bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinopathy of Prematurity in Neonates and its Risk Factors: A Seven Year Study in Northern Iran
Authors: Rasoulinejad Seyed Ahmad , Montazeri Mohammad
Published: March 2016

Purpose:

An important cause of avoidable childhood blindness is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in countries with high human development index and also in some emerging economies countries. To date, no research have been conducted on analyzing data of ROP prevalence in Babol, and this is the first research performed on ROP in this area.

Methods:

All VLBW babies who referred to Babol ophthalmology center over the seven years, from February 2007 to December 2013 were enrolled in this descriptive cross-sectional research. A team of researchers recorded patients’ information completely in check lists. A single experienced ophthalmologist performed ophthalmologic examination of patients.

Result:

The incidence of ROP of any stage in Babol was determined to be 306 (45%) of all babies enrolled in this study. In present study, key risk factors of ROP were low gestational age, oxygen therapy more than five days and low birth weight.

Conclusion:

The findings of current study demonstrate that the main risk factors of developing ROP in newborns are multiple gestation, low birth weight, oxygen therapy for more than five day. Therefore, the progression of ROP to blindness will be prevented by a high index of suspicion, suitable screening, prompt diagnosis, and early treatment.
Detecting IOP Fluctuations in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Nuyen Brenda , Mansouri Kaweh
Published: March 2016

Lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the guiding principle of glaucoma management. Although IOP is the only treatable risk factor, its 24-hour behavior is poorly understood. Current glaucoma management usually relies on single IOP measurements during clinic hours, even though IOP is a dynamic parameter with rhythms dependent on individual patients. It has further been shown that most glaucoma patients have their highest IOP measurements outside clinic hours. The fact that these IOP peaks go largely undetected may explain why certain patients progress in their disease despite treatment. Nevertheless, single IOP measurements have determined all major clinical guidelines regarding glaucoma treatment. Other potentially informative parameters, such as fluctuations in IOP and peak IOP, have been neglected, and effects of IOP-lowering interventions on such measures are largely unknown. Continuous 24-hour IOP monitoring has been an interest for more than 50 years, but only recent technological advances have provided clinicians with a device for such an endeavor. This review discusses current uses and shortcomings of current measurement techniques, and provides an overview on current and future methods for 24-hour IOP assessment. It may be possible to incorporate continuous IOP monitoring into clinical practice, potentially to reduce glaucoma-related vision loss.
Know Pain, Know Gain? A Perspective on Pain Neuroscience Education in Physical Therapy
Authors: Louw Adriaan , Puentedura Emilio J. , Zimney Kory , Schmidt Stephen
Published: March 2016

Chronic pain is incredibly complex, and so are decisions as to its treatment. During physical therapy care, pain neuroscience education (PNE) aims to help patients understand more about their pain from a biological and physiological perspective. Accompanying the growing evidence for the ability of PNE to reduce pain and disability in patients with chronic pain is an increased interest in PNE from scientists, educators, clinicians, and conference organizers. However, the rise in popularity of PNE has highlighted a historical paradox of increased knowledge not necessarily corresponding with improved care. This Viewpoint discusses the growth and popularity of PNE as well as critical future considerations such as clinical application, clinical research, appropriate outcome measures, and the blending of pain education with exercise and manual therapy.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(3):131–134. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0602
A Study on Employee Motivation in Private School: A Case of Bethany Boarding Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Pokhara
Authors: Sharma Devilal
Published: March 2016

Managing human resource plays a crucial role in the process of organization’s effectiveness. One of the most important functions of HRM is motivation. However, because of complex nature of human behavior, motivation is not easy to understand and use. It is represented by author such as Maslow, McClelland and Herzberg. While some motivation theories try to find out how motivation occurs. Vroom, Adams, Locke and Lantham created the most influential process. The aim of this paper is to find out which motivation factors can effectively increase employee motivation, to know the provided incentives are sufficient or not and the effect of incentives in their performance. This study has suggested that promotion system of the career development is needed to satisfy and motivate the employee. Moreover, the work recognition should create the feeling of they are worth for the organization. The information gained from this paper might be a good starting point for creating motivating systems for existing employees and for new comers. This research was conducted to find out the motivational factors and its effect on employee performance of Bethany Higher Secondary School. Researcher developed a survey questionnaire and distributed to get the view of all the employees. All the responses were analyzed and found that monetary and non-monetary incentives are used to motivate workforce. Good salary and allowances has been used as monetary motivators. While, good working environment, freedom to work and recognition conduct the plan differently and effectively as non-monetary motivator.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. 9, No. 1, 2015 pp. 91-101
Entrepreneurship, Microfinance and Social Relation: An Empirical Analysis of Women's Perceptions
Authors: Rakhal Dhaneshwar
Published: March 2016

