bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Metaphysics of Love
Authors: Sandford Stella
Published: September 2014

Emmanuel Levinas is best known for having reintroduced the question of ethics into the Continental philosophical tradition. In The Metaphysics of Love, however, Stella Sandford argues that an over-emphasis on ethics in the reception of Levinas's thought has covered over both the basis and the details of his philosophical project--a metaphysics which affirms the necessity to think of an unqualified transcendence as a first principle.

Sandford's book is at the same time a powerful feminist critique of both Levinas's gendered philosophical categories and the attempt to reclaim aspects of this philosophy for feminist theory.
The Non-Philosophy of Gilles Deleuze
Authors: Lambert Gregg
Published: September 2014

The Non-Philosophy of Gilles Deleuze takes up Deleuze's most powerful argument on the task of contemporary philosophy in the West. Deleuze argues that it is only through a creative engagement with the forms of non-philosophy--notably modern art, literature and cinema--that philosophy can hope to attain the conceptual resources to restore the broken links of perception, language and emotion. In short, this is the only future for philosophy if it is to repair its fragile relationship to immanence to the world as it is.A sequence of dazzling essays analyze Deleuze's investigations into the modern arts. Particular attention is paid to Deleuze's exploration of Liebniz in relation to modern painting and of Borges to an understanding of the relationship between philosophy, literature and language. By illustrating Deleuze's own approach to the arts, and to modern literature in particular, the book demonstrates the critical significance of Deleuze's call for a future philosophy defined as an "art of inventing concepts."
Identity and Pedagogy in Higher Education
Authors: Bhopal Kalwant , Danaher Patrick Alan
Published: September 2014

Kalwant Bhopal and Patrick Danaher examine ‘race’, identity and gender within education and explore the difficulties of relating these concepts to the experience of students in higher education. In drawing together the experience of local and international students in the UK and in Australia, they examine the ways identities are understood and conceptualized within higher education in local contexts and on a global level. They consider the complexity of ‘race’, gender and identity in relation to education within the context that education continues to be dominated by predominantly white, middle class values and perspectives.

Identity and Pedagogy in Higher Education examines the extent to which education as a vehicle for change in the light of the controversial debates surrounding race and gender inequalities.
Lord Randolph Churchill
Authors: Churchill Winston Spencer
Published: September 2014

In his first biographical work Winston Churchill takes as his subject his father, Lord Randolph Churchill. From his experiences as an independent Tory to leader of the House of Commons, this is an impassioned and political biography which champions Lord Randolph Churchill’s tumultuous life and career. This biography, criticized by some as an idealized portrayal of his father, nonetheless provides an illuminating insight into Churchill’s own political beliefs and stands as testament to his impressive literary capabilities.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Authors: McDonald Oonagh
Published: September 2014

This book examines the role of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other key players in the American mortgage market, in precipitating the current global financial crisis. From President Clinton's announcement of the 'National Home Ownership Strategy' in 1995 to its collapse in 2008, this book deftly explains the aims and consequences of extending mortgage lending to people who could not afford home ownership. Bankers, investment banks, rating agencies and derivatives have all been awarded their share of the blame, while politicians, regulators and government agencies have successfully avoided theirs. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been implicated, but the true story of their marriage made in hell has never been told.
The effect of three-dimensional imaging of well-known objects on time and accuracy of mental rotation
Authors: Francuz Piotr
Published: September 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to verify hypotheses concerning the effect of three-dimensional imaging and the canonicity of objects presented in the original position on the reaction time (RT) and the accuracy (A) of mental rotation task (MRT) execution. The classical paradigm of MRT, developed by Shepard and Metzler (1971), was used in the experiment.

Participants and procedure

One hundred fifty-eight undergraduate students (88 female and 70 male), aged 18-30 years, participated in the experiment. All participants had normal vision or corrected vision, and reported no stereo blindness. The sequential version of the MRT was used in the experiment. Participants answered whether the object observed in the second position was only rotated or both rotated and mirror-reversed, in comparison to its original position. The answer (accuracy) and its latency (RT) were recorded.

Results

As predicted by the mental rotation model, both the “U”-shaped A-MRT distribution and the inverted “U”-shaped RT-MRT distribution were found, due to the angular disparity. For the RT-MRT, this effect was more pronounced when the objects were displayed stereoscopically than in a plane, and when the objects were presented in the original position from the canonical orientation rather than an unusual point of view. On the other hand, in the case of the A-MRT, an effect of the orientation of objects presented in the original position on strengthening the relationship between accuracy and angular disparity was found.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the interactions between the presentation of the objects in the mental rotation task (stereoscopically vs. in a plane) and the orientation of the object in its original position (canonically vs. unusual) are more complicated than would appear from predictions of classical theories of mental rotation. The results of this study are discussed in relation to the theories of recognition and categorization.
New challenges for clinical health psychology in diagnosis and therapy of tinnitus
Authors: Klepas Monika , Szymiec Eugeniusz , Sęk Helena , Obrębowska Zofia , Sowińska Anna
Published: September 2014

Background

Tinnitus is becoming a social issue as the number of individuals suffering from this condition is still increasing. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of tinnitus and related distress, as well as general psychiatric distress of affected individuals.

