strongly suggested that the roll‐to‐roll production of organic solar cells will employ the tandem concept to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, due to the undeveloped deposition techniques, the challenges in ink formulation as well as the lack of commercially available high performance active materials, roll‐to‐roll fabrication of highly efficient organic tandem solar cells currently presents a major challenge. The reported high PCE values from lab‐scale spin‐coated devices are, of course, representative, but not helpful for commercialization. Here, organic tandem solar cells with exceptionally high fill factors and PCE values of 7.66% (on glass) and 5.56% (on flexible substrate), which are the highest values for the solution‐processed tandem solar cells fabricated by a mass‐production compatible coating technique under ambient conditions, are demonstrated. To predict the highest possible performance of tandem solar cells, optical simulation based on experimentally feasible values is performed. A maximum PCE of 21% is theoretically achievable for an organic tandem solar cell based on the optimized bandgaps and achieved fill factors.
Molecular polymorphism of the ABO blood group: A study in Poland, Spain, and Andorra
Authors: Umbria Miriam , Cantons Jordi , Bruguera Carmina , Minias Alina , de Duró Chantal Backes , Catalano Giulio , Santos Cristina , Nogués Ramon , Aluja Maria Pilar
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The main goal of this study is to increase knowledge on the molecular level of the ABO blood group system in Europe by providing data for Poland, Spain, and Andorra populations.

Methods

A total of 172 oral scrapings samples from individuals of Polish origin, 108 peripheral blood samples of autochthonous individuals from the province of Zamora (Spain), and 81 peripheral blood samples from individuals with Andorran origin, were analyzed. Molecular characterization of the allelic variants was performed by the analysis of exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene.

Results

Seven common alleles were identified, namely: A101, A102, A201, B101, O01, O02, and O03. Less common variants (O05, O09, O21, O26, O06, O11, and O12), were also detected.

Conclusions

The results obtained contribute to the knowledge of the molecular European ABO map, and are discussed in regard to the allelic frequency reported by other Caucasian and Asian populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:556–558, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ligandless heterogeneous palladium: an efficient and recyclable catalyst for Suzuki‐type cross‐coupling reaction
Authors: Mondal Manoj , Bora Utpal
Published: March 2014

A mild and efficient ligand‐free Suzuki‐type cross‐coupling reaction of benzoyl chlorides and arylboronic acids catalyzed by heterogeneous Pd/C was developed. Benzoyl chlorides undergo cross‐coupling with electronically diverse arylboronic acids to give biaryl ketones in excellent yield, under aqueous media and optimum temperature. The application of 3 mol% of 10 wt% Pd/C to the cross‐coupling delivers utmost efficiency, and could be reused up to many consecutive cycles without any loss in activity. This method proceeds under aqueous media and a recyclable catalytic system, offering an environmentally benign alternative to the existing protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of poly(azomethine)esters containing aliphatic/aromatic moieties: Electrical studies complemented by DFT calculation
Authors: Gul Asghari , Akhter Zareen , Siddiq Muhammad , Qureshi Rumana , Bhatti Arshad S.
Published: March 2014

A conducting poly(azomethine)ester was prepared by solution phase polycondensation of a preformed Schiff base, 4‐((4‐(4‐(4‐hydroxybenzlideneamino) phenoxy)phenylimino)methyl)phenol and isophthaloyl chloride (I). Different aliphatic/aromatic moieties were incorporated for examining their effect on the electronic properties of material. The resulting polymers (10−4 to 25 S cm−1) were doped with silver (10−6 to 10−2 S cm−1) and blended with polyaniline (10−1 to 13.4 S cm−1) to enhance their electrical conductivity. Polymer/polyaniline blends had superior conductivity even at low polyaniline concentration relative to the silver‐doped chains. The data obtained experimentally were complemented by density function theory at the 6–31G/B3LYP level. The results showed that ΔE along with lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and highest occupied molecular orbital electron density accounts for the electrical properties. Spectroscopic (1HNMR, FTIR) and elemental analysis were used for structural elucidation. Structure–property relation in term of WXRD, SEM‐EDX, atomic force microscope, LLS, and thermal behavior was studied. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40698.
Temporal and spatial variations in the abundance and population structure of the spined loach (Cobitis taenia), a scarce fish species: implications for condition assessment and conservation
Authors: Nunn A. D. , Tewson L. H. , Bolland J. D. , Harvey J. P. , Cowx I. G.
Published: March 2014

Effective conservation of protected species requires accurate estimates of the status of their populations. In the UK, this led to the production of a series of sampling protocols to establish the status of designated species against predetermined conservation objectives: a process known as ‘condition assessment’. Condition assessments involve comparisons of various parameters, invariably including abundance and/or population structure, of the target species against criteria that are judged to be indicative of viable populations.

