bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Search of Structured Business Model for Renewable Energy Expansion in India
Authors: Phukon Abhijit , Gakhar Divya Verma
Published: June 2016

While overall power generation in India has been increasing over the years, the coverage of households in the energy access net (with 38% of total households or over 500 million people having no energy access) and availability of supply (at only 5-6 hours/day) are still prime concerns for the Government.  In such a scenario, is renewable energy an alternative given the shortage of supply from conventional sources, with over 30,000 MW stranded power plants, commitment of the Government to set up 100 Smart Cities, High-speed/Semi-speed Rails, Industrial Corridors and more beyond that ‘power to all’ by 2022’ Through this study, an attempt has been made to understand the socio-economic-environmental impact of renewable energy expansion and examined the factors that govern the feasibility and/or viability in meeting the ambitious clean energy target of 175 GW set out by the Government. The key determinants of renewable energy are found to be functionality variation, pattern of household’s energy consumption, willingness-to-pay, behavioral change in tariff and cost, grid integration, energy efficiency and access to cheap green finance. Selective implementation of a combination of On-Grid, Off-Grid and localized Mini-Grids application and flexible revenue modality such as ‘Pay as-you-go’ in off-grid areas and ‘Net-metering’ or ‘Feed-in-tariff’ concept in grid-connected areas are best suited. Further, enforceable renewable purchase obligation, renewable generation obligation, faster and efficient implementation of renewable energy certificates as tradable commodity, carbon trading as a source of revenue, green marketing, mobilization of funds under corporate social responsibility and single procurement of all renewable energy by a centralized unit would go a long way in achieving the renewable targets.
Verb “Clean Using Water” In Balinese
Authors: Bratayadnya Putu Agus
Published: June 2016

This paper discusses about verb clean activity using water in Balinese. Unlike Indonesian that are only have less variation words to clean human body like mandi and keramas. Balinese has some more variations to say specific meaning for clean using water. From this phenomenon, the verbs are interested to discuss particularly using theory of Natural Semantic Metalanguage by Anna Weirzbicka’s in her book entitled Semantics: Primes and Universal which was published by Oxford University in 1996.This paper was analyzed using Descriptive Qualitative Method and did both library and field research method. Library research had done by finding the verbs in Balinese books and articles. Afterwards field research did with observation with asking some Balinese speakers. Five words are found to clean a human body; Mambuh (For cleaning hair), Mesugi (face) etc. Meanwhile one word (ngumbah) is neutral??. It means the word can be used to describe in human body and non-human body.Then the last, there are two words in Balinese which were found to describe cleaning activity using water in Balinese to clean something or the activity which not to clean human body like nyusud and ngepel.
Deregulation Policies in Theory, Privatization in Practice: A Case of Nigerian Universities
Authors: Adetunji Adeniyi Temitope
Published: June 2016

This paper is designed to study deregulation policy as it has been applied to the university sector in Nigeria. Previous study suggests that the Nigerian government introduced deregulation to universities, among others policies. The government aims to use the policy to change the situation or address problems Nigerian university are confronting, but it is very difficult to conclude whether the assumption of deregulation is correct. Therefore, this study maps deregulation policy from past literature to give a clear picture of how the policy has been perceived within the system. This study is desk research and is done to verify the existing knowledge of the policy within the sector. The findings reveal that the sector only witnesses deregulation as a general policy not as expected in practice, because the government still jealously guide and take responsibility for the universities they establish, without giving room to private investors to participate in the business.
IP Security
Authors: Singh Saroj
Published: June 2016

IP is stands for Internet Protocol. IP security is a set service which secures the documents by the unauthorized entity. IP Sec covers the three areas of functionality that is authentication, confidentiality, and key management. IP Sec encrypts and authenticates all the data traffic at the IP level security. The IP level security or firewall administrator, we got basically the same concerns (as plumber) the size of the pipe the contents of the pipe, making sure the correct traffic is in the correct pipes and keeping the pipes from splitting and leaking all over the places of course like plumbers. When the pipes do leak: we are the ones responsible for cleaning up the mess and we are the ones who come up smelling awful. Firewall is a device that is used to provide protection to a system from network based security threats. Firewall uses service, behavior, user and direction control techniques.
Differences in Perception among Teachers about Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan in West Bengal
Authors: Das Premendra , Deb Prasenjit
Published: June 2016

