bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Yoga–Preksha meditation on management of obesity in sportspersons
Authors: Bala Raj , Chander Ramesh , Mishra J. P. N.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Overweight is a big problem for sportspersons. Excess body weight affects sportsperson's skills and performances. Excess body fat in sportspersons also increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, arthritis, and allied problems.

Objectives:

This study was designed to assess the impact of yoga–Preksha meditation on obesity in sportspersons.

Materials and Method:

The participants were selected randomly from the Physical Education Department of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa. Totally seventy students were incorporated in the study. They were divided into two groups of 35 each. Group I was termed as “experimental” and Group II was considered as “control” group. The experimental group was progressively introduced to the selected yogic exercises and Preksha meditation. The practice session was conducted for 60 min on all weekdays except Sundays for a period of 4 months. Control group was not given any such training. Pre data (0 day) and Post data (after 4 months) of both groups i.e. height, weight and body mass index (BMI) was taken. The difference in the percentage of participants improving in the experimental group and the corresponding control group was tested for significance of difference by computing Student's t-test.

Results:

The results showed that there was a significant reduction in body weight and BMI in experimental group which may be attributed to the dominance of parasympathetic component of autonomic nervous system and simultaneous balance in the stimulatory activity of sympathetic components too. This might have caused alteration in fat mobilization which resulted in reduction in body weight and BMI.

Conclusion:

The regular practice of yoga–Preksha meditation is helpful in managing the problem of obesity in sportspersons and improves their performance.
Emancipatiebeleid: Een bron van aanhoudende zorg
Authors: Outshoorn Joyce
Published: June 2017

The author comments on the interview with Hedy D’Ancona and Jet Bussemaker. She draws attention to the time period between their times in power, which is underreported in this interview. D’Ancona presided over the development of emancipation policy, while Bussemaker became a member of the government after a period of degeneration. During the 1990s, many of the institutions established by D’Ancona were abolished, and, during the first decades of this century, some ministers were of the opinion that emancipation policy was no longer necessary. The author argues that Bussemaker, when she came to power, was severely hampered in her ambitions by a lack of tools to accomplish them.
Genderverschillen in gebruik van strategieën op het werk door mantelzorgers
Authors: Plaisier Inger , de Boer Alice , de Klerk Mirjam
Published: June 2017

This article provides insight in the extent to which female and male caregivers with a paid job apply working strategies differently, and whether a possible gender contrast can be explained by a higher caregiver burden. Data were collected in a survey conducted in the Netherlands among 1395 persons (594 men and 801 women) who combined informal caregiving with paid employment in 2014. Short-term leave is the preferred option for one out of three caregiving men and women. Reducing work hours and taking individual measures were more often applied by caregiving women, but men and women did not differ in the likelihood to quit working altogether. The higher likelihood to structurally reduce working hours among women was explained by their higher caregiving burden compared to men. Men and women who experience a high burden use different work strategies. Men who experience a high caregiving burden are more likely to take individual measures with their employer, while a higher burden is not related to taking such measures among women. Adequate use of work strategies by women needs attention by employers and policy makers, particularly because of their greater likelihood to become a caregiver and their higher burden of care compared to men.
Adapting Board Games to Stimulate Motivation in Vocabulary Learning in Six Year Old Learners - A Case Study
Authors: Gerovasiliou Fotini , Zafiri Makrina
Published: June 2017

The particular study focuses on the use of board games and argues that they are a useful and practical tool in order to stimulate six year old students’ motivation in learning topic vocabulary in a foreign language classroom. It explains how a number of ready-made board games can be adapted, according to the educational aims, the students’ age and language level in order to maximize positive results in foreign language learning. Through playing board games, young students not only become much more active, but they also anticipate coming to the learning classroom more eagerly since they involve the elements of joy, interaction, cooperation and competition. Moreover, games place the teacher in a background role, acting more as a facilitator; therefore they allow students to take on more responsibility for their learning.To this end, an experimental study design, employing both qualitative and quantitative data research tools, was adopted. The participants, who were eight students of six year old age, were divided into two groups. In the experimental group, only board games were applied in order to give students the opportunity to practise the disseminated topic vocabulary while the control group practised their vocabulary through the activities proposed by the coursebook and the worksheets which were constructed by the researchers. A pre-test and post-tests were administered to students before and after the action research and semi-structured interviews with the students of the experimental group were conducted in order to probe into the students’ views concerning the proposed tool and method of instruction. The analysis of the tests indicated a difference in favor of the experimental group. Finally, the findings of the students’ responses revealed the beneficial effects of using board games to stimulate vocabulary learning to students of the specific age group and language level.
Choroidal Thickness and Ametropia in Children: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Fontaine Marine , Gaucher David , Sauer Arnaud , Speeg-Schatz Claude
Published: June 2017

