bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contesting Space in Semi-colonial Shanghai: The Relationship between Shanghai’s Modernist Poetry and the City
Authors: AU Chung-to
Published: March 2014

The introduction of urban study and colonial/postcolonial theories to modernist research in the 1980s has helped us to have another look at the nature of cities. Although a lot of studies have been conducted on Shanghai’s modernist poetry, the notion of a colonial or semi-colonial city, in Shanghai’s case, is seldom addressed. This article will focus on the disparity between the built environment and the literary space created in Shanghai’s modernist poetry. This study discusses whether Shanghai’s modernist poetry is a literary product or a product of its environment by examining the poems of Chen Jingrong, Tang Shi, Hang Yuehe and Tang Qi.
Apologeticism in Chinese Nestorian Documents from the Tang Dynasty: Notes on Some Early Traces of Aristotelianism in China
Authors: VRHOVSKI Jan
Published: March 2014

Founded on the fact of otherwise deep connections of Nestorianism to the Aristotelian philosophy, this article hopes to shed some light on the possibility of a concurrent transmission of Aristotelianism (with Nestorianism) to China. This writing proposes that the transmission already took place during the early period of the presence of this form of Christianity in China. Taking a brief look into some representative writings about the Nestorian doctrine written in the Chinese language, this writing hopes to establish some modest, though still relevant, connections between Aristotelian concepts on the one hand, and some fragments of the mentioned Chinese writings on the other.
Xu Fuguan’s Concept of Anxiety and Its Connection to Religious Studies
Authors: SERNELJ Tea
Published: March 2014

Although Xu Fuguan (1903–1982) belongs to the most important representatives of the Modern Confucian intellectual movement, he is rather unknown outside China. However, his concept of “anxiety” (youhuan yishi 憂患意識) is not only relevant for the recognition of the special characteristics, which determines the ideological and political structure of ancient Chinese society, but also for the intercultural elaboration of Jaspers’s “axial age” theory. This article introduces this concept to the European academic readership, and provides an analysis of its connection to the Modern Confucian hypothesis regarding the absence of an external God (or Deities) in classical Chinese culture.
Ultralow dose fentanyl prevents development of chronic neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Wala, PhD Elzbieta P. , Holtman Jr, MD, PhD Joseph R. , Sloan, MD Paul A.
Published: March 2014

Background: Opioids may cause progressive enhancement of pain sensitivity (opioid-induced hyperalgesia [OIH]) and thus, exacerbate existing pain. Animal studies also demonstrate paradoxical OIH with an ultralow dose (ULD, subanalgesic) of opioid; eg, the µ-opioid, morphine. Repeated administration of ULD-morphine resulted in tolerance to ULD-OIH. Prior exposure to ULD-morphine prolonged subsequent morphine antinociception in intact rats (delay of tolerance) and blocked neuropathic pain in nerve-injured rats (no hyperalgesia). Hence, pre-emptive desensitization of the excitatory function of opioid receptors may reduce further activation of a pain facilitatory system exerted by opioid or nerve injury. Objective: We determined if ULD-fentanyl (µ-opioid) and U50488H (?-opioid) also affect post-nerve-injury neuropathy (a rat model of chronic constriction nerve injury [CCI]). Design: Fentanyl (0.5-500 ng/kg) was administered acutely in noninjured rats. Chronic fentanyl (5 ng/kg/day) was initiated either immediately after CCI (day 1-28) or when neuropathy was established (day 7-14) in nerve-injured rats. U50488H (25 µg/kg/day) was given on day 1-28 post-CCI. Saline served as control. Responsiveness was assessed using tail-flick and paw-pressure tests, respectively, in intact and CCI Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes. Results: ULD-fentanyl evoked pain sensitization in noninjured rats. ULD-OIH was related to dose (inversely), gender (female > male), and was reversed by ketamine. Neuropathy developed after CCI in control (saline) rats. This was not observed in rats of either sex exposed to ULD-fentanyl on day 1-28 post-CCI. Rats treated with ULD-fentanyl from day 7 after CCI exhibited hyperalgesia similar to control rats. U50488H did not block post-CCI neuropathy (regardless of gender). Conclusions: Pre-emptive use of ULD µ-opioid (not ?-opiod) blocked initiation (not maintenance) of neuropathic pain after CCI in rats. These data may suggest a novel treatment approach in situations when the potential development of neuropathy can be anticipated. Keywords: neuropathy, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, µ-opioid agonist, ?-opioid agonist, subanalgesic dose, neuropathy initiation, neuropathy maintenance
Consumer attitudes about opioid addiction treatment: A focus group study in New York City
Authors: Sohler, PhD, MPH Nancy L. , Weiss, PhD Linda , Egan, MPH James E. , López, BS Carolina M. , Favaro, LMSW Jamie , Cordero, MSW Robert , Cunningham, MD, MS Chinazo O.
Published: March 2014

