bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and corrosion behavior of nickel‐phosphorus coatings deposited by a simplified bath
Authors: Guo S. Q. , Hou L. F. , Guo C. L. , Wei Y. H.
Published: November 2016

An economical formulation is introduced for electroless Ni‐P coating on AZ31B Mg alloy, and the multifunctional additive polyvinylpyrrolidone as the only additive is used for the electroless bath. The effect of PVP concentration on electroless Ni‐P coating is researched in detail. The total deposition rate of the Ni‐P coating is estimated by the gravimetric method. It is shown that with the increases of PVP concentration in electroless solution, the total deposition rate for Ni‐P coatings decreases. The microstructure and surface morphologies of Ni‐P coatings are characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization measurement are used to evaluate the anticorrosion property of the Ni‐P coatings in 3.5% NaCl solution. The results show that a mixture of crystalline and amorphous Ni‐P coating with medium phosphorus content is successfully deposited on the AZ31B Mg alloy. Furthermore, the Ni‐P coating displays preferable properties in both micro‐hardness and corrosion resistance when the concentration of PVP is 10 g/L.
Sixty‐hertz stimulation improves bradykinesia and amplifies subthalamic low‐frequency oscillations
Authors: Blumenfeld Zack , Koop Mandy Miller , Prieto Thomas E. , Shreve Lauren A. , Velisar Anca , Quinn Emma J. , Trager Megan H. , Brontë‐Stewart Helen
Published: November 2016

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that attenuation of subthalamic nucleus (STN) alpha‐/beta‐band oscillations is causal to improvement in bradykinesia.

Methods

STN local field potentials from a sensing neurostimulator (Activa® PC+S; Medtronic, Inc.) and kinematics from wearable sensors were recorded simultaneously during 60‐ and 140‐Hz deep brain stimulation (DBS) in 9 freely moving PD subjects (15 STNs) performing repetitive wrist flexion‐extension. Kinematics were recorded during 20‐Hz DBS in a subgroup.

Results

Both 60‐ and 140‐Hz DBS improved the angular velocity and frequency of movement (P = 0.002 and P = 0.029, respectively, for 60 Hz; P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively, for 140 Hz), but 60‐Hz DBS did not attenuate beta‐band power (13‐30 Hz). In fact, 60‐Hz DBS amplified alpha/low‐beta (11‐15 Hz, P = 0.007) and attenuated high‐beta power (19‐27 Hz, P < 0.001), whereas 140‐Hz DBS broadly attenuated beta power (15‐30 Hz, P < 0.001). Only 60‐Hz DBS improved the regularity of angular range (P = 0.046) and 20‐Hz DBS did not worsen bradykinesia. There was no correlation between beta‐power modulation and bradykinesia.

Conclusions

These novel results obtained from freely moving PD subjects demonstrated that both 140‐ and 60‐Hz DBS improved bradykinesia and attenuated high beta oscillations; however, 60‐Hz DBS amplified a subband of alpha/low‐beta oscillations, and DBS at a beta‐band frequency did not worsen bradykinesia. Based on recent literature, we suggest that both 140‐ and 60‐Hz DBS decouple the cortico‐STN hyperdirect pathway, whereas 60‐Hz DBS increases coupling within striato‐STN circuitry. These results inform future algorithms for closed‐loop DBS in PD. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Intracerebral synthesis of glutamine from hyperpolarized glutamate
Authors: Mazuel Leslie , Schulte Rolf F. , Cladière Aurélie , Spéziale Claudine , Lagrée Marie , Leremboure Martin , Jean Betty , Durif Franck , Chassain Carine
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Changes in glutamate (Glu) levels occur in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. We proposed the use of 13C spectroscopy and the highly amplified signal generated by hyperpolarization to achieve spatial and temporal resolutions adequate for in vivo studies of Glu metabolism in the healthy rat brain. Thus, we investigated uptake of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Glu after a temporary blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption protocol and its conversion to glutamine (Gln) in the brain.

Methods

[1‐13C]Glu was hyperpolarized using the dynamic nuclear polarization process. A temporary BBB disruption using mannitol allowed hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Glu to reach the brain. Then, hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Glu brain metabolism was observed in vivo by MR spectroscopy experiments at 3T. Products synthesized from [1‐13C]Glu were assigned via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Glu reached 20% ± 2.3% polarization after 90 min. After validation of the BBB disruption protocol, hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Glu (175.4 ppm) was detected inside the rat brain, and the formation of [1‐13C]Gln at 174.9 ppm was also observed.

Conclusion

The Gln synthesis from hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Glu can be monitored in vivo in the healthy rat brain after opening the BBB. Magn Reson Med 78:1296–1305, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
SMS‐HSL: Simultaneous multislice aliasing separation exploiting hankel subspace learning
Authors: Park Suhyung , Park Jaeseok
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To develop a novel, simultaneous multislice reconstruction method that exploits Hankel subspace learning (SMS‐HSL) for aliasing separation in the slice direction.