Purpose

To determine the relationship of subfoveal choroidal thickness (ChT), refraction, and axial length in children, and evaluate the evolution of subfoveal ChT with time in myopic versus nonmyopic eyes.

Methods

A total of 229 eyes of 115 children aged 2 to 16 years were included in the study. Refraction under cycloplegia, axial length, and subfoveal ChT were measured at baseline with comparative investigations at 15 months follow-up.

Results

The probability for the subfoveal ChT to be thinner in myopic children compared to nonmyopic children was 0.9999. We found a relation between subfoveal ChT and axial length. At 15 months follow-up, subfoveal ChT was found to have increased in the nonmyopic eyes, but decreased in myopic patients.

Conclusions

A number of studies have already shown the choroid to play an important role in the process of emmetropization. We found that ChT had a different evolution in myopic children compared to nonmyopic children. A thinner choroid may predict the onset, or progression, of myopia. Further studies, with longer follow-up, are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.
Longitudinal assessment of intraocular pressure in premature infants
Authors: Balci Ozlem , Tanriverdi Cafer , Gulkilik Gokhan , Aras Cengiz , Tastekin Ayhan
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To investigate the longitudinal change in intraocular pressure (IOP) in premature infants and to establish a normative IOP value.

Methods:

Forty premature infants with a gestational age (GA) of 26 weeks were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Measurements were taken initially at 28 weeks postconceptional age (PCA) and at 2-week intervals up to 40 weeks PCA. Intraocular pressure was measured with a hand-held tonometer (Tono-Pen XL; Reichert Inc.).

Results:

From 40 (22 male, 18 female) premature Caucasian infants, seven (for each eye) IOP measurements were obtained. Mean GA was 26 weeks and mean birthweight was 820 ± 112 grams. The mean IOP was 15.1 ± 1.2 mm Hg and 14.9 ± 1.1 mm Hg for the right and left eyes, respectively. The mean IOP in both eyes for all measurements was 15.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg. At 28 weeks PCA, 9 (22.5%) preterm infants had IOP values greater than 20 mm Hg. The mean IOPs at 28 weeks, 30 weeks, 32 weeks, 34 weeks, 36 weeks, 38 weeks, and 40 weeks PCA were 18.7 ± 1.1 mm Hg, 16.9 ± 0.9 mm Hg, 15.3 ± 0.9 mm Hg, 14.1 ± 1.3 mm Hg, 13.7 ± 1.3 mm Hg, 13.4 ± 1.4 mm Hg, and 13.1 ± 1.3 mm Hg, respectively. A significant decrease in IOP measurements was found up to 34 weeks PCA, with no significant decline in IOP measurements after that point (F = 109.7, p<0.01). There was a negative correlation between IOP and PCA (r = −0.712, p<0.01).

Conclusions:

The mean IOP of premature infants was 15.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg and IOP values decreased significantly up to 34 weeks PCA, indicating a decline trend approaching the term period.
Early diagnosis of radiotherapy failure for patients with head and neck cancer: the role of biochemical markers
Authors: Mrochem-Kwarciak Jolanta , Rutkowski Tomasz , Wygoda Andrzej , Deja Regina , Hajduk Agata , Składowski Krzysztof
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

There is a lack of effective diagnostic tools for early assessment of radiotherapy (RT) outcome in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). The timely diagnosis of treatment failure may facilitate use of salvage procedures to prevent disease progression. We assessed squamous cell carcinoma antigen and CYFRA 21-1 as early markers of radiotherapy failure in patients with HNC.

