bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China-Venezuelan Oil Cooperation Model
Authors: Sun Hongbo
Published: October 2014

With the shift of the world growth gravity from the industrialized countries to the emerging economies, the China-Latin American relationship has greater political and economic implications in the current international power transition. The energy ties between China and Latin America have been significantly strengthened in the oil sector and the China-Venezuela oil cooperation model is a unique example that might explain the dynamics of China’s energy interaction with Latin American resource countries. This oil cooperation model is a plural collaboration pattern with the oil sector as the cooperation axis and is extended to the infrastructure, high-tech, agriculture and other sectors under the intergovernmental institutionalized cooperative framework, which is supported by Chinese financial credit. China and Venezuela have high complementarities of energy interest in terms of the oil trade, finance and infrastructure building, based on the two countries’ relative economic advantages.
The Subject of Pain: Husserl’s Discovery of the Lived-Body
Authors: Geniusas Saulius
Published: October 2014

The paper aims to develop a phenomenology of pain on the basis of the insights introduced in Husserl’s phenomenology. First, I suggest that pain is given to intuition as an indubitable and a bodily localizable experience. Since these two characteristics are incompatible with each other, I argue that the experience of pain is paradoxical. Second, I contend that philosophy of pain provides six ways to resolve this paradox: semiological, causal, associationist, representational, perceptual, and phenomenological. Third, my central goal is to develop the phenomenological resolution and to show that it culminates in the realization that the subject of pain is neither the disembodied consciousness nor the physiological body but the lived-body, conceived as the field of sensings. Fourth, I offer a phenomenological account of the structure of pain experience. I suggest that this structure could be characterized as the already appropriated body’s inner protest against its constitutive appropriation.
Double Characters: James and Stevens on Poetry-Philosophy
Authors: Hall Joshua M.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, I will explore how the work of Wallace Stevens constitutes a phenomenology that resonates strongly with that of William James. I will, first, explore two explicit references to James in the essays of Stevens that constitute a misrepresentation of a rather duplicitous quote from James’ personal letters. Second, I will consider Stevens’ little known lecture-turned-essay, “A Collect of Philosophy,” and the (conventional) poem, “Large Red Man Reading,” as texts that are both about a conception of poetryphilosophy as well as being performances of poetry-philosophy. Finally, I will compare James’ and Stevens’ thought on the imagination, highlighting both form and content and the poetic-philosophical union or blend that makes possible (or virtual) those similarities.
Raced, Gendered, Faithed, and Sexed
Authors: Alexander Paul Nathan
Published: October 2014

Abstract

In this paper I address constructions of race and white supremacy, diversities of religious faith, and constructions of genders and sexes together with the concomitant ongoing inequalities for females and limitations on discourse regarding LGBT+ realities. I use First Nations, liberation, and postcolonial methodologies and hermeneutics to interrogate constructions of whiteness and I theorize beyond whiteness by offering readings of the exodus, the subsequent conquest of Canaan by Joshua (Yeshua), and the Canaanite woman’s interaction with and transformation of Jesus (Yeshua). I provide data that shows the significant gender disparity among university and seminary faculties and I argue for intentionality in the uses of power to achieve parity. I encourage interfaith and interreligious dialogue and cooperation. Finally, I conclude by acknowledging the diversity of perspectives regarding LGBT+ and encourage more space for the presentation of research and argumentation regarding the many issues of sexualities, faithings, genderings, and racings.
The Immunity of International Organizations in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wickremasinghe Chanaka
Published: October 2014

This article analyses how the immunities of international organizations have been treated in the United Kingdom. It describes how the United Kingdom has approached the privileges and immunities of the international organizations to which it plays host and how the United Kingdom has framed these privileges and immunities in domestic legislation. This article further addresses how United Kingdom courts have treated immunities, and demonstrates that national courts have been cognisant of the importance of upholding the privileges and immunities of international organizations.
Aristotle in the Medical Works of Arnau de Vilanova (c. 1240–1311)
Authors: Grau Torras Sergi
Published: October 2014

Arnau de Vilanova, one of the most important physicians of the Latin Middle Ages, was familiar with the vast majority of Aristotle’s works that had been translated into Latin. He used a wide range of them, such as the Organon – the introductory books on logic – and the natural philosophical books, which cover a different branches of knowledge. He used Aristotle as an authority, trying to reconcile him with the field of medicine as practiced in his time. In so going, he defined a new theoretical model of medicine by the standards of natural philosophy, while continuing to emphasize the boundaries between medicine and natural philosophy. This paper represents to a first attempt to investigate the Aristotelian quotations in the medical writings of Arnau de Vilanova.
Laws against the Denial of Historical Atrocities: A Human Rights Analysis
Authors: Temperman Jeroen
Published: October 2014

