bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive and functional clay through UV‐triggered thiol‐ene interfacial click reaction
Authors: Msaadi Radhia , Gharsalli Amor , Mahouche‐Chergui Samia , Nowak Sophie , Salmi Hanene , Carbonnier Benjamin , Ammar Salah , Chehimi Mohamed M.
Published: January 2016

Clay/mercaptosuccinic acid hybrids were prepared through radical thiol‐ene coupling between methacrylate‐silanized clay and mercaptosuccinic acid. The clay surface was modified by 3‐trimethoxysilylpropylmethacrylate, then mercaptosuccinic acid was clicked by ultraviolet (UV)‐triggered thiol‐ene addition reaction at 365 nm. Pristine and modified clays were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection (ATR) and XPS. The clay/mercaptosuccinic acid material was employed as an adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption of Pb(II) followed the pseudo‐first‐order equation while the Langmuir model fitted the adsorption isotherm. The maximum adsorption was found to be 74.7 mg/g for an equilibrium time of ~80 min. UV‐triggered thiol‐ene reaction is demonstrated to be an easy and elegant pathway for designing reactive and functional clay for environmental and other applications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification of graphene‐oxide surface in nitrogen and argon glow discharge plasma
Authors: Mohai M. , Bertóti I.
Published: January 2016

We performed glow discharge N2 or Ar plasma treatments of thin layers of graphene oxide (GO) deposited from slurry in alcohol onto stainless steel substrates. The treatment was performed in the preparation chamber of the x‐ray photoelectron spectrometer, allowing reliable in situ characterization of the treated surface by quantitative x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For the treatment, 10 min plasma exposure was selected, based on preliminary experiments. Intensity of the treatment was enhanced by applying a negative bias between 0–300 V on the sample. Approximately 10 at% nitrogen was incorporated into the graphene oxide samples from N2 plasma within this short reaction time. When increasing the bias, the N‐content increased from 10 to 13 at%, together with the decrease of the O content from the starting value of 29 to ~15 at%. The reducing effect of Ar plasma was less pronounced, decreasing the oxygen content to ~21 at% only. The high resolution C1s, O1s, and N1s spectra show several different chemical states. The peak envelopes of the O1s and N1s lines could be decomposed to three while the C1s spectrum to five different peaks of identical position for all samples. The component peaks were tentatively assigned to specific chemical bonding states. The relative amounts of C–O and C–N bonding states changed slightly with advancement of the treatment performed at increasing biases. It was established that the carboxyl‐type and the carbonyl‐type C–O clusters were more affected by both plasma treatments as their amount was selectively eliminated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aligned Immobilization of Proteins Using AC Electric Fields
Authors: Laux Eva‐Maria , Knigge Xenia , Bier Frank F. , Wenger Christian , Hölzel Ralph
Published: January 2016

Protein molecules are aligned and immobilized from solution by AC electric fields. In a single‐step experiment, the enhanced green fluorescent proteins are immobilized on the surface as well as at the edges of planar nanoelectrodes. Alignment is found to follow the molecules' geometrical shape with their longitudinal axes parallel to the electric field. Simultaneous dielectrophoretic attraction and AC electroosmotic flow are identified as the dominant forces causing protein movement and alignment. Molecular orientation is determined by fluorescence microscopy based on polarized excitation of the proteins' chromophores. The chromophores' orientation with respect to the whole molecule supports X‐ray crystal data.
Heterostructured TiO2 Nanorod@Nanobowl Arrays for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Dong Jingya , Ye Xiaozhou , Li Yang , Ma Yurong , Qi Limin
Published: January 2016

Heterostructured TiO2 nanorod@nanobowl (NR@NB) arrays consisting of rutile TiO2 nanorods grown on the inner surface of arrayed anatase TiO2 nanobowls are designed and fabricated as a new type of photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The unique heterostructures with a hierarchical architecture are readily fabricated by interfacial nanosphere lithography followed by hydrothermal growth. Owing to the two‐dimensionally arrayed structure of anatase nanobowls and the nearly radial alignment of rutile nanorods, the TiO2 NR@NB arrays provide multiple scattering centers and hence exhibit an enhanced light harvesting ability. Meanwhile, the large surface area of the NR@NB arrays enhances the contact with the electrolyte while the nanorods offer direct pathways for fast electron transfer. Moreover, the rutile/anatase phase junction in the NR@NB heterostructure improves charge separation because of the facilitated electron transfer. Accordingly, the PEC measurements of the TiO2 NR@NB arrays on the fluoride‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate show significantly enhanced photocatalytic properties for water splitting. Under AM1.5G solar light irradiation, the unmodified TiO2 NR@NB array photoelectrode yields a photocurrent density of 1.24 mA cm–2 at 1.23 V with respect to the reversible hydrogen electrode, which is almost two times higher than that of the TiO2 nanorods grown directly on the FTO substrate.
Increase graduation rate with tools that promote student planning
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2016