Teachers are most significant factor in education system. Teachers are playing very important role for the success of education system. That system of education may be for primary level or for secondary level, or it may be for level of higher education. Teachers are dynamic and conscious factor of education, they are very cognizant about every phenomena of education due to their professional competence. They are well acquainted with national literacy mission, post literacy mission, district primary education programmer and Sarva Shiksha Mission. Recently launched new programmer of secondary education as Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, this study had concentrated to identify the differences of the level of perception about Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) among the school teachers, in term of 17 variables viz. Age of respondent (X1), Educational qualification of respondent (X2), Number of family members (X3), Number of children going to school (X4), Number of Children studying in class IX and X (X5), Need of private tuition (X6), Reasons behind the private tuition (X7),  Additional boost up given by RMSA (X8), Shortfall of present secondary education system (X9), Remediable steps of secondary education (X10), Awareness of social facts (X11) Involvement in social activities (X12), Influence of SSA (X13), Achievement of SSA (X14), Functions of Mid-day Meal(X15), Initiation of Mid-day Meal for Secondary level (X16), and Better options of  implementation of Mid-day Meal(X17) were found to bear mentionable impact on the high and low level of perception (Y) of the school teachers of West Bengal.
Water Pollution and Its Impact on Environment of Society
Authors: Thyagaraju N.
Published: June 2016

The present seminar paper mainly highlight  the concept of  water pollution, causes of water pollution,  Its Effects, Elements of  pollutants, Methods  used to prevent the water pollution in environment  and the mandatory initiatives taken by the concerned authorities for prevention of  water pollution. Water   is essential for survival of all living organisms on the earth. Thus for human beings and plants to survive on land, water should be easily accessible. The term “Pollution” is generally refers to addition of any foreign body either living or non – living or deletion of anything that naturally exists. The basic Sources of Water pollution causes due to Culmination into lakes, rivers, ponds, seas, oceans etc. Domestic drainage and sanitary waste, Industrial drainage and sewage, Industrial waste from factories, Dumping of domestic garbage, Immersion of Idols made of plaster of Paris, Excess use of Insecticides , pesticides, fungicides, Chemical fertilizers, Soil erosion during heavy rains and floods, Natural disasters, tsunami etc. General pollutants  which are also caused for water pollution  which include Organic, Inorganic, and Biological entities, Insecticides, Pesticides, Disinfectants ,Detergents, Industrial solvents, Acids, Ammonia fertilizers, heavy metals, Harmful bacteria, Virus, Micro –Organisms and worms, Toxic chemicals. Agricultural lands become infertile and thereby production also drops, Spread of epidemic diseases like Cholera, Dysentery, Typhoid, Diarrhea, Hepatitis, Jaundice etc. The  basic responsibility of the Government, NGOs, National Pioneer scientific Research Institutions may conduct  research oriented programs on control of water pollution by create  awareness among the public through mass media and Environmental Education on recycling units,  and  water treatment plants must be established both at domestic levels and Industry levels, Every citizen must feel responsible to control water pollution. There have been many water pollution prevention acts that have been set up by the governments of the world. But these are not enough for permanent water pollution solutions. Each of us needs to take up the responsibility and do something at an everyday at individual level. Otherwise we can’t survive in a society forever in a future.
Questioning the Credibility of Foreign Researchers’ Findings in Respect of the Identity Politics of Balinese People
Authors: Wijaya Nyoman
Published: June 2016

There are two main issues raised in this article i.e.: what can be contributed by history through scientific biographical approach in defining the closest reasons of the  implementation of  `Eka Dasa Rudra Ceremony` at Besakih Temple in 1963? This issue is very important to be set forward due to the tendency of the foreign researchers who wrote on this topic; they tried to find out the reasons which were far beyond; therefore the related reasons became neglected. Further, what can be contributed by the biographical approach towards humanities and social science? Applying the biographical approach, the previous historians who were just as the consumers of the theory then they are able to open a new path to humanities and show the premises of theories of the critical social sciences taking place unconsciously in social practices.
A New Act East Approach: Revisiting INDO-ASEAN Relations via Northeast Window
Authors: Khaki Hina Hassan
Published: June 2016

The idea envisaged under the Look East Policy was to interact and build relationships with our immediate strategic neighbourhood in the east, namely Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. It was believed that trade with the neighbouring countries would resurrect the economies of the border-states in the region, bringing peace and stability. The objective of the policy predominantly focuses on the regional economic integration with renewed emphasis on the development of the North East Region of India. Most recently, development of the North Eastern Region has been the need of the hour and the Look East Policy for the advancement of the Region is Initiating a number of substantive endeavours. One among the several geostrategic imperatives that necessitate the development of North East Region is the border it shares with Myanmar. It was perceived if ASEAN was gateway to wider Asia Pacific Region, Myanmar was a land bridge to ASEAN and North East Region the gateway to Myanmar. In spite of being at a congenial geographic location to grasp the benefits from Indo-ASEAN cooperation the North East Region is cited as one of the remote landlocked regions of vibrant Indian Economy that has miserably failed to taste the fruits of development. This paper discusses how Look East Policy is fundamentally induced to diminish India’s internal development disparity by promoting the significance of the North east as gateway to east; to critically analyse the reasons for major disconnect between Look East Policy’s vision and ground realities so far as north east is concerned and to devise possible policy solutions for greater engagement and development of the region so that it will not remain just a corridor.
An Analysis & Sector Wise Comparison of Corporate Social Responsibility by Companies in India
Authors: Singh Vikrant Vikram , Pandey Manoj , Vashisht Anil
Published: June 2016