Methods

An SMS signal model with the Hankel‐structured matrix was proposed. To efficiently suppress interslice leakage artifacts from a signal subspace perspective, a null space was learned from the reference data combined over all slices other than a slice of interest using singular value decomposition. Given the fact that the Hankel‐structured matrix is rank‐deficient while the magnitude between the reference and its estimate is similar in k‐space, the SMS‐HSL was reformulated as a constrained optimization problem with both low‐rank and magnitude priors. SMS signals were projected onto a slice‐specific subspace while undesired signals were eliminated using the null space operator. The simulations and experiments were performed with increasing multiband factors up to 6 using the SMS‐HSL and the split slice‐GRAPPA.

Results

Compared with the split slice‐GRAPPA, the SMS‐HSL shows superior performance in suppressing aliasing artifacts and noises at high multiband factors even with: insufficient reference signals, a small number of coils, and a short distance between aliasing voxels.

Conclusion

We successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the SMS‐HSL over the split slice‐GRAPPA for aliasing separation in the slice direction. Magn Reson Med 78:1392–1404, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Activity limitations in myasthenia gravis and relation to clinical variables
Authors: De Meel Robert H.P. , Lipka Alexander F. , Van Der Lende Marije , Van Zwet Erik W. , Tannemaat Martijn R. , Verschuuren Jan J.G.M.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

It is unknown how fluctuations in muscle weakness affect activity limitations in myasthenia gravis patients and how the severity of these limitations compares with published data on other neuromuscular disorders (NMD).

Methods

In this study we analyzed ACTIVLIM (acronym of “ACTIVity LIMitations”) and quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) scores. We assessed the impact of QMG and other clinical variables on ACTIVLIM, using B coefficients.

Results

The mean ACTIVLIM score in 118 MG patients was 3.3. There was a correlation between QMG and ACTIVLIM (B coefficient = −0.206, P < 0.001) and between changes in both scores (B coefficient = −0.175, P = 0.002). Men and patients without another autoimmune disease had a better ACTIVLIM score (B coefficient = 0.785, P = 0.015 and B coefficient = 0.998, P = 0.008, respectively).

Conclusions

The ACTIVLIM score in MG is higher than in other NMD. Fluctuations in QMG correlated significantly with changes in ACTIVLIM. Muscle Nerve 56: 64–70, 2017.
Dynamic 31P–MRSI using spiral spectroscopic imaging can map mitochondrial capacity in muscles of the human calf during plantar flexion exercise at 7 T
Authors: Valkovič Ladislav , Chmelík Marek , Meyerspeer Martin , Gagoski Borjan , Rodgers Christopher T. , Krššák Martin , Andronesi Ovidiu C. , Trattnig Siegfried , Bogner Wolfgang
Published: November 2016

Phosphorus MRSI (31P–MRSI) using a spiral‐trajectory readout at 7 T was developed for high temporal resolution mapping of the mitochondrial capacity of exercising human skeletal muscle.

The sensitivity and localization accuracy of the method was investigated in phantoms. In vivo performance was assessed in 12 volunteers, who performed a plantar flexion exercise inside a whole‐body 7 T MR scanner using an MR‐compatible ergometer and a surface coil. In five volunteers the knee was flexed (~60°) to shift the major workload from the gastrocnemii to the soleus muscle.

Spiral‐encoded MRSI provided 16–25 times faster mapping with a better point spread function than elliptical phase‐encoded MRSI with the same matrix size. The inevitable trade‐off for the increased temporal resolution was a reduced signal‐to‐noise ratio, but this was acceptable. The phosphocreatine (PCr) depletion caused by exercise at 0° knee angulation was significantly higher in both gastrocnemii than in the soleus (i.e. 64.8 ± 19.6% and 65.9 ± 23.6% in gastrocnemius lateralis and medialis versus 15.3 ± 8.4% in the soleus).

Spiral‐encoded 31P–MRSI is a powerful tool for dynamic mapping of exercising muscle oxidative metabolism, including localized assessment of PCr concentrations, pH and maximal oxidative flux with high temporal and spatial resolution.
Experimental investigation of mechanical and viscoelastic properties of Acacia Nilotica filler blended polymer composite
Authors: Palanikumar Vimalanathan , Narayanan Venkateshwaran , Vajjiram Santhanam
Published: November 2016

This research work studies the influence of Acacia Nilotica filler at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 volume percentages on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical behavior of the polyester composite. The filler was grinded using ball milling process and mixed with polyester resin using ultra‐ sonification process. The results reveal that the addition of Acacia Nilotica filler up to 25 v/v% in the polyester resin enhances the mechanical properties of the composite material. Further, increasing the filler content above 25 v/v% drop the mechanical properties. The visco‐elastic property of the composite was performed using dynamic mechanical analyser. It showed that the addition of Acacia Nilotica up to 25v/v % increases the storage modulus and reduces the damping (tan δ) factor. An effort has been made to associate the experimental storage modulus and damping factor with various theories also was performed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2535–2546, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of carbonization and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on polyacrylonitrile short carbon fiber ‐ epoxy composites
Authors: Srivastava Vijay K. , Zamperlin Nico , Fox Bronwyn , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: November 2016