Participants and procedure

The study included 169 tinnitus patients aged between 22 and 88 years (mean 53.52). The duration of tinnitus ranged between 5 months and 30 years (mean 5.29 years). The participants presented either with normal hearing or with hearing loss. The study was based on a standardized interview and examination with two psychometric instruments: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).

Results

Duration of tinnitus, its subjective severity, experiencing negative emotions and lack of social support turned out to be a composite measure determining the level of tinnitus-related distress. In turn, the level of psychiatric distress was determined by sex of the participants, presence of difficulties in life, subjective severity of tinnitus and lack of social support.

Conclusions

Characteristics of tinnitus and its psychological consequences affect various functional aspects and health of the affected patients. The diagnostic instruments used in the study (THI and GHQ-28) proved to be appropriate and identified a subset of tinnitus patients who required appropriate psychotherapeutic intervention. The complex situation of patients experiencing subjective signs of tinnitus points to a necessity of cooperation between specialists in laryngology and psychologists, as a vital component of multidisciplinary evaluation and the therapeutic process.
Freshwater discharge controlled deposition of Cenomanian-Turonian black shales on the NW European epicontinental shelf (Wunstorf, North Germany)
Authors: van Helmond N. A. G. M. , Sluijs A. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S. , Reichart G.-J. , Voigt S. , Erbacher J. , Pross J. , Brinkhuis H.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Global warming, changes in the hydrological cycle and enhanced marine primary productivity all have been invoked to have contributed to the occurrence of widespread ocean anoxia during the Cenomanian-Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE2; ~ 94 Ma), but disentangling these factors on a regional scale has remained problematic. We generated palynological and organic geochemical records that allow the separation of these forcing factors in a core spanning the OAE2 from Wunstorf, Lower Saxony Basin (LSB; North Gemany), which exhibits cyclic black shale–marl alternations related to the orbital precession cycle. Despite the widely varying depositional conditions complicating the interpretation of the obtained records, TEX86H indicates that sea-surface temperature (SST) evolution in the LSB during OAE2 resembles that of previously studied sites throughout the proto-North Atlantic. Cooling during the so-called Plenus Cold Event interrupted black shale deposition during the early stages of OAE2. However, TEX86 does not vary significantly across marl–black shale alternations, suggesting that temperature variations did not force the formation of the cyclic black shale horizons. Relative (i.e., with respect to marine palynomorphs) and absolute abundances of pollen and spores are elevated during phases of black shale deposition, indicative of enhanced precipitation and run-off. High abundances of cysts from inferred heterotrophic and euryhaline dinoflagellates supports high run-off, which likely introduced additional nutrients to the epicontinental shelf resulting in elevated marine primary productivity. We conclude that orbitally-forced enhanced precipitation and run-off, in tandem with elevated marine primary productivity, were critical in cyclic black shale formation on the northwest European epicontinental shelf and potentially for other OAE2 sections in the proto-Atlantic and Western Interior Seaway at similar latitudes as well.
Geotechnical stability analysis, fragility of structures and velocity of movement to assess landslides vulnerability
Authors: Cuanalo O. , Bernal E. , Polanco G.
Published: September 2014

Abstract. Landslides are geohazards that can be potential risks to life and property; these phenomena usually cause disasters when they occur in densely populated communities as those that inhabit mountainous and steep regions. Hazard and vulnerability are parameters determined by probability mathematical analysis with values between 0 and 1. When there are no records or enough information regards historical events on the phenomenon in study, that have occurred in a specific area (as in several mountainous regions of Mexico inhabited by ethnic groups), it has the disadvantage of not being able to perform a statistical analysis to properly evaluate the hazard nor the vulnerability. To solve the problem, this paper presents a proposal for evaluating the physical and functional vulnerability of the elements at risk, from two fundamental aspects: (a) the exposure level (EL), and (b) the expected damage degree (EDD). First of these factors is determined by the severity index (SI) and the safety factor from geotechnical stability analysis (SFgeo); the second one from the construction type (degree of fragility of structures) and the velocity that may have the landslide. For evaluating the parameters aforementioned, included tables, graphs and equations proposed by the authors.
Parasitic fungi of river Bug valley
Authors: Danilkiewicz Maria
Published: September 2014

In the areal of river Bug valley the total 411 parasitic fungi was noted on about 354 host plants. In the investigation of the share of parasitic fungi in natural plant communities of class Alnetea glutinosae and Querco-Fagetea.
Mocenské vztahy mezi začínajícími učiteli a jejich žáky
Authors: Šalamounová Z. , Bradová J. , Lojdová K.
Published: September 2014