HOLLYWOOD, FLA. — When students delay graduation — or never graduate — there's a huge cost to the students and to the economy. Robert Strazzarino, founder and chief executive officer of College Scheduler, LLC; and William Serrata, president of El Paso Community College, explained how you can improve your institution's graduation rate by starting with better student planning. They spoke at a session at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Strategic Enrollment Management conference.
Develop your leadership skills to be a more effective registrar
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2016

HOLLYWOOD, FLA. — “Registrars are called to be leaders, not articulators of policy.” That's according to Rick Williams, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment management and student services at Loma Linda University in California. Williams and Erin Seheult, M.B.A., Loma Linda's director of university records, explained how registrars can be effective leaders in a session at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers Strategic Enrollment Management conference.
Pilot study on the effect of subcutaneous administration of lactated Ringer's solution on biochemistry parameters in healthy euvolemic cats.
Authors: Smith M. Ryan , Greer Rebecca J.
Published: January 2016

Subcutaneous fluid administration is a commonly used therapy in veterinary practice. Its safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in human clinical studies, but have only rarely been discussed in the veterinary literature. This prospective observational study was performed to evaluate changes during a 24 h period in serum biochemistries associated with administration of lactated Ringer's solution subcutaneously to healthy cats. Lactated Ringer's solution was administered subcutaneously once to ten healthy, euvolemic cats at a dose of 22 mL kg−1. Blood biochemistry analytes were sampled at baseline and at serial time points for a total of 24 h. Changes in biochemical analytes at each time point were compared to baseline and evaluated for statistical significance. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was significantly less than baseline at 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h post‐infusion. Serum creatinine was significantly less than baseline at 2, 4 and 6 h. Packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly less than baseline at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. Total plasma proteins were significantly less than baseline at all time points. Serum electrolytes did not change from baseline at any time point. Urine specific gravity was significantly increased from baseline only at 6 h post‐Lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) administration. Subcutaneous administration of lactated Ringer's solution appears to result in haemodilution with minimal change to serum electrolyte concentrations in clinically normal, euvolemic cats.
Interaction between interfacial and sub‐interfacial cracks in a composite media – Revisited
Authors: Mishra P. K. , Das S. , Gupta M.
Published: January 2016

The plane strain problem of determining stress intensity factors and stress magnification factors for an interfacial Griffith crack situated at the interface of two bonded dissimilar orthotropic media having sub‐interfacial Griffith crack is considered. The problem is reduced to the solution of two pair of simultaneous singular integral equations which are finally been solved by using Jacobi polynomials. The propagation of interfacial crack through amplification and shielding factors are shown graphically for different particular cases.
Oxidation and Colloidal Stability of Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion as Affected by Pigmented Rice Hull Extracts
Authors: Cheetangdee Nopparat , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: January 2016

Extracts from the hull of pigmented rice were prepared using a mixture of methanol–water (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, v/v) for different extraction times (0–180 min). Total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts increased with increasing concentration of methanol and extraction time (P < 0.05). A positive correlation between TPC and antioxidant activities, i.e., DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and reducing power, was observed. The extracts prepared using methanol–water at the ratio of 3:1 for 180 min at 50 °C, referred as rice hull phenolic extract (RHPE), showed the highest TPC and free radical scavenging abilities and reducing power (P < 0.05). When the effects of RHPE on physicochemical stability of the emulsions stabilized by different emulsifiers, i.e., Tween 20 and bovine serum albumin (BSA), were examined, the collapse of emulsion was retarded when RHPE was applied in BSA‐based emulsions, whereas a negative effect was noticeable in Tween 20‐based counterpart. Lower oxidative degree was found for BSA stabilized emulsions, compared to Tween 20 containing system. RHPE (1–3 %) markedly improved the oxidative stability, particularly for BSA stabilized emulsions. Therefore, RHPE could be employed along with the selected protein to increase physicochemical stability of emulsion.
Phase Behavior of Binary Blends of Four Different Waxes
Authors: Jana Sarbojeet , Martini Silvana
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the phase behavior of binary blends of four waxes—beeswax (BW), paraffin wax (PW), sunflower wax (SFW), and rice bran wax (RBW)—using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized light microscopy (PLM). Blends of BW/PW, RBW/PW, SFW/PW, SFW/RBW, SFW/BW, and RBW/BW were crystallized in a DSC, and their melting behavior was used to build binary phase diagrams. The microstructure of the crystalline networks formed in these blends was analyzed using PLM. BW/PW, SFW/PW, SFW/BW, and RBW/BW blends showed eutectic phase behavior, while RBW/SFW showed continuous solid solution and the RBW/PW blend showed monotectic behavior. Results from the box‐counting fractal dimension (Db) measurement of crystal morphology showed higher Db values for the 20 and 80 % wax blends, irrespective of crystallization temperature or wax type. Db values of single waxes decrease as temperature increases.
A technique for pediatric chest wall reconstruction using custom-designed titanium implants: Description of technique and report of two cases
Authors: Anderson Colin J. , Spruiell Murray D. , Wylie Erin F. , McGowan Caitlin M. , Deleyiannis Frederic W. -B. , Donaldson Nathan J. , Heare Travis C.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

We present a surgical technique for chest wall reconstruction using custom-designed titanium implants developed for two female patients to provide both chest wall symmetry and adequate stability for staged breast reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed for two adolescent female patients with large chest wall defects who underwent the described technique. The etiology of the chest wall deficiency was secondary to Poland's syndrome in one patient, and secondary to surgical resection of osteosarcoma in the other patient. For each patient, a fine-cut computed tomography scan was obtained to assist with implant design. After fabrication of the prosthesis, reconstruction was performed though a curvilinear thoracotomy approach with attachment of the implant to the adjacent ribs and sternum. Wound closure was obtained with use of synthetic graft material, local soft tissue procedures, and flap procedures as necessary.