The study looks at the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Indian firms from various sectors and its impact on the performance and market execution of firms. The study looks at the CSR contribution of various firms and its impact on profit after tax over a three year period from 2013 to 2015. The study utilizes substance investigation to study CSR revelation and characterizes and rates these exercises utilizing things from a set up scale took after by development of class shrewd CSR records. This study also analyzes the CSR activities of various sectors in India by covering wide range of activities done by various leading companies of these sectors. The study finds that CSR reporting may have any critical effect on market performance and market execution of the firm in the fleeting yet environment situated CSR exposure may be adversely identified with the business sector execution of the firm. The concentrate additionally finds that organizations concentrate intensely on representative and client arranged CSR and the methods of CSR ventures are more contributory as opposed to participative in nature. This study also finds that various leading sectors in India are very focused and dedicated in terms of CSR activities and there is a kind of competitive environment among the companies for participating in CSR activities, which is actually a very good sign.
Environment Friendly Industrial Growth for Sustainability
Authors: Satapathy Sanjay Kumar , Kanungo Shree
Published: June 2016

Any country’s environmental problems are related to the level of its economic development, the availability of natural resources and the lifestyle of its population. In India, rapid growth of population, poverty, urbanization, industrialization and several related factors are responsible for the rapid degradation of the environment. Environmental problems have become serious in many parts of the country, and hence cannot be ignored.  80% of the total population of Odisha, a state of Eastern India depends on agriculture. But most of them are small and marginal farmers. 48% farmer’s households are indebted. The state in reality is the second poorest state in India today, next only to Bihar. Industrialization is the only alternative to develop the economic status of the state but the darker side of it is environmental pollution. Hence if growth of industry can be accelerated along with environmental protection then a balance can be maintained. So this paper examines the growth of cottage industries in the state of Odisha through different statistical analysis as this is an ecofriendly industry and simultaneously a prospective area for the growth of indigenous talent.
Proportional Representation and its Impacts on Multi Ethnic Society of Sri Lanka
Authors: Aliff Seeni Mohamed
Published: June 2016

This paper will examine the impact of PR electoral systems in a divided society. This research will explore the strength and weakness of the current electoral system and institutional design of Sri Lanka and will recommend changes to decrease the risk of minority exclusion in decision making and ethnic violence. The objectives of this research are to examine the character of the merits and demerits of the PR, and to investigate and assess the impacts of the PR in the multi ethnic societies of Sri Lanka. The study is a qualitative case study, and primary and secondary data sources have been employed to gather relevant data. The My Fieldwork was conducted in Sri Lanka, with the intention of gaining a better and more thorough understanding of the current situation. The interviews conducted were as such not structured or semi-structured, due to the interviewees’ varying professional background and institutional affiliation. Accordingly, unstructured interviews, as well as informal conversations and meetings, were conducted throughout Sri Lanka.
Evaluation of Hemidesmus indicus root as an antacid by In vitro
Authors: Farooque Abdullah Shaikh , Atar* Md. Azharuddin Ismail
Published: June 2016

Medicinal plants are being widely used, either as single drug or in combination in health care delivery system. Indian Sarsaparilla, Hemidesmus indicus (Family: Asclepiadaceae) is a commonly known Indian Medicinal Plant, which is widely recognized in traditional systems of Medicine. It contains various phytoconstituents belonging to the category glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and volatile oils. It has been reported as useful in biliousness, blood diseases, dysentery, diarrhea, respiratory disorders, skin diseases, syphilis, fever, leprosy, leucoderma, leucorrhoea, itching, bronchitis, asthma, eye diseases, epileptic fits in children, kidney and urinary disorders, loss of appetite, burning sensation, dyspepsia, nutritional disorders, ulcer and rheumatism. Several studies are being carried towards its activities like analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and helicobactericidal properties. In our study we have evaluated antacid activity of sariva (Anantmool) by using In-Vitro method, i.e. ANC (Acid Neutralizing Capacity). This evaluation was done by comparing the ANC of sariva macerated & powdered drug with water as blank & standard drug i.e. NaHCO3. Based on this In-Vitro experiment, we can conclude that, the macerated & powdered drug of sariva (Anantmool) evaluated in this study, varied in potency as measured in terms of their ANC. These results having ** i.e. P < 0.01 & Passed the normality test. However, the present study being in-vitro, the effects of antacid may vary In-Vitro; individual variations also contribute to the ultimate effectiveness of as antacid.
Laboratory diagnosis of pre and post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Daniel Arunkumar , Kuppusamy Revathy , Selvanayagan* Swaminathan
Published: June 2016