Methods:

Between January 2009 and February 2012, 185 patients (median age 59 years) with squamous cell carcinoma were treated with curative intent with RT alone or combined with chemotherapy (ChT). Markers were estimated in the serum 2 times: before RT and after completion of treatment.

Results:

The median of follow-up was 40 months. Locoregional control (LRC) was 53% and locoregional failure (LRF) was 31%. When comparing LRC and LRF, there were no significant differences between markers concentration obtained before RT. After RT, CYFRA 21-1 (p = 0.018) was significantly elevated in the LRF group. Patients with CYFRA 21-1 <1.79 ng/mL had a higher disease-free survival rate compared to patients with CYFRA 21-1 ≥1.79 ng/mL (74% vs 53%, respectively). After RT, CYFRA 21-1 was significantly related to the overall survival ratio in both univariate (p = 0.049) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.019).

Conclusions:

CYFRA 21-1 assessed at the end of RT or ChT seems to be a prognostic marker for tumor response. A high concentration of CYFRA 21-1 after treatment increases the risk of death. CYFRA 21-1 might be suggested in the monitoring of carcinomas of HNC.
Test estandarizados, análisis del ruido del instrumento usado para medirlo y su efecto en políticas públicas. Caso Chileno
Authors: Sierra Alejandro , Valenzuela Lionel Josue , Tapias Gertosio Juan
Published: June 2017

El puntaje de test estandarizados es frecuentemente uno de los principales factores a tomar en cuenta en decisiones de políticas públicas en educación. Además, que en aquellos países con un sistema de voucher para el financiamiento de la educación, influyen en las decisiones de matrículas de los estudiantes. No obstante ellos, hay dudas permanentes sobre qué tan amplio es el efecto del error (ruido) sobre la señal entregada por el test. Previos estudios han mostrado que dicho error tiene un importante efecto en el puntaje final del test. Esta investigación examina un extenso set de datos, usando los puntajes de test estandarizados en Chile desde el años 2005 al 2008, para analizar la presencia de ruido en dichos resultados y ampliar la discusión a un país que posee un amplio historial de una política de libre elección de escuelas en qué matricularse. Este estudio es una contribución, primero, porque hay un escaso número de estudios previos, y a su vez usa una set de datos no usados anteriormente para esta metodología y mucho más grandes que los previamente utilizados. Se encontró que una vez la variable ruido es aislada, la componente que es verdaderamente una señal del puntaje del test  se mueve entre 45% y 47% del puntaje total para los test de matemáticas. Para los test de lenguaje, obtuvimos menores valores donde la señal se mueve entre 37.3% y 44.2%.
Simultaneidad y complementariedad entre Economía y Educación
Authors: Flores Silva Jorge
Published: June 2017

Con las exigencias de la economía global, se impulsan modelos educativos para la eficiencia y el mercado. Todo se mercantiliza hasta el conocimiento y se da primacía a la educación Tecnocrática que privilegia lo virtual sobre lo real, corriendo el riesgo que lo técnico opaque el conocimiento y la investigación que lleva al descubrimiento.Como lo que se busca es la rentabilidad económica en función del interés privado, entonces el estudio de la filosofía, la historia y la economía política, entre otras disciplinas se descuidan o se abordan de manera marginal sobre todo en las universidades Privadas.La educación es un reflejo del modelo económico que se impulsa, la política educativa queda subordinada a la política económica y la actividad educativa se incorpora bajo la modalidad de las actividades simples y mecánicas que desarrolla un aparato productivo rezagado. Un sistema educativo tecnocrático y un aparato productivo eficientista toma como punto de referencia estas acciones simples, bajo la perspectiva de habilidades técnico-motrices, como elementos de evaluación y desempeño de los graduados y egresados de las instituciones educativas en los tres niveles. De esta manera se reduce la educación a una esfera de la personalidad humana relacionada con actividades motoras. No se considera la dimensión integral de la educación que prepara a los educandos para la vida y su interrelación en el contexto del cual forma parte.
El marco analítico de la protección social en Honduras
Authors: Diaz Margarita Elizabeth , Fernández Oziel , Hernández Cesar
Published: June 2017