Results

The two patients were followed post-operatively for 35 and 38 months, respectively. No intra-operative or post-operative complications were identified. Mild scoliosis that had developed in the patient following chest wall resection for osteosarcoma did not demonstrate any further progression following reconstruction.

Conclusions

We conclude that this technique was successful at providing a stable chest wall reconstruction with satisfactory cosmetic results in our patients.
Management of non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Chiba Koji , Enatsu Noritoshi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: January 2016

Non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is defined as no sperm in the ejaculate due to failure of spermatogenesis and is the most severe form of male infertility. The etiology of NOA is either intrinsic testicular impairment or inadequate gonadotropin production. Chromosomal or genetic abnormalities should be evaluated because there is a relatively high incidence compared with the normal population. Although rare, NOA due to inadequate gonadotropin production is a condition in which fertility can be improved by medical treatment. In contrast, there is no treatment that can restore spermatogenesis in the majority of NOA patients. Consequently, testicular extraction of sperm under an operating microscope (micro‐TESE) has been the first‐line treatment for these patients. Other treatment options include varicocelectomy for NOA patients with a palpable varicocele and orchidopexy if undescended testes are diagnosed after adulthood, although management of these patients remains controversial. Advances in retrieving spermatozoa more efficiently by micro‐TESE have been made during the past decade. In addition, recent advances in biotechnology have raised the possibility of using germ cells produced from stem cells in the future. This review presents current knowledge about the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of NOA.
Brain infarction and blasts with bilobed nuclei in a patient with monocytic acute myeloid leukemia mimicking acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Elghazaly Assem A. , Ibrahim Mamoun H. , AlGwaiz Layla A.
Published: January 2016

We are presenting a case of an adult male patient with monocytic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who had on presentation brain infarction and bilobed nuclei had been demonstrated in many of the leukemic blasts. There was no laboratory evidence of acute disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, on presentation or later on. Initially the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was considered, so all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) was added to induction chemo therapy. As the diagnosis of APL was ruled out, based on the flow cytometry, fluorescent in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction findings, the ATRA was discontinued and the patient continued on the standard AML chemo therapy induction regimen. Later on chromosomal analysis was also normal. Sever dehydration on presentation, would have contributed to brain infarction. AML particularly monocytic, can mimic APL, especially its microgranular variant. The possible ATRA therapy side effects, can be avoided by early confirmation of the diagnosis.
Activation of GPER suppresses epithelial mesenchymal transition of triple negative breast cancer cells via NF‐κB signals
Authors: Chen Zhuo-Jia , Wei Wei , Jiang Guan-Min , Liu Hao , Wei Wei-Dong , Yang Xiangling , Wu Ying-Min , Liu Huanliang , Wong Chris K.C. , Du Jun , Wang Hong-Sheng
Published: January 2016

The targeted therapy for triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a great challenge due to our poor understanding on its molecular etiology. In the present study, our clinical data showed that the expression of G‐protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is negatively associated with lymph node metastasis, high‐grade tumor and fibronectin (FN) expression while positively associated with the favorable outcome in 135 TNBC patients. In our experimental studies, both the in vitro migration and invasion of TNBC cells were inhibited by GPER specific agonist G‐1, through the suppression of the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). The G‐1 treatment also reduced the phosphorylation, nuclear localization, and transcriptional activities of NF‐κB. While over expression of NF‐κB attenuated the action of G‐1 in suppressing EMT. Our data further illustrated that the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β by PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 mediated, at least partially, the inhibitory effect of G‐1 on NF‐κB activities. It was further confirmed in a study of MDA‐MB‐231 tumor xenografts in nude mice. The data showed that G‐1 inhibited the in vivo growth and invasive potential of TNBC via suppression of EMT. Our present study demonstrated that an activation of GPER pathway elicits tumor suppressive actions on TNBC, and supports the use of G‐1 therapeutics for TNBC metastasis.
Accuracy of instructor assessment of chest compression quality during simulated resuscitation
Authors: Brennan Erin E. , McGraw Robert C. , Brooks Steven C.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines stress the importance of high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as a predictor of survival from cardiac arrest. However, resuscitation training is often facilitated and evaluated by instructors without access to objective measures of CPR quality. This study aims to determine whether instructors experienced in the area of adult resuscitation (emergency department staff and senior residents) can accurately assess the quality of chest compressions as a component of their global assessment of a simulated resuscitation scenario.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study in which objective chest compression quality data (rate, depth, and fraction) were collected from the simulation manikin and compared to subjective instructor assessment. Data were collected during weekly simulation training sessions for residents, medical students, and nursing students.