Předložená teoretická studie se zabývá konceptem moci ve školní třídě. Jejím cílem je analyzovat koncept moci prostřednictvím jeho ústředních vlastností, a hlouběji tak porozumět jeho definici. V návaznosti na to poukazujeme na intervenující faktory, jež se do podoby mocenského uspořádání ve třídě promítají a které mohou zastávat významnou roli v mocenském uspořádání ve třídách začínajících učitelů a potažmo také studentů učitelství. V první části příspěvku je moc definována skrze tři její hlavní charakteristiky: cirkularitu, situačnost a reciprocitu. Druhá část příspěvku je věnována hlavním faktorům, které se do mocenského uspořádání ve školní třídě promítají. Těmito faktory jsou míra shody zájmů mezi učiteli a žáky, podoba vzájemných vztahů a kontext, v němž k uspořádání mocenských vztahů dochází. Z příspěvku vyplývá, že fenomén moci hraje u začínajících učitelů významnou roli. Právě u nich je totiž funkční nastavení mocenských vztahů vnímáno jako jeden z klíčových problémů při vstupu do profese a stává se také stěžejním důvodem pro její opuštění.
Příležitosti k rozvíjení interkulturní komunikační kompetence v kontextu řečových dovedností: IVŠV videostudie anglického jazyka
Authors: Zerzová J. , Šebestová S.
Published: September 2014

Empirická studie je věnována problematice rozvíjení interkulturní komunikační kompetence (IKK) a její integraci s rozvíjením řečových dovedností ve výuce anglického jazyka (AJ) na 2. stupni ZŠ. V rámci hledání odpovědi na otázku, jakým způsobem a za jakých podmínek rozvíjení IKK ve výuce AJ probíhá, je cílem této studie nahlédnout do toho, v integraci s jakými řečovými dovednostmi je IKK rozvíjena a jaké je jejich zastoupení. Po úvodní části a vymezení teoretických východisek následuje část metodologická (kapitola 3) představující zkoumaný soubor (79 vyučovacích hodin AJ v 7. a 8. ročnících natočených u 25 učitelů na 2. stupni ZŠ ve třech krajích v rámci IVŠV videostudie anglického jazyka), způsob zpracování dat (způsob natáčení, transkripce, kódování), výzkumné otázky a kategoriální systémy (kategoriální systém IKK a kategoriální systém Řečové dovednosti), jež byly pro analýzu videozáznamů použity. Výsledky výzkumu naznačují, že mezi zastoupením řečových dovedností ve výuce a rozvíjením IKK existuje vztah, jenž se ve vzorku natočených hodin projevil vyšším zastoupením receptivních řečových dovedností a omezeným zastoupením produktivních řečových dovedností, vedoucím k rozvíjení IKK, jež se omezilo pouze na kognitivní úroveň, bez zastoupení zbývajících složek (konativní/behaviorální, afektivní).
Community and research staff collaboration for development of materials to inform microbicide study participants in Africa
Authors: Woodsong Cynthia , Mutsambi John Michael , Ntshele Smangalisa , Modikoe Peggy
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Clinical trials of new vaginal products require careful communication with participants about trial requirements. Most microbicide trials have been multi‐site studies conducted among women in sub‐Saharan Africa, where literacy levels and understanding of scientific methods differ from those designing and conducting the trials. Microbicide trials require women to insert objects in their vagina and ensure they are present in the vagina during sex. For many women, this is a novel behaviour. These behaviours take place within the context of clinical trial participation, which is an additional novelty. Research teams must develop informational materials to help participants understand the clinical trial and input from local research staff and community members can improve the content and format of these materials.

Methods

This paper discusses the development of illustrated materials developed for microbicide trial participants, presenting examples from two studies. In both studies, research staff and community advisory groups collaborated to review and revise materials.

Results

Collaborative efforts revealed insights about how to convey information about clinical trial participation and microbicide use. These insights highlighted realities of the local context, details that might be misunderstood, illustrations of a sensitive nature and concerns about blood testing. In particular, information about blood testing and product use instructions required careful consideration. Although the research team anticipated needing advice on how best to convey information on these topics to participants, some aspects of potential participant concerns about these topics were also new to the research team. Community advisors and local research staff suggested better ways to convey this information, and provided guidance on how to use the materials.

Conclusions

The collaboration served to develop informational materials for microbicide trial participants. Furthermore, staff gained a better understanding of issues and concerns that could influence trial participation. A collaborative engagement process can provide important insights into local culture and knowledge beyond what is needed for development of clinical trial participant information materials. Research teams should be sensitive to this possibility, avail themselves of information and take appropriate action.
Politics of alcohol taxation system in Thailand: behaviours of three major alcohol companies from 1992 to 2012
Authors: Sornpaisarn Bundit , Kaewmungkun Chuthaporn
Published: September 2014