Among the two types of DM, T2DM is prevalent among pre and post-menopausal women. Such women encounter many complications like MetS, IR, obesity, hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidemia. Although hormone replacement is the treatment to restore oestrogen, such treatment has its limitations. This review article brings out the recent research findings during the last 10 years on the prevalence, treatment options, usefulness of biochemical indices and improvement observed based on laboratory diagnosis. The contents of this review article will help future researches to undertake biochemistry analytes based diagnostic criteria to improve the T2DM status in such patients.
Diversity and traditional knowledge on some less known edible wild herbaceous plant resource from district Khunti, Jharkhand, India.
Authors: Singh* Geetanjali , Kumar Jyoti
Published: June 2016

The studies on the importance of wild edible herbaceous species to combat food insecurity and to resource poor household in most of the rural economies of the State Jharkhand had been almost neglected. This is because most of the wild herbaceous species grows in forests, marginal lands or in barren fields, and are considered of no use. The aim of this research paper is to prepare an inventory of some less known wild herbs which are used as edibles by the indigenous Munda tribe of district Khunti. As a result of ethnobotanical study about thirty-two less known edible herbaceous species were recorded. The local people had noted a decline in the availability of these wild herbs and related traditional knowledge, although not much had been done to cultivate them. However, these underutilized wild growing herbs if popularized and cultivated in large scale have the potentiality to combat food scarcity, food insecurity and malnutrition and could eventually raise the socio-economic status of rural households.
Characteristics of monitored diabetic patients by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)
Authors: Zafar Tariq A.
Published: June 2016

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test indicates the blood glucose levels for the previous two to three months. Using HbA1c test may overcome many of the practical issues and prevent infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). The study aimed to evaluate the impact of glycemic control using HbA1c test to understand patient characteristics and UTIs prevalence. Glycemic control was evaluated by measuring HbA1c for a total of 208 diabetes patients who were regularly attending diabetes center in Al-Noor specialist hospital in Makkah.  The results showed that good and moderate glycemic controlled patients were 14.9% and 16.9% respectively while the poor glycemic patients were 68.3%. Among the good improved glycemic control, 83.9% were females, 48.4% were from age group (15-44y). Among the moderately improved glycemic control, 68.4% were females, 54.3% were from age group (45-64 y) with no significant difference. The total number of the patients with positive UTIs was 55 (26.4%) while the total number of patients with negative was UTIs 153 (73.6%). Among the positive UTIs, 76.3% were with poor glycemic control while only 12.3% and 11% were moderate and good improved glycemic control respectively. Among the negative UTIs, 65.3% were with poor glycemic control while only 19% and 15.7% were with moderate and good improved glycemic control respectively.  Prevalence of UTIs among diabetic patients was not significant (p > 0.05). It was concluded that HbA1c was useful monitoring tool for diabetes mellitus and may lead to improved outcomes. Using a HbA1c test may overcome many of the practical issues that affect the blood glucose tests.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and Hemodialysis Outcomes
Authors: McGill Rita L. , Ruthazer Robin , Meyer Klemens B. , Miskulin Dana C. , Weiner Daniel E.
Published: June 2016

Background and objectives

Use of peripherally inserted central catheters has expanded rapidly, but the consequences for patients who eventually require hemodialysis are undefined.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Our national, population–based analysis included 33,918 adult Medicare beneficiaries from the US Renal Data System who initiated hemodialysis with central venous catheters as their sole vascular access in 2010 and 2011. We used linked Medicare claims to identify peripherally inserted central catheter exposures and evaluate the associations of peripherally inserted central catheter placement with transition to working arteriovenous fistulas or grafts and patient survival using a Cox model with time-dependent variables.

Results

Among 33,918 individuals initiating hemodialysis with a catheter as sole access, 12.6% had received at least one peripherally inserted central catheter. Median follow-up was 404 days (interquartile range, 103–680 days). Among 6487 peripherally inserted central catheters placed, 3435 (53%) were placed within the 2 years before hemodialysis initiation, and 3052 (47%) were placed afterward. Multiple peripherally inserted central catheters were placed in 30% of patients exposed to peripherally inserted central catheters. Recipients of peripherally inserted central catheters were more likely to be women and have comorbid diagnoses and less likely to have received predialysis nephrology care. After adjustment for clinical and demographic factors, peripherally inserted central catheters placed before or after hemodialysis initiation were independently associated with lower likelihoods of transition to any working fistula or graft (hazard ratio for prehemodialysis peripherally inserted central catheter, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.79 to 0.91; hazard ratio for posthemodialysis peripherally inserted central catheter, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.73 to 0.89).