Results

We included data from 24 simulated resuscitation scenarios assessed by 1 of 15 instructors. Subjective assessment of chest compression quality identified an adequate compression rate (100–120 compressions per minute) with a sensitivity of 0.17 (confidence interval [CI] 0.02–0.32) and specificity of 0.06 (CI −0.04–0.15), adequate depth (>50 mm) with a sensitivity of 0 and specificity of 0.38 (CI 0.18–0.57), and adequate fraction (>80%) with a sensitivity of 1 and a specificity of 0.25 (CI 0.08–0.42).

Conclusion

Instructor assessment of chest compression rate, depth, and fraction demonstrates poor sensitivity and specificity when compared to the data from the simulation manikin. These results support the use of objective and technologically supported measures of chest compression quality for feedback during resuscitation education using simulators.
Making Immigration Work: How Britain and Europe Can Cope with their Immigration Crises (TheGovernment and Opposition/Leonard Schapiro Lecture, 2015)
Authors: Hansen Randall
Published: January 2016

This article provides a review of the economic, demographic and welfare effects of immigration in contemporary Europe. It argues that the economic benefits of migration are small but positive, its welfare effects minimal if not non-existent, and its demographic effects modest but real. It then provides a series of recommendations for governing migration policy in Europe: keeping the borders open but controlled; keeping employment high and income support low, and keeping speech free but fair. The most important policy recommendation centres on work: immigration policy will only work when immigrants work.
Alexander Scott: Constructing a Legitimate Geography of the Sahara from a Captivity Narrative, 1821
Authors: Outram-Leman Sven D.
Published: January 2016

Alexander Scott’s narrative of his captivity in the Sahara in the early nineteenth century presents a curious example of how information of foreign lands was received and legitimized in Britain. Through the input of individuals such as Joseph Banks and James Rennell, Scott’s tale was presented as an authoritative account of the inaccessible West African interior. This article pursues this process of authentication and demonstrates how elements of the editors” preconceived notion of the region colored the subsequent text and associated cartography.
Exponential roughness layer and analytical model for turbulent boundary layer flow over rectangular-prism roughness elements
Authors: Yang Xiang I. A. , Sadique Jasim , Mittal Rajat , Meneveau Charles
Published: January 2016

We conduct a series of large-eddy simulations (LES) to examine the mean flow behaviour within the roughness layer of turbulent boundary layer flow over rough surfaces. We consider several configurations consisting of arrays of rectangular-prism roughness elements with various spacings, aspect ratios and height distributions. The results provide clear evidence for exponential behaviour of the mean flow with respect to the wall normal distance. Such behaviour has been proposed before (see, e.g., Cionco, 1966 Tech. Rep. DTIC document), and is represented as $U(z)/U_{h}=\exp [a(z/h-1)]$, where $U(z)$ is the spatially/temporally averaged fluid velocity, $z$ is the wall normal distance, $h$ represents the height of the roughness elements and $U_{h}$ is the velocity at $z=h$. The attenuation factor $a$ depends on the density of the roughness element distribution and details of the roughness distribution on the wall. Once established, the generic velocity profile shape is used to formulate a fully analytical model for the effective drag exerted by turbulent flow on a surface covered with arrays of rectangular-prism roughness elements. The approach is based on the von Karman–Pohlhausen integral method, in which a shape function is assumed for the mean velocity profile and its parameters are determined based on momentum conservation and other fundamental constraints. In order to determine the attenuation parameter $a$, wake interactions among surface roughness elements are accounted for by using the concept of flow sheltering. The model transitions smoothly between ‘$k$’ and ‘$d$’ type roughness conditions depending on the surface coverage density and the detailed geometry of roughness elements. Comparisons between model predictions and experimental/numerical data from the existing literature as well as LES data from this study are presented. It is shown that the analytical model provides good predictions of mean velocity and drag forces for the cases considered, thus raising the hope that analytical roughness modelling based on surface geometry is possible, at least for cases when the location of flow separation over surface elements can be easily predicted, as in the case of wall-attached rectangular-prism roughness elements.
A Methodology for Optimal Design of Composite Laminates Using Polar Formalism
Authors: Kazemi M. , Verchery G.
Published: January 2016

An innovative optimization technique is presented for the design of composite laminated plates subjected to in-plane loads. A list of quasi-homogeneous laminates that can be used as angle-ply materials is proposed as a comprehensive solution for optimum lay-up. Two optimization procedures are performed: Dimensioning of the flexural stiffness and the elastic modulus, which provides the optimal orientations for the layers and offer highest in-plane resistance to composite laminated structures. The polar formalism for plane anisotropy is used to represent the flexural stiffness and elastic modulus tensors. Numerical examples are resolved for two materials with different elastic moduli.
Household food insecurity and diet diversity after the major 2010 landslide disaster in Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rukundo Peter M. , Andreassen Bård A. , Kikafunda Joyce , Rukooko Byaruhanga , Oshaug Arne , Iversen Per Ole
Published: January 2016