Objective: To develop effective programs for people who are opioid dependent and to impact the opioid epidemic in New York City, it is crucial to monitor attitudes about opioid addiction treatments among opioid users who have experienced barriers to engagement and retention in addiction treatment. Design: The authors conducted a qualitative study using focus groups. Methods: Six focus groups in three needle exchanges in New York City were audio recorded, transcribed, and systematically coded. The authors report on the main themes related to the study objectives. Participants: Participants of each needle exchange who were opioid dependent and had some knowledge of both methadone and buprenorphine were eligible. Results: There were four main findings. Participants felt the following: 1) buprenorphine is an appropriate option for those heroin users who are motivated to stop using, 2) they have less control over their addiction treatment with methadone than they would have with buprenorphine, 3) buprenorphine treatment is not accessible to many New York City residents who would benefit from this treatment, and 4) lack of access to buprenorphine treatment is a cause of treatment-related diversion. Conclusions: Both methadone maintenance and buprenorphine treatment opportunities are necessary to address the diverse treatment needs of opioid dependent people in New York City. However, the current medical model of buprenorphine treatment may be too restrictive for some opioid-dependent people and may be contributing to the use of illicit buprenorphine. New models to deliver buprenorphine treatment may address these problems. Keywords: heroin dependence, qualitative research, methadone, buprenorphine
The use of urine drug monitoring in chronic opioid therapy: An analysis of current clinician behavior
Authors: Clancy, PharmD Zoe , O’Connell, BS Katherine , Couto, PharmD, MBA Joseph
Published: March 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to better quantify how urine drug monitoring (UDM) is used in clinical practice. Little is known about which patients are monitored, how often patients are monitored, which substances are important to detect, and under what circumstances clinicians modify the frequency of monitoring.Design: An online survey was developed based on qualitative phone interviews with eight clinicians who use UDM as a routine component of clinical practice.Participants: One thousand fourteen randomly selected clinicians known to order urine toxicology screenings were invited by mail in June 2011 to respond to the online survey assessing their clinical needs and preferences regarding UDM.Results: Of the 93 respondents, 76 percent (n = 72) require all new patients to have UDM performed when they enter their clinic. The majority administer UDM to patients four times a year. The most common reasons cited by clinicians for a change in the frequency of monitoring are patient history of substance abuse and aberrant behaviors. Overall, the respondents showed broad support to test patients consistently for the most common illicit drugs, the majority of opioids, and a handful of prescription medications associated with abuse.Conclusion: Despite a lack of agreement between guidelines informing the use of UDM, there appears to be a general consensus among practitioners that use UDM on: which patients to monitor, how often to monitor, and which substances are most important to detect.Keywords: urine drug monitoring, chronic opioid therapy
A clinical trial to determine if corelease of morphine and naltrexone from crushed extended-release capsules induces withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients: A descriptive analysis of six patients
Authors: Setnik, PhD Beatrice , Roland, PharmD Carl L. , Goli, MD Veeraindar , Sommerville, MD Kenneth , Webster, MD Lynn
Published: March 2014

Objective: To evaluate whether intact or crushed doses of an extended-release formulation of morphine sulfate surrounding an inner core of sequestered naltrexone (MSN) induces signs and symptoms of withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, two-way crossover study.

Setting: Single center.

Patients: Fourteen patients with chronic moderate-to-severe noncancer pain receiving opioids were enrolled into the study; six completed the maintenance and treatment phases prior to early study discontinuation for issues with manufacturing; eight discontinued: adverse effects (4), noncompliance (1), patient decision (1), study termination (2).

Interventions: Patients were titrated to a stable dose of MSN (ranging from 30/1.2 to 100/4.0 mg of morphine/naltrexone) that was used in the single-dose crossover evaluation of crushed and intact MSN.

Main outcome measures: Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS).

Results: Clinically significant withdrawal (COWS ≥ 13) was observed with rapid onset (≥ 0.8 hours postdose) in three patients (50 percent) following treatment with crushed MSN at the highest doses administered of ≥ 60/2.4 mg. Although naltrexone exposure was negligible following exposure to intact MSN, increasing plasma levels of naltrexone and 6-β-naltrexol were associated with COWS score ≥ 13 in patients who received crushed MSN. COWS ≥ 13 was observed in one patient receiving intact MSN without quantifiable naltrexone concentrations.

Conclusion: Crushing the MSN capsule may precipitate moderate-to-severe signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals. The negligible exposure to naltrexone following exposure to intact MSN supports that intact capsules may be taken safely without precipitating withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals.
Volume 32, Issue 1
Authors: Coogan Leigh Argentieri
Published: March 2014

Front Matter
Recent Archaeobotanical Findings of the Hallucinogenic Snuff Cojoba (Anadenanthera Peregrin A (L.) Speg.) in Precolonial Puerto Rico
Authors: Pagán-Jiménez Jaime R. , Carlson Lisabeth A.
Published: March 2014

Archaeological starch grains consistent with those produced and stored in modern cojoba (Anadenanthera peregrina) seeds were identified, for the first time in the West Indies, in a coral milling base recovered in a small precolonial habitation site of Eastern Puerto Rico, in a context dated to A.D. 1150-1250. Ethnohistoric, ethnographic, and previous archaeological data on cojoba from the West Indies and South America were surveyed in order to form plausible sociocultural interpretations of the findings. After experimentally assessing some ethnographic protocols that possibly replicate various ancient ways of processing cojoba seeds for producing hallucinogenic powders related to the so-called ritual de la cojoba, this report proposes that cojoba seeds were processed and used here mainly as an hallucinogenic complement to the healer for the divination of illness.
Multi-Proxy Analysis of Plant use at Formative Period Los Naranjos, Honduras
Authors: Morell-Hart Shanti , Joyce Rosemary A. , Henderson John S.
Published: March 2014