This article ventures into the contentious question of whether the denial of historical atrocities is per se removed from the protection of freedom of expression and the related question if states may under international human rights law proactively combat, through criminal legislation (‘memory laws’), such types of extreme speech. In so doing, the article compares and contrasts approaches employed by the un Human Rights Committee that monitors the un International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with that of the European Court of Human Rights, regional watchdog of the European Convention on Human Rights. It is argued that both approaches are shifting—though not quite in converging directions. The article makes a case for a contextual rather than exclusively content-based approach. An approach in which the question of ‘likelihood of harm being done to the targeted group’ is guiding, best resonates with the necessity principle.
The Prohibition of Incitement to National, Racial or Religious Hatred in European Comparative Perspective
Authors: Christians Louis-Léon
Published: October 2014

The implementation of Article 20, paragraph 2, of the iccpr has become one of the major issues of international law. This article presents an analysis of major trends in national legislation, case law and policy relating to the prohibition of incitement to hatred in Europe. This article aims to take a new look at the practical questions raised by these conditions and provisions, thus helping to restore the effectiveness of fundamental rights.
Taxonomic delimitation in color polymorphic species of the South American grasshopper genus Diponthus Stål (Orthoptera, Romaleidae, Romaleini)
Authors: Pocco Martina E. , Celeste Scattolini M. , Lange Carlos E. , Cigliano María Marta
Published: October 2014

The South American genus Diponthus Stål comprises species with cryptic and probably aposematic colorations. It belongs to a group of grasshoppers, tribe Romaleini, where color polymorphism is common. Morphometric techniques were used to clarify the taxonomic limits and status of six nominal species of Diponthus: D. permistus (Serville), D. argentinus Pictet & Saussure, D. pycnostictus Pictet & Saussure, D. communis Bruner, D. pictus (Bolivar) and D. schulzi Bruner. Results of cluster (CA) and principal component (PCA) analyses showed that D. pycnostictus can be defined by a unique combination of characters, while the remaining nominal species represent different color morphs of a single taxon, here recognized as D. argentinus. We also used statistical analyses to examine whether the discontinuities in body coloration of the polymorphic D. argentinus could be explained by geographic variation. The distribution patterns of body coloration of D. argentinus do not appear to be restricted to any particular biogeographic region and no character correlation resulted with latitude. Furthermore, the results show that color morphs display high levels of overlap across the geographic range, as well as intra-population variation. We conclude that in D. argentinus body coloration varies considerably across the geographic distribution range but without any noticeable color gradient correlated with the latitude. According to the phylogenetic species concept (PSC) we consider D. pycnostictus Pictet & Saussure and D. argentinus Pictet & Saussure as valid species. The following synonymies are proposed under D. argentinus: D. communis Bruner n. syn., D. schulzi Bruner n. syn., D. pictus (Bolivar) n. syn., and D. permistus (Serville) n. syn. We declare D. permistus (Serville) a nomen oblitum.
100 years Zoraptera—a phantom in insect evolution and the history of its investigation
Authors: Mashimo Y. , Matsumura Y. , Machida R. , Dallai R. , Gottardo M. , Yoshizawa K. , Friedrich F. , Wipfler B. , Beutel R.G.
Published: October 2014

Zoraptera are a cryptic and enigmatic group of insects. The species diversity is lower than in almost all other groups of Hexapoda, but may be distinctly higher than presently known. Several new species were described from different regions recently. The systematic placement was discussed controversially since the group was discovered 100 years ago. Affinities with Isoptera and Psocoptera were discussed in earlier studies. A sister group relationship with Acercaria (Psocodea, Thysanoptera, Hemiptera) was proposed by W. Hennig, for the first time based on a strictly phylogenetic argumentation. More recent studies consistently suggest a placement among the “lower neopteran orders” (Polyneoptera). Close affinities to Dictyoptera were proposed and alternatively a sister group relationship with Embioptera or with Embioptera + Phasmatodea (Eukinolabia), respectively. The precise placement is still controversial and the intraordinal relationships are largely unclear. Recent transcriptome analyses tentatively suggest a clade Zoraptera + Dermaptera as sister group of all other polyneopteran orders. The oldest fossils are from Cretaceous amber. An extinct genus from this era may be the sister group of all the remaining zorapterans. The knowledge of the morphology, development and features related to the reproductive system greatly increased in recent years. The general body morphology is very uniform, whereas the genitalia differ strongly between species. This is likely due to different kinds of selection, i.e. sexual selection in the case of the genital organs. The mating pattern also differs profoundly within the order. A unique external sperm transfer occurs in Zorotypus impolitus. A species-level phylogeny and more investigations of the reproductive system should have high priority.
Homology of the metapleuron of Cyclorrhapha, with discussion of the paraphyly of Syrphoidea (Diptera: Aschiza)
Authors: Tachi Takuji
Published: October 2014