In 2010, a landslide in Bududa, Eastern Uganda, killed about 350 people and nearly 1000 affected households were resettled in Kiryandongo, Western Uganda. A cross-sectional survey assessed household food insecurity and diet diversity among 1078 affected and controls. In Bududa, the affected had a lower adjusted mean score of food insecurity than controls – 9·2 (se 0·4) v. 12·3 (se 0·4) (P<0·01) – but higher diet diversity score (DDS) – 7·1 (se 0·1) v. 5·9 (se 0·1) (P<0·01). On controlling for disaster and covariates, recipients of relief food had higher food insecurity – 12·0 (se 0·6) v. 10·4 (se 0·3) (P=0·02) – whereas farmers had higher DDS – 6·6 (se 0·2) v. 5·6 (se 0·3) (P<0·01). Household size increased the likelihood of food insecurity (OR 1·15; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·32; P<0·05) but reduced DDS (OR 0·93; 95 % CI 0·87, <1·00; P=0·04). Low DDS was more likely in disaster affected (OR 4·22; 95 % CI 2·65, 6·72; P<0·01) and farmers (OR 2·52; 95 % CI 1·37, 4·64; P<0·01). In Kiryandongo, affected households had higher food insecurity – 12·3 (se 0·8) v. 2·6 (se 0·8) (P<0·01) – but lower DDS – 5·8 (se 0·3) v. 7·0 (se 0·3) (P=0·02). The latter reduced with increased age (OR 0·99; 95 % CI 0·97, 1·00; P<0·05), lowest education (OR 0·54; 95 % CI 0·31, 0·93; P=0·03), farmers (OR 0·59; 95 % CI 0·35, 0·98; P=0·04) and asset ownership (OR 0·56; 95 % CI 0·39, 0·81; P<0·01). Addressing social protection could mitigate food insecurity.
Mobilisation pénale et cycle politique au Canada : étude de cas de 104 résidents permanents haïtiens déportés pour criminalité entre 1989 et 2009
Authors: Tremblay-Faulkner Marc
Published: January 2016

La politique de déportation criminelle épouse une trajectoire cyclique et non partisane. Sur la base d'une étude de cas de résidents haïtiens déportés pour criminalité entre 1989 et 2009, je soutiens que la déportation criminelle ne s'explique pas comme une proportion stable du bassin de résidents permanents mais par l'attention politique qu'elle génère. Une analyse de points de rupture multiple distingue deux phases de mobilisation pénales distinctes. La première phase (1994–1998) correspond à la désignation du problème, puis à sa formulation en projet de loi (C-44). La deuxième phase (2003–2005) correspond à un nouvel épisode de durcissement par une reformulation de l'enjeu autour des notions de risque et d'efficacité (C-11). Malgré le dépôt de réformes législatives visant à accélérer la politique de déportation criminelle (C-43, C-60), l'arrivée du Parti conservateur (2006–2009) correspond à une baisse de la mobilisation pénale durant la période à l’étude.
Link Floer Homology Categorifies the Conway Function
Authors: Benheddi Mounir , Cimasoni David
Published: January 2016

Given an oriented link in the 3-sphere, the Euler characteristic of its link Floer homology is known to coincide with its multi-variable Alexander polynomial, an invariant only defined up to a sign and powers of the variables. In this paper we remove this ambiguity by proving that this Euler characteristic is equal to the so-called Conway function, the representative of the multi-variable Alexander polynomial introduced by Conway in 1970 and explicitly constructed by Hartley in 1983. This is achieved by creating a model of the Conway function adapted to rectangular diagrams, which is then compared to the Euler characteristic of the combinatorial version of link Floer homology.
CRITICAL SOIL ORGANIC CARBON RANGE FOR OPTIMAL CROP RESPONSE TO MINERAL FERTILISER NITROGEN ON A FERRALSOL
Authors: MUSINGUZI PATRICK , EBANYAT PETER , TENYWA JOHN STEPHEN , BASAMBA TWAHA ALI , TENYWA MOSES MAKOOMA , MUBIRU DRAKE N.
Published: January 2016

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is a major indicator of soil fertility in the tropics and underlies variability in crop response to mineral fertilizers. Critical SOC concentrations that interact positively with N fertilizer for optimal crop yield are less understood. A study was conducted on a Ferralsol in sub-humid Uganda to explore the critical range of SOC concentrations and associated fractions for optimal maize (Zea maysL.) yield response to applied mineral N fertiliser. Maize grain yield response to N rates applied at 0, 25, 50 and 100 kg N ha−1in 30 fields of low fertility (SOC<1.2%), medium fertility (SOC = 1.2–1.7%) and high fertility (SOC>1.7%) was assessed. Soil was physically fractionated into sand-sized (63–2000 µm), silt-sized (2–63 µm) and clay-sized (<2 µm) particles and SOC content determined. Low fertility fields (<1.2% SOC) resulted in the lowest response to N application. Fields with >1.2% SOC registered the highest agronomic efficiency (AE) and grain yield. Non-linear regression models predicted critical SOC for optimal yields to be 2.204% at the 50 kg N ha−1rate. Overall, models predicted 1.9–2.2% SOC as the critical concentration range for high yields. The critical range of SOC concentrations corresponded to 3.5–5.0 g kg−1sand-sized C and 9–11 g kg−1for clay-sized C.
Improving Mean Variance Optimization through Sparse Hedging Restrictions
Authors: Goto Shingo , Xu Yan
Published: January 2016