Conclusions

Peripherally inserted central catheter placement was common and associated with adverse vascular access outcomes. Recognition of potential long–term adverse consequences of peripherally inserted central catheters is essential for clinicians caring for patients with CKD.
Effect of Tenapanor on Interdialytic Weight Gain in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Block Geoffrey A. , Rosenbaum David P. , Leonsson-Zachrisson Maria , Stefansson Bergur V. , Rydén-Bergsten Tina , Greasley Peter J. , Johansson Susanne A. , Knutsson Mikael , Carlsson Björn C.
Published: June 2016

Background and objectives

Interdialytic weight gain in patients on hemodialysis is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and increased mortality. The degree of interdialytic weight gain is influenced by sodium intake. We evaluated the effects of tenapanor (AZD1722 and RDX5791), a minimally systemically available inhibitor of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger isoform 3, on interdialytic weight gain in patients with CKD stage 5D treated with hemodialysis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This phase 2, randomized, double–blind study (NCT01764854; conducted January to September of 2013) enrolled adults on maintenance hemodialysis with interdialytic weight gain ≥3.0% of postdialysis weight and ≥2 kg. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive tenapanor or placebo. The primary end point was change in mean interdialytic weight gain (percentage of baseline postdialysis weight) from baseline (mean across a 2-week run-in period) to week 4. In a subgroup of inpatients, 24-hour stool sodium and stool weight were assessed for 1 week.

Results

Sixteen patients received 1 week of inpatient treatment (tenapanor, eight; placebo, eight), and 72 patients received 4 weeks of treatment in an outpatient setting (tenapanor, 37; placebo, 35; completers: tenapanor, 31; placebo, 33). In the outpatient cohort, no significant effect on interdialytic weight gain was detected; least squares mean changes in relative interdialytic weight gain from baseline to week 4 were tenapanor, −0.26% (95% confidence interval, −0.57% to 0.06%) and placebo, −0.23% (95% confidence interval, −0.54% to 0.07%; P=0.46). During week 1 (inpatient cohort only), compared with placebo, tenapanor treatment resulted in higher stool sodium content (mean [±SD]: tenapanor, 36.6 [±21.8] mmol/d; placebo, 2.8 [±2.7] mmol/d; P<0.001) and higher stool weight (tenapanor, 172.5 [±68.1] g/d; placebo, 86.3 [±30.0] g/d; P<0.01). A similar safety profile was observed across treatment groups with the exception of diarrhea, which occurred more frequently with tenapanor treatment.

Conclusions

Tenapanor treatment increased stool sodium and weight over placebo in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, over 4 weeks of treatment, there was no difference in interdialytic weight gain between patients treated with tenapanor and those receiving placebo.
Diabetes, Kidney Disease, and Cardiovascular Outcomes in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Afkarian Maryam , Katz Ronit , Bansal Nisha , Correa Adolfo , Kestenbaum Bryan , Himmelfarb Jonathan , de Boer Ian H. , Young Bessie
Published: June 2016

Background and objectives

Blacks have high rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Diabetes and CKD, risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in the general population, are common among blacks. We sought to assess their contribution to cardiovascular disease and mortality in blacks.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This observational cohort study was of 3211 participants in the Jackson Heart Study (enrolled 2000–2004). Rates of incident stroke, incident coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular mortality were quantified in participants with diabetes, CKD (eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g, or both), or both through 2012, with a median follow-up of 6.99 years.

Results

Four hundred fifty-six (14.2%) participants had only diabetes, 257 (8.0%) had only CKD, 201 (6.3%) had both, and 2297 (71.5%) had neither. Diabetes without CKD was associated with excess risks of incident stroke, incident coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular mortality after adjustment for demographic and clinical covariates, including prevalent cardiovascular disease (excess incidence rates, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 4.7; 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.3 to 4.8; and 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 4.3 per 1000 person-years, respectively). CKD without diabetes was associated with comparable nonsignificant excess risks for incident stroke and coronary heart disease (2.5; 95% confidence interval, −0.1 to 5.2 and 2.4; 95% confidence interval, −0.8 to 5.5 per 1000 person-years, respectively) but a larger excess risk for cardiovascular mortality (7.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.0 to 11.5 per 1000 person-years). Diabetes and CKD together were associated with greater excess risks for incident stroke (13.8; 95% confidence interval, 5.3 to 22.3 per 1000 person-years), coronary heart disease (12.8; 95% confidence interval, 4.9 to 20.8 per 1000 person-years), and cardiovascular mortality (14.8; 95% confidence interval, 7.2 to 22.3 per 1000 person-years). The excess risks associated with the combination of diabetes and CKD were larger than those associated with established risk factors, including prevalent cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

The combination of diabetes and kidney disease is associated with substantial excess risks of cardiovascular events and mortality among blacks.
Inflammation and Progression of CKD: The CRIC Study
Authors: Amdur Richard L. , Feldman Harold I. , Gupta Jayanta , Yang Wei , Kanetsky Peter , Shlipak Michael , Rahman Mahboob , Lash James P. , Townsend Raymond R. , Ojo Akinlolu , Roy-Chaudhury Akshay , Go Alan S. , Joffe Marshall , He Jiang , Balakrishnan Vaidyanathapuram S. , Kimmel Paul L. , Kusek John W. , Raj Dominic S. ,   the CRIC Study Investigators
Published: June 2016

Background and objectives

CKD is a global public health problem with significant mortality and morbidity.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We examined the multivariable association of plasma levels of IL-1, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, high–sensitivity C–reactive protein, fibrinogen, and serum albumin with progression of CKD in 3430 Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort study participants.