Sornpaisarn, B., & Kaewmungkun, C. (2014). Politics of alcohol taxation system in Thailand: behaviours of three major alcohol companies from 1992 to 2012. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 3(3), 210 – 218. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v3i3.155Aim: This study aims to describe the political strategies influencing alcohol taxation in Thailand from 1992 to 2012.Design: This study employs a case study research design, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative data analysis.Setting: Thailand.Findings: Three major companies comprise 92% of the Thai alcohol market, making it an oligopoly market. Ten increases of the alcohol tax rate occurred in Thailand from1992 to 2012, and the Thai government employed differential tax rate policies that favored four of eight beverage categories. These four beverage categories were produced mainly by one of the above-noted companies. Two significant events suggest that the other two companies tried to influence the Thai Prime Minister in 2005 and the Thai Parliament in 2007 to change the alcohol taxation method in order to favor the positioning of their products. As well, evidence revealed that alcohol companies had over-produced their products before three of the eight alcohol taxation increases from 1997 to 2009.Conclusions: Both domestic and international large alcohol companies in Thailand have exerted significant political influence on the Thai alcohol taxation system. This influence is exemplified by the Thai government’s differential alcohol tax rate policy, which favors their products; their ability to stockpile products before taxation increases; and their ability to challenge the Thai taxation system at the national level.
An empirical approach to modeling ion production rates in Titan's ionosphere I: Ion production rates on the dayside and globally
Authors: Richard M. S. , Cravens T. E. , Wylie C. , Webb D. , Chediak Q. , Perryman R. , Mandt K. , Westlake J. , Waite J. H. , Robertson I. , Magee B. A. , Edberg N. J. T.
Published: September 2014

Titan's ionosphere is created when solar photons, energetic magnetospheric electrons or ions, and cosmic rays ionize the neutral atmosphere. Electron densities generated by current theoretical models are much larger than densities measured by instruments on board the Cassini orbiter. This model density overabundance must result either from overproduction or from insufficient loss of ions. This is the first of two papers that examines ion production rates in Titan's ionosphere, for the dayside and nightside ionosphere, respectively. The first (current) paper focuses on dayside ion production rates which are computed using solar ionization sources (photoionization and electron impact ionization by photoelectrons) between 1000 and 1400 km. In addition to theoretical ion production rates, empirical ion production rates are derived from CH4, CH3+, and CH4+ densities measured by the INMS (Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer) for many Titan passes. The modeled and empirical production rate profiles from measured densities of N2+ and CH4+ are found to be in good agreement (to within 20%) for solar zenith angles between 15 and 90°. This suggests that the overabundance of electrons in theoretical models of Titan's dayside ionosphere is not due to overproduction but to insufficient ion losses.
MHD heliosphere with boundary conditions from a tomographic reconstruction using interplanetary scintillation data
Authors: Kim T. K. , Pogorelov N. V. , Borovikov S. N. , Jackson B. V. , Yu H.‐S. , Tokumaru M.
Published: September 2014

Observations of interplanetary scintillation (IPS) provide a set of data that is used in estimating the solar wind parameters with reasonably good accuracy. Various tomography techniques have been developed to deconvolve the line‐of‐sight integration effects ingrained in observations of IPS to improve the accuracy of solar wind reconstructions. Among those, the time‐dependent tomography developed at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is well known for its remarkable accuracy in reproducing the solar wind speed and density at Earth by iteratively fitting a kinematic solar wind model to observations of IPS and near‐Earth spacecraft measurements. However, the kinematic model gradually breaks down as the distance from the Sun increases beyond the orbit of Earth. Therefore, it would be appropriate to use a more sophisticated model, such as a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model, to extend the kinematic solar wind reconstruction beyond the Earth's orbit and to the outer heliosphere. To test the suitability of this approach, we use boundary conditions provided by the UCSD time‐dependent tomography to propagate the solar wind outward in a MHD model and compare the simulation results with in situ measurements and also with the corresponding kinematic solution. Interestingly, we find notable differences in proton radial velocity and number density at Earth and various locations in the inner heliosphere between the MHD results and both the in situ data and the kinematic solution. For example, at 1 AU, the MHD velocities are generally larger than the spacecraft data by up to 150 km s−1, and the amplitude of density fluctuations is also markedly larger in the MHD solution. We show that the MHD model can deliver more reasonable results at Earth with an ad hoc adjustment of the inner boundary values. However, we conclude that the MHD model using the inner boundary conditions derived from kinematic simulations has little chance to match IPS and in situ data as well as the kinematic model does unless it too is iteratively fit to the observational data and measurements.
Long‐term dynamics of Piton de la Fournaise volcano from 13 years of seismic velocity change measurements and GPS observations
Authors: Rivet Diane , Brenguier Florent , Clarke Daniel , Shapiro Nikolaï M. , Peltier Aline
Published: September 2014

We study the Piton de la Fournaise (PdF) volcano dynamics through the observation of continuous seismic velocity changes from 2000 to 2013. We compute the cross correlations of ambient seismic noise recorded at more than 30 short‐period and broadband stations of the UnderVolc temporary seismic experiment and of the PdF volcano observatory network. The velocity changes are estimated from the travel time delay measured on the cross correlations computed between pairs of stations. We average the relative velocity changes for all pairs of stations and obtain a time series of the velocity change of Piton de la Fournaise volcano over 13 years. From the period 0.5 to 4 s, the depth sensitivity of the velocity change is ranging from approximately 100 m to 2500 m. A slow decrease of velocity is measured from 2000 and ends with a major eruption that occurred in April 2007. This eruptive episode is followed by an increase of the velocity. These long‐term changes are compared to the deformation of the Piton de la Fournaise edifice estimated from geodetic measurements. An analysis of baseline change between GPS stations indicates an inflation of the volcanic edifice prior to April 2007 followed by a deflation since then. This deflation predominantly affects the terminal cone. Seismic velocity changes and deformation have similar long‐term trends with velocity decrease observed during inflation and velocity increase during deflation. However, the velocity change magnitude is about 2 orders of magnitude greater than the deformation. This suggests nonlinear relation between velocity changes and deformation.
A novel infrastructure modularity index for the segmentation of water distribution networks
Authors: Giustolisi O. , Ridolfi L.
Published: September 2014