In portfolio risk minimization, the inverse covariance matrix prescribes the hedge trades in which a stock is hedged by all the other stocks in the portfolio. In practice with finite samples, however, multicollinearity makes the hedge trades too unstable and unreliable. By shrinking trade sizes and reducing the number of stocks in each hedge trade, we propose a “sparse” estimator of the inverse covariance matrix. Comparing favorably with other methods (equal weighting, shrunk covariance matrix, industry factor model, nonnegativity constraints), a portfolio formed on the proposed estimator achieves significant out-of-sample risk reduction and improves certainty equivalent returns after transaction costs.
Arctic architectures
Authors: Hemmersam Peter
Published: January 2016

In 1968, the British/Swedish architect Ralph Erskine published an article ‘Architecture and town planning in the north’ in this journal, in which he called for a particular Arctic approach to the design of buildings and cities that is distinct from mainstream architecture due to conditions such as harsh climate, resident indigenous or sparse population and remoteness. One hundred years after his birth (in 1914), Erskine is still considered the authoritative ‘Arctic architect’, and his approach is paradigmatic among many architects dealing with the built environment in the Arctic, sub-Arctic and northern regions.

However, a study of the literature on architectural practice and the built environment in the north reveals a number of varying conceptions of Arctic architecture. These different perspectives are social in nature and construct the architectural technologies, the natural environment and society in different configurations. This article finds that architectural discourses and readings of the Arctic change under the influence of social, cultural, political and architectural paradigms. The perspectives identified in the article are seen to be critical supplements to Erskine's utopian approach to developing new sustainable forms of urbanism and architecture in the Arctic. They also reveal that new conceptions do not necessarily replace previous ones but often overlap and place earlier ideas into fresh concepts and that certain conceptions appear to perpetuate over the decades, such as the Arctic as an ‘empty space’. The thinking on Arctic futures is, in many ways, trapped in certain modernist and utopian modes, and this article contributes to widening the range of possible relationships between people and the Arctic environment, using architecture as an aperture.
Reading a History of Writing: heritage, religion and script change in Java
Authors: Ricci Ronit
Published: January 2016

Scripts are sites of religious, cultural and political power. Although scripts are often viewed solely as technical devices in the service of meaning, the particular histories of scripts’ coming into being, their uses and sometimes disappearance can tell us much about shifting religious agendas, memory, and attachments to community, place, and particular literary cultures. In my essay I explore the history of writing in Java, including the story of the letters’ creation, to think about cultural and religious transformations, the relationship of foreign to local, and the powerful hold certain texts have on the imagination.
Corporate Constitutionalism and the Dialogue between the Global and Local in Seventeenth-Century English History
Authors: Pettigrew William A.
Published: January 2016

This forum discusses the utility of ‘corporate constitutionalism’ as a category of historical analysis. Corporate constitutionalism privileges the constitutional activities of international trading corporations to understand the cross-cultural dynamics at work in European expansion. William A Pettigrew sets out the possibilities of corporate constitutionalism in the first essay which defines the concept, makes the case for viewing trading corporations as constitutional entities at home and abroad, signals some possible interpretive benefits for historians of empire, corporate historians, global historians, and constitutional historians, before offering an illustrative case study about the Royal African Company. Leading thinkers in international history (David Armitage), legal history (Paul Halliday), constitutional theory (Vicki Hsueh), and corporate history (Thomas Leng and Philip J Stern) offer their reflections on the possibilities of this new approach to the international activities of trading corporations. Although the Forum focuses on seventeenth century English trading corporations, it proposes to start a discussion about the utility of corporate constitutionalism for other European corporations and for periods both before and after the seventeenth century.
Physical Activity Perceptions and Influences among Older Adults in Rural Nova Scotia
Authors: Witcher Chad S. G. , Holt Nicholas L. , Young Wendy , Blanchard Chris , Murnaghan Donna , Spence John C.
Published: January 2016

Cette étude a identifié les facteurs qui influencent la participation à l’activité physique (AP) chez les adultes âgés de milieu rural en Nouvelle-Écosse, et a étudié comment le contexte rural peut influer sur la participation et la promotion de l’AP. Les données ont été recueillies au moyen d’entrevues semi-structurées individuelles avec 20 adultes plus âgés (Âgem = 77,5 ans) des régions rurales du Cap-Breton, Nouvelle-Écosse, et soumis à des procédures d’analyse thématique (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Quatre thèmes représentant facteurs qui influent sur la priorisation des AP ont été identifiés: (1) Le contexte historique de l’activité, le travail et la productivité; (2) déjà s’etant occupé avec les activités au jour le jour; (3) étant / restant sur la route; et (4) une approche prudente. Ces résultats suggèrent que la promotion de l’AP devrait être contextuellement saillant, et ils soulignent la nécessité d’une compréhension commune entre les personnes âgées en milieu rural et les promoteurs de l’AP sur ce qui constitue être «physiquement actif.” La promotion effective de l’AP chez les adultes ruraux âgés peut nécessitent le déplacement de méthodes contemporaines de cette promotion.
Qualitative Research in theCJA/RCV:An 18-Year Analysis (1995–2012)
Authors: Humble Áine M. , Green Maureen
Published: January 2016