The morphology of the metathorax of brachyceran Diptera is examined, particularly the metapleuron in the superfamily Syrphoidea comprising two families Syrphidae and Pipunculidae. The homologies of the metepisternum (EPS) and metepimeron (EPM) are redefined based on the metapleural suture (PlS), which bears an internal apophysis. A new interpretation of the metathorax is provided for Syrphidae. Members of Schizophora and Pipunculidae have an articulation between EPM and the first abdominal tergite in common and the (metapleural-abdominal) articulation is indicated as a synapomorphy for them. In some species of Syrphidae the well-developed metapostnotum is articulated with the first abdominal tergite and the (metapostnotal-abdominal) articulation is diagnostic of a subgroup of the family. The articulations are evaluated and discussed with respect to abdominal flexion of Diptera.
Frida Vigdorova’s Transcript of Joseph Brodsky’s Trial: Myths and Reality
Authors: Raskina Alexandra
Published: October 2014

The article analyzes the dramatic events surrounding Joseph Brodsky’s trial in Leningrad 1964, focusing on Frida Vigdorova’s transcript of the trial record. Some of these events are not fully known in Russia, and many are either totally unknown or misunderstood in the West. The transcript Vigdorova recorded played a central role in the post-trial collective protests by Soviet intelligentsia, protests unprecedented in the post-Stalin era. It became one of the very first human-rights documents in the ussr and a key contribution to samizdat. The article also treats the Soviet authorities’ persecution of young representatives of the literary intelligentsia, and it highlights Vigdorova’s successful efforts to intercede for several of those individuals before the emergence of the Brodsky case.
In Search of the Plain and the Philosophical
Authors: Hamawaki Arata
Published: October 2014

In this paper, I take up Thompson Clarke’s distinction between “philosophical” and “plain” ways of understanding a question that could be expressed with the words, “how do you know…?” Clarke argues that this distinction has two important implications. First, philosophical skepticism would stand in an “indirect” relation with its “plain” counterparts, so that what the philosopher is examining is not, as it might initially seem, a plain claim to know, but rather what Clarke calls “philosophical common sense.” Second, if philosophical common sense is intelligible then it cannot be defended: philosophical skepticism would be unavoidable. For Clarke philosophical common sense is intelligible, only if our “conceptual human constitution” is of the “standard type,” and our “conceptual human constitution” is of the “standard type” only if the concepts of dreaming and waking do not have a “knowability requirement” built into them. I defend the claim that these concepts have a “knowability requirement” by tracing the “knowability requirement” to the nature of judgment itself: in particular to what I describe as the priority of the first-person point of view in the constitution of states of judgment. If this is right, the only intelligible questions of the form “how do you know…?” are of the plain variety, and any satisfying treatment of skepticism would have to forego a defense of “philosophical common sense.”
Right to the Holy Word. A Brief Approach to Linguistic Claims in a Pluri-cultural Public Sphere: An Italian Case-Study
Authors: Anello Giancarlo
Published: October 2014

Evaluating linguistic rights—or any type of claim in legislation on the basis of cultural differences—is a difficult task for legal professionals working within the framework of the contemporary pluralistic state.

This paper lays down some simple methodological guidelines for the assessment and classification of these rights by recently established minority religious groups in Europe, especially Islamic groups in Italy, within a democratic and pluralist polity.

It is divided into two sections. The first concerns the definition and interpretation of “culture” as a legal good, as depicted from many kinds of international and constitutional provisions on the subject.

The second deals with language rights of Muslim communities in the Italian legal system.
The Rise and Fall of Tariq Ramadan in the Netherlands: The Interplay of Dutch Politics, Media, and Academia
Authors: van Sandwijk Annemarie
Published: October 2014

In 2007, the Municipality of Rotterdam appointed Tariq Ramadan as an Integration Adviser. In addition to this position, Ramadan was appointed as a Visiting Professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam. This article provides a thorough analysis of Ramadan’s appointment, positions in, and premature dismissal from Rotterdam in the years 2007–2009. It will examine the interrelated roles of the main actors involved—i.e. the Municipality, the media, and the University. It also takes the Ramadan affair in the Netherlands as an empirical case study to analyse how policy makers deal with the idea of religion as a potential source of social cohesion in society. In addition, it analyses the Ramadan affair in the context of the emergence of Western-based Muslim intellectuals in the public sphere. Finally, it considers the outcome of Ramadan’s legal proceedings against both the Municipality and the University, which clearly exposes the tensions between political activism and scholarship.
Worship as Missional Practice
Authors: Cronshaw Darren , Downes Peter
Published: October 2014

The corporate worship gathering has been centrally important to Vineyard Churches, but the Emerging Missional Church (emc) movement has challenged them to reconsider how corporate worship interfaces with mission. A linked series of case studies of three Australian Vineyard churches identifies several functions of the Sunday worship gathering. Worship is a ‘centripetal embrace’ for God’s people; which brings focus, community, continuity and a climax to the week. But worship as missional practice is equally about centrifugal release and the need for encouragement, equipping, empowering, direction and missional impetus. These functions are consistent with James Smith’s appeal for worship that forms disciples whose desires are shaped towards the Kingdom of God and whose imaginations are captured with a vision for being actors in God’s story.
Sounding Religious, Sounding Queer
Authors: Taylor Yvette , Falconer Emily , Snowdon Ria
Published: October 2014