Paleoethnobotanical analyses of samples excavated at Los Naranjos, Honduras, provide an unprecedented record of the diversity of plants used at an early center with monumental architecture and sculpture dating between 1000 and 500 B.C. and contribute to understandings of early village life in Mesoamerica. Los Naranjos is the major site adjacent to Lake Yojoa, where analysis of an important pollen core suggests very early clearing of the landscape and shifts in the relative prevalence of certain plants over time, including increases in maize. Our results from starch grain, phytolith, and macrobotanical analysis complicate interpretation of previous pollen core dates, suggesting that maize was not as central as expected to the early inhabitants of the settlement. Moreover, with identification of macrobotanical remains recovered from flotation of sediments and extraction of microbotanical remains from adhering sediments and the surfaces of obsidian tools, we can compare the potential of each analysis in interpretations of plant use. No single method would have allowed recovery and identification of all the plants documented across sample types. The presence of botanical residues on the obsidian tools provides direct evidence of processing. Even in the small sample analyzed, we can recognize tools used exclusively for culinary processing, tools used only for non-culinary tasks, and multi-purpose tools.
Analysis of the Context and Contents of an Ulua-Style Marble Vase from the Palmarejo Valley, Honduras
Authors: Christian Wells E. , Davis-Salazar Karla L. , Moreno-Cortes José E. , Stuart Glenn S. L. , Novotny Anna C.
Published: March 2014

Ulúa-style marble vases played important social, political, economic, and religious roles in southern Mesoamerica during the seventh through eleventh centuries A.D. However, most such vessels known to archaeologists are part of looted collections or else were unearthed before the advent of modern archaeological practices. As a result, little is known about the context, use, and chronology of these objects. Recent investigations at the site of Palos Blancos in northwest Honduras discovered an Ulúa-style marble vase in an undisturbed mortuary context. Excavation of the burial context, along with bioarchaeological and stable isotope analysis of the human remains, suggests that the vase was placed as an offering, possibly to an ancestor of the residential group. Phosphate and pollen studies indicate that the vase once held a corn-based beverage . Radiocarbon dating of four charcoal samples from immediately below and adjacent to the vase yielded a range of dates from the beginning of the Late Classic period, ca.A.D. 600-800. Through analyses of the context and contents of the vase, this research contributes to a more holistic understanding of the use and meaning of Ulúa-style marble vases in southern Mesoamerica.
Communautés autochtones et médias
Authors: Aubin France
Published: March 2014

À partir des résultats d’une recherche menée avec Éric George sur les médias autochtones au Canada et sur différents travaux théoriques portant respectivement sur la sphère publique et le militantisme informationnel, l’auteure de cet article se penche sur le lien entre les communautés autochtones et les médias. Cette recherche indique que certaines communautés ressentent d’abord le besoin d’un média communautaire, tourné vers l’intérieur, plutôt que vers la communauté allochtone ; aussi ne souhaitent-elles pas élargir l’espace public mais, au contraire, le limiter à leur propre communauté. D’autres voix réclament plutôt l’accès à l’espace public dominant. Des leaders autochtones du Québec se sont approprié la conception « blanche » du débat public et de la société civile. Ils estiment qu’afin d’inscrire leurs droits sociaux, économiques et culturels à l’ordre du jour politique, ils doivent se joindre à d’autres contre-publics dans un mouvement globalisant revendiquant le droit d’être non seulement entendus mais pris en considération.
L’état de l’information locale, régionale et nationale au Québec
Authors: Carignan Marie-Ève
Published: March 2014

En 2008, le Conseil de presse du Québec a créé un précédent en effectuant une tournée des régions administratives québécoises, afin d’observer la perception du public et des acteurs socio-économiques de l’information. Pendant cinq mois, plus de deux cents organismes et plus de deux cent cinquante citoyens ont été consultés. Cette note de recherche revient sur ces rencontres et s’interroge sur les attentes des Premières Nations envers les médias et sur le portrait que ceux-ci font des diverses communautés. L’auteure y analyse individuellement, pour la première fois, les propos des intervenants autochtones rencontrés : les Innus (Montagnais), les Cris et les Inuits. Ces intervenants se sont exprimés sur l’accès et la qualité de l’information, déplorant certaines difficultés à accéder aux médias nationaux et sur les défis des médias régionaux devant couvrir de vastes territoires. La représentation déficiente des régions dans les médias nationaux et la folklorisation des autochtones dans ces médias sont aussi abordées.
Letting Corrosion Work for You: Novel Pathways to Additive Manufacturing and Nanomaterial Synthesis Using Electrochemically‐Driven Powder Consolidation
Authors: Johannes Andrew C. , Farmer Joseph C. , Brewer Luke N. , Osswald Sebastian
Published: March 2014