Women can become active entrepreneurs, if they are provided with easy access to the financial services. Microfinance provides access to financial services that can help women to improve their economic life by both promoting opportunities of entrepreneurship and facilitating for the women empowerment. It means microfinance can create opportunities for economic wellbeing, and make them economically independent. Accordingly, this paper explores the women's experiences on microfinance schemes aimed at creating independent women entrepreneurs.Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. 9, No. 1, 2015 pp. 116-125
Beneficial impact of high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging on the efficacy of pediatric low-grade glioma surgery
Authors: Roder Constantin , Breitkopf Martin , MS  , Bisdas Sotirios , Freitas Rousinelle da Silva , Dimostheni Artemisia , Ebinger Martin , Wolff Markus , Tatagiba Marcos , Schuhmann Martin U.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) is assumed to safely improve the extent of resection (EOR) in patients with gliomas. This study focuses on advantages of this imaging technology in elective low-grade glioma (LGG) surgery in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The surgical results of conventional and 1.5-T iMRI-guided elective LGG surgery in pediatric patients were retrospectively compared. Tumor volumes, general clinical data, EOR according to reference radiology assessment, and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were included in the study, of whom 34 had undergone conventional surgery before the iMRI unit opened (pre-iMRI period) and 31 had undergone surgery with iMRI guidance (iMRI period). Perioperative data were comparable between the 2 cohorts, apart from larger preoperative tumor volumes in the pre-iMRI period, a difference without statistical significance, and (as expected) significantly longer surgeries in the iMRI group. According to 3-month postoperative MRI studies, an intended complete resection (CR) was achieved in 41% (12 of 29) of the patients in the pre-iMRI period and in 71% (17 of 24) of those in the iMRI period (p = 0.05). Of those cases in which the surgeon was postoperatively convinced that he had successfully achieved CR, this proved to be true in only 50% of cases in the pre-iMRI period but in 81% of cases in the iMRI period (p = 0.055). Residual tumor volumes on 3-month postoperative MRI were significantly smaller in the iMRI cohort (p < 0.03). By continuing the resection of residual tumor after the intraoperative scan (when the surgeon assumed that he had achieved CR), the rate of CR was increased from 30% at the time of the scan to 85% at the 3-month postoperative MRI.

The mean follow-up for the entire study cohort was 36.9 months (3–79 months). Progression-free survival after surgery was noticeably better for the entire iMRI cohort and in iMRI patients with postoperatively assumed CR, but did not quite reach statistical significance. Moreover, PFS was highly significantly better in patients with CRs than in those with incomplete resections (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Significantly better surgical results (CR) and PFS were achieved after using iMRI in patients in whom total resections were intended. Therefore, the use of high-field iMRI is strongly recommended for electively planned LGG resections in pediatric patients.
Identification of residual tumor with intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound during glioblastoma resection
Authors: Prada Francesco , Bene Massimiliano Del , Fornaro Riccardo , Vetrano Ignazio G. , Martegani Alberto , Aiani Luca , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Mauri Giovanni , Solbiati Luigi , Pollo Bianca , DiMeco Francesco
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the capability of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to identify residual tumor mass during glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) surgery, to increase the extent of resection.

METHODS

The authors prospectively evaluated 10 patients who underwent surgery for GBM removal with navigated ultrasound guidance. Navigated B-mode and CEUS were performed prior to resection, during resection, and after complete tumor resection. Areas suspected for residual tumors on B-mode and CEUS studies were localized within the surgical field with navigated ultrasound and samples were sent separately for histopathological analysis to confirm tumor presence.

RESULTS

In all cases tumor remnants were visualized as hyperechoic areas on B-mode, highlighted as CEUS-positive areas, and confirmed as tumoral areas on histopathological analysis. In 1 case only, CEUS partially failed to demonstrate residual tumor because the residual hyperechoic area was devascularized prior to ultrasound contrast agent injection. In all cases CEUS enhanced B-mode findings.

CONCLUSIONS

As has already been shown in other neoplastic lesions in other organs, CEUS is extremely specific in the identification of residual tumor. The ability of CEUS to distinguish between tumor and artifacts or normal brain on B-mode is based on its capacity to show the vascularization degree and not the echogenicity of the tissues. Therefore, CEUS can play a decisive role in the process of maximizing GBM resection.
Optical technologies for intraoperative neurosurgical guidance
Authors: Valdés Pablo A. , Roberts David W. , Lu Fa-Ke , PhD  , Golby Alexandra
Published: March 2016