The present work deals with the characterization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled and unfilled short carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composites. Short carbon fibers (10 mm) were selected at various processing stages such as (i) white color polyacrylonitrile fibers (PAN); (ii) pre‐carbonized carbon fibers (Precarb‐CF); (iii) oxidized carbon fibers (OCF); (iv) fully carbonized carbon fibers (CF‐low); and (v) sized carbon fibers (CF Sized). The investigated composites were characterized by three points bending test, hardness test, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), electrical conductivity test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the mechanical and electrical properties of the investigated materials markedly depend on the type of short carbon fibers and on the presence of MWCNTs. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E817–E825, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of thermo‐oxidative aging on the mechanical and flame retardant properties of long glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites filled with red phosphorus
Authors: Zhou Dengfeng , He Weidi , Wang Na , Chen Xiaolang , Guo Jianbing , Ci Shuting
Published: November 2016

In this work, the long glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene/red phosphorus (PP/LGF/RP) flame retardant composites were prepared by melting blend. The effects of thermo‐oxidative aging on the mechanical properties, morphologies, and fire resistances of the PP/LGF/RP composites with different thermal exposure time at 140°C were investigated and discussed. The results showed that the crystallinity of PP in the PP/LGF/RP composites decreased and the mechanical properties decreased significantly with increasing the aging time. The scanning electronic microscopy photos indicated that the obvious reticular crack appeared on the surface of PP/LGF/RP composites and larger cracks appeared in local scope with an increase of aging time. The results from energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) proved that RP migrated from the inner to the surface of the composites. And the corresponding temperatures of maximum weight loss rate (Tmax) of the PP/LGF/RP composites remained nearly unchanged, but the initial decomposition temperature (T5%) increased firstly, and then decreased. The flame retardant performances from the UL‐94 tests, limiting oxygen index, and cone calorimeter test showed that the thermo‐oxidative aging had a little effect on the flammability of the PP/LGF/RP composites. The thermal stability of PP/LGF/RP composites was improved slightly after thermo‐oxidative aging. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2634–2642, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Robust fault diagnosis and fault‐tolerant control for non‐Gaussian uncertain stochastic distribution control systems
Authors: Sun Yuancheng , Yao Lina
Published: November 2016

The purpose of fault diagnosis of stochastic distribution control systems is to use the measured input and the system output probability density function to obtain the fault estimation information. A fault diagnosis and sliding mode fault‐tolerant control algorithms are proposed for non‐Gaussian uncertain stochastic distribution control systems with probability density function approximation error. The unknown input caused by model uncertainty can be considered as an exogenous disturbance, and the augmented observation error dynamic system is constructed using the thought of unknown input observer. Stability analysis is performed for the observation error dynamic system, and the H∞ performance is guaranteed. Based on the information of fault estimation and the desired output probability density function, the sliding mode fault‐tolerant controller is designed to make the post‐fault output probability density function still track the desired distribution. This method avoids the difficulties of design of fault diagnosis observer caused by the uncertain input, and fault diagnosis and fault‐tolerant control are integrated. Two different illustrated examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved hash and transmission method for larger packets in the RADIUS protocol
Authors: Kim Youngse , Heo Ung , Kim Keecheon
Published: November 2016

Remote Authentication Dial‐In User Service (RADIUS) is a popular protocol for authenticating users. If the size of the request packet sent by a client is larger than a specific size, the current RADIUS protocol silently discards the request. However, request packets that use an Extensible Markup Language scheme, which contain security‐related attributes, are also available. These packets are classified as larger packets, which we define as being larger than 4096 bytes. Accordingly, a packet may result in an authentication failure on account of the large packet size. In this paper, TCP is used as a transport layer protocol for the RADIUS protocol. We propose a hash and transmission method to reduce the problem of the authentication failure when the packet exceeds 4096 bytes. Through an experimental evaluation, we prove that attaching a nonce value to the user–password field with an SHA‐1, and sending this information to the server, guarantees more security than the conventional RADIUS protocol. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
False alarm reduction in signature‐based IDS: game theory approach
Authors: Subba Basant , Biswas Santosh , Karmakar Sushanta
Published: November 2016

Signature‐based intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are employed to monitor computer networks for signs of network intrusions. However, they produce a large number of false positive alarms when operated with default settings without considering the underlying network environment. Inundation of false alarms is the Achilles heel of IDS technology, which could render the IDS ineffective in detecting network attacks. Several false alarm minimization approaches have been proposed in the literature. However, there are many drawbacks associated with these works, namely, modification of well‐established attack signatures; heavy dependence on the attack signatures' reference numbers, which might not always be available; and non‐consideration of the underlying network context information. In this paper, we propose an efficient game theory‐based false alarm minimization scheme for signature‐based IDS. The proposed scheme uses a game theory‐based correlation engine to correlate IDS alarms with network vulnerabilities to minimize the overall false positive alarm rate of the IDS. Experimental results and comparison analysis of the proposed false alarm minimization framework with other frameworks on the benchmark DARPA intrusion detection evaluation dataset and an in‐house IIT Guwahati Lab dataset show that the proposed scheme achieves the highest accuracy among all the frameworks under consideration without degrading the overall detection rate of the IDS. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Mt Etna SO2 eruption in December 2015 – the view from space
Authors: Athanassiadou Maria
Published: November 2016