The search for suitable segmentations is a challenging and urgent issue for the analysis, planning and management of complex water distribution networks (WDNs). In fact, complex and large size hydraulic systems require the division into modules in order to simplify the analysis and the management tasks. In the complex network theory, modularity index has been proposed as a measure of the strength of the network division into modules and its maximization is used in order to identify community of nodes (i.e., modules) which are characterized by strong interconnections. Nevertheless, modularity index needs to be revised considering the specificity of the hydraulic systems as infrastructure systems. To this aim, the classic modularity index has been recently modified and tailored for WDNs. Nevertheless, the WDN‐oriented modularity is affected by the resolution limit stemming from classic modularity index. Such a limit hampers the identification/design of small modules and this is a major drawback for technical tasks requiring a detailed resolution of the network segmentation. In order to get over this problem, we propose a novel infrastructure modularity index that is not affected by the resolution limit of the classic one. The rationale and good features of the proposed index are theoretically demonstrated and discussed using two real hydraulic networks.
Gout, Urate‐Lowering Therapy, and Uric Acid Levels Among Adults in the United States
Authors: Juraschek Stephen P. , Kovell Lara C. , Miller Edgar R. , Gelber Allan C.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Evidence strongly suggests that delivery of gout care is suboptimal. The 2012 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines emphasize a serum uric acid (SUA) target of <6 mg/dl when utilizing urate‐lowering therapy (ULT). However, the proportion and characteristics of Americans with gout receiving ULT, or with a ULT indication, who are achieving this target is unknown.

Methods

We identified US adults with gout receiving ULT, and those with an indication for ULT, using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2007–2010. Using the ACR guidelines, a ULT indication comprised chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2–5, a history of nephrolithiasis, or current ULT use. Demographic and clinical factors associated with an SUA ≥6 mg/dl were determined using Poisson regression.

Results

In 2007–2010, an estimated 4.5 million US adults with gout had an indication for ULT; two‐thirds had an SUA ≥6 mg/dl. In adjusted analyses among those with gout and CKD or nephrolithiasis, those age ≥70 years were less likely (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.61–0.97) to have an SUA ≥6 mg/dl. Regarding those taking ULT, hypertension was related to a reduced prevalence (PR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30–0.87), whereas diabetes mellitus (PR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06–1.90) and obesity (PR 1.74, 95% CI 1.19–2.56) were each associated with a higher prevalence of an SUA value ≥6 mg/dl.

Conclusion

Half of all Americans with gout receiving ULT, and two‐thirds with an indication for ULT, have an SUA above target. This study furnishes a meaningful baseline for assessing the effectiveness of the ACR guidelines in future years.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Relation to Maternal Prenatal Smoking
Authors: Shenoi Susan , Bell Samantha , Wallace Carol A. , Mueller Beth A.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of seropositive adult rheumatoid arthritis. The relationship of smoking with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a heterogeneous group of 7 mutually exclusive categories of chronic childhood inflammatory arthritides, is unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the association between JIA and its categories with maternal prenatal smoking.

Methods

This case–control study used International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes from hospital records to identify 1,196 JIA cases born in Washington state and diagnosed at a quaternary pediatric center from 1997–2010. Controls (n = 5,618) were randomly selected from birth records of children without JIA, frequency matched on birth year. Prenatal smoking exposure was assessed from subjects' birth certificates. Chart review categorized JIA into International League of Associations for Rheumatology categories. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using logistic regression.

Results

We did not observe an increased risk of JIA in relation to maternal prenatal smoking. Prenatal smoking was reported less often among mothers of JIA cases (11%), than among control mothers (17%; OR 0.71 [95% CI 0.58–0.87]), a relationship somewhat more marked for oligoarticular/extended oligoarticular JIA. Although this relationship persisted after adjustment, we cannot rule out that the effect may have been due to residual confounding by socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

We did not observe an increased risk of JIA or its individual categories with maternal prenatal smoking.
A Highly Sensitive Graphene‐Organic Hybrid Photodetector with a Piezoelectric Substrate
Authors: Tan Wei‐Chun , Shih Wei‐Heng , Chen Yang Fang
Published: September 2014