El marco analítico de la protección social y sus relaciones económicas tiene dos ángulos de referencia: Uno, el contexto de la vulnerabilidad económica y de la subsistencia y su vinculación con diferentes condiciones socio-demográficas de la población hondureña. Dos, el gasto sectorial –salud, educación y de la protección social- permitiendo dimensionar los distintos niveles de riesgos y privaciones de los grupos de población vinculados al empleo, el desempleo, las discapacidades, las jubilaciones y el envejecimiento de la población.El análisis se estableció desde el marco de: i.- Los niveles de pobreza, ii.- El panorama del mercado laboral y iii.- Las asignaciones presupuestarias del gasto público sectorial -salud, educación y en especial las de seguridad social- mostrándose la demanda de servicios públicos y de bienestar social. El marco analítico del gasto social y la conformación de la protección social, son dimensionados en relación con otros factores demográficos y socioeconómicos.
An Examination on the Chinese Students’ Rationales to Receive their Higher Education in the U.S.
Authors: Chao Chiang-Nan
Published: June 2017

This research attempts to explore the rationales why so many Chinese students choose to study abroad and why theUnited States is their preferred destination. This population is small, but a vital component of university life at manycolleges and a much needed source of financial revenue. A total of 380 students completed a questionnaire yielding138 usable responses. Specifically, the rationale behind Chinese students’ rationales for attending colleges in the U.Sis explored. The results indicate that Chinese students are seeking education with a worldview, and opt to break fromthe Chinese system of learning. Although choosing to study in the U.S. is an academic endeavor the rationalesbehind that choice is not solely for academics. A better understanding of the Chinese students’ rationales can helpacademicians and university administrators to better target at this population and serve them better.
Validation for the Children Health Promotion Scale: Development and Psychometric Testing
Authors: Chen Min-Li , Chou Li-Na , Li Chun-Huei
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND: Several investigators have developed health promoting lifestyle instruments for adult population. However, few instruments in Taiwan have focused on health-promoting lifestyle measurements from the perspective of children.METHODS: The Children Health Promotion scale (CHP) was developed to focus on health promotion among children. The content validity was supported on the observations of a 6-member panel of experts. Here, based on the responses of 681 Taiwanese children, we examined the construct validity and reliability of the CHP as well as its psychometric properties through factor analysis and reliability measures.RESULTS: The results of Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s sphericity tests indicated that our sample fulfilled the factor analysis criteria. Moreover, the factor analysis yielded a 6-factor instrument, explaining 52.5% of variance in all 32 items; the 6 factors were myopia prevention, stress management, health maintenance behaviors, nutritional behaviors, physical activities, and basic health-promoting behaviors. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient for the total scale was 0.92 and alpha coefficients for the subscales ranged from 0.71 to 0.85.CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the CHP has satisfactory construct validity and reliability for Taiwanese children. School health providers can therefore use the CHP for children’s health promotion efforts.
Assessment of Quality of Life in Adults Living at Charity Homes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdulmageed Samia , Saeed Ikhlas O.
Published: June 2017

There is a rising interest in the Quality of Life (QoL) research in the Arabian countries. The study aimed to analyze the association between the health satisfaction, environment, age, and the physical functions to determine the quality of life among adults living in charity homes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The participants recruited for the study were adults, living in charity homes in Jeddah to analyze the results through a quantitative research design. The sample size included in the study was 136, which included the participants from different charity homes in Jeddah. SF-36 was appropriately used to examine the health status of the participants. WHOQOL-BRIEF questionnaire was used for the collection of primary data at the time of interviews. The statistically significant results have been evaluated through the independent t-test between the groups, based on the characteristics of the participants for average SF-36 domain scores. However, ANOVA test evaluated insignificant results on the basis of educational level as the p-value obtained is greater than the level of significance (0.850>0.05). Positive responses for all four domains of SF-36 instrument have been obtained, which recommended that further improvements in the charity homes is required to provide the awareness regarding the security and medication facilities.
Accesibilidad universal: sentido normativo e implicaciones en la educación y la práctica profesional
Authors: Aparicio Payá Manuel , Martínez Navarro Emilio
Published: June 2017