The SO2 plume from the eruption of Mt Etna in Sicily on 3 December 2015 crossed Asia and reached the west Pacific Ocean in 4 days. By 10 December, it had reached the Atlantic Ocean. Smaller eruptions followed, with some of the plumes travelling northwards and reaching the UK. This paper describes the plume and tracks its evolution using measurements from the IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) instrument on the MetOpA/B satellites.
Imidazolium Based Ionic Liquids: Impact of the Cation Symmetry and Alkyl Chain Length on the Enthalpy of Vaporization
Authors: Yermalayeu Andrei V. , Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Loor Manuel , Schaumann Julian , Emel'yanenko Vladimir N. , Schulz Stephan , Verevkin Sergey P.
Published: November 2016

The vaporization thermodynamics of symmetric imidazolium based ionic liquids of the general formula [CnCnIm][Br] with the chains length n = 4, 5, 6, and 8 were investigated using a combination of DSC, TGA, and QCM methods with quantum chemical calculations. Comparison of vaporization enthalpies for the symmetric ([CnCnIm][Br]) and asymmetric imidazolium based ILs ([Cnmim][Br]) revealed a general trend with the lower vaporization enthalpies of the symmetric species indicating a significant decrease of the Coulombic interactions affecting energetics of vaporization.
Grounding, conceivability, and the mind-body problem
Authors: Elohim David
Published: November 2016

This paper challenges the soundness of the two-dimensional conceivability argument against the derivation of phenomenal truths from physical truths (cf. Chalmers in The conscious mind, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1996; The character of consciousness, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010) in light of a hyperintensional regimentation of the ontology of consciousness. The regimentation demonstrates how ontological dependencies between truths about consciousness and about physics cannot be witnessed by epistemic constraints, when the latter are recorded by the conceivability—i.e., the epistemic possibility—thereof. Generalizations and other aspects of the philosophical significance of the hyperintensional regimentation are further examined.
Effect of Fluid Bypassing on the Experimentally Obtained Darcy and Non-Darcy Permeability Parameters of Ceramic Foam Filters
Authors: Akbarnejad Shahin , Saffari Pour Mohsen , Jonsson Lage Tord Ingemar , Jönsson Pӓr Göran
Published: November 2016

Ceramic foam filters (CFFs) are used to remove solid particles and inclusions from molten metal. In general, molten metal which is poured on the top of a CFF needs to reach a certain height to build the required pressure (metal head) to prime the filter. To estimate the required metal head, it is necessary to obtain permeability coefficients using permeametry experiments. It has been mentioned in the literature that to avoid fluid bypassing, during permeametry, samples need to be sealed. However, the effect of fluid bypassing on the experimentally obtained pressure gradients seems not to be explored. Therefore, in this research, the focus was on studying the effect of fluid bypassing on the experimentally obtained pressure gradients as well as the empirically obtained Darcy and non-Darcy permeability coefficients. Specifically, the aim of the research was to investigate the effect of fluid bypassing on the liquid permeability of 30, 50, and 80 pores per inch (PPI) commercial alumina CFFs. In addition, the experimental data were compared to the numerically modeled findings. Both studies showed that no sealing results in extremely poor estimates of the pressure gradients and Darcy and non-Darcy permeability coefficients for all studied filters. The average deviations between the pressure gradients of the sealed and unsealed 30, 50, and 80 PPI samples were calculated to be 57.2, 56.8, and 61.3 pct. The deviations between the Darcy coefficients of the sealed and unsealed 30, 50, and 80 PPI samples found to be 9, 20, and 31 pct. The deviations between the non-Darcy coefficients of the sealed and unsealed 30, 50, and 80 PPI samples were calculated to be 59, 58, and 63 pct.
Populism in Spain: An Analysis of Podemos
Authors: Zarzalejos Javier
Published: November 2016

This article analyses the causes of the loss of support suffered by Podemos in the elections held on 26 June 2016. In these elections, the party, led by Pablo Iglesias, ran for office in coalition with the United Left. The article describes the way the election developed for Podemos, analyses the shaping of its populist rhetoric in line with a radical left-wing view, discusses the social and political conditions that favoured its rise, and finally, notes that the disappearance of these conditions jeopardises its chances of success in the future.
Interactions between β-adrenergic vasodilation and cervical sympathetic nerves are mediated by α2-adrenoceptors in the rat masseter muscle
Authors: Ishii Hisayoshi , Sato Toshiya
Published: November 2016