Biomedical optics is a broadly interdisciplinary field at the interface of optical engineering, biophysics, computer science, medicine, biology, and chemistry, helping us understand light–tissue interactions to create applications with diagnostic and therapeutic value in medicine. Implementation of biomedical optics tools and principles has had a notable scientific and clinical resurgence in recent years in the neurosurgical community. This is in great part due to work in fluorescence-guided surgery of brain tumors leading to reports of significant improvement in maximizing the rates of gross-total resection. Multiple additional optical technologies have been implemented clinically, including diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and imaging, optical coherence tomography, Raman spectroscopy and imaging, and advanced quantitative methods, including quantitative fluorescence and lifetime imaging. Here we present a clinically relevant and technologically informed overview and discussion of some of the major clinical implementations of optical technologies as intraoperative guidance tools in neurosurgery.
Optimizing ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: an analysis of neuroendoscopy, frameless stereotaxy, and intraoperative CT
Authors: Yim Benjamin , Gooch M. Reid , Dalfino John C. , Adamo Matthew A. , Kenning Tyler J.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Cerebrospinal fluid shunting can effectively lower intracranial pressure and improve the symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts in this patient population can often be difficult due to the small size of the ventricular system. Intraoperative adjuvant techniques can be used to improve the accuracy and safety of VP shunts for these patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of some of these techniques, including the use of intraoperative CT (iCT) and frameless stereotaxy, in optimizing postoperative ventricular catheter placement.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 49 patients undergoing initial ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for the treatment of IIH. The use of the NeuroPEN Neuroendoscope, intraoperative neuronavigation, and iCT was examined. To analyze ventricular catheter placement on postoperative CT imaging, the authors developed a new grading system: Grade 1, catheter tip terminates optimally in the ipsilateral frontal horn or third ventricle; Grade 2, catheter tip terminates in the contralateral frontal horn; Grade 3, catheter terminates in a nontarget CSF space; and Grade 4, catheter tip terminates in brain parenchyma. All shunts had spontaneous CSF flow upon completion of the procedure.

RESULTS

The average body mass index among all patients was 37.6 ± 10.9 kg/m2. The NeuroPEN Neuroendoscope was used in 44 of 49 patients. Intraoperative CT scans were obtained in 24 patients, and neuronavigation was used in 32 patients. Grade 1 or 2 final postoperative shunt placement was achieved in 90% of patients (44 of 49). In terms of achieving optimal postoperative ventricular catheter placement, the use of iCT was as effective as neuronavigation. Two patients had their ventricular catheter placement modified based on an iCT study. The use of neuronavigation significantly increased time in the operating room (223.4 ± 46.5 vs 190.8 ± 31.7 minutes, p = 0.01). There were no shunt infections in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of iCT appears to be equivalent to the use of neuronavigation in optimizing ventricular shunt placement in IIH. Additionally, it may shorten operating room time and limit overall costs.
Bank-Specific Factors Influencing Profitability of Islamic Banks in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahaman Md Mustafizur , Akhter Sharmin
Published: March 2016

This paper aims at empirically studying the impact of some selected bankspecific factors on Islamic banks profitability. The data for this study covering a period 2009-2013 is obtained from the annual reports of respective Islamic banks. The statistical tool employed is the technique of linear multiple regression analysis. The data-set used in this study involves eight Islamic banks operating in Bangladesh. Empirical results show that bank-size and deposit have significant negative impact on the return on assets (ROA) which is the proxy for Islamic banks profitability, while equity is found to have positive significant impact. However, loan and expense management are found to be insignificant in affecting the profitability of the banks.Journal of Business and Technology (Dhaka) Vol.10(1) 2015; 21-36
Effects of Customers Relational Benefits on Development of Banking Industry: An Empirical Study on Some Commercial Banks in Khulna City of Bangladesh
Authors: Perveen Rumana , Islam Md Rabiul
Published: March 2016

This research is conducted to identify the benefits that customers receive as a result of maintaining long-term relation with commercial banks. Necessary data were collected from 262 respondents of different commercial banks of Khulna city of Bangladesh. Multiple regressions with SPSS were applied for data analysis. Customers relational benefits can be categorized into three distinct benefit types: confidence, social and special treatment benefits. The results have showed that confidence benefit is the most pronounced factor for customers of banks. The findings have also revealed that confidence benefits and social benefits have statistically significant effect on customers retention which is the key building block of developing banking industry in Bangladesh.Journal of Business and Technology (Dhaka) Vol.10(1) 2015; 55-71
Socio-Economic Status and Current Business Situation of Cane Based Furniture Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study
Authors: Hasan Md Kamrul , Neela Nayeema Maswood
Published: March 2016

Cane based furniture business is one of the least researched areas in Bangladesh. The purpose of the present study is to appraise socio-economic conditions and business policy of cane based furniture in the study area of Sylhet city, Bangladesh. The study reveals that 57% of cane furniture enterprises is small, 36% is medium and 7% is large in size. The average investment, production and profit range around Tk. 2, 80,000, Tk. 2,21,916 and Tk. 22,500 respectively per enterprise. Sofa, chair and rocking chair are the most demanded and profitable items. The study also reveals that 51% of entrepreneurs are suffering from shortage of capital and raw materials, whereas 35% are suffering from unskilled labor and adequate transportation facilities. High price due to high cost, low demand, archaic and common design, less promotion are the major problems of cane furniture. The study suggests that entrepreneurs should create demand for cane furniture among all classes of people through proper promotional programs, newest design, adding new features, improving quality and making the product available to all over the country through proper distribution. Government should patronize this industry by giving financial and institutional supports.Journal of Business and Technology (Dhaka) Vol.10(1) 2015; 93-108
Influence of temperature on the growth of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Munna Md Sakil , Zeba Zebunnesa , Noor Rashed
Published: March 2016