To create a sensitive photodetector, the transparent and conductive properties of graphene and the optical and photovoltaic properties of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) are combined as a hybrid composite. Based on the inherent nature of the band alignment between graphene and P3HT, the photogenerated holes are able to transfer to the graphene layer and improve the photoresponse to be much better than the traditional layer by layer organic system. Additionally, the graphene is deposited on a piezoelectric Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 (PZT) substrate, and the photoresponse of such composite photodetectors is found to be ten times larger than on SiO2 base. It is demonstrated that the electric field of the polarization of piezoelectric substrate helps the spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes and promotes the hole doping of graphene to enhance the photoconduction. A detailed investigation of graphene layers, thickness of P3HT and time evolution shows that the composite of graphene and P3HT on PZT can be used as a sensitive photodetector and has potential as an effective solar cell. Moreover, with the replacement of P3HT by a thin layer of bulk heterojunction of polymer and fullerene, the photosensitivity can be further increased by more than one order of magnitude.
Reversible Ferromagnetic Phase Transition in Electrode‐Gated Manganites
Authors: Cui Bin , Song Cheng , Wang Guangyue , Yan Yinuo , Peng Jingjing , Miao Jinghui , Mao Haijun , Li Fan , Chen Chao , Zeng Fei , Pan Feng
Published: September 2014

The electronic phase transition has been considered as a dominant factor in the phenomena of colossal magnetoresistance, metal‐insulator transition, and exchange bias in correlated electron systems. However, the effective manipulation of the electronic phase transition has remained a challenging issue. Here, the reversible control of ferromagnetic phase transition in manganite films through ionic liquid gating is reported. Under different gate voltages, the formation and annihilation of an insulating and magnetically hard phase in the magnetically soft matrix, which randomly nucleates and grows across the film instead of initiating at the surface and spreading to the bottom, is directly observed. This discovery provides a conceptually novel vision for the electric‐field tuning of phase transition in correlated oxides. In addition to its fundamental significance, the realization of a reversible metal‐insulator transition in colossal magnetoresistance materials will also further the development of four‐state memories, which can be manipulated by a combination of electrode gating and the application of a magnetic field.
Very High Efficiency Orange‐Red Light‐Emitting Devices with Low Roll‐Off at High Luminance Based on an Ideal Host–Guest System Consisting of Two Novel Phosphorescent Iridium Complexes with Bipolar Transport
Authors: Li Guomeng , Zhu Dongxia , Peng Tai , Liu Yu , Wang Yue , Bryce Martin R.
Published: September 2014

Two phosphorescent iridium complexes with bipolar transporting ability, namely FPPCA (500 nm) and BZQPG (600 nm), are synthesized and employed as an ideal host‐guest system for phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (PHOLEDs).The devices give very high‐efficiency orange‐red emission from BZQPG with maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE or ηext) of >27% and maximum power efficiency (PE or ηp) of >75 lm/W, and maintain high levels of 26% and 55 lm/W, 25% and 40 lm/W at high luminance of 1000 and 5000 cd m−2, respectively, within a range of 8–15 wt% of BZQPG. The realization of such high and stable EL performance results from the coexistence of two parallel paths: i) effective energy transfer from host (FPPCA) to guest (BZQPG) and ii) direct exciton formation on the BZQPG emitter, which can alternately dominate the electrophosphorescent emission. This all‐phosphor doping system removes the charge‐injection barrier from the charge‐transport process to the emissive layer (EML) due to the inherent narrow Eg of both phosphors. Therefore, this ideal host–guest system represents a new design to produce PHOLEDs with high efficiency and low efficiency roll‐off using a simple device configuration.
Synthesis, Spectral and Thermal Degradation Kinetics of the Epoxidized Resole Resin Derived from Cardanol
Authors: SHUKLA SHRAWAN KUMAR , SRIVASTAVA DEEPAK , SRIVASTAVA KAVITA
Published: September 2014

Cardanol‐based epoxidized resole resins (ERCF) were synthesized by reacting resole‐type phenolic resin (RCF) and epichlorohydrin in a basic medium, at 120ºC. Resole‐type phenolic resins were synthesized by reacting cardanol and formaldehyde (in molar ratios 1:1.3, 1:1.5, 1:1.7, 1:1.9, 1:2.1) in the presence of sodium hydroxide, as a catalyst, at five different temperatures ranging between 60 and 80ºC with an interval of 5ºC for a maximum period of 6 h. These prepared samples were cured using 15% polyamide as a curing agent at 120 ± 2ºC for 1 h. The synthesized resins were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis. The thermal properties of all these samples were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at 10ºC min−1. Decomposition kinetics was studied by various kinetic models for the synthesized compounds. The TG/DTG thermograms showed two‐step decomposition behavior in all the samples of ERCF. In the present study, Coast–Redfern, Horowitz–Metzger, and Broido models have been used to calculate the activation energy (Ea) and preexponential factor (A) for different stages. The activation energy calculated from all the three models mentioned above were close to each other for the prepared ERCF.
Phenomenological model‐based analysis of lithium batteries: Discharge, charge, relaxation times studies, and cycles analysis
Authors: Henquín Eduardo R. , Aguirre Pio A.
Published: September 2014