This paper explores the role music plays in ‘queer-identifying religious youth’ worship, including attitudes to ‘progressive’ and ‘traditional’ musical sounds and styles. It looks at approaches taken by inclusive non-denominational churches (such as the Metropolitan Community Church, mcc), to reconcile different, and at times conflicting, identities of its members. Focusing on ‘spaces of reconciliation’ we bring together the embodied experience of Christian congregational music with the ‘age appropriate’ temporality of modern music, to examine the complex relationship between age, music, faith and sexuality. Young queers did not always feel ill at ease with ‘tradition’ and in fact many felt pulled towards traditional choral songs and hymns. Embodied and affective responses to congregational music emerged in complex and multiple ways: faith infused creativity, such as singing practice, enables queer youth to do religion and Christianity and be a part of ‘sounding religious, sounding queer’.
Elaphopsocoides, a new genus of Psocidae (Psocodea: ´Psocoptera´) from Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Authors: ROMÁN-P. CRISTIAN , ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA , OBANDO RANULFO GONZÁLEZ
Published: October 2014

Two new species of Elaphopsocoides n. gen. from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, are here described and illustrated. The new genus is related to Elaphopsocus Roesler, but differs from it mostly in the hypandrial projections and in phallosome structure. The female subgenital plate has a distinct, median, posterior projection. The types are deposited in the Entomology Museum, Universidad del Valle (MUSENUV), Santiago de Cali, Colombia.
The Structure and Dynamics of the Stratospheric Northern Annular Mode in CMIP5 Simulations
Authors: Lee Yun-Young , Black Robert X.
Published: October 2014

The structure and dynamics of stratospheric northern annular mode (SNAM) events in CMIP5 simulations are studied, emphasizing (i) stratosphere–troposphere coupling and (ii) disparities between high-top (HT) and low-top (LT) models. Compared to HT models, LT models generally underrepresent SNAM amplitude in stratosphere, consistent with weaker polar vortex variability, as demonstrated by Charlton-Perez et al. Interestingly, however, this difference does not carry over to the associated zonal-mean SNAM signature in troposphere, which closely resembles observations in both HT and LT models. Nonetheless, a regional analysis illustrates that both HT and LT models exhibit anomalously weak and eastward shifted (compared to observations) storm track and sea level pressure anomaly patterns in association with SNAM events.

Dynamical analyses of stratosphere–troposphere coupling are performed to further examine the distinction between HT and LT models. Variability in stratospheric planetary wave activity is reduced in LT models despite robust concomitant tropospheric variability. A meridional heat flux analysis indicates relatively weak vertical Rossby wave coupling in LT models consistent with the excessive damping events discussed by Shaw et al. Eliassen–Palm flux cross sections reveal that Rossby wave propagation is anomalously weak above the tropopause in LT models, suggesting that weak polar vortex variability in LT models is due, at least in part, to the inability of tropospheric planetary wave activity to enter the stratosphere. Although the results are consistent with anomalously weak vertical dynamical coupling in LT models during SNAM events, there is little impact upon attendant tropospheric variability. The physical reason behind this apparent paradox represents an important topic for future study.
Prioritizing Data for Improving the Multidecadal Predictive Capability of Atmospheric Models
Authors: Leroy Stephen S. , Redaelli Gianluca , Grassi Barbara
Published: October 2014

The prioritization accorded to observation types currently being considered for a space-based climate observing system is extended from a previous study. Hindcast averages and trends from 1970 through 2005 of longitude–latitude maps of 200-hPa geopotential height and of net downward shortwave and longwave radiation at the top of the atmosphere are investigated as relevant tests of climate models for predicting multidecadal surface air temperature change. To discover the strongest tests of climate models, Bayes’s theorem is applied to the output provided by phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison, and correlations of hindcasts and multidecadal climate prediction are used to rank the observation types and long-term averages versus long-term trends. Spatial patterns in data are shown to contain more information for improving climate prediction than do global averages of data, but no statistically significant test is found by considering select locations on the globe. Eigenmodes of intermodel differences in hindcasts may likely serve as tests of climate models that can improve interdecadal climate prediction, in particular the rate of Arctic tropospheric expansion, which is measurable by Earth radio occultation.
Switching suicide methods as a predictor of completed suicide in individuals with repeated self-harm: A community cohort study in northern Taiwan
Authors: Wang Liang-Jen , Huang Yu-Chi , Lee Sheng-Yu , Wu Ya-Wen , Chen Chih-Ken
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Repetition of suicide attempts is common, but little is known about the relationship between switching methods of suicide attempt and the probability of completed suicide. This study aimed to determine the transition of methods chosen by individuals who repeat suicide attempts, and how the switched methods of suicide attempts influence the risk of suicide death.