This study investigated temporal and spatial variations in the abundance and population structure of spined loach (Cobitis taenia), a scarce species indigenous to Europe and central Asia. Specifically, the study compared the density, number of age classes and percentage contribution of the 0+ year age class of spined loach between day and night, months, years and locations.

There were marked diel, seasonal, annual and spatial variations in the density, number of age classes and percentage contribution of 0+ year spined loach. Such phenomena are important because monitoring programmes conducted at inappropriate times of day or year, or with insufficient frequency or geographical coverage, could lead to inaccurate assessments of the condition of protected populations and, consequently, to inadequate conservation measures. Notwithstanding, there were few impacts on the condition assessments of the spined loach populations because at least one of the parameters invariably failed to satisfy the population condition assessment criteria.

A prerequisite for successful conservation is an effective monitoring programme. It is therefore essential that surveys to assess the condition of populations of protected species are designed with due consideration of their diel behaviour, breeding season, life span and habitat use. It is recommended that the monitoring protocol and condition assessment criteria for spined loach are amended, and that surveys are conducted by trawling, in late summer, at least every 3–4 years.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geochemical sourcing of obsidians from the Pūrākaunui site, South Island, New Zealand
Authors: Lawrence Megan , McCoy Mark D. , Barber Ian , Walter Richard
Published: March 2014

We report the first well‐documented case of a South Island site where Mayor Island obsidian is not the dominant source represented. At the Pūrākaunui site (I44/21), located in coastal Otago, we find that most obsidians come from the Taupo Volcanic Zone, including sources near Lake Taupo (52%) and Rotorua (27.7 %). A small proportion of the collection comes from Mayor Island (10.8%) and the Coromandel Peninsula (9.5%) obsidian. The results point to early effects of regionalisation in source exploitation on the South Island.
A6: Tapering and Withdrawal of Tocilizumab in Patients With Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Inactive Disease: Results From an Alternative Dosing Regimen in the TENDER Study
Authors: De Benedetti Fabrizio , Ruperto Nicolino , Brunner Hermine , Grom Alexei A. , Wulffraat Nico , Henrickson Michael , Jerath Rita , Kimura Yuki , Kadva Alysha K. , Wang Jianmei , Martini Alberto , Lovell Daniel J.
Published: March 2014

Background/Purpose:

The TENDER clinical trial is a 3‐part, 5‐year, phase 3 study with tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). After 2 years of treatment, sJIA patients who have maintained clinically inactive disease for 3 months are given the option to participate in an alternative TCZ dosing regimen aimed at spacing the infusions and eventually withdrawing TCZ. Herein we describe the patients registered to participate in the optional alternative dosing schedule in the TENDER study.

Methods:

To qualify for the optional alternative dosing schedule, patients had to be in the study for 2 years and had to achieve American College of Rheumatology JIA inactive disease status. Among the 112 patients enrolled, 39 (35%) entered the optional alternative dosing regimen. This entailed a staged prolongation of the time interval between TCZ infusions from 2 weeks (standard interval) to 3 weeks, then 4 weeks, with the option of terminating TCZ after the discontinuation of any treatment.

Results:

Twenty‐three male and 16 female patients entered the optional alternative dosing schedule. Their mean baseline characteristics were 14.2 active joints, 15.4 joints with limitation of motion, physician global VAS score of 58.5, CHAQ‐DI score of 1.62, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 56.8. Fifteen had fever. Of these 39 patients, 13 patients lost clinically inactive disease status while on the optional alternative dosing schedule. In these 13 patients, the time to loss of inactive disease status ranged from 1.4 to 16.8 months from initiation of the optional alternative dosing schedule (n = 4 on 3‐week dosing; n = 6 on 4‐week dosing; n = 3 off TCZ). Risk for losing inactive disease status on the optional alternative dosing schedule was similar in patients treated with methotrexate (6/16, 37.5% flared) and in those not treated with methotrexate (7/23, 30.4% flared). Inactive disease status was maintained in 26 of the 39 patients entering the optional alternative dosing schedule. Dosing intervals were every 3 weeks in 3 patients and every 4 weeks in 14 patients; 9 patients have been able to discontinue TCZ (range of time since discontinuation: 3.6–13.4 months). At baseline, these 9 patients were clinically similar to other patients entering the optional alternative dosing schedule (mean characteristics: age 9.1 years, 10.9 active joints, 10.9 joints with limitation of motion, physician global VAS score of 45.4, CHAQ‐DI score of 1.4, ESR of 47.2; 4 patients with fever at baseline).