Results

Over a median follow-up time of 6.3 years, 899 participants reached the composite end point of ≥50% decline in eGFR from baseline or onset of ESRD. Elevated plasma levels of fibrinogen, IL-6, and TNF-α and lower serum albumin were associated with a greater decline in eGFR over time. After adjusting for demographics, BP, laboratory variables, medication use, and baseline eGFR, hazard ratios for the composite outcome were greater for the patients in the highest quartile of fibrinogen (hazard ratio, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.64 to 2.55; P<0.001), IL-6 (hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.17 to 1.77; P<0.01), and TNF-α (hazard ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.52 to 2.47; P<0.001) compared with those in the respective lowest quartiles. The hazard ratio was 3.48 (95% confidence interval, 2.88 to 4.21; P<0.001) for patients in the lowest serum albumin quartile relative to those in the highest quartile. When also adjusted for albuminuria, the associations of fibrinogen (hazard ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 1.86; P<0.001), serum albumin (hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.24 to 1.87; P<0.001), and TNF-α (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 1.81; P<0.001) with outcome were attenuated but remained significant.

Conclusions

Elevated plasma levels of fibrinogen and TNF-α and decreased serum albumin are associated with rapid loss of kidney function in patients with CKD.
Estimation of Bulk Melt-Temperature from In-Mold Thermal Sensors for Injection Molding, Part B: Validation
Authors: Mendible G. A. , Kazmer D. O. , Gao R. X. , Johnston S. P.
Published: June 2016

An analytical method for estimating the bulk melt temperature in the injection molding process by means of in-mold temperature sensors was presented in Part A of this article. This method was validated using a transient cooling simulation of an injection molding process. The simulation considered the heat flux and heat accumulation in the mold starting from process startup until steady state was achieved. For the simulation, a full 3D model of the mold geometry was developed. The average coolant temperature and the initial cavity wall temperature were evaluated as boundary conditions. The first was found to provide a more accurate prediction of the bulk melt temperature although it increases the sensitivity of the method to the temperature measurement. Overall, the trends correlated well for both simulated and experimental data as well as the bulk temperature measurements.
Influences on the Magnetic Properties of Injection Molded Multipolar Rings
Authors: Kurth K. H. , Drummer D.
Published: June 2016

Polymer bonded magnets with a multipolar structure can be economically produced using the injection molding process for applications such as electric drives or sensor modules. Depending on the specific application, certain requirements of the multipolar bonded magnets, such as a high peak flux density or accurate pole length of each pole, must be assured. The multipolar magnetic structure of the parts can be applied during the injection molding process by incorporating a magnetic field inside the mold. Thus, the hard magnetic particles are oriented and magnetized directly in the injection molding process. The final properties of the multipolar molded magnets are affected by different parameters, such as the magnetic compound, the mold design and the processing parameters. This paper addresses the effects processing parameters have during the injection molding process. Additionally, the role the filler volume content plays with the properties of pole-oriented molded multipolar rings is also investigated. In particular, the magnetic characteristics, such as the maximum radial flux density, the pole length and the rate of the course of the flux density, were investigated. Further, the orientation of the particles and the influence of the varied parameters on the geometry of the rings were analyzed. It was found that the varied parameters do not significantly influence the accuracy of the pole length. The slope of the flux density curve is influenced by the peak maxima and varies slightly due to the high peak flux densities.
Statistical Approach to Analyze the Warpage, Shrinkage and Mechanical Strength of Injection Molded Parts
Authors: Marins N. Hadler , de Mello F. Bier , e Silva R. Marques , Ogliari F. Aulo
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of different parameters of the injection molding process in warpage, shrinkage, and mechanical properties of the plastic parts using the Taguchi method and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The polyacetal copolymer (POM) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) were injected; and then the following processing parameters were analyzed: the mold temperature, holding pressure, holding time, melt temperature, cooling time, mold water flow, and injection speed. According to the results, statistically the most significant parameters in shrinkage were the mold temperature and cooling time for the POM molded parts; and the holding time and holding pressure for the ABS molded parts. The most significant parameters in warpage and flexural strength were the holding time and holding pressure for the POM and ABS parts, respectively. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to predict a theoretical ideal experiment to maximize the results.
Optical Properties of HDPE in Injection Molding and Injection Press Molding for IR System Lenses
Authors: Kaneda R. , Takahashi T. , Takiguchi M. , Hijikata M. , Ito H.
Published: June 2016