The development of new material synthesis and manufacturing technologies may be one of the most important areas of research in the 21st century. In this study, we introduce the concept of a novel additive manufacturing technology, referred to as electrochemically‐driven powder consolidation (EDPC), which utilizes naturally occurring electrochemical potentials to consolidate metal and non‐metal powders to rigid bodies and complex shapes. In contrast to existing manufacturing techniques, the proposed technology does not require additional energy input in the form of pressure, heat, and/or laser power, opening new pathways for the development of a more energy‐efficient, low‐cost additive manufacturing technology. Using the example of lead, we outline the concept of EDPC and propose a five‐stage model that describes the physical and chemical processes that govern the observed consolidation. A series of consolidation experiments with other elements (e.g. Sn, Zn, Cu) was conducted to identify the rate‐controlling mechanisms and determine crucial process parameters of a potential EDPC manufacturing technology. Finally, the EDPC process was found to also hold great promise for the bulk synthesis of a variety of new materials, including nanoparticles, pellets, metal foams, and advanced composites.
Pulse Electrosynthesis of MnO2 Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Su Yisong , Zhitomirsky Igor
Published: March 2014

Experimental results on cathodic electrosynthesis of MnO2 electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors are presented. The deposition yield data at different pulse durations and electrosynthesis mechanism are discussed. Electron microscopy investigations show porous structure of the electrodes, which is beneficial for good electrolyte access to the active material. The capacitance of 2.6 F cm–2 (199 F g–1), energy density of 20 Wh kg–1 and power density of 28 kW kg–1 are achieved for 13 mg cm–2 electrodes. The electrodes show improved capacitance retention at high scan rates. The Ni plaque‐based MnO2 electrodes are promising for energy storage applications in electrochemical supercapacitors.
Macroscopic Free‐Standing Hierarchical 3D Architectures Assembled from Silver Nanowires by Ice Templating
Authors: Gao Huai‐Ling , Xu Liang , Long Fei , Pan Zhao , Du Yu‐Xiang , Lu Yang , Ge Jin , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: March 2014

As macroscopic three dimensional (3D) architectures show increasing significance, much effort has been devoted to the hierarchical organization of 1D nanomaterials into serviceable macroscopic 3D assemblies. How to assemble 1D nanoscale building blocks into 3D hierarchical architectures is still a challenge. Herein we report a general strategy based on the use of ice as a template for assembling 1D nanostructures with high efficiency and good controllability. Free‐standing macroscopic 3D Ag nanowire (AgNW) assemblies with hierarchical binary‐network architectures are then fabricated from a 1D AgNW suspension for the first time. The microstructure of this 3D AgNW network endows it with electrical conductivity and allows it to be made into stretchable and foldable conductors with high electromechanical stability. These properties should make this kind of macroscopic 3D AgNW architecture and it composites suitable for electronic applications.
Influences of ethylene–butylacrylate–glycidyl methacrylate on morphology and mechanical properties of poly(butylene terephthalate)/polyolefin elastomer blends
Authors: Yang Li , Chen Hong , Jia Shikui , Lu Xiang , Huang Jintao , Yu Xingxing , Ye Kunhao , He Guangjian , Qu Jinping
Published: March 2014

Elastomer ethylene–butylacrylate–glycidyl methacrylate (PTW) containing epoxy groups were chosen as toughening modifier for poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/polyolefin elastomer (POE) blend. The morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of the PBT/POE/PTW blend were studied. The infrared spectra of the blends proved that small parts of epoxy groups of PTW reacted with carboxylic acid or hydroxyl groups in PBT during melt blending, resulting in a grafted structure which tended to increase the viscosity and interfere with the crystallization process of the blend. The morphology observed by scanning electron microscopy revealed the dispersed POE particles were well distributed and the interaction between POE and PBT increased in the PBT/POE/PTW blends. Mechanical properties showed the addition of PTW could lead to a remarkable increase about 10‐times in impact strength with a small reduction in tensile strength of PBT/POE blends. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed with increasing PTW, the crystallization temperature (Tc) and crystallinity (Xc) decreased while the melting point (Tm) slightly increased. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis spectra indicated that the presence of PTW could improve the compatibility of PBT/POE blends. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40660.
Titanium‐Catalyzed Hydroalumination of Conjugated Dienes: Access to Fulvene‐Derived Allylaluminium Reagents and Their Diastereoselective Reactions with Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Joseph Jomy , Jaroschik Florian , Harakat Dominique , Radhakrishnan K. V. , Vasse Jean‐Luc , Szymoniak Jan
Published: March 2014

The described titanium‐catalyzed hydroalumination of conjugated dienes opens up a new way to allylaluminium reagents. The reaction is carried out by using diisobutylaluminium hydride (DIBAL‐H) and a catalytic amount of [Cp2TiCl2] (Cp=cyclopentadienyl). When applied to mono‐ and disubstitued pentafulvenes, this reaction proceeds in a highly endocyclic manner. The formed allylaluminium compounds react regio‐ and stereoselectively with both aldehydes and ketones to afford homoallylic alcohols that are suitable synthons for functionalized cyclopentanones. An extension of this methodology to simple dienes was also investigated. In the proposed mechanism, the initially formed bimetallic species (Ti/Al) are involved in the two possible catalytic cycles with a direct hydroalumination or/and a hydrotitanation followed by a titanium to aluminium transmetallation.
Uniform Mesoporous Anatase Hollow Spheres: An Unexpectedly Efficient Fabrication Process and Enhanced Performance in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Yubao , Chen Qifeng , Pan Feng , Li Hui , Xu Guo Qin , Chen Wei
Published: March 2014