The operation of lithium ion batteries in discharge and charge processes is addressed. A simple phenomenological model is developed to predict all variables values. A set of algebraic and differential equations is derived taking into account salt and lithium balances in electrodes, in the separator, and in particles. Balances are developed for finite volumes and appropriate average values of several variables such as concentrations, current densities, and electrochemical reaction rates are introduced. Definitions of current densities as volume fraction functions are critical issues in the computations. Experimental values taken from the literature for discharge processes are predicted very accurately. Constant salt concentration in the separator can be assumed and consequently, the model can be analytically solved. Charge and discharge times, initial cell capacity, lost capacity, and relaxation times are easily estimated from simple equations and cell parameters. The limiting processes taking place during cell discharge can be determined. Energy efficiency and capacity usage are quantified for cycles. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 90–102, 2015
Intensive chemotherapy, azacitidine, or supportive care in older acute myeloid leukemia patients: An analysis from a regional healthcare network
Authors: Bories Pierre , Bertoli Sarah , Bérard Emilie , Laurent Julie , Duchayne Eliane , Sarry Audrey , Delabesse Eric , Beyne‐Rauzy Odile , Huguet Françoise , Récher Christian
Published: September 2014

We assessed in a French regional healthcare network the distribution of treatments, prognostic factors, and outcome of 334 newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia patients aged 60 years or older over a 4‐year period of time (2007–2010). Patients were selected in daily practice for intensive chemotherapy (n = 115), azacitidine (n = 95), or best supportive care (n = 124). In these three groups, median overall survival was 18.9, 11.3, and 1.8 months, respectively. In the azacitidine group, multivariate analysis showed that overall survival was negatively impacted by higher age (P = 0.010 for one unit increase), unfavorable cytogenetics (P = 0.001), lymphocyte count <0.5 G/L (P = 0.015), and higher lactate dehydrogenase level (P = 0.005 for one unit increase). We compared the survival of patients treated by azacitidine versus intensive chemotherapy and best supportive care using time‐dependent analysis and propensity score matching. Patients treated by intensive chemotherapy had a better overall survival compared with those treated by azacitidine from 6 months after diagnosis, whereas patients treated by azacitidine had a better overall survival compared with those treated by best supportive care from 1 day after diagnosis. This study of “real life” practice shows that there is a room for low intensive therapies such as azacitidine in selected elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients. Am. J. Hematol. 89:E244–E252, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining the utility of thresholds for aerobic fitness related to resting blood pressure and BMI in portuguese children
Authors: Duncan Michael J. , Martins Clarice , Silva Gustavo , Ribeiro José Carlos , Oliveira José , Pizarro Andreia , Mota Jorge , Aires Luisa
Published: September 2014

Objectives

This study examined the utility of the Ruiz et al. cut‐points when examining body mass index (BMI) and resting blood pressure in young people.

Methods

Two hundred fifty‐six children (154 girls and 102 boys) aged 7–16 years underwent assessment of BMI, physical maturation, resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and cardiorespiratory fitness using breath by breath gas analysis during treadmill testing to exhaustion.

Results

Results from a series of 2 (fit vs. unfit) × 2 (gender) ways analysis of covariance, controlling for maturation indicated higher SBP in the unfit group compared to the fit group (P = 0.001), higher DBP in the unfit group compared to the fit group (P = 0.04) and higher BMI (in unfit) than fit children (P = 0.0001). Males had significantly higher BMI than females (P = 0.04). Maturation as a covariate was significantly and positively associated with SBP (P = 0.003), DBP (P = 0.004), and BMI (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the Ruiz et al. cut‐points are valid in distinguishing between children with higher and lower BMI and resting BP values. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:226–227, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐NMDAR encephalitis: case report and diagnostic issues
Authors: Omura Taishi , Sonoda Seijiro , Nagata Katsuhiro , Okita Taihei , Hoshiai Akira , Sano Hidefumi , Tanaka Yosuke , Tsurukiri Junya , Arai Takao , Ohta Shoichi
Published: September 2014

Case

A 20‐year‐old woman developed acute psychotic symptoms and altered level of consciousness. She presented with neck stiffness, tremulous arms, facial dyskinesia, and distension of the lower abdomen. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral ovarian teratomas. Anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antibodies were detected in her cerebrospinal fluid.

Outcome

Resection of the tumors and immunotherapy were carried out. She gradually recovered and was discharged with few neurological deficits on the 105th day of hospitalization.

Conclusion

Our survey of 63 previous reports describing 92 cases revealed that 21.7% of the patients were sent to emergency departments and 59.8% of the patients were managed in intensive care units. Emergency physicians and intensivists should be aware of this disorder, as they may encounter undiagnosed disorders in patients with epileptic attacks, acute psychotic signs, dyskinesia, or hypoventilation in the course of the illness.
Enantioselective CH Bond Functionalization Triggered by Radical Trifluoromethylation of Unactivated Alkene
Authors: Yu Peng , Lin Jin‐Shun , Li Lei , Zheng Sheng‐Cai , Xiong Ya‐Ping , Zhao Li‐Jiao , Tan Bin , Liu Xin‐Yuan
Published: September 2014