To obtain the “high infrared radiation (IR) transmittance and low visible ray (VR) transmittance” necessary for a high-performance IR lens, cavity thickness and molding conditions were investigated experimentally for disk-shaped high-density polyethylene (HDPE). When injection molding and injection press molding were done using different cavity thicknesses, results showed that the molded part using the thinner cavity thickness maintained a semitransparent state. Simultaneously, they showed that higher IR transmittance was obtained. For high mold temperature and long cooling time, the increased core-layer thickness improved the IR transmittance. The VR transmittance decreased because crystallinity became higher. Furthermore, when injection press molding was conducted, the VR transmittance decreased because crystallinity became higher. IR transmittance and VR transmittance were obtained respectively as 65.4% and 6.4% when injection press molding was conducted at higher mold temperatures with longer cooling times.
Comparative observational study on the clinical presentation, intracranial volume measurements, and intracranial pressure scores in patients with either Chiari malformation Type I or idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Frič Radek , Eide Per Kristian
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

Several lines of evidence suggest common pathophysiological mechanisms in Chiari malformation Type I (CMI) and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). It has been hypothesized that tonsillar ectopy, a typical finding in CMI, is the result of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) combined with a developmentally small posterior cranial fossa (PCF). To explore this hypothesis, the authors specifically investigated whether ICP is comparable in CMI and IIH and whether intracranial volumes (ICVs) are different in patients with CMI and IIH, which could explain the tonsillar ectopy in CMI. The authors also examined whether the symptom profile is comparable in these 2 patient groups.

METHODS

The authors identified all CMI and IIH patients who had undergone overnight diagnostic ICP monitoring during the period from 2002 to 2014 and reviewed their clinical records and radiological examinations. Ventricular CSF volume (VV), PCF volume (PCFV), and total ICV were calculated from initial MRI studies by using volumetric software. The static and pulsatile ICP scores during overnight monitoring were analyzed. Furthermore, the authors included a reference (REF) group consisting of patients who had undergone ICP monitoring due to suspected idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus or chronic daily headache and showed normal pressure values.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients with CMI and 41 with IIH were identified, with comparable demographics noted in both groups. The occurrence of some symptoms (headache, nausea, and/or vomiting) was comparable between the cohorts. Dizziness and gait ataxia were significantly more common in patients with CMI, whereas visual symptoms, diplopia, and tinnitus were significantly more frequent in patients with IIH. The cranial volume measurements (VV, PCFV, and ICV) of the CMI and IIH patients were similar. Notably, 7.3% of the IIH patients had tonsillar descent qualifying for diagnosis of CMI (that is, > 5 mm). The extent of tonsillar ectopy was significantly different between the CMI and IIH cohorts (p < 0.001) but also between these 2 cohorts and the REF group. Pulsatile ICP was elevated in both cohorts without any significant between-group differences; however, static ICP was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the IIH group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed comparable and elevated pulsatile ICP, indicative of impaired intracranial compliance, in both CMI and IIH cohorts, while static ICP was higher in the IIH cohort. The data did not support the hypothesis that reduced PCFV combined with increased ICP causes tonsillar ectopy in CMI. Even though impaired intracranial compliance seems to be a common pathophysiological mechanism behind both conditions, the mechanisms explaining the different clinical and radiological presentations of CMI and IIH remain undefined.
Epstein-Barr virus–associated smooth muscle tumor of the cavernous sinus: a delayed complication of allogenic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: case report
Authors: Raheja Amol , Sowder Aleksandra , Palmer Cheryl , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Couldwell William T.
Published: June 2016

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–associated smooth muscle tumors (SMTs) have recently been associated with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. They are broadly divided into 3 subgroups: HIV-related, posttransplant, and congenital immunodeficiency. Subsequent to organ transplantation and acquired immunosuppression, a few cases of EBV-associated SMTs have been described in the liver, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal system. To the authors' knowledge, intracranial involvement after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation has never been reported previously. The authors describe the case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with recent-onset painful ophthalmoplegia. She had a prior history of acute myelogenous leukemia requiring allogenic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation 2 years earlier, but she was in a remission phase. Imaging revealed a T1/T2 isointense, homogeneously enhancing lesion of the left cavernous sinus. A presumptive diagnosis of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome was made, and she was treated with steroids; however, her symptoms progressed quickly and repeat imaging revealed that the lesion was growing. To rule out leukemic deposits, a minimally invasive lateral orbitotomy extradural transcavernous approach was performed for biopsy sampling and debulking of the lesion. The biopsied tumor tissue was found to be infiltrative, grayish, firm, and moderately vascular. The final pathology results indicated an EBV-associated SMT of the cavernous sinus. Subsequently, the patient's steroid treatment was stopped and she had obtained partial symptomatic relief at her last follow-up visit, 3 months after surgery. EBV-associated SMT should be included in the differential diagnosis for intracranial and dural-based central nervous system lesions, especially in immunocompromised patients. Paradoxical response to steroids with worsening of symptoms is a hallmark of EBV-associated SMTs.
An Impure Nature: Memory and the Neo-Materialist Flip at America’s Biggest Toxic Superfund Site
Authors: LeCain Timothy James
Published: June 2016