Neural and humoral autonomic mechanisms may be important in the maintenance of blood flow in the masseter muscle (MBF). However, their interactions remain unclear. In this study, we examined interactions between neural and humoral regulation of MBF and investigated the mechanisms mediating these interactions in urethane-anesthetized rats. Stimulation of the adrenal nerve (AN) projecting to the adrenal medulla increased MBF, and this increase was mediated by β-adrenoceptors. Sectioning of the superior cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) significantly inhibited increases in MBF induced by AN stimulation during high activity in the CST, but not during low activity. AN stimulation with clonidine after CST sectioning induced a significant increased in MBF, however phenylephrine had no observable effect. Pretreatment with yohimbine or propranolol significantly inhibited the increase in the MBF. Our results suggest an interaction between β-adrenergic vasodilation evoked by circulating adrenaline and the cervical sympathetic nerves that is mediated by α2-adrenoceptors in the masseter muscle.
Leveraging social relationships and transparency in the insider game
Authors: Bolton Gary , Ockenfels Axel , Werner Peter
Published: November 2016

We exhibit a mechanism by which two parties leverage their social relationship to ratchet up the rents they collect from a third party residual claimant. Specifically, in a laboratory environment, we study a novel three-person insider game in which ‘insiders’ decide how to distribute profits among themselves and an ‘outsider’ who is the residual claimant. We find that the distribution of payments is largely determined by an informal quid pro quo among the two decision makers at the expense of the outsider. We then manipulate pay transparency and the competition to keep interaction partners, thereby improving the strategic position of one insider. Pay transparency increases the profit share that goes to rent seekers. In addition, rent extraction from the third party persists when competition for interaction partners is introduced. As a result, we find that payments both affect and reflect the influence of social relationships.
Using routine health data and intermittent community surveys to assess the impact of maternal and neonatal health interventions in low‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Dossa Nissou I. , Philibert Aline , Dumont Alexandre
Published: November 2016

Background

There is a need to provide increased evidence on effective interventions to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Objectives

To summarize the breadth of knowledge on using routine data (Routine Health Information Systems [RHIS] and Intermittent Community Surveys [ICS]) for well‐designed maternal and neonatal health evaluations in LMICs.

Search strategy

We searched reports and articles published in Embase, Medline, and Google scholar.

Selection criteria

Studies were considered for inclusion if they were carried out in LMICs, using RHIS or ICS data with experimental or quasi‐experimental design.

Data collection and analysis

A form was used to collect information on indicators used for interventions’ impact assessment. Descriptive statistics and multiple correspondence analyses were then performed.

Main results

Of the 1201 publications identified, 46 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of these were using RHIS data (n = 40), mainly extracted from health facility registers (n = 34), and non‐controlled before and after design (n = 30). The indicators, which were mostly reported, were related to the use of healthcare services (n = 36) and maternal/neonatal health outcomes (n = 31). Few studies used ICS data (n = 6) or indicators of severity (n = 2).

Conclusion

RHIS and ICS data should be increasingly used for impact studies on maternal and neonatal health in LMICs.
A cross‐sectional mixed study of the opportunity to improve maternal postpartum care in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services in the Kaya health district of Burkina Faso
Authors: Yugbaré Belemsaga Danielle , Bado Aristide , Goujon Anne , Duysburgh Els , Degomme Olivier , Kouanda Seni , Temmerman Marleen
Published: November 2016

Objective

To propose a rationale to improve maternal postpartum care in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) services.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional mixed study in the Kaya health district in Burkina Faso based on two data collection exercises conducted between December 2012 and May 2013. A household survey of 757 mothers in their first year after delivery was processed. It was complemented with a qualitative analysis using in‐depth interviews with key informants, focus group discussions with mothers, and participant observation.

Results

Postpartum services showed serious weaknesses. Overall, 52% (n=384) of mothers did not receive any maternal postpartum care; however among them, 47% (n= 349) received infant postpartum care.

Conclusion

We suggest the integration of maternal postpartum care in RMNCH services as a key step to improving postpartum care. The intervention would require the overcoming of challenges related to the quality and cost of services, and to reaching the poor populations with low education and a high parity.
Men's behavior surrounding use of contraceptives in Guinea
Authors: Baldé Mamadou Diouldé , Diallo Boubacar Alpha , Compaoré Rachidatou , Bah Abdoul Karim , Ali Moazzam , Kabra Rita , Kouanda Seni
Published: November 2016

Objective

To analyze the sociocultural determinants that influence the attitude and practices of men toward contraceptive use in Guinea.

Methods

A sequential, mixed methods, qualitative and quantitative study was carried out in two regions of Guinea with a low rate of contraceptive prevalence, and in the capital city of Conakry. A total of 1170 people (men and women) were interviewed.

Results

Findings showed a positive perception of family planning overall, but reluctance to use modern contraception. The reasons for non‐use of contraceptive methods were primarily the hope of having many children and religious prohibition associated with customs. Making decisions on contraceptive use within a couple represents a major cause of misunderstanding between spouses. Communication within a couple on the use of contraception is quickly declined by men.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate the need to develop communication strategies within a couple to improve the use of contraceptives.
Emergency obstetric and neonatal care needs assessment: Results of the 2010 and 2014 surveys in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kouanda Seni , Ouédraogo Adja M. , Ouédraogo Gautier H. , Sanon Djeneba , Belemviré Seydou , Ouédraogo Leopold
Published: November 2016

Objective

To analyze and compare the availability, utilization, and quality of services for maternal and neonatal health in 2010 and 2014 in Burkina Faso.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of emergency obstetric and neonatal care services (EmONC) in all public and private health facilities in Burkina Faso in 2010 and a sample of 812 health facilities in 2014. The generic tools developed by the Averting Maternal Death and Disability (AMDD) program were used as the basic tools for evaluation.