Lots of reports on the generation of stress by increase in temperature in the bacterial cells especially in Escherichia coli has been observed so far. Current study further emphasized such effect on the cells of Pseudomonas putida (SUBP03). Conventional methods relating growth assessment of bacteria were employed. The optical density of bacterial cells at 600 nm (OD600) in the minimal broth along with the culturable cells were assessed in the form of colony forming units (CFUs) in the minimal agar media at different temperatures (27 °C, 30 °C, 33 °C, 37 °C and 40 °C). Morphological observations were made to further clarify the bacterial physiology and the spot tests were performed to examine the cell viability. Cells of P. putida (SUBP03) were found to grow vigorously at 30 °C, while the growth was found to decline at lower temperature (27 °C) and along with the increase in temperature (at 33 °C, 37 °C and 40 °C). However, the morphological changes were insignificant. Furthermore, cells were noticed to completely lose culturability at 40 °C after 48 hours.Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.5(1) 2015: 9-12
Isolation and quantification of microorganisms from some common milk products within Dhaka city, Bangladesh
Authors: Malek Mushfia , Akter Jasmin , Ahmed Tasnia , Uddin Md Aftab
Published: March 2016

While milk is well known to be a balanced diet with its high nutritional values, conversely milk and milk products may serve as potential substrate for the growth and proliferation of a range of microorganisms which in turn fatally influences mass public health. Current study attempted to examine the likelihood of microbial contamination within some common milk products consumed by the locality of the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. All samples exhibited the presence of bacterial and fungal contamination within a range of 102-104 cfu/mL and 102-103 cfu/mL, respectively. Among specific pathogens, Staphylococcus spp. was noticed to be the predominant ones and was recovered from 9 samples out of 20 samples in a range of 102-103 cfu/mL. Klebsiella spp. and Vibrio spp. were found within 6 and 9 samples, respectively. Products were also found to be contaminated with Vibrio spp. Study of antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that all the pathogenic bacteria were resistant against most of the commonly used antibiotics of which several isolates showed multi-drug resistant (MDR) trait. Therefore, the presence of pathogenic bacteria with the drug-resistance property in tested milk and milk products overall imparted the necessity of maintaining standardized hygienic handling and processing means for better management of public health.Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.5(1) 2015: 13-17
Detection of Vibrio spp., Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp. among the frozen food samples employing enrichment culture technique
Authors: Shammi Tahmina
Published: March 2016

Freezing has long been an established method for food preservation. Freezing temperature may act as a stress factor for microbial cells, transforming the cells into injured or dormant state. Upon inoculation, these debilitated cells cannot grow on solid media and hence produce false negative results. Foods contaminated with injured cells of pathogenic bacterial strains are of potential health risk. Employing enrichment cultivation technique, present study attempted to detect such injured, dormant or viable but non culturable (VBNC) cells in different frozen food samples, collected from local markets and super-shops of Dhaka metropolis. Compared to the conventional cultivation means, the enrichment procedure revealed a significant increase in bacterial burden as well as increase in the pathogenic load. A maximum of 3 log increase in case of total bacterial load while 4 log, 5 log and 2 log increase in case of Vibrio spp., Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp., consecutively were observed. These findings clearly demonstrated the presence of injured cells in frozen foods which could be lethal under normal condition thereby posing public health risk.Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.5(1) 2015: 26-29
Alive or Undead? Biopolitics between Esposito's Vitalism and Lacanian Psychoanalysis
Authors: Nedoh Boštjan
Published: March 2016

This article tries to establish a possible dialogue between the way in which two influential contemporary theories, Roberto Esposito's biopolitical theory and Jacques Lacan's psychoanalysis, approach racism and the constitution of Otherness. After summing up key concepts in Esposito's theory, the article lays out the very deadlock in his work, represented by his assumption of racial difference or Otherness as inscribed in the bio-logical content of human life. However, by interpreting Jewishness under Nazism in terms of ‘undead’ ‘flesh without body’, Esposito himself crosses paths with the psychoanalytic approach, in so far as Lacan defined the Freudian death drive using the same term. The second part of the article is thus dedicated to the articulation of the relations between primal repression, trauma and jouissance, out of which can be derived an alternative conception of biopolitics, based on the discursive constitution of Otherness, rather than on the assumption that it is a biological fact.
Merkuriev Cut-off in e+ − H Multichannel Scattering Calculations
Authors: Gradusov Vitaly , Roudnev Vladimir , Yakovlev Sergey
Published: March 2016

We present the results of positron-Hydrogen multichannel scattering calculations performed on the base of Faddeev-Merkuriev equations. We discuss an optimal choice of the Merkuriev’s Coulomb splitting parameters. Splitting the Coulomb potential in two-body configuration space is applicable for a limited energy range. Splitting the potential in three-body configuration space makes it possible to perform calculations in a broader range of energies and to optimize the numerical convergence. Scattering cross sections for zero total angular momentum for all processes between the positronium formation threshold and the third excitation threshold of the Hydrogen atom are reported.
Application of Carbon Nanotubes Modified Coatings for the Determination of Amphetamines by In-Tube Solid-Phase Microextraction and Capillary Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Argente-García Ana , Moliner-Martínez Yolanda , López-García Esther , Campíns-Falcó Pilar , Herráez-Hernández Rosa
Published: March 2016