An asymmetric unactivated alkene/CH bond difunctionalization reaction for the concomitant construction of CCF3 and CO bonds was realized by using a Cu/Brønsted acid cooperative catalytic system, thus providing facile access to valuable chiral CF3‐containing N,O‐aminals with excellent regio‐, chemo‐, and enantioselectivity. Mechanistic studies revealed that this reaction may proceed by an unprecedented 1,5‐hydride shift involving activation of unactivated alkenes and a radical trifluoromethylation to initiate subsequent enantioselective functionalization of CH bonds. Control experiments also suggested that chiral Brønsted acid plays multiple roles and not only controls the stereoselectivity but also increases the reaction rate through activation of Togni’s reagent.
Thermoresponsive and Photoluminescent Hybrid Silicon Nanoparticles by Surface‐Initiated Group Transfer Polymerization of Diethyl Vinylphosphonate
Authors: Kehrle Julian , Höhlein Ignaz M. D. , Yang Zhenyu , Jochem Aljosha‐Rakim , Helbich Tobias , Kraus Tobias , Veinot Jonathan G. C. , Rieger Bernhard
Published: September 2014

We present a method to combine the functional features of poly(diethyl vinylphosphonate) (PDEVP) and photoluminescent silicon nanocrystals. The polymer–particle hybrids were synthesized in three steps through surface‐initiated group transfer polymerization using Cp2YCH2TMS(thf) as a catalyst. This pathway of particle modification renders the nanoparticle surface stable against oxidation. Although SiNC properties are known to be sensitive toward transition metals, the hybrid particles exhibit red photoluminescence in water. The temperature‐dependent coiling of PDEVP results in a change of the hydrodynamic radius of the hybrid particles in water. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of controlled catalytic polymerization reactions on a silicon nanocrystal surface.
Protecting‐Group‐Free One‐Pot Synthesis of Glycoconjugates Directly from Reducing Sugars
Authors: Lim David , Brimble Margaret A. , Kowalczyk Renata , Watson Andrew J. A. , Fairbanks Antony John
Published: September 2014

The conversion of sugars into glycomimetics typically involves multiple protecting‐group manipulations. The development of methodology allowing the direct aqueous conversion of free sugars into glycosides, and mimics of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates in a high‐yielding and stereoselective process is highly desirable. The combined use of 2‐azido‐1,3‐dimethylimidazolinium hexafluorophosphate and the Cu‐catalyzed Huisgen cycloaddition allowed the synthesis of a range of glycoconjugates in a one‐step reaction directly from reducing sugars under aqueous conditions. The reaction, which is completely stereoselective, may be applied to the convergent synthesis of triazole‐linked glycosides, oligosaccharides, and glycopeptides. The procedure provides a method for the one‐pot aqueous ligation of oligosaccharides and peptides bearing alkyne side chains.
Piperidine‐functionalized silica: an efficient and environmentally benign catalyst for Claisen–Schmidt condensation
Authors: Khan Kulsum , Siddiqui Zeba N.
Published: September 2014

Piperidine‐functionalized silica as a basic heterogeneous catalyst was synthesized via a simple protocol by condensing silica chloride with piperidine. The catalyst was characterized with various techniques (FT‐IR, solid state NMR, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray, thermogravimetric, elemental, and NH3 and CO2 temperature‐programmed desorption analyses). Surface area was also evaluated through Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. Its catalytic activity was evaluated for Claisen–Schmidt condensation under solvent‐free conditions. The catalyst was easily recovered and reused up to five cycles without considerable loss of activity and was not deactivated due to amide formation. Also, this method has attractive advantages such as short reaction time, mild reaction conditions, good to excellent yield of products, easy handling of the catalyst and simple operational procedure. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibody‐Secreting Cell Specificity in Labial Salivary Glands Reflects the Clinical Presentation and Serology in Patients With Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Maier‐Moore Jacen S. , Koelsch Kristi A. , Smith Kenneth , Lessard Christopher J. , Radfar Lida , Lewis David , Kurien Biji T. , Wolska Nina , Deshmukh Umesh , Rasmussen Astrid , Sivils Kathy L. , James Judith A. , Farris A. Darise , Scofield R. Hal
Published: September 2014

Objective

The serologic hallmark of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is the presence of IgG antibodies specific for Ro (SSA) and La (SSB). The molecular characteristics of gland‐derived B cells at the site of primary SS inflammation have been described previously; however, parallels between glandular antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs) and serologic antibody specificities have not been evaluated. We used recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology to study the specificities of salivary gland (SG)–derived ASCs, evaluate their molecular characteristics, and identify IgG antibody specificity.

Methods

Human antibodies were generated from glandular IgG ASCs. Heavy chain and light chain use and immunoglobulin subclass were analyzed by sequencing. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, indirect immunofluorescence, enzyme immunoassay, and 35S‐labeled protein immunoprecipitation analysis were used to determine antibody specificity.

Results

Evaluation of single ASCs in SG biopsy specimens from a patient with primary SS and a patient with SS and overlapping systemic lupus erythematosus revealed significant concordance between serum autoantibody and glandular ASC specificities. Gland‐derived ASC heavy chains and light chains were extensively somatically hypermutated, which is indicative of antigen‐driven responses. Specifically, we produced the first fully human mAb derived from SGs.

Conclusion

In patients with SS, the SGs are a site for the production of antibodies that extend beyond the canonical Ro and/or La SS specificities. Glandular antibody production strongly reflected the serologic humoral response in the 2 patients whom we studied.