Method:

All consecutive individuals ( n = 2052) with an episode of non-fatal suicide attempt registered in a surveillance database provided by the Department of Health of the Keelung City Government from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2010 were enrolled and followed up until the end of 2011. The earliest attempt recorded in the database was defined as the index attempt. Data on the time of subsequent completed suicide and methods chosen for repeated self-harm during the follow-up period were analyzed by performing a Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results:

Of the total subjects, 374 (18.2%) had at least one other attempted suicide and 50 (2.4%) eventually died by suicide. Subjects who used highly lethal methods in the index self-harm tended to switch methods in the next suicide attempt ( p<0.001). Switching to a more lethal method was a significant predictor of completed suicide (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 7.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.52–14.14). In addition, subjects who used charcoal-burning in the index self-harm attempt had a higher risk of subsequent suicide death (aHR 3.47, 95% CI 1.57–7.68).

Conclusions:

The findings in this study give us some insight into the patterns of methods in repeat suicide attempters. The intent behind switching methods of suicide attempt might be considered as an important item of clinical assessment of the seriousness of suicidal behavior.
Personalized Normative Feedback and the Moderating Role of Personal Norms
Authors: Schultz P. Wesley , Messina Alyssa , Tronu Giuseppe , Limas Eleuterio F. , Gupta Rupanwita , Estrada Mica
Published: October 2014

This article examines the role of social norms messages in promoting water conservation. A field experiment is reported in which residents were provided with personalized feedback about their water consumption, coupled with normative information about similar households in their neighborhood. Normative information was provided either through a web-based interface or through postal mail, and survey data were collected from residents prior to treatment. Results showed that residents who received normative information consumed less water than a randomized control group. Additional analyses showed that web-based distribution was less effective than postal mail. Finally, moderated regression analyses showed that residents with strong personal norms about reduced water consumption were less affected by the normative messages than were residents with low personal norms. Implications are discussed for both theory and practice.
Retrenched and Returned: Filipino Migrant Workers during Times of Crisis
Authors: Spitzer Denise L , Piper Nicola
Published: October 2014

Situating data from a pilot study conducted in the Philippines within the research literature, we examine the impact of the recent global economic crisis on the experiences of Filipino migrant workers and their families in the context of previous economic upheavals. In so doing, we highlight the gendered effects of shifts in the global economy and detail government response to the premature return of migrant workers to the Philippines primarily due to retrenchment impelled by the global economic crisis. While the current conditions of migration and return are significant, we argue that these are not the result of a new global economic crisis, but are instead the ongoing effects of neoliberal globalization that have resulted in sustained multiple crises with which residents of the Global South have had to contend. Moreover, the reputed solutions offered to returned migrants are rooted in the same faulty paradigm that will be destined to produce only further hardship.
The role of rural universities in developing psychology in South Africa
Authors: Edwards Stephen D
Published: October 2014

This article discusses the role of rural universities in developing psychology in South Africa in relation to issues in the transformation from apartheid to democracy. Particular focus is on disadvantages, advantages, and unique opportunities. Special implications and applications include community psychology, indigenous healing, and multicultural counselling.
Generalized minimum variance control design based on the Box-Jenkins model and its application to gas flow control system
Authors: Shiyong Tan , Shuangfu Suo , Songyang Zhao , Yuming Wang
Published: October 2014

This paper deals with the problem of controller design based on Box-Jenkins model to achieve both regulating and tracking control. The greatest challenge of this problem lies in embedding the complicated noise term of the Box-Jenkins model into the control law. To solve this problem, this paper establishes a novel control method complemented by the generalized minimum variant control criterion, and introduces an ingenious design of Diophantine equation to deal with the complicated noise term. In addition, this control methodology can be applied to non-minimum-phase system and allows arbitrary pole placement that enables the designer to achieve the desired dynamic response. Also, the corresponding computation algorithm is designed to determine the polynomials in the controller. Finally, an application on gas flow control system is introduced to demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of this control method.
A surface reconstruction method for in-detail underwater 3D optical mapping
Authors: Campos Ricard , Garcia Rafael , Alliez Pierre , Yvinec Mariette
Published: October 2014

Underwater range scanning techniques are starting to gain interest in underwater exploration, providing new tools to represent the seafloor. These scans (often) acquired by underwater robots usually result in an unstructured point cloud, but given the common downward-looking or forward-looking configuration of these sensors with respect to the scene, the problem of recovering a piecewise linear approximation representing the scene is normally solved by approximating these 3D points using a heightmap (2.5D). Nevertheless, this representation is not able to correctly represent complex structures, especially those presenting arbitrary concavities normally exhibited in underwater objects. We present a method devoted to full 3D surface reconstruction that does not assume any specific sensor configuration. The method presented is robust to common defects in raw scanned data such as outliers and noise often present in extreme environments such as underwater, both for sonar and optical surveys. Moreover, the proposed method does not need a manual preprocessing step. It is also generic as it does not need any information other than the points themselves to work. This property leads to its wide application to any kind of range scanning technologies and we demonstrate its versatility by using it on synthetic data, controlled laser scans, and multibeam sonar surveys. Finally, and given the unbeatable level of detail that optical methods can provide, we analyze the application of this method on optical datasets related to biology, geology and archeology.
Curcumin-loaded poly(l-lactide-co-D,l-lactide) electrospun fibers: Preparation and antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antibacterial properties
Authors: Yakub Gyuldzhan , Toncheva Antoniya , Manolova Nevena , Rashkov Iliya , Kussovski Veselin , Danchev Dobri
Published: October 2014