Results

In 2010, 25 health facilities were considered as EmONC health facilities and there were 23 in 2014. In 2010 and 2014, the proportion of births in EmONC health facilities was low (4.5%). The cesarean delivery rate also remained very low, at 0.9% in 2010 and 1.13% in 2014. The proportion of obstetric complications supported in health facilities was 12.3% in 2010 and 17.1% in 2014. The direct complication case fatality rate in EmONC health facilities was 1.6% in 2010 and 1.3% in 2014.

Conclusion

The two surveys did not show a significant improvement in the availability, utilization, and quality of maternal and neonatal healthcare services between 2010 and 2014.
Home births in the context of free health care: The case of Kaya health district in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kouanda Seni , Bado Aristide , Meda Ivlabèhiré Bertrand , Yameogo Gisèle S. , Coulibaly Abou , Haddad Slim
Published: November 2016

Objective

To identify the factors associated with home births in the Kaya health district in Burkina Faso, where child delivery was free of charge between 2007 and 2011.

Methods

Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the Kaya Health and Demographic Surveillance System (Kaya HDSS) among women who delivered at home or in a health facility between January 2008 and December 2010. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to quantitative data, while the qualitative data were analyzed thematically based on emerging themes, subthemes, and patterns across group and individual cases.

Results

The findings indicate that 12% (n = 311) of childbirths occurred at home (n = 2560). Key factors associated with home birth were age, distance from the household to the primary health center, and prenatal visits. The qualitative analysis showed that immediate child delivery, previous experience of giving birth at home, negative experiences with health centers, fear of cesarean delivery, and lack of transport are key predictors of home births.

Conclusion

Though relevant, addressing the financial barrier to health care is not enough. Additional measures are necessary to further reduce the rate of home births.
Indicators of availability, use, and quality of emergency obstetric and neonatal care in Togo in 2012
Authors: Ouédraogo Adja Mariam , Ouédraogo/Nikiema Laeticia , Meda Ivlabèhiré Bertrand , N'Tapi Kassouta , Kouanda Seni
Published: November 2016

Objective

To assess the availability, utilization, and quality of emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) in Togo.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of EmONC services in all public and private health facilities in the territory of Togo conducted from July to December, 2012. The generic tools developed by the Averting Maternal Death and Disability program were used as the basic tools for this evaluation.

Results

The survey involved 1019 health facilities including 864 potential EmONC facilities that constituted the final sample. The results showed that there was low availability of functional EmONC health facilities (8 basic EmONC and 24 comprehensive EmONC) with a large urban/rural variation. Among the 24 current CEmONC, 22 were in urban areas and half were from the private sector. The national ratio of availability was 3 EmONC health facilities per 500 000 inhabitants. Nationally, the cesarean delivery rate was 3.5%. The lethality rate of direct obstetric causes was estimated at 1.3%.

Conclusion

Needs assessment for EmONC showed low availability of EmONC services and underutilization of the available services.
Factors associated with very early neonatal mortality in Burkina Faso: A matched case–control study
Authors: Kaboré Rémi , Meda Ivlabèhiré Bertrand , Koulidiati Jean‐Louis Emmanuel , Millogo Tiéba , Kouanda Seni
Published: November 2016

Objective

To identify the risk factors associated with very early neonatal death in Burkina Faso.

Methods

A matched case–control study including newborns born between May 2009 and April 2010. Cases comprised newborns that died within 24 hours of birth, whereas controls were those of a similar birth weight to the cases who survived the first 24 hours. Potential risk factors related to mothers, neonates, and healthcare provision were assessed from medical records and via interviews. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios.

Results

Data from 470 cases and 470 controls were analyzed. Multivariate analysis showed that Apgar score at 4–7 or 1–3 (aOR 6.27; 95% CI, 3.10–12.68 and aOR 72.26; 95% CI, 14.07–371.26, respectively); bradycardia at the last heart sound recorded before delivery (aOR 5.72; 95% CI, 1.42–23.03); inadequacy or lack of prenatal care (aOR 2.39; 95% CI, 1.15–4.97); resuscitation of newborns (aOR 2.07; 95% CI, 1.01–4.27); and referral of the newborn (aOR 5.29; 95% CI, 1.44–19.43) were associated with increased odds of neonatal mortality. However, being a primigravid mother (aOR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29–0.89) was associated with decreased odds of neonatal mortality.

Conclusion

Very early neonatal mortality is closely related to the condition of the newborn at birth, the monitoring of the pregnancy, and medical procedures.
Evaluation of the implementation and effects of an obstetric kit used in the Adamawa region of Cameroon
Authors: Cacko Joachim Aimé , Cissé Kadari , Pambè Madeleine Wayack , Compaoré Rachidatou , Kouanda Seni
Published: November 2016

Objective

To assess the implementation and effects of the strategy, introduced in June 2011, of making obstetric kits readily available in health facilities in the Adamaoua region of Cameroon.