Uniform mesoporous anatase hollow spheres with high crystallinity have been fabricated by an efficient method, in which biocompatible ethanedioic acid acts as the chelating agent during the Ostwald ripening process. The combination of high crystallinity, large surface area, and mesoporosity leads to an excellent photocatalytic activity. In solar water splitting, the hollow spheres exhibit remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance that is 1.4 times of P25.
Cost Analysis of Sofosbuvir/Ribavirin Versus Sofosbuvir/Simeprevir for Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus in Interferon-Ineligible/Intolerant Individuals
Authors: Hagan Liesl M. , Sulkowski Mark S. , Schinazi Raymond F.
Published: March 2014

Treatment guidance for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) released by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) offers two options for interferon (IFN)-ineligible/intolerant individuals with genotype 1 infection: sofosbuvir/ribavirin (SOF/RBV) for 24 weeks or sofosbuvir/simeprevir (SOF/SMV) for 12 weeks. A 24-week course of SOF/RBV costs approximately US$169,000, with sustained virologic response (SVR) rates ranging from 52% to 84%; 12 weeks of SOF/SMV costs approximately $150,000, with SVR between 89% and 100%. Because SOF/SMV is currently used off-label, debate exists among physicians and payers about whether it should be prescribed and covered. This article presents a cost-effectiveness analysis of these two treatment regimens accounting for costs of drugs, treatment-related medical care, retreatment for individuals who do not achieve SVR, and natural history of continued HCV infection after failed retreatment. Analysis uses a Markov model with a lifetime horizon and a societal perspective. In the base-case scenario, SOF/SMV dominated SOF/RBV in a modeled 50-year-old cohort of treatment-naïve and -experienced subjects, excluding those who failed earlier therapy with telaprevir or boceprevir. SOF/SMV yielded lower costs and more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for the average subject, compared to SOF/RBV ($165,336 and 14.69 QALYs vs. $243,586 and 14.45 QALYs, respectively). In base-case cost analysis, the SOF/SMV treatment strategy saved $91,590 per SVR, compared to SOF/RBV. Under all one-way sensitivity scenarios, SOF/SMV remained dominant and resulted in cost savings.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that a 12-week course of SOF/SMV is a more cost-effective treatment for genotype 1 CHC than 24 weeks of SOF/RBV among IFN-ineligible/intolerant individuals, supporting the AASLD/IDSA guidance and offering implications for both clinical and regulatory decision making as well as pharmaceutical pricing. (Hepatology 2014;60:37–45)
Impacts of Body Mass Index, Physical Activity, and Smoking on Femoral Bone Loss: The Tromsø Study
Authors: Emaus Nina , Wilsgaard Tom , Ahmed Luai Awad
Published: March 2014

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a reflection of bone strength and lifestyles that preserve bone mass and may reduce fracture risk in old age. This study examined the effect of combined profiles of smoking, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) on lifetime bone loss. Data were collected from the population-based Tromsø Study. BMD was measured as g/cm2 by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the total hip and femoral neck in 2580 women and 2084 men aged 30 to 80 years in the 2001–02 survey, and repeated in 1401 women and 1113 men in the 2007–08 survey. Height and weight were measured and lifestyle information was collected through questionnaires. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models with second-degree fractional polynomials. From the peak at the age around 40 years to 80 years of age, loss rates varied between 4% at the total hip and 14% at femoral neck in nonsmoking, physically active men with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 to approximately 30% at both femoral sites in heavy smoking, physically inactive men with a BMI value of 18 kg/m2. In women also, loss rates of more than 30% were estimated in the lifestyle groups with a BMI value of 18 kg/m2. BMI had the strongest effect on BMD, especially in the oldest age groups, but a BMI above 30 kg/m2 did not exert any additional effect compared with the population average BMI of 27 kg/m2. At the age of 80 years, a lifestyle of moderate BMI to light overweight, smoking avoidance, and physical activity of 4 hours of vigorous activity per week through adult life may result in 1 to 2 standard deviations higher BMD levels compared with a lifestyle marked by heavy smoking, inactivity, and low weight. In the prevention of osteoporosis and fracture risk, the effect of combined lifestyles through adult life should be highlighted. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Rare Earth Triflate Initiators in the Cationic Polymerization of Tung Oil‐Based Thermosetting Polymers for Self‐Healing Applications
Authors: Hondred Peter R. , Autori Carole , Kessler Michael R.
Published: March 2014