Fibrous materials of poly(l-lactide- co-d,l-lactide), poly(l-lactide- co-d,l-lactide)/poly(ethylene glycol), and curcumin were prepared by electrospinning. The incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) in the fibers caused a decrease in the mean fiber diameters down to 700 nm and in the water contact angle value, the latter being equal to 0 at poly(l-lactide- co-d,l-lactide)/poly(ethylene glycol) 60/40 weight ratio. The water contact angle values of poly(l-lactide- co-d,l-lactide)/curcumin fibrous materials considerably exceeded those of films of the same composition (approximately 120° as compared to approximately 95°, for electrospun mats and solution-cast films, respectively). Curcumin affected the thermal stability of the fibrous materials and the crystallinity degree of the polymers. The mechanical properties of the electrospun materials also depended on the composition of the polymer matrix and the amount of curcumin therein. In the curcumin-containing fibers, curcumin was found in the amorphous state, while higher antioxidant activity was exhibited by poly(l-lactide- co-d,l-lactide)/poly(ethylene glycol)/curcumin fibrous materials. In vitro determination of the activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time showed that poly(l-lactide- co-d,l-lactide)/curcumin fibrous materials displayed anticoagulant activity. Antibacterial effect toward Staphylococcus aureus was manifested by the curcumin-containing mats.
The Intricacies of Induced Lactation for Same-Sex Mothers of an Adopted Child
Authors: Wilson Erica , Perrin Maryanne Tigchelaar , Fogleman April , Chetwynd Ellen
Published: October 2014

The definition of a modern family is changing. In this case study, we describe the breastfeeding experience of a child receiving human milk from all 3 of his mothers: his 2 adoptive mothers, who induced lactation to nurse him, and his birth mother, who shared in his early feeding during the open adoption process and continued to pump and send milk to him for several months. We review the lactation protocol used by his adoptive mothers and the unique difficulties inherent in this multi-mother family dynamic. Both adoptive mothers successfully induced moderate milk production using a combination of hormonal birth control, domperidone, herbal supplements, and a schedule of breast pumping. However, because of the increased complexity of the immediate postpartum period and concerns with defining parental roles in a same-sex marriage, maintenance of milk production was difficult.
Mechanical properties of polymer melt-impregnated fiber tape sandwiches using injection molding technology
Authors: Tröltzsch Jürgen , Helbig Frank , Kroll Lothar
Published: October 2014

In this study, the direct melt impregnation of unidirectional glass fiber tapes in an injection molding process is investigated. The simple textile structures were used for a load-adapted reinforcement of injection-molded parts, determining the impregnation quality by mechanical tests. A sandwich layer construction was made with an outer unidirectional fiber layers and an inner injection-molded layer with pure or additionally short fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP). The glass fiber tapes were produced in a continuously working fiber–foil process where the aligned fiber bundles have been fixed with one side on a PP foil under temporarily acting pressure and temperature. A special bundle spreading device reduced the number of individual fiber layers, which ensured the direct melt impregnation in the injection molding process. The mechanical properties of the sandwich structures were determined using a three-point bending flexural test as well as Charpy and puncture impact tests to investigate the energy absorption. The results were compared to unreinforced and globally short fiber-reinforced test samples. The local reinforcement, designed for bending stiffness and energy absorption, led to a considerable reinforcement effect with minimal mass increase in comparison with the short fiber-reinforced samples. The fiber masses required to achieve commensurable properties were significantly reduced. Thus, when using the fiber tapes, only one-third of the fiber mass necessary for reinforcement with short glass fibers was required.
Concordance of Pharmacist Assessment of Medication Nonadherence With a Self-Report Medication Adherence Scale
Authors: Kelly Michael S. , Moczygemba Leticia R. , Gatewood Sharon S.
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the concordance of the Modified Morisky Scale (MMS) with a pharmacist assessment of medication adherence during a medication review.

Methods:

This retrospective study examined the electronic medical records (EMRs) of patients ≥18 years who received a medication review by a pharmacist from October 2008 to September 2009 at a homeless behavioral health clinic. In addition to the 6-item MMS, adherence was assessed using the first 4 items of the MMS, which comprise the original Morisky Scale. A final pharmacist assessment of adherence based upon the medication review was documented in the EMR. The McNemar test was used to assess the agreement between the MMS (6 and 4 items) and the pharmacist assessment of medication adherence.