Des chercheurs ont suggérés que la recherche qualitative augmente dans le domaine de la gérontologie, mais peu d'analyses systématiques ont testés cette assertion. En utilisantLa Revue canadienne du vieillissement/Canadian Journal on Agingcomme étude de cas, des articles représentant des projets de recherche originaux de 1995 à 2012 ont été analysés. Un sur quatre articles représentait des recherches qualitatives, et les résultats en intervals de trois ans ont montrés une augmentation évidente des résultats venants des études qualitatives durant cette période de 18 ans: (a) 1995–1997: 10%; (b) 199 –2000: 19%; (c) 200 –2003: 25%; (d) 2004–2006: 25%; (e) 2007–2009: 29%; et (f) 2010–2012: 43%. Dans chaque intervalle de temps (à l'exception de 2004–2006), les articles en langue française utilisaient d’avantage de méthodologie qualitative que les articles en anglais. Les articles françaises utilisaient une conception de la recherche qualitative plus souvent que les articles en anglais. Les sujets de recherche, les méthodologies, et la stratégie de recueil des données sont aussi examinés.
Classical realizability and arithmetical formulæ
Authors: GUILLERMO MAURICIO , MIQUEY ÉTIENNE
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we treat the specification problem in Krivine classical realizability (Krivine 2009Panoramas et synthèses27), in the case of arithmetical formulæ. In the continuity of previous works from Miquel and the first author (Guillermo 2008Jeux de réalisabilité en arithmétique classique, Ph.D. thesis, Université Paris 7; Guillermo and Miquel 2014Mathematical Structures in Computer Science, Epub ahead of print), we characterize the universal realizers of a formula as being the winning strategies for a game (defined according to the formula). In the first sections, we recall the definition of classical realizability, as well as a few technical results. In Section 5, we introduce in more details the specification problem and the intuition of the game-theoretic point of view we adopt later. We first present a game1, that we prove to be adequate and complete if the language contains no instructions ‘quote’ (Krivine 2003Theoretical Computer Science308259–276), using interaction constants to do substitution over execution threads. We then show that as soon as the language contain ‘Quote,’ the game is no more complete, and present a second game2that is both adequate and complete in the general case. In the last Section, we draw attention to a model-theoretic point of view and use our specification result to show that arithmetical formulæ are absolute for realizability models.
Exploring practical approaches to maximising data quality in electronic healthcare records in the primary care setting and associated benefits. Report of panel-led discussion held at SAPC in July 2014
Authors: Dungey Sheena , Glew Simon , Heyes Barbara , Macleod John , Tate A. Rosemary
Published: January 2016

Background

Electronic healthcare records provide information about patient care over time which not only affords the opportunity to improve patient care directly through effective monitoring and identification of care requirements but also offers a unique platform for both clinical and service-model research essential to the longer-term development of the health service. The quality of the recorded data can, however, be variable and can compromise the validity of data use both for primary and secondary purposes.

Objectives

In order to explore the challenges and benefits of and approaches to recording high quality primary care electronic records, a Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) sponsored workshop was held at the Society of Academic Primary Care (SAPC) conference in 2014 with the aim of engaging GPs and other data users.

Methods

The workshop was held as a structured discussion, led by an expert panel and focused around three questions: (1) What are the data quality priorities for clinicians and researchers? How do these priorities differ or overlap? (2) What challenges might GPs face in provision of good data quality both for treating their patients and for research? Do these aims conflict? (3) What tools (such as data metrics and visualisations or software components) could assist the GP in improving data quality and patient management and could this tie in with analytical processes occurring at the research stage?

Results

The discussion highlighted both overlap and differences in the perceived data quality priorities and challenges for different user groups. Five key areas of focus were agreed upon and recommendations determined for moving forward in improving quality.

Conclusions

The importance of good high quality electronic healthcare records has been set forth along with the need for a practical user-considered and collaborative approach to its improvement.
Transformatio Per Complexitatem: The 20th Century Transformation of Latin Teaching in the UK
Authors: McMillan Ian
Published: January 2016

A second-order change took place in Latin Teaching in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s, with effects reaching into the present day. This Change was a shift in attitude, values and methods which Forrest describes as, ‘curriculum change on an unprecedented scale’ (Forrest, 1996, p. 42) and the ‘transformation of Latin teaching’ (ibid, p. 146). This article explores the nature of this change and justifies categorising it as second-order. Secondly, it considers the process of how the change took place, looking also at changes within the wider social field and resistance to change within Latin teaching. Both a Bourdieusian theoretical framework and a metaphorical application of chaos and complexity theory are used to analyse this change and explain some of the conflicts and crises within and around the change period. The final section of the analysis considers issues affecting the communication of ideas and the effect of social capital within the system.
Positive Association of Vitamin E Supplementation with Hemoglobin Levels in Mildly Anemic Healthy Pakistani Adults
Authors: Jilani Tanveer , Azam Iqbal , Moiz Bushra , Mehboobali Naseema , Perwaiz Iqbal Mohammad
Published: January 2016