Methods

We conducted a quasi‐experimental study using an interrupted time series to assess the effects of the strategy, and a case study to evaluate its implementation. The reviewed data were gathered from 13 health facilities over a period from January 2008 to December 2014. Qualitative data were collected from in‐depth interviews.

Results

The provision of obstetric kits was effective in the intervention health facilities, although some challenges existed and included lack of staff motivation and rampant illegal practices. The number of deliveries and cesareans increased.

Conclusion

There is a need to rethink this strategy, given its gaps and shortcomings.
Thieves in Court
Authors: Habermas Rebekka
Published: November 2016

From the seemingly insignificant theft of some bread and a dozen apples in nineteenth century rural Germany, to the high courts and modern-day property laws, this English-language translation of Habermas' Diebe vor Gericht explores how everyday incidents of petty stealing and the ordinary people involved in these cases came to shape the current legal system. Habermas draws from an unusual cache of archival documents of theft cases, tracing the evolution and practice of the legal system of Germany through the nineteenth century. This close reading, relying on approaches of legal anthropology, challenges long-standing narratives of legal development, state building, and modern notions of the rule of law. Ideal for legal historians and scholars of modern German and nineteenth-century European history, this innovative volume steps outside the classic narratives of legal history and gives an insight into the interconnectedness of social, legal and criminal history.
Atmospheric Radar
Authors: Hocking Wayne K. , Röttger Jürgen , Palmer Robert D. , Sato Toru , Chilson Phillip B.
Published: November 2016

Richly illustrated, and including both an extensive bibliography and index, this indispensable guide brings together the theory, design, and applications of atmospheric radar. It explains the basic thermodynamics and dynamics of the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere, and discusses the physical and engineering principles behind one of the key tools used to study these regions - MST radars. Key topics covered include antennas, signal propagation, and signal processing techniques. A wide range of practical applications are discussed, including the use of atmospheric radar to study wind profiles, tropospheric temperature, and gravity waves. A detailed overview of radar designs provides a wealth of knowledge and tools, providing readers with a strong basis for building their own instruments. This is an essential resource for graduate students and researchers working in the areas of radar engineering, remote sensing, meteorology, and atmospheric physics, as well as for practitioners in the radar industry.
The Care of the Witness
Authors: Givoni Michal
Published: November 2016

During the twentieth century, witnessing grew to be not just a widespread solution for coping with political atrocities but also an intricate problem. As the personal experience of victims, soldiers, and aid workers acquired unparalleled authority as a source of moral and political truth, the capacity to generate adequate testimonies based on this experience was repeatedly called into question. Michal Givoni's book follows the trail of the problems, torments, and crises that became commingled with witnessing to genocide, disaster, and war over the course of the twentieth century. By juxtaposing episodes of reflexive witnessing to the Great War, the Jewish Holocaust, and third world emergencies, The Care of the Witness explores the shifting roles and responsibilities of witnesses in history and the contribution that the troubles of witnessing made to the ethical consolidation of the witness as the leading figure of nongovernmental politics.
English Alliterative Verse
Authors: Weiskott Eric
Published: November 2016

English Alliterative Verse tells the story of the medieval poetic tradition that includes Beowulf, Piers Plowman, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, stretching from the eighth century, when English poetry first appeared in manuscripts, to the sixteenth century, when alliterative poetry ceased to be composed. Eric Weiskott draws on the study of meter to challenge the traditional division of medieval English literary history into Old English and Middle English periods. The two halves of the alliterative tradition, divided by the Norman Conquest of 1066, have been studied separately since the nineteenth century; this book uses the history of metrical form and its cultural meanings to bring the two halves back together. In combining literary history and metrical description into a new kind of history he calls 'verse history', Weiskott reimagines the historical study of poetics.
Thermo-Poroelasticity and Geomechanics
Authors: Selvadurai A. P. S. , Suvorov A. P.
Published: November 2016

Investigations of multi-physical processes in geomaterials have gained increasing attention due to the ongoing interest in solving complex geoenvironmental problems. This book provides a comprehensive exposition of the classical theory of thermo-poroelasticity, complemented by complete examples to problems in thermo-poromechanics that are used to validate computational results from multi-physics codes used in practice. The methodologies offer an insight into real-life problems related to modern environmental geosciences, including nuclear waste management, geologic sequestration of greenhouse gases to mitigate climate change, and the impact of energy resources recovery on groundwater resources. A strong focus is placed on analytical approaches to benchmark the accuracy of the computational approaches that are ultimately used in real-life problems. The extensive coverage of both theory and applications in thermo-poroelasticity and geomechanics provides a unified presentation of the topics, making this an accessible and invaluable resource for researchers, students or practitioners in the field.
Language Learning and the Brain
Authors: Schütze Ulf
Published: November 2016