In this study, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated capillary columns (TRB-5 and TRB-35), both unmodified and functionalized with single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) or multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), have been tested and compared for the extraction of amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MET) and ephedrine (EPE) by in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME). Prior to their extraction, the analytes were derivatized with the fluorogenic reagent 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC). For separation and detection capillary chromatography with fluorimetric detection has been used. The presence of carbon nanotubes in the extractive coatings enhanced the extraction efficiencies and also significantly improved the chromatographic profiles, thus resulting in a reliable option for the analysis of these drugs. As an example of application, a new method is proposed for the analysis of the tested amphetamines in oral fluid using a TRB-35 capillary column functionalized with MWCNTs. The proposed conditions provided suitable selectivity and reproducibility (CV ≤ 6%, n = 3) at low µg/mL levels, and limits of detection of 0.5–0.8 µg/mL.
The Human/Machine Humanities: A Proposal
Authors: Dyens Ollivier
Published: March 2016

What does it mean to be human in the 21st century? The pull of engineering on every aspect of our lives, the impact of machines on how we represent ourselves, the influence of computers on our understanding of free-will, individuality and species, and the effect of microorganisms on our behaviour are so great that one cannot discourse on humanity and humanities without considering their entanglement with technology and with the multiple new dimensions of reality that it opens up. The future of humanities should take into account AI, bacteria, software, viruses (both organic and inorganic), hardware, machine language, parasites, big data, monitors, pixels, swarms systems and the Internet. One cannot think of humanity and humanities as distinct from technology anymore.
Dietary Apigenin Exerts Immune-Regulatory Activity in Vivo by Reducing NF-κB Activity, Halting Leukocyte Infiltration and Restoring Normal Metabolic Function
Authors: Cardenas Horacio , Arango Daniel , Nicholas Courtney , Duarte Silvia , Nuovo Gerard , He Wei , Voss Oliver , Gonzalez-Mejia M. , Guttridge Denis , Grotewold Erich , Doseff Andrea
Published: March 2016

The increasing prevalence of inflammatory diseases and the adverse effects associated with the long-term use of current anti-inflammatory therapies prompt the identification of alternative approaches to reestablish immune balance. Apigenin, an abundant dietary flavonoid, is emerging as a potential regulator of inflammation. Here, we show that apigenin has immune-regulatory activity in vivo. Apigenin conferred survival to mice treated with a lethal dose of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) restoring normal cardiac function and heart mitochondrial Complex I activity. Despite the adverse effects associated with high levels of splenocyte apoptosis in septic models, apigenin had no effect on reducing cell death. However, we found that apigenin decreased LPS-induced apoptosis in lungs, infiltration of inflammatory cells and chemotactic factors’ accumulation, re-establishing normal lung architecture. Using NF-κB luciferase transgenic mice, we found that apigenin effectively modulated NF-κB activity in the lungs, suggesting the ability of dietary compounds to exert immune-regulatory activity in an organ-specific manner. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the underlying immune-regulatory mechanisms of dietary nutraceuticals in vivo.
Sustainable Materials for Sustainable Energy Storage: Organic Na Electrodes
Authors: Oltean Viorica-Alina , Renault Stéven , Valvo Mario , Brandell Daniel
Published: March 2016

In this review, we summarize research efforts to realize Na-based organic materials for novel battery chemistries. Na is a more abundant element than Li, thereby contributing to less costly materials with limited to no geopolitical constraints while organic electrode materials harvested from biomass resources provide the possibility of achieving renewable battery components with low environmental impact during processing and recycling. Together, this can form the basis for truly sustainable electrochemical energy storage. We explore the efforts made on electrode materials of organic salts, primarily carbonyl compounds but also Schiff bases, unsaturated compounds, nitroxides and polymers. Moreover, sodiated carbonaceous materials derived from biomasses and waste products are surveyed. As a conclusion to the review, some shortcomings of the currently investigated materials are highlighted together with the major limitations for future development in this field. Finally, routes to move forward in this direction are suggested.
The Role of Grain Size on Neutron Irradiation Response of Nanocrystalline Copper
Authors: Mohamed Walid , Miller Brandon , Porter Douglas , Murty Korukonda
Published: March 2016