Abstract. Background: Hemoglobin levels slightly below the lower limit of normal are common in adults in the general population in developing countries. A few human studies have suggested the use of antioxidant vitamins in the correction of mild anemia. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association of vitamin E supplementation in mildly anemic healthy adults with post-supplemental blood hemoglobin levels in the general population of Karachi, Pakistan. Method: In a single-blinded and placebo-controlled randomized trial, 124 mildly anemic subjects from the General Practitioners’ Clinics and personnel of the Aga Khan University were randomized into intervention (n = 82) and control (n = 42) group. In the intervention group, each subject was given vitamin E (400 mg) everyday for a period of three months, while control group subjects received a placebo. Eighty six subjects completed the trial. Fasting venous blood was collected at baseline and after three months of supplementation. Hemoglobin levels and serum/plasma concentrations of vitamin E, vitamin B12, folate, ferritin, serum transferrin receptor (sTfR), glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, creatinine, total-antioxidant-status and erythropoietin were measured and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Results: The adjusted regression coefficients (β) and standard error [SE(β)] of the significant predictors of post-supplemental hemoglobin levels were serum concentration of vitamin E (0.983[0.095]), gender (- 0.656[0.244]), sTfR (- 0.06[0.02]) and baseline hemoglobin levels (0.768[0.077]). Conclusion: The study showed a positive association between vitamin E supplementation and enhanced hemoglobin levels in mildly anemic adults.
Hypovitaminosis D in Healthy Toddlers and Preschool Children from Western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kensarah Osama A. , Jazar Abdelelah S. , Azzeh Firas S.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in Saudi Arabia. No sufficient data are available on the vitamin D status of preschool children. Aims: To investigate the vitamin D status among toddlers and preschool children and to evaluate the factors associated with hypovitaminosis D in Western Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 503 preschool children in Makkah. The children were divided into two age categories: 1 - 3 years (toddlers) and 3 - 6 years (preschool). Sociodemographic factors, life-style factors, eating habits, body mass index (BMI), 25-(OH)-vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorous, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were determined. Results: Sixty-three % of children had a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D in toddlers was significantly higher than in preschool children. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with BMI (r = - 0.419, P < 0.001), and duration of breast feeding (r = - 0.270, P = 0.027), but a significant positive correlation with vitamin D intake (r = 0.335, P = 0.021), calcium intake (r = 0.25, P = 0.029), duration of formula feeding (r = 0.354, P = 0.019), and outdoor physical activity (r = 0.381, P = 0.011) was found. Multivariable predictors of hypovitaminosis D were preschool age (OR = 11, [95 % CI: 2.78 - 43.57], P < 0.001), outdoor physical inactivity (OR = 2.44, [95 % CI: 0.93 - 14.12], P < 0.001), obesity (OR = 2.3, [95 % CI: 1.25 - 7.08], P = 0.008), overweight (OR = 2.16, [95 % CI: 1.18 - 6.01], P = 0.039), inadequate vitamin D intake (OR = 1.65, [95 % CI: 1.12 - 2.53], P = 0.012), exclusive formula feeding (OR = 0.53, [95 % CI: 0.41 - 0.72], P < 0.001), and breast and formula feeding (OR = 0.62 [95 % CI: 0.39 - 0.88], P = 0.002). Conclusion: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health concern, especially in preschool children. Possible determinants of low vitamin D status in preschool children in the Makkah region could be related to age, high BMI, inadequate vitamin D intake, exclusive breastfeeding, and outdoor physical inactivity.
Association of Major Dietary Patterns with General and Abdominal Obesity in Iranian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ghane Basiri Marjan , Sotoudeh Gity , Djalali Mahmood , Reza Eshraghian Mohammad , Noorshahi Neda , Rafiee Masoumeh , Nikbazm Ronak , Karimi Zeinab , Koohdani Fariba
Published: January 2016

Abstract. Background: The aim of this study was to identify dietary patterns associated with general and abdominal obesity in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: We included 728 patients (35 - 65 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus in this cross-sectional study. The usual dietary intake of individuals over 1 year was collected using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured according to standard protocol. Results: The two major dietary patterns identified by factor analysis were healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns. After adjustment for potential confounders, subjects in the highest quintile of the healthy dietary pattern scores had a lower odds ratio for the general obesity when compared to the lowest quintile (OR = 0.45, 95 % CI = 0.26 - 0.79, P for trend = 0.02), while patients in the highest quintile of the unhealthy dietary pattern scores had greater odds for the general obesity (OR = 3.2, 95 % CI = 1.8 - 5.9, P for trend < 0.001). There were no significant associations between major dietary patterns and abdominal obesity, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion: This study shows that in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a healthy dietary pattern is inversely associated and an unhealthy dietary pattern is directly associated with general obesity.