Rare earth triflates were successfully used to initiate the cationic polymerization of tung‐oil‐based thermosetting polymers. These bio‐renewable thermosets were developed and evaluated for use as an encapsulated healing agent in self‐healing materials. The tung‐oil‐based polymer is comprised of predominantly tung oil with styrene and divinylbenzene used as a reactive diluent and to improve the initiator solubility and the homogeneity of the resulting thermoset. While traditional cationic polymerization utilizes moisture‐sensitive Lewis acids as initiators, rare earth triflates offer a new approach to polymerization where moisture sensitivity is not a significant concern. Nine different rare earth triflates were investigated: ytterbium, scandium, samarium, cerium, gadolinium, erbium, terbium, holmium, and neodymium. The thermomechanical properties of the thermosets were tested and the analysis included effects of initiator type on the storage modulus, loss modulus, tan δ, glass transition temperature, and thermal stability. Finally, the adhesive properties of the thermosets were studied using compressive lap shear tests, and the fracture surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy.
Complications of radiologic contrast in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Mehrizi Mehyar , Pascuzzi Robert M.
Published: March 2014

Use of older contrast agents during radiologic imaging in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) has been associated with increased myasthenic symptoms and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The effects of newer contrast agents have not been determined. A retrospective review of imaging safety in MG was conducted. Three hundred fifty‐four imaging studies were analyzed. Procedures included 189 computed tomography (CT) images with and 106 without intravenous (IV) contrast and 42 magnetic resonance images (MRIs) with and 17 without contrast. In 108 patients for whom there was formal documentation of presence or absence of an immediate adverse response, only 1 who received CT IV contrast had an ADR (rate 0.93%). No ADRs or weakness were reported in patients who received MRI IV contrast. Our data suggest there is no significant immediate increased risk of myasthenic weakness with the use of modern radiologic contrast agents. The rate of ADRs in MG patients who receive CT IV contrast is now very low (0.93%). Muscle Nerve 50: 443–444, 2014
The efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA in treating idiopathic OAB: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cui Yuanshan , Zhou Xin , Zong Huantao , Yan Huilei , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2014

Aim

We carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of the drug for treating idiopathic OAB.

Methods

A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of idiopathic OAB. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated.

Results

Eight publications involving a total of 1,320 patients were used in the analysis, including six RCTs that compared onabotulinumtoxinA with placebo. OnabotulinumtoxinA significantly decreased the mean number of urinary incontinence (UI) per day −2.77 versus −1.01 (the standardized mean difference (SMD) = −1.68, 95% CI = −2.06 to −1.31, P < 0.00001); the mean number of micturitions per day −1.61 versus −0.87 (SMD = −1.82, 95% CI = −2.61 to −1.02, P < 0.00001); maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) 91.39 versus 32.32 (SMD = 63.82, 95% CI = 38.14 to 89.50, P < 0.00001) and volume voided 44.29 versus 7.36 (SMD = 33.05, 95% CI = 22.45 to 43.66, P < 0.00001) versus placebo and 29.20% versus 7.95% of patients became incontinence‐free (odds ratio [OR] = 4.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.11 to 7.70, P < 0.00001). Safety assessments primarily localized to the urinary tract indicated onabotulinumtoxinA were often associated with complications resulting from postvoid residuals (PVR; P < 0.00001), urinary tract infections (UTI; P < 0.00001) and clean intermittent catheterization (CIC; P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis indicates that onabotulinumtoxinA to be an effective treatment for idiopathic overactive bladder symptoms with side effects primarily localized to urinary tract. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:413–419, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distinguishing Anemia and Iron Deficiency of Heart Failure: Signal for Severity of Disease or Unmet Therapeutic Need?
Authors: Beavers Craig J. , Alburikan Khalid A. , Rodgers Jo E. , Dunn Steven P. , Reed Brent N.
Published: March 2014

Despite advances in the management of heart failure (HF), quality of life and other outcomes remain suboptimal for many patients. Anemia and iron deficiency are comorbidities associated with adverse outcomes, although their pathophysiology in the setting of HF is not entirely understood. Anemia and iron deficiency may exist independently and may be a consequence of the systemic inflammatory state characterized by chronic HF. However, it is unclear whether serum hemoglobin concentrations and other hematologic parameters serve as markers for the severity of disease or represent novel therapeutic targets. Research in this area has focused primarily on therapies known to be effective for these conditions in other chronic disease states with similar pathophysiologic features (e.g., end‐stage renal disease). Despite its many practical advantages, minimal evidence exists to support the use of oral iron supplementation in this setting. In contrast, intravenous iron has been the subject of several recent investigations, demonstrating improvements in both surrogate and clinical end points, although benefits seem to be the most substantial in patients with concomitant anemia. Erythropoietin‐stimulating agents demonstrated early promise in retrospective analyses and small prospective trials, but their benefit was outweighed by a lack of improvement in clinical outcomes and an excess number of thromboembolic events in the largest trial of patients with anemia and HF to date. For acute symptomatic anemia, blood transfusion may be considered, although few trials have included patients with HF, and caution must be exerted in those who are hemodynamically unstable. Based on the currently available evidence, treatment of iron deficiency appears to confer benefit in patients with HF, whereas strategies aimed at improving hemoglobin alone do not. Included is a review of the pathophysiology of these conditions in the setting of HF, clinical trials evaluating pharmacologic therapy, and recommendations for management.
Refractive index sensing by using Fano resonance enhanced two‐photon luminescence
Authors: Deng Hai‐Dong , Xu Jia‐Ling , Xu Yi
Published: March 2014

Utilizing three‐dimensional vectorial electromagnetic simulation, we propose a new refractive index sensing mechanism based on Fano resonance enhanced two‐photon‐absorption induced luminescence (TPL). The TPL from gold nanodisk heptamer (GNDH), which is affected by the refractive index of surrounding material, is used as an example to demonstrate the sensing mechanism facilitated by Fano resonance. The sensitivity of our method is about one order of magnitude better than the conventional refractive index sensing strategy employing plasmonic Fano resonance, while the size of the sensing probe can be further reduced at the same time.

magnified image

Sketch map of the TPL sensing platform.