Results:

A total of 288 patients were eligible for the study, which included 449 medication reviews. Nonadherence was identified in 61.7% and 49.7% of medication reviews using the 6 and 4 items of the MMS. The pharmacist assessment determined nonadherence in 23.8% of medication reviews. There were significant differences between the pharmacist adherence assessment and the 6 ( P < .0001) and 4 ( P < .0001) items of the MMS.

Conclusion:

A combination of methods including self-report and pharmacist assessment may provide the greatest insight into adherence.
A rare case of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome presenting as secondary syphilis
Authors: Khatri Asma , Skalweit Marion J
Published: October 2014

Immune reconstitution syndrome has rarely been reported in the context of syphilis infection. We report a patient with AIDS (CD4 42 cells/mm3, viral load 344,000 cp/ml), treated previously for secondary syphilis and started on an integrase inhibitor-based single-tablet antiretroviral treatment regimen. After four weeks of antiretroviral treatment, he presented with non-tender, non-blanching erythematous nodules on his chest, an elevated rapid plasma reagin (1:1024) and immune reconstitution (CD4 154 cells/mm3, HIV-RNA 130 cp/ml). A detailed workup to exclude opportunistic infections including secondary and neurosyphilis was performed. The patient was continued on antiretroviral treatment and treated empirically for neurosyphilis given cerebrospinal lymphocytosis and dermatopathology suggesting treponemal antigen-driven B-cell hyperplasia. We favour a diagnosis of immune reconstitution in association with prior syphilis infection attributable to rapid and potent immune restoration afforded by integrase inhibitors.
“Dioxins are the easiest topic to mention”: Resident activists’ construction of knowledge about low-level exposure to toxic chemicals
Authors: Andersen Nina Blom
Published: October 2014

This article discusses how residents in a local area contributed to the construction of knowledge in regard to scientific assessments in relation to a fire in a storage dump of burnable waste. Building on analytical concepts primarily from Social Worlds theory as well as some concepts from Actor–Network Theory, the analysis shows how dissent and a number of scientific controversies were initiated by some residents living nearby the waste dump who proved to be excellent network builders and who built a number of alliances with media and independent scientists, thus questioning the authorities’ and their experts’ legitimacy. Furthermore, the situated analysis identifies how a few persons—not very organized—were able to create a debate about scientific matters using their combined resources and strong alliance-building abilities, thus proving that in some cases there is no need for a higher level of organization.
Self-sampling for cervical screening: Could it overcome some of the barriers to the Pap test?
Authors: Mullins Robyn , Scalzo Katherine , Sultana Farhana
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To determine which groups of women would be most likely to take part in self-sampling for cervical screening, and what they perceive as the key barriers and benefits to self-sampling.

Methods

A random sample of 3000 women aged 18–69 in Victoria, Australia, were asked questions about “taking their own Pap test” in a telephone survey about cervical screening; 2526 answered the questions about self-sampling. The terminology “Pap test” was used in questions, due to the very low understanding of HPV and its link to cervical cancer.

Results

One-third of women (34.0%) indicated they would prefer to self-sample, 57.2% would not and 8.7% were unsure. Preference for self-sampling was significantly stronger among women who had not had a Pap test for more than three years (64.8%, p < .001) or who had never had one (62.1%, p < .001), compared with those up-to-date (27.0%). Convenience was a key benefit (37.8%), as was less embarrassment (31.5%). For those who did not want to self-sample or were unsure, key factors included professionals being more skilled (53.4% and 28.2% respectively), and doubts about being able to do it properly (28.9% and 23.6%).

Conclusions

Self-sampling was most popular among women who needed to have a Pap test, and could potentially reach some women who are not participating appropriately in cervical screening. Key barriers to participation could be addressed by providing information about the test being for HPV, and being easier to do properly than a Pap test.
Offering informed choice about breast screening
Authors: Forbes Lindsay JL , Ramirez Amanda-Jane ,   the Expert group on Information about Breast Screening (see below for member list)
Published: October 2014

Over the last few years, there has been growing international concern about the risk of overdiagnosis in breast screening and about how to communicate this to women. There has also been an increasing policy drive to provide people with information to enable them to make an informed choice about screening. In response to this, a novel approach to developing the information about cancer screening has been adopted in England. This approach has integrated the perspectives of people eligible for screening, and experts in public engagement, informed choice, and communicating risk, as well as experts in screening. New information based on this approach has been provided to women invited for breast screening from September 2013. The new information explicitly sets out the choice to be made, and provides much more detail than previous information about overdiagnosis, the balance of benefits and harms, and the scientific uncertainties. The novel approach has also been adopted to develop new information for the bowel and cervical screening programmes in England, and could provide a model for communicating about cancer screening in other countries.
Asymptomatic myocarditis during clozapine re-titration, in a patient who had previously been stable on clozapine for 10 years
Authors: Smith Leo T , Symons Evan , Hare James L , Hooper Michelle , Fitzgerald Paul B
Published: October 2014

Objective:

We present a case of confirmed clozapine-induced myocarditis in a patient who was not naïve to the drug.