Every person who encounters or learns another language is faced with the challenge of processing many new words in a short period of time. What are the conditions under which a learner can acquire those words successfully and process them to long-term memory? How do language and memory faculties interact? What role do the senses play in this process? Are factors such as age or individual backgrounds of learners to be considered? Taking the reader on a fascinating journey through the brain to demonstrate how language is processed, Ulf Schütze explains the dynamic environment involved in recording and producing words. The book also discusses how to use information technology, such as Apps, to make the learning of words entertaining and efficient.
Basic Concepts in Data Structures
Authors: Klein Shmuel Tomi
Published: November 2016

Data structures are the fundamental building blocks of any computer program, used for storing, representing and manipulating data in a computer. This text presents the basic concepts of data structures as part of the art of writing computer programs. The author concentrates on the fundamentals of what should be done to solve a problem efficiently rather than technical implementation details. The text includes pseudocode and covers all the most common data structures, such as queues, stacks, trees, heaps, and hash tables, along with the basics of searching, sorting, and coding. This book can supplement any undergraduate algorithms or discrete math course and will also be accessible to students and researchers in other quantitative disciplines. No prerequisites beyond introductory programming and basic mathematics are required, and the accessible, conceptual presentation will appeal to undergraduates in many quantitative fields. Carefully designed problem sets with selected solutions will allow students to test their understanding.
Earning Social Citizenship in the European Union: Free Movement and Access to Social Assistance Benefits Reconstructed
Authors: KRAMER Dion
Published: November 2016

While ideas on ‘earned citizenship’ have been around in discussions on the coexistence of freedom of movement and nationally-bounded welfare states in the European Union, both the concept and the process it entails have hardly been explored in connection to EU (case) law. This contribution identifies earned citizenship as a technique of government in the broader political strategy of neoliberal communitarianism, requiring Union citizens to ‘earn’ access to the welfare system through an emphasis on their individual responsibility to fulfil the economic, social and cultural conditions of membership. Analysing economically inactive Union citizens’ access to social assistance benefits, it argues that earned citizenship has been visible since the Court’s early citizenship jurisprudence, but has been reconstructed with the recentDano-line of case law.
Neurofibromatosis Clinic: A Report on Patient Demographics and Evaluation of the Clinic
Authors: Mansouri Alireza , Ghadakzadeh Saber , Maqbool Talha , Barnett Carolina , Au Karolyn , Kongkham Paul , Bril Vera , Gelareh Zadeh
Published: November 2016

Background:Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common single-gene disorder. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of NF1 patients is necessitated by the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations. Although multidisciplinary paediatric clinics have been well established, there is a dearth of such resources for adults with NF1. Herein we report our one-year institutional experience with a multidisciplinary adult NF1 clinic.Methods:A multidisciplinary team was assembled, and an NF Patient Registry Initiative questionnaire was adapted to collect patient-reported data during clinics. Multiple databases were searched to identify publications pertaining to the experience of other multidisciplinary NF1 clinics focusing on adult patients. Data on patient epidemiology and clinical staff were compared to our data.Results:A total of 77 patients were scheduled, and 68 attended the clinic, of whom 66 completed the intake questionnaire. The demographic and clinical data from this Canadian population are mostly consistent with previous reports, with some exceptions. Clinical data related to immune system involvement such as asthma, airway/breathing-related difficulties or allergies were striking in our NF1 population. Six relevant published reports of other NF1 clinics were identified. Reports from these studies pertained to periods ranging from 10 to 38 months, and the number of adults assessed ranged from 19 to 177 patients.Conclusions:The structure of our clinic and the patient volume are comparable to those of other established centres found in the literature. Our data offer valuable cross-sectional prevalence statistics in the Canadian population. The patient-reported data concerning involvement of the immune system contribute to an emerging recognized medical concern within the NF1 population and warrant further clinical and basic investigation.
Jesus and the World of Grace, 1968–2016: An Idiosyncratic Theological Memoir
Authors: Portier William L.
Published: November 2016

This article1offers an impressionistic look back over the past five decades, from 1968 to 2016, in Catholic theology in the United States. At the heart of this story are Christology, the world of grace, and their relationship. This memoir unfolds in three parts: “Running on Empty, 1968–1980”; “Jesus and the World of Grace, 1980–2016”; “Can Liberal Catholics Come Back?” It identifies the most neuralgic question left to us from this period: How is Christ related to the world of grace?
Public Theology as “Bridge Building”
Authors: Dávila MT
Published: November 2016

This exchange between ethicist Peter Gathje and one of the guests of Manna House of Hospitality (Memphis, Tennessee) points to the task of the public theologian. Gathje serves at Manna House, sharing meals and prayers with its guests. Through his blog Radical Hospitality he echoes and responds to the theology of the people he serves, and their deep questions about justice in our world. In this dialogical movement he enters the locations where he serves meals and prays with his “public,” who in turn ask for a justice that seems all too elusive from their vantage point. His “public,” the guests and others who pass through Manna House, are sources for theological imagination and critical questioning, shaping the way Gathje organizes his vision of the Christian story and the liberating truth it seeks to relate to the world.