Conclusion:

Patients with sJIA who maintain clinically inactive disease status can progressively space TCZ infusions, with one‐fourth of them able to discontinue all treatments, including TCZ.
A26: Longitudinal Disease Trajectory of Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Hoon Lim Lily Siok , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Gladman D. D. , Silverman Earl D. , Feldman Brian M.
Published: March 2014

Background/Purpose:

1) To determine the longitudinal disease activity trajectory of an inception cohort of Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) patients, 2) To identify predictor(s) for longitudinal disease activity trajectory of JDM.

Methods:

A single‐center, inception cohort of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) patients (age of diagnosis <18 years old), recruited within 1 year of their initial presentation was studied. The patients were accrued from January 1991 to December 2010, in a JDM subspecialty clinic. Patients were evaluated at every clinic visit for disease activity with the modified Disease Activity Score (mDAS). Baseline disease features–DASm, swallowing difficulty, skin ulcer, calcinosis, duration of symptoms before evaluation, age and gender–were evaluated as predictors of the longitudinal trajectory of JDM. Time‐varying treatment effects were also tested. Longitudinal trajectory modeling was performed with mixed random effects modeling (random slopes).

Results:

Ninety‐five JDM patients (33 males, 35%) were studied. The median age of onset was 7.8 (25th–75th percentile (P): 4.9–12.1) years. The median mDAS score at presentation was 7 (25th–75th P: 6–9), the median skin subscale score was 3 (25th–75th P: 2–4), the median musculoskeletal subscale was 4 (25th–75th P: 3–6). The median duration of follow‐up was 4.6 (25th–75th P: 2.4–6.9) years. All patients in the cohort were treated with a standardized protocol comprising prednisone alone (before 2000) or methotrexate (MTX) and prednisone (after 2000). The disease trajectory of mDAS in this inception cohort followed a rapid reduction of activity within the first 2 years with a minor flare in disease activity beyond 2 years. Baseline nailfold abnormality predicted a slower improvement in mDAS trajectory. Higher baseline mDAS predicted faster improvement in mDAS trajectory. Treatment with MTX and prednisone predicted reductions in disease activity 3 and 6 months later respectively.

Conclusion:

Disease activity trajectory of JDM showed a general rapid reduction of mDAS followed by a small flare of disease activity beyond 2 years. Baseline nailfold abnormality and mDAS predicted future evolution of disease trajectory. The effects of treatment were observed only 3–6 months after.
A48: Durometer Measures Discriminate Affected versus Normal Skin in Pediatric Localized Scleroderma
Authors: Poff Sarah , Li Suzanne C. , Kelsey Christina , Foeldvari Ivan , Torok Kathryn S.
Published: March 2014

Background/Purpose:

Localized scleroderma (LS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the skin and subdermal tissues, resulting in fibrosis and atrophy. Outcomes are monitored by scoring signs of inflammation and damage to compose the LS cutaneous assessment tool (LoSCAT). The utility of skin scoring is limited by the need for training and ongoing practice and its inherent subjectiveness. Establishing an objective, simple, measure of skin disease would facilitate standardized outcomes for multicenter studies. One component of the LoSCAT is skin thickness (ST), graded by the clinician using the Rodnan Skin Score (0–3 ST). A surrogate for ST is skin hardness, which can be measured by a tool called a durometer, in durometer units. Among adults with systemic sclerosis, the durometer is a valid measure of skin hardness with high intra– and inter–rater reliability, correlation to skin scores, and sensitivity to change over time. This study was undertaken to examine the validity of the durometer as a measure of disease in pediatric LS.