Method:

This patient, who had been stable on clozapine for 10 years, relapsed following self-cessation. Asymptomatic throughout inpatient re-titration, serum cardiac enzymes were nonetheless routinely taken.

Results:

Occult myocarditis was only discovered due to an elevated Troponin I, and was confirmed by cardiac imaging.

Conclusions:

Once thought to be the preserve of initial exposure to the medication, clozapine-induced myocarditis can occur at any re-titration point if the immunological milieu permits. We therefore recommend routine monitoring of serum cardiac enzymes with all patients undergoing titration of clozapine, regardless of whether they have previously been stable on the drug.
Association of Meteorological Variables and Coronary Blood Flow
Authors: Yildiz Ali , Sezen Yusuf , Gunebakmaz Ozgur , Kaya Zekeriya , Altiparmak Ibrahim Halil , Erkus Emre , Demirbag Recep , Yilmaz Remzi
Published: October 2014

We aimed to assess the impact of meteorological variables on coronary blood flow (CBF). Coronary blood flow was evaluated using the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC). The association of CBF with meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, total solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, wind velocity, and total sunshine duration were investigated as well as demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics. Assessment of 1206 patients (median age = 53 years, 723 females) revealed the presence of slow coronary flow (SCF) in 196 patients. Daily maximum temperature [odds ratio = 0.951, 95% confidence interval = 0.916-0.986, P = .007] was the only independent predictor of the presence of SCF, whereas systolic blood pressure (β = −0.139, P = .026), hematocrit level (β = 0.128, P = .044), and daily maximum temperature (β = −1.479, P = .049) were independent predictors of log10 (mean TFC). Findings of the present study suggest a role of meteorological parameters in CBF regulation.
Sound absorption characteristics of multilayer porous metal materials backed with an air gap
Authors: JingFeng Ning , GuiPing Zhao
Published: October 2014

A sound absorbing structure of multilayer porous metal materials backed with an air gap is proposed to enhance the normal incidence sound absorption performance. The new sound absorbing structures could improve the sound absorption coefficient in a low frequency range and decrease the fluctuation of the sound absorption coefficient in a high frequency range. The Johnson-Allard model is employed to study the sound absorption characteristics of the porous metal materials. And acoustic wave transmitting in the porous metal materials obeys the law of acoustic wave propagation. The sound absorption coefficient and normalized acoustic impedance of the multilayer porous metal materials with or without an air gap are analyzed theoretically, and then compared with existing experimental values. Furthermore, the influence of several physical parameters on sound absorption characteristics, such as the thickness of the air gap, the number of layers, thickness, porosity and flow resistivity of the porous metal materials, are evaluated. The results indicate that the sound absorbing structures of the multilayer porous metal materials backed with an air gap present a satisfying sound absorption characteristic over a wide frequency range.
Wordless book-sharing styles in bilingual preschool classrooms and Latino children’s emergent literacy skills
Authors: Schick Adina
Published: October 2014

The current study explored the preschool classroom environment as an important context for supporting dual-language learning Latino children’s development of emergent literacy skills. The results of the study showed that teachers in Spanish–English bilingual preschool classrooms varied in the way they shared wordless picture books with the children, with analyses yielding three distinct narrative styles: didactic constructors, didactic providers and conversational sharers. These styles were differentiated in the manner in which teachers engaged the preschoolers in book-sharing interactions. Children whose teachers adopted a didactic constructor style (i.e. teachers elicited most of the narrative information from the children) seemed to have the best outcomes at the end of the preschool year, in terms of their print-related, language and storytelling skills. In addition, teachers’ use of cognitively challenging talk was related to Latino preschoolers’ language and storytelling skills, especially for the youngest children. Results are discussed in relation to the importance of preschool in supporting low-income Latino children’s emergent literacy development.
The Concept of “Metaemotion”: What is There to Learn From Research on Metacognition?
Authors: Norman Elisabeth , Furnes Bjarte
Published: October 2014

We first present a selection of vignette examples from empirical psychological research to illustrate how the phenomenon of metaemotion (Gottman, Katz, & Hooven, 1996; Mendonça, 2013) is studied within different domains of psychology. We then present a theoretical distinction which has been made between three facets of metacognition, namely metacognitive experiences, metacognitive knowledge, and metacognitive strategies (e.g., Efklides, 2008; Flavell, 1979). Referring back to the vignette examples from metaemotion research, we argue that a similar distinction can be drawn between three facets of metaemotion, namely metaemotional experiences, metaemotional knowledge, and metaemotional strategies. We argue that this distinction clarifies some of the unresolved issues in metaemotion research, and therefore has important implications for the study of metaemotion, both methodologically and theoretically.