En la Convención Internacional sobre los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad, aprobada por la ONU en 2006, se incluye el derecho a la accesibilidad universal y el diseño para todas las personas. En este trabajo nos ocupamos, en primer lugar, de clarificar el sentido normativo que tiene este derecho. Posteriormente, analizamos sus implicaciones en el ámbito de la ética de las profesiones, mostrando la responsabilidad de los profesionales en el diseño de un espacio social diverso y común. Finalmente, analizamos las implicaciones en la educación universitaria que ha de preparar a los profesionales para realizar tal diseño.
Buscando datos e indicadores para evaluar los servicios de atención temprana
Authors: Ponte Jaime
Published: June 2017

La búsqueda de indicadores, de datos o referencias que permitan medir lo más objetivamente posible si los servicios de atención temprana cumplen adecuadamente su misión asistencial ha ido adquiriendo cada vez mayor relevancia en dicho ámbito, de forma correlativa con la extraordinaria expansión de las redes de centros y servicios en las diferentes comunidades autónomas de España. Se expone el sistema de indicadores que se ha utilizado para el seguimiento de tres unidades experimentales de la Red Gallega de Atención Temprana, señalando en este artículo la perspectiva y valoración realizada por sus profesionales.
Los sistemas alternativos y aumentativos de comunicación (SAAC) como instrumento para disminuir conductas desafiantes en el alumnado con TEA: estudio de un caso
Authors: Mira Pastor Rosa , Grau Rubio Claudia
Published: June 2017

Se describe una intervención, basada en el Programa de Habla Signada de Benson Schaeffer, para dotar de un Sistema Alternativo y Aumentativo de Comunicación (SAAC) a una niña de ocho años diagnosticada con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Se pretende que la alumna, mediante la utilización de signos, pueda expresar sus necesidades y disminuir las conductas desafiantes que propicia, ya que se estima que estas tienen una clara intención comunicativa. Se utiliza una metodología cualitativa de estudio de caso único y por objetivos. El programa se desarrolló en el aula de comunicación y lenguaje (CyL) de un centro público de educación infantil y primaria (CEIP) de la Comunidad Valenciana. Se instruyeron ocho signos que utiliza de manera funcional en diferentes contextos. Además, se evidencia una reducción de las conductas desafiantes con la introducción de los mismos.
Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la otitis media secretora infantil: recomendaciones CODEPEH 2016
Authors: Núñez Batalla Faustino , Jáudenes Casaubón Carmen , Sequí Canet José Miguel , Vivanco Allende Ana , Zubicaray Ugarteche José
Published: June 2017

Núñez, F. et al. (2017): “Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la otitis media secretora infantil: recomendaciones CODEPEH 2016”. Revista Española de Discapacidad, 5 (I): 169-193.
Avances en investigación de la discapacidad intelectual de origen genético: tratamientos experimentales en el síndrome X frágil
Authors: de Diego Otero Yolanda , Pérez Costillas Lucía , Calvo Medina Rocío , Quintero Navarro Carolina , del Pino Benítez Isabel , Casado Martín Yolanda , Nogueira Cobas Cristina
Published: June 2017

De Diego Otero, Y. et al. (2017): “Avances en investigación de la discapacidad intelectual de origen genético: tratamientos experimentales en el síndrome X frágil”. Revista Española de Discapacidad, 5 (I): 217-227.
Career Backgrounds, Professional Network and Party Cohesion: The Success of ANO in the Czech Republic
Authors: Cirhan Tomáš , Kopecký Petr
Published: June 2017

The volatile and unstable party systems in East Central Europe are associated with the emergence of new parties. However, some such new parties survive and become part of the party system they entered while other newcomers fade away even after they record major electoral success or gain government participation. How can we explain the contrasting fortunes of new parties? What explains their persistence and organizational survival? In this paper, we try to find the answers to these questions by linking the organizational success of new parties to the composition of their elites. We suggest that the similarity in professional and career backgrounds contributes to parties’ organizational success by increasing party cohesion, especially at the level of party leadership. We demonstrate our arguments on three new Czech parties – Public A airs (VV), Dawn of Direct Democracy (Dawn) and ANO – with contrasting political and organizational fortunes. Using data on elites’ career and political pasts we show that, unlike ANO, VV and Dawn have comparatively more heterogeneous elite circles which, we suggest, make them more vulnerable to internal conflicts.
From TV to Parliament: The Successful Birth and Progressive Death of a Personal Party. The Case of the People’s Party Dan Diaconescu
Authors: Gherghina Sergiu , Soare Sorina
Published: June 2017