In 1995, more than 300 migrating snow geese perished after landing in the flooded Berkeley Pit, a toxic open pit copper mine in the northwestern United States. Many commentators subsequently saw the snow geese as symbols of a pure natural world destroyed by the impure artificiality of humans and their technologies. In this essay, however, I avoid such oppositions by drawing on new materialist theoretical approaches that reject anthropocentric thinking and instead emphasize the powerful materiality of cultural phenomena, both for humans and snow geese. This “neo-materialist flip” suggests that industrial artifacts like the Berkeley Pit defy modernist categories of natural and artificial, or pure and impure, because they are simultaneously both material and cultural. Hence the enduring material reality of the pit persists as a site of memory that will both create and embody the culture of snow geese, humans, and countless other living things for centuries to come.
Knechtsand: A Site of Memory in Flux
Authors: Wöbse Anna-Katharina
Published: June 2016

On 9 September 1952, what was known as the Knechtsand Treaty came into force. It codified a barter agreement that the German chancellor Konrad Adenauer had negotiated with the Allies. The Knechtsand, a sandbank in the estuary of the Weser, would from now on serve as a bombing range for the British and American air forces stationed in England. Soon, however, objections were made by local fishermen, politicians, and bird-lovers. These objections gained support from European networks of conservationists as the victims of the bombing – molting shelducks – were migrating birds. The subsequent protest served as a practice run for civil society activism in participating in pre-ecological and in particular ethical debate about the protection of animals and nature. In the long run the sandbank would turn into one of the historical heartlands of the national park and today’s World Natural Heritage Wadden Sea. Knechtsand was a multifaceted test site for the exploration of fundamental political, social, and ecological debates. By approaching this location and its feathered inhabitants historically and sketching out a topography of memory, this article uncovers strands of tradition that are hugely significant for our understanding of the Wadden Sea and the expanding conservation regime.
Development of an Alternative Enzyme-assisted Dehairing Method of Animal Skins using Proteases from Bacillus licheniformis MZK05M9
Authors: Mamun Md Arafat Al , Hosain Md Abir , Ahmed Sobur , Zohra Fatema Tuj , Sultana Rajia , Khan Md Murad , Akhter Marufa Zerin , Khan Shakila Nargis , Hoq Md Mozammel
Published: June 2016

The present study was aimed to develop an enzyme assisted dehairing method as an alternative and ecofriendly technique to reduce the use of harsh chemicals in leather manufacturing. For this purpose, two proteases namely alkaline protease (601 U/ml) and keratinase (132 U/ml) were produced by Bacillus licheniformis MZK05M9 (BlM9) in Soya molasses medium and Feather mill medium respectively, in 7.0 L bioreactor at pH 7.5 and 37°C. The cell free enzyme preparations were used together at 2.5% level in dehairing experiments. Three sets of experiments for dehairing of goat skins were performed with (1) enzymes; (2) enzymes and 5% lime (CaO) and (3) 2% sodium sulfide (Na2S) and 5% lime. The treatment with enzymes removed 85% of hair from goat skin after 24 hrs under mild shaking condition at room temperature where as the treatment with enzymes and 5% lime together resulted in 100% dehairing under similar conditions. Sodium sulfide along with lime also removed 100% hair faster (with 20 hrs) than other two treatments. The grain surface of the enzyme treated skin was smoother and silkier than that of the chemicals treatment as revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Thus these results indicated that, the enzyme assisted method can be applied in largescale dehairing trial to reduce the use of harsh sodium sulfide.Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 32, Number 1-2,June-Dec 2015, pp 33-37
5-Methoxyhydnocarpin shows selective anti-cancer effects and induces apoptosis in THP-1 human leukemia cancer cells via mitochondrial disruption, suppression of cell migration and invasion and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Xu Xiao-Yan , Wang Hui-Rui , Guo Shu-Li , Li Bo , Lv Tao
Published: June 2016

The primary objective of the current investigation was to study the anti-tumor effects of 5-methoxyhydnocarpin in THP-1 human leukemia cells along with evaluating its effects on apoptotic induction, cancer cell migration and cell cycle phase distribution. MTT cell viability assay revealed the cell cytotoxic effects while as clonogenic assay revealed the effects of the compound on colony formation tendency. Phase contrast microscopy revealed the effects on cell morphology while as its effects on cell cycle and apoptosis induction were evaluated by flow cytometer. Results showed that 5-methoxyhydnocarpin induced both anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent cytotoxic effects in THP-1 cells. 5-Methoxyhydnocarpin-treated cells exhibited significant changes in cell morphology. Flow cytometry experiment indicated that 5-methoxyhydnocarpin led to sub-G1 cell cycle arrest and also led to early and late apoptosis.

Video Clips:

1  2  3  4  5  6  7 

 

 