Methods:

Patients from two separate clinics who attended regular appointments for LS were eligible to participate. After consent, durometer measures were taken of a single LS lesion, the “study lesion,” as well as an area of normal skin, typically in a contralateral location. Measures were taken in triplicate on either edge of the study lesion and normal skin and at approximately 1cm intervals from edge to edge. Durometer readings were repeated at up to 5 follow–up visits. The highest durometer reading from the study lesion and corresponding normal skin at each patient's initial visit was used for statistical analysis. Affected and unaffected skin was compared using a paired sample t–test. At each visit concurrent standardized clinic outcome measures were obtained, including the LoSCAT.

Results:

Seventeen patients were included in the analysis; most were female (76%) and Caucasian (88%) with a linear subtype of LS (41%). Mean age was 13.5 yrs old during the study and 9.0 yrs old at the onset of disease. Seven patients had study lesions on the chest or back, 2 on the abdomen, and 8 on the limbs. Analysis revealed a significant difference between durometer measures of affected and unaffected skin with a p–value of <0.001. The median durometer reading was 40 (IQR: 25–48) for study lesions and 19.5 (IQR: 12.75–29) for normal skin. An upward trend was seen for durometer measures of study lesions with increasing ST scores (see figure)

image

Conclusion:

Among pediatric patients with LS the durometer serves as an objective measure of skin hardness, discriminating affected versus unaffected skin on the trunk and limbs. This tool may serve as a surrogate for ST, though further analysis is needed to examine its sensitivity to change over time. A larger study would be helpful to further correlate durometer ranges with ST scores.
A49: Intra‐Articular Corticosteroids Injections in the Lower Extremities: How Do Ankles Respond?
Authors: Proulx‐Gauthier Jean‐Philippe , LeBlanc Claire , ChéAaedeville GaëAdelle
Published: March 2014

Background/Purpose:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common cause of chronic arthritis in childhood. Intra‐articular corticosteroids injections (IAS) are a safe and effective therapeutic option for affected children. The response of the ankle joint to IAS is thought to be less favourable than other joints. To date, little evidence is available to support this observation and there is insufficient research evaluating the response of the ankle compared to other joints of the lower extremities.

Methods:

JIA patients 0–18 years old followed at the Montreal Children's Hospital undergoing IAS (blindly or with fluoroscopy) in the lower extremities from January 1st 2005 to December 30th 2012 were included in a retrospective cohort study. Data obtained through chart review encompassed demographics, IAS method, and response to IAS. Response was evaluated at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months post‐procedure. Patients without available data for at least 3 months following intervention were excluded. Non‐response to IAS was determined within the first 3 months after IAS. Time to flare was assessed in subsequent visits up to 24 months.

Results:

Data from 70 patients included in our study are presented. Median age at diagnosis was 4.7 years with 64% affected with oligoarthritis and 69% of female gender. Median age at the time of IAS was 7.8 years. Triamcinolone hexacetonide was administered in 98% of cases. IAS were performed in 97 knees, 50 ankles and 20 subtalar joints. At 3 months post IAS, 34.0% of ankles, 15.0% of subtalar joints and 11.3% of knees failed to demonstrate a clinical response. The median time to flare after IAS was 7.7 months for the ankles, 7.8 months for the subtalar joints and 8.1 months for the knees. Only two patients developed a complication (subcutaneous atrophy).

Conclusion:

To date, we report a higher rate of non‐response following blind IAS ankle injections compared to other lower extremities joints. Future analysis of the entire cohort will assess the factors associated with a non‐response to IAS as well as the factors associated with a longer duration of remission. Our findings may reflect inaccurate needle placement and/or non‐treatment of associated tenosynovitis and suggest the need to modify the approach to IAS in the ankles by performing ultrasound‐guided injections to improve outcomes.
A65: Procedural Pain with Weekly Injections of Subcutaneous Methotrexate in Children with Rheumatic Disorders
Authors: Bechard Melanie , Lemieux Julie , Roth Johannes , Watanabe Duffy Karen , Duffy Ciaran M. , Aglipay Mary , Barrowman Nick , Jurencak Roman
Published: March 2014

Background/Purpose:

Procedural pain may have long‐term negative effects on children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of pain associated with weekly subcutaneous injections of methotrexate.

Methods:

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted from June 2013 through August 2013. All patients with appointments in rheumatology clinic during this period were screened for eligibility. Patients between the ages of 4\N17 years who were currently receiving weekly subcutaneous methotrexate injections for at least 4 weeks were invited to participate in the study. Patients and families underwent a focused interview, conducted by one interviewer, exploring their experience with methotrexate injections. Thereafter, they were trained to use the Faces Pain Scale\NRevised (FPS‐R) tool to be able rate pain associated with future methotrexate injections. Associations between pain scores and age, duration of therapy, and presence of side effects were tested using simple and multiple linear regression.