The paper deals with the single case study of Romanian People’s Party Dan Diaconescu. Using the concepts of a personal party and a business-firm party, the authors analyze the emergence, electoral success and decline of this party. Main attention is paid to the personality of the leader as well as to organizational features of the party. Empirical evidence from the PPDD shows that personal/ business-firm parties have major difficulties in outliving periods of electoral decline, particularly in cases where the party is fully dependent on the leaders’ private resources. As such, this single case analysis contributes to the general literature on new parties by gaining an in-depth understanding of the importance of the early stages of party development in predicting a party’s development over time.
Češi, občanská společnost a evropské výzvy
Authors: Taufar Patrik
Published: June 2017

Müller, Karel B (2016). Češi, občanská společnost a evropské výzvy. Praha/Kroměříž: Triton, 296 pages.
BookBins: The “Waiting Room in a Box” of Outreach
Authors: Knuth Heidi
Published: June 2017

In fall 2015, the Bloomingdale (IL) Public Library was increasing community outreach at an incredible rate, Little Free Libraries were all the buzz, both in library circles and among community activists and beautifiers, and I happened to be in a cell phone store . . . watching a small child do everything in her three year old power to alleviate her boredom.She was running circles around the desk, pulling packaged accessories off displays, and patting at mom’s leg for attention . . . all to no avail. I eventually left the store without having my needs met—much like that little girl—and as I drove back to the library, a solution presented itself.
The Existence of Two Types of Colloidal Solutions of Molecules Fullerene C60
Authors: Schur D.V. , Yu. Zaginaichenko S. , Veziroglu T.N. , Veziroglu A. , Gabdullin M.T.
Published: June 2017

The last thirty years scientists carried out an active search of universal parameter of solvent C60 for predicting the solubility of fullerenes. However, this parameter was not found up to these days. In this paper it has been found an explanation of the impossibility of detection of such parameter.
In present paper the features of the solubility of fullerene C60 molecules in nonpolar solvents have been studied. The molecule state diagram of the fullerene Ð¡60 molecules in solution at temperatures 265+308 K and pressure range 1+100 MPa indicating the existence field of β and γ-modifications, has been constructed.
Moreover, it has been shown that in the solutions of fullerenes C60 in the γ-state the solubility decreases with a rise in temperature since the chemical activity of fullerene molecule increases. For this reason during extraction procedure the temperature rise causes the value of extraction rate to increase, but solubility â€“ to decrease, i.e. to diminish the concentration of fullerenes molecules in the solvent volume.
Assessment of care of patients with asthma in a family practice training program
Authors: Craig Timothy J.
Published: June 2017

To determine if primary care physicians have been adhering to guidelines set forth by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Expert Panel Report Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, the author gauged the use of peak flow meters in a hospital family training program. Specifically investigated were the physicians' response to results from the peak flow meters and their prescribing practices regarding the beclomethasone dipropionate metered-dose inhaler. Overall, the use of peak flow meters among the 20 patients included in this study averaged 70%, up from 10% in earlier studies. Similarly, 45% of these patients received prescriptions for beclomethasone metered-dose inhalers with spacer devices. Although these results appear to indicate that physicians are following the aforementioned guidelines, the author cautions that the peak expiratory flow rate measurement is not a perfect indication of asthma severity. Likewise, the spacer devices are not indicated for all patients with asthma who are taking inhaled corticosteroids. Finally, the author emphasizes that anti-inflammatory agents should be effectively used when indicated.
Phosphorus Flame Retardants
Authors: Weil Edward D. , Levchik Sergei V.
Published: June 2017

Phosphorus flame retardants are a broad and expanding class of additive or reactive organic or inorganic compounds used to improve the fire safety of flammable materials such as plastics, textiles, wood, paper, and other flammable materials.

In this article, their modes of action (vapor phase, condensed phase) and interactions are described, then specific classes of phosphorus flame retardants and significant compounds in each class are discussed. Attention is given to the chemistry and mode of use in commercial practice. Polymers with built‐