The role of grain size on the developed microstructure and mechanical properties of neutron irradiated nanocrystalline copper was investigated by comparing the radiation response of material to the conventional micrograined counterpart. Nanocrystalline (nc) and micrograined (MG) copper samples were subjected to a range of neutron exposure levels from 0.0034 to 2 dpa. At all damage levels, the response of MG-copper was governed by radiation hardening manifested by an increase in strength with accompanying ductility loss. Conversely, the response of nc-copper to neutron irradiation exhibited a dependence on the damage level. At low damage levels, grain growth was the primary response, with radiation hardening and embrittlement becoming the dominant responses with increasing damage levels. Annealing experiments revealed that grain growth in nc-copper is composed of both thermally-activated and irradiation-induced components. Tensile tests revealed minimal change in the source hardening component of the yield stress in MG-copper, while the source hardening component was found to decrease with increasing radiation exposure in nc-copper.
Effect of Ionic Correlations on the Surface Forces in Thin Liquid Films: Influence of Multivalent Coions and Extended Theory
Authors: Danov Krassimir , Basheva Elka , Kralchevsky Peter
Published: March 2016

Experimental data for the disjoining pressure of foam films stabilized by anionic surfactant in the presence of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 2:2 electrolytes: NaCl, Na2SO4, Na3Citrate, and MgSO4 are reported. The disjoining pressure predicted by the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory coincides with the experimental data in the case of a 1:1 electrolyte, but it is considerably greater than the measured pressure in all other cases. The theory is extended to account for the effects of ionic correlations and finite ionic radii. Original analytical expressions are derived for the local activity coefficient, electrostatic disjoining pressure, and asymptotic screening parameter. With the same parameter of counterion binding as for a 1:1 electrolyte, the curves predicted by the extended theory are in perfect agreement with the experimental data for 1:2 and 1:3 electrolytes. In comparison with the DLVO theory, the effect of ionic correlations leads to more effective screening of electrostatic interactions, and lower electric potential and counterion concentrations in the film’s midplane, resulting in lower disjoining pressure, as experimentally observed. The developed theory is applicable to both multivalent coions and multivalent counterions. Its application could remove some discrepancies between theory and experiment observed in studies with liquid films from electrolyte solutions.
Particle Size, Surface Area, and Amorphous Content as Predictors of Solubility and Bioavailability for Five Commercial Sources of Ferric Orthophosphate in Ready-To-Eat Cereal
Authors: Dickmann Robin , Strasburg Gale , Romsos Dale , Wilson Lori , Lai Grace , Huang Hsimin
Published: March 2016

Ferric orthophosphate (FePO4) has had limited use as an iron fortificant in ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal because of its variable bioavailability, the mechanism of which is poorly understood. Even though FePO4 has desirable sensory properties as compared to other affordable iron fortificants, few published studies have well-characterized its physicochemical properties. Semi-crystalline materials such as FePO4 have varying degrees of molecular disorder, referred to as amorphous content, which is hypothesized to be an important factor in bioavailability. The objective of this study was to systematically measure the physicochemical factors of particle size, surface area, amorphous content, and solubility underlying the variation in FePO4 bioavailability. Five commercial FePO4 sources and ferrous sulfate were added to individual batches of RTE cereal. The relative bioavailability value (RBV) of each iron source, determined using the AOAC Rat Hemoglobin Repletion Bioassay, ranged from 51% to 99% (p < 0.05), which is higher than typically reported. Solubility in dilute HCl accurately predicted RBV (R2 = 0.93, p = 0.008). Amorphous content measured by Dynamic Vapor Sorption ranged from 1.7% to 23.8% and was a better determinant of solubility (R2 = 0.91; p = 0.0002) than surface area (R2 = 0.83; p = 0.002) and median particle size (R2 = 0.59; p = 0.12). The results indicate that while solubility of FePO4 is highly predictive of RBV, solubility, in turn, is strongly linked to amorphous content and surface area. This information may prove useful for the production of FePO4 with the desired RBV.
Development of Liposomal Ciprofloxacin to Treat Lung Infections
Authors: Cipolla David , Blanchard Jim , Gonda Igor
Published: March 2016

Except for management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in cystic fibrosis, there are no approved inhaled antibiotic treatments for any other diseases or for infections from other pathogenic microorganisms such as tuberculosis, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, fungal infections or potential inhaled biowarfare agents including Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis and Coxiella burnetii (which cause pneumonic tularemia, plague and Q fever, respectively). Delivery of an antibiotic formulation via the inhalation route has the potential to provide high concentrations at the site of infection with reduced systemic exposure to limit side effects. A liposomal formulation may improve tolerability, increase compliance by reducing the dosing frequency, and enhance penetration of biofilms and treatment of intracellular infections. Two liposomal ciprofloxacin formulations (Lipoquin® and Pulmaquin®) that are in development by Aradigm Corporation are described here.
Online Condition Monitoring of Bearings to Support Total Productive Maintenance in the Packaging Materials Industry
Authors: Gligorijevic Jovan , Gajic Dragoljub , Brkovic Aleksandar , Savic-Gajic Ivana , Georgieva Olga , Di Gennaro Stefano
Published: March 2016