(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mantel's theorem for random graphs
Authors: DeMarco B. , Kahn J.
Published: March 2014

For a graph G, denote by t(G) (resp. b(G)) the maximum size of a triangle‐free (resp. bipartite) subgraph of G. Of course for any G, and a classic result of Mantel from 1907 (the first case of Turán's Theorem) says that equality holds for complete graphs. A natural question, first considered by Babai, Simonovits and Spencer about 20 years ago is, when (i.e., for what p = p(n)) is the “Erdős‐Rényi” random graph G = G(n,p) likely to satisfy t(G) = b(G)? We show that this is true if for a suitable constant C, which is best possible up to the value of C. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 47, 59–72, 2015
Relaxed tRNA specificity of the Staphylococcus aureus aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase enables RNA‐dependent asparagine biosynthesis
Authors: Mladenova Stefani R. , Stein Kathryn R. , Bartlett Lianne , Sheppard Kelly
Published: March 2014

The human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is an asparagine prototroph despite its genome not encoding an asparagine synthetase. S. aureus does use an asparaginyl‐tRNA synthetase (AsnRS) to directly ligate asparagine to tRNAAsn. The S. aureus genome also codes for one aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase (AspRS). Here we demonstrate the lone S. aureus aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase has relaxed tRNA specificity and can be used with the amidotransferase GatCAB to synthesize asparagine on tRNAAsn. S. aureus thus encodes both the direct and indirect routes for Asn‐tRNAAsn formation while encoding only one aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase. The presence of the indirect pathway explains how S. aureus synthesizes asparagine without either asparagine synthetase.
Solving the Boltzmann equation deterministically by the fast spectral method: application to gas microflows
Authors: Wu Lei , Reese Jason M. , Zhang Yonghao
Published: March 2014

Based on the fast spectral approximation to the Boltzmann collision operator, we present an accurate and efficient deterministic numerical method for solving the Boltzmann equation. First, the linearized Boltzmann equation is solved for Poiseuille and thermal creep flows, where the influence of different molecular models on the mass and heat flow rates is assessed, and the Onsager–Casimir relation at the microscopic level for large Knudsen numbers is demonstrated. Recent experimental measurements of mass flow rates along a rectangular tube with large aspect ratio are compared with numerical results for the linearized Boltzmann equation. Then, a number of two-dimensional microflows in the transition and free-molecular flow regimes are simulated using the nonlinear Boltzmann equation. The influence of the molecular model is discussed, as well as the applicability of the linearized Boltzmann equation. For thermally driven flows in the free-molecular regime, it is found that the magnitudes of the flow velocity are inversely proportional to the Knudsen number. The streamline patterns of thermal creep flow inside a closed rectangular channel are analysed in detail: when the Knudsen number is smaller than a critical value, the flow pattern can be predicted based on a linear superposition of the velocity profiles of linearized Poiseuille and thermal creep flows between parallel plates. For large Knudsen numbers, the flow pattern can be determined using the linearized Poiseuille and thermal creep velocity profiles at the critical Knudsen number. The critical Knudsen number is found to be related to the aspect ratio of the rectangular channel.
Editorial: The Way Forward for JPP
Authors: Dorland Bill , Schekochihin Alex
Published: March 2014

Plasma physics is a large and fundamental area of physics, a subject that is intellectually rigorous and mathematically sophisticated and which has many applied branches. Because there are many applications, the field tends to suffer from compartmentalisation in people's minds, in terms of published output and institutional and funding arrangements. JPP will strive to be the intellectual home of those who think of plasma physics as a fundamental discipline.
Exploring the interface between diagnostics and maps of neglected parasitic diseases
Authors: RINALDI LAURA , CRINGOLI GIUSEPPE
Published: March 2014

Although not new, the ‘One Health’ concept is gaining progressively more importance in parasitology. Now more than ever, veterinary and human perspectives should be closely joined in diagnosis and surveillance of neglected parasitic diseases. We argue that concerted, standardized and harmonized diagnostic and surveillance strategies are needed for the control and/or elimination of animal and human neglected parasitic infections. A key challenge is to integrate parasitological data with available geospatial methods in an accessible and user-friendly framework. We discuss the capability of new diagnostic devices (e.g. Mini-FLOTAC) and geospatial technologies supported by mobile- and electronic-based approaches as one of the research priorities of the new millennium.
BOLIVIAN PUBLIC FINANCES, 1882-2010. THE CHALLENGE TO MAKE SOCIAL SPENDING SUSTAINABLE
Authors: Peres-Cajías José Alejandro
Published: March 2014