Results:

41 out of 42 eligible patients consented to the study. Four patients were switched from subcutaneous to oral route of methotrexate at the time of study enrolment. Of the remaining 37 patients, 29 (78%) returned the completed pain scales. The mean age was 11.2 years (SD = 3.9 years) and 68% were female. Most of these patients were diagnosed with JIA (73%). Mean duration of therapy with subcutaneous injections of methotrexate was 2.5 years (SD = 2.1 yrs) and the dosing range was 0.3–1 mg/kg/week (maximum 25 mg/week). The upper arm was the preferred injection site in 71% of patients. Median amount of pain in the subset of 29 patients was 2/10; 18 (62%) patients reported mild pain (FPS‐R score 0–2), 9 (31%) reported moderate pain (FPS‐R score 4–6) and 2 participants reported severe pain (FPS‐R 8–10). In univariate testing, higher intensity of pain was associated with presence of side effects (p = 0.004), but not duration of therapy (p = 0.20) or age (p = 0.24). Results were largely unchanged in multiple linear regression. Injection pain was successfully alleviated by ice in 10/14 patients (71%), comfort positions in 14/21 patients (67%), rewards in 13/20 patients (65%), reassurance in 11/22 patients (50%), distraction in 10/21 patients (48%), and analgesics in 4/9 patients (44%).

Conclusion:

While the average amount of pain associated with subcutaneous injections of methotrexate is mild, patients who suffer from methotrexate associated side‐effects report significantly higher levels of pain. Patients and families reported using various effective strategies to alleviate injection associated pain.
A73: A Comparison of Serologic Profiles of Children With Sjögren Syndrome Based on the Presence or Absence of Parotitis
Authors: Mehta Jay , Yokogawa Naoto , Lieberman Scott
Published: March 2014

Background/Purpose:

Sjögren syndrome is a complex autoimmune disease that affects lacrimal and salivary glands along with the potential to cause damage to other organs. Diagnosis of childhood Sjögren syndrome is currently based on expert opinion due to the lack of child‐specific diagnostic criteria. Children do not typically present with the sicca symptoms characteristic of adult Sjögren syndrome. While they most commonly present with recurrent parotitis, some children present with other organ involvement in the absence of parotitis. The latter may be severe requiring more extensive immunomodulatory therapy. The goal of this study was to compare serologic profiles of cohorts of children with Sjögren syndrome presenting with or without parotitis to determine if separate serology‐based diagnostic criteria are needed for these two groups.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed childhood Sjögren syndrome cases from a single center as well as those in the published English literature with individual patient data. We collected available data on sicca symptoms, serologies (ANA, anti‐SSA/B, RF), lacrimal and salivary gland function, imaging, and histopathology. For analyses of individual components, cases were excluded if specific data was not explicitly reported, so denominators may vary.

Results:

We identified 26 cases of childhood Sjögren syndrome diagnosed and followed at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and 67 cases in the literature that contained information on individual children. Parotitis status was reported for 82 cases and was a main feature of presentation in 59 (72%) cases. 28 of 51 (55%) children with parotitis and 13 of 22 (59%) children without parotitis presented with sicca symptoms. 53 of 58 (91%) children with parotitis and 21 of 23 (91%) children without parotitis were ANA positive. 49 of 58 (84%) children with parotitis and 20 of 23 (87%) children without parotitis were anti‐SSA/B positive. 42 of 51 (82%) children with parotitis and 7 of 13 (54%) children without parotitis were RF positive. 56 of 58 (97%) children with parotitis and 22 of 23 (96%) children without parotitis were positive for either ANA or anti‐SSA/B.

Conclusion:

A large majority (96%) of children with Sjögren syndrome have positive ANA and/or anti‐SSA/B, and the serologic profiles do not significantly differ based on the presence or absence of parotitis. Thus, testing for ANA and anti‐SSA/B is warranted in the diagnostic workup of any child suspected of having Sjögren syndrome, especially in patients who do not present with parotitis. Given the selection bias inherent in this approach, development of childhood Sjögren syndrome‐specific diagnostic criteria are needed for future prospective studies to better characterize the prognosis and optimal therapies for this potentially devastating disease.