The packaging materials industry has already recognized the importance of Total Productive Maintenance as a system of proactive techniques for improving equipment reliability. Bearing faults, which often occur gradually, represent one of the foremost causes of failures in the industry. Therefore, detection of their faults in an early stage is quite important to assure reliable and efficient operation. We present a new automated technique for early fault detection and diagnosis in rolling-element bearings based on vibration signal analysis. Following the wavelet decomposition of vibration signals into a few sub-bands of interest, the standard deviation of obtained wavelet coefficients is extracted as a representative feature. Then, the feature space dimension is optimally reduced to two using scatter matrices. In the reduced two-dimensional feature space the fault detection and diagnosis is carried out by quadratic classifiers. Accuracy of the technique has been tested on four classes of the recorded vibrations signals, i.e., normal, with the fault of inner race, outer race, and ball operation. The overall accuracy of 98.9% has been achieved. The new technique can be used to support maintenance decision-making processes and, thus, to increase reliability and efficiency in the industry by preventing unexpected faulty operation of bearings.
Comparable Measures of Accessibility to Public Transport Using the General Transit Feed Specification
Authors: Bok Jinjoo , Kwon Youngsang
Published: March 2016

Public transport plays a critical role in the sustainability of urban settings. The mass mobility and quality of urban lives can be improved by establishing public transport networks that are accessible to pedestrians within a reasonable walking distance. Accessibility to public transport is characterized by the ease with which inhabitants can reach means of transportation such as buses or metros. By measuring the degree of accessibility to public transport networks using a common data format, a comparative study can be conducted between different cities or metropolitan areas with different public transit systems. The General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) by Google Developers allows this by offering a common format based on text files and sharing the data set voluntarily produced and contributed by the public transit agencies of many participating cities around the world. This paper suggests a method to assess and compare public transit accessibility in different urban areas using the GTFS feed and demographic data. To demonstrate the value of the new method, six examples of metropolitan areas and their public transit accessibility are presented and compared.
Pollen performance traits reveal prezygotic nonrandom mating and interference competition in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Swanson Robert J. , Hammond Adam T. , Carlson Ann L. , Gong Hui , Donovan Thad K.
Published: March 2016

PREMISE:

The lack of ability to measure pollen performance traits in mixed pollinations has been a major hurdle in understanding the mechanisms of differential success of compatible pollen donors. In previous work, we demonstrated that nonrandom mating between two accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana, Columbia (Col) and Landsberg (Ler), is mediated by the male genotype. Despite these genetic insights, it was unclear at what stage of reproduction these genes were acting. Here, we used an experimental strategy that allowed us to differentiate different pollen populations in mixed pollinations to ask: (1) What pollen performance traits differed between Col and Ler accessions that direct nonrandom mating? (2) Is there evidence of interference competition?

METHODS:

We used genetically marked pollen that can be visualized colorimetrically to quantify pollen performance of single populations of pollen in mixed pollinations. We used this and other assays to measure pollen viability, germination, tube growth, patterns of fertilization, and seed abortion. Finally, we assessed interference competition.

RESULTS:

In mixed pollinations on Col pistils, Col pollen sired significantly more seeds than Ler pollen. Col pollen displayed higher pollen viability, faster and greater pollen germination, and faster pollen tube growth. We saw no evidence of nonrandom seed abortion. Finally, we found interference competition occurs in mixed pollinations.

CONCLUSION:

The lack of differences in postzygotic processes coupled with direct observation of pollen performance traits indicates that nonrandom mating in Arabidopsis thaliana is prezygotic, due mostly to differential pollen germination and pollen tube growth rates. Finally, this study unambiguously demonstrates the existence of interference competition.
Original Canadian Cancer Costing Research for Cancer Control Sustainability, Quality, and Value
Authors: Bryant Heather
Published: March 2016

Given the acute shortage of Canada-specific cancer health economics evidence, [...]
AN EVOLVING NETWORK MODEL OF CREDIT RISK CONTAGION IN THE FINANCIAL MARKET
Authors: CHEN Tingqiang , HE Jianmin , LI Xindan
Published: March 2016

This paper introduces an evolving network model of credit risk contagion containing the average fitness of credit risk contagion, the risk aversion sentiments, and the ability of resist risk of credit risk holders. We discuss the effects of the aforementioned factors on credit risk contagion in the financial market through a series of theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. We find that, on one hand, the infected path distribution of the network gradually increases with the increase in the average fitness of credit risk contagion and the risk aversion sentiments of nodes, but gradually decreases with the increase in the ability to resist risk of nodes. On the other hand, the average fitness of credit risk contagion and the risk aversion sentiments of nodes increase the average clustering coefficient of nodes, whereas the ability to resist risk of nodes decreases this coefficient. Moreover, network size also decreases the average clustering coefficient.
THE REACTION 8Li(n,γ)9Li AT ASTROPHYSICAL ENERGIES AND ITS ROLE IN PRIMORDIAL NUCLEOSYNTHESIS
Authors: Dubovichenko S. B. , Dzhazairov-Kakhramanov A. V.
Published: March 2016