This paper offers a long-term comparative study of Bolivian public finances using a new detailed database. First, it shows that Bolivian government revenues and expenditures were particularly small and volatile until the 1980s. Second, it stresses that, whereas the relative importance of social expenditure has grown constantly since the late 1930s, public revenues have always had an unbalanced structure. Finally, it confirms that budget deficits have been constant, at times reaching levels that were especially damaging for the overall economy. This suggests that the potential redistributive impact of Bolivian public finances was not necessarily (or not only) hindered by the lack of an explicit commitment towards redistributive expenses, but by an extreme vulnerability in the revenue side.
Perform a Justified Option
Authors: GERT JOSHUA
Published: March 2014

In a number of recent publications, Douglas Portmore has defended consequentialism, largely on the basis of a maximizing view of practical rationality. I have criticized such maximizing views, arguing that we need to distinguish two independent dimensions of normative strength: justifying strength and requiring strength. I have also argued that this distinction helps to explain why we typically have so many rational options. Engaging with these arguments, Portmore has (a) developed his own novel maximization-friendly method of explaining the ubiquity of rational options, and (b) criticized one argument in favour of a substantive justifying/requiring distinction in the domain of practical rationality. The present article defends the justifying/requiring distinction, and criticizes Portmore's maximization-friendly strategy for explaining the ubiquity of rational options.
Relative validity and reliability of an FFQ in youth with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Liese Angela D , Crandell Jamie L , Tooze Janet A , Fangman Mary T , Couch Sarah C , Merchant Anwar T , Bell Ronny A , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate the relative validity and reliability of the SEARCH FFQ that was modified from the Block Kids Questionnaire.

Design

Study participants completed the eighty-five-item FFQ twice plus three 24 h dietary recalls within one month. We estimated correlations between frequencies obtained from participants with the true usual intake for food groups and nutrients, using a two-part model for episodically consumed foods and measurement error adjustment.

Setting

The multi-centre SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Nutrition Ancillary Study.

Subjects

A subgroup of 172 participants aged 10–24 years with type 1 diabetes.

Results

The mean correlations, adjusted for measurement error, of food groups and nutrients between the FFQ and true usual intake were 0·41 and 0·38, respectively, with 57 % of food groups and 70 % of nutrients exhibiting correlations >0·35. Correlations were high for low-fat dairy (0·80), sugar-sweetened beverages (0·54), cholesterol (0·59) and saturated fat (0·51), while correlations were poor for high-fibre bread and cereal (0·16) and folate (0·11). Reliability of FFQ intake based on two FFQ administrations was also reasonable, with 54 % of Pearson correlation coefficients ≥0·5. Reliability was high for low-fat dairy (0·7), vegetables (0·6), carbohydrates, fibre, folate and vitamin C (all 0·5), but less than desirable for low-fat poultry and high-fibre bread, cereal, rice and pasta (0·2–0·3).

Conclusions

While there is some room for improvement, our findings suggest that the SEARCH FFQ performs quite well for the assessment of many nutrients and food groups in a sample of youth with type 1 diabetes.
Relative validity of an FFQ for pre-school children in the mother–child ‘Rhea’ birth cohort in Crete, Greece
Authors: Leventakou Vasiliki , Georgiou Vaggelis , Chatzi Leda , Sarri Katerina
Published: March 2014

Objective

To examine the relative validity of an FFQ based on parental report for pre-school children in the mother–child ‘Rhea’ birth cohort.

Design

The children’s mothers completed an FFQ that referred to the children’s dietary intake for the previous year by telephone interview. Mothers completed also three food records, two on weekdays and one on a weekend day. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for the energy-adjusted values. Weighted kappa statistics (κw) and the Bland–Altman technique were used to test the degree of agreement between the two dietary methods.

Setting

Heraklion, Crete, Greece, 2011–2012.

Subjects

A total of ninety-nine mothers (corresponding to fifty-one boys and forty-eight girls) participated in the validation study.

Results

The mean and median values of all food group and nutrient intakes did not differ significantly between the two dietary methods. Overall, fair agreement was observed between the FFQ and the food records for ranking participants based on their intake, withκwranging from 0·21 to 0·40 for most foods and nutrients. On average, 88 % of participants were classified into the same or adjacent tertiles for nutrient and food group intakes by both dietary methods. The degree of agreement was also confirmed by the visual examination of the Bland–Altman plots.

Conclusions

The study indicates that the Rhea 4 years FFQ is a relatively accurate tool for assessing habitual food group and nutrient intakes among pre-school children in Crete, Greece.
Loewy series of parabolically induced -Verma modules
Authors: Noriyuki Abe , Masaharu Kaneda
Published: March 2014

We show that the modules for the Frobenius kernel of a reductive algebraic group over
an algebraically closed field of positive characteristic $p$ induced from the $p$-regular blocks of its parabolic subgroups can be $\mathbb{Z}$-graded. In particular, we obtain that the modules induced from the
simple modules of $p$-regular highest weights are rigid and determine their Loewy series,
assuming the Lusztig conjecture on the irreducible characters for the reductive
algebraic groups, which is now a theorem for large $p$. We say that a module is rigid if and only if it admits a unique
filtration of minimal length with each subquotient semisimple, in which case the
filtration is called the Loewy series.