The possibility of describing available experimental data for the total cross sections of neutron radiative capture on 8Li at thermal and astrophysical energies was considered within the framework of the modified potential cluster model with the state classification of nuclear particles according to the Young tableaux. Our approach allows one to transmit available data in the energy range 0.1–1.0 MeV quite well, and predicts the behavior of the total cross sections at super-low energies, down to 25.3 × 10−9 MeV.
CGRO/BATSE DATA SUPPORT THE NEW PARADIGM FOR GRB PROMPT EMISSION AND THE NEW
–
RELATION
Authors: Guiriec S. , Gonzalez M. M. , Sacahui J. R. , Kouveliotou C. , Gehrels N. , McEnery J.
Published: March 2016

The paradigm for gamma-ray burst (GRB) prompt emission is changing. Since early in the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) era, the empirical Band function has been considered a good description of the keV–MeV γ-ray prompt emission spectra despite the fact that its shape was very often inconsistent with the theoretical predictions, especially those expected in pure synchrotron emission scenarios. We have recently established a new observational model analyzing data of the NASA Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. In this model, GRB prompt emission would be a combination of three main emission components: (i) a thermal-like component that we have interpreted so far as emission from the jet photosphere, (ii) a non-thermal component that we have interpreted so far as either synchrotron radiation from the propagating and accelerated charged particles within the jet or reprocessed jet photospheric emission, and (iii) an additional non-thermal (cutoff) power law (PL) extending from low to high energies in γ-rays and most likely of inverse Compton origin. In this article we reanalyze some of the bright GRBs, namely GRBs 941017, 970111, and 990123, observed with the Burst And Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on board CGRO with the new model. We conclude that BATSE data for these three GRBs are fully consistent with the recent results obtained with Fermi: some bright BATSE GRBs exhibit three separate components during the prompt phase with similar spectral parameters as those reported from Fermi data. In addition, the analysis of the BATSE GRBs with the new prompt emission model results in a relation between the time-resolved energy flux of the non-thermal component,

, and its corresponding νF

spectral peak energy,

(i.e.,

–

), which has a similar index—when fitted to a PL—as the one initially derived from Fermi data. For GRBs with known redshifts (z) this results in a possible universal relation between the luminosity of the non-thermal component,

, and its corresponding νF

spectral peak energy in the rest frame,

(i.e.,

–

). We estimated the redshifts of GRBs 941017 and 970111 using GRB 990123—with z = 1.61—as a reference. The estimated redshift for GRB 941017 is typical for long GRBs and the estimated redshift for GRB 970111 is right in the range of the expected values for this burst.
REVISED MASSES AND DENSITIES OF THE PLANETS AROUND KEPLER-10*
Authors: Weiss Lauren M. , Rogers Leslie A. , Isaacson Howard T. , Agol Eric , Marcy Geoffrey W. , Rowe Jason F. , Kipping David , Fulton Benjamin J. , Lissauer Jack J. , Howard Andrew W. , Fabrycky Daniel
Published: March 2016

Determining which small exoplanets have stony-iron compositions is necessary for quantifying the occurrence of such planets and for understanding the physics of planet formation. Kepler-10 hosts the stony-iron world Kepler-10b, and also contains what has been reported to be the largest solid silicate-ice planet, Kepler-10c. Using 220 radial velocities (RVs), including 72 precise RVs from Keck-HIRES of which 20 are new from 2014 to 2015, and 17 quarters of Kepler photometry, we obtain the most complete picture of the Kepler-10 system to date. We find that Kepler-10b (

) has mass

and density

. Modeling the interior of Kepler-10b as an iron core overlaid with a silicate mantle, we find that the iron core constitutes 0.17 ± 0.11 of the planet mass. For Kepler-10c (

) we measure mass

and density

, significantly lower than the mass computed in Dumusque et al. (

). Our mass measurement of Kepler-10c rules out a pure stony-iron composition. Internal compositional modeling reveals that at least 10% of the radius of Kepler-10c is a volatile envelope composed of hydrogen–helium (0.2% of the mass, 16% of the radius) or super-ionic water (28% of the mass, 29% of the radius). However, we note that analysis of only HIRES data yields a higher mass for planet b and a lower mass for planet c than does analysis of the HARPS-N data alone, with the mass estimates for Kepler-10 c being formally inconsistent at the 3σ level. Moreover, dividing the data for each instrument into two parts also leads to somewhat inconsistent measurements for the mass of planet c derived from each observatory. Together, this suggests that time-correlated noise is present and that the uncertainties in the masses of the planets (especially planet c) likely exceed our formal estimates. Transit timing variations (TTVs) of Kepler-10c indicate the likely presence of a third planet in the system, KOI-72.X. The TTVs and RVs are consistent with KOI-72.X having an orbital period of 24, 71, or 101 days, and a mass from 1 to 7 

.
La place d’ Industrial Goodwill dans la pensée de commons
Authors: Broda Philippe
Published: March 2016

L’objectif de cet article est de montrer que le rôle d’ Industrial Goodwill a été injustement négligé dans la construction intellectuelle de John R. Commons. À travers sa promotion de la « démocratie industrielle » afin de résoudre les conflits sociaux, ce livre contribue pourtant à lui fait prendre conscience des limites de ce modèle. Commons va bientôt cesser de s’y référer. C’est ensuite qu’il deviendra un économiste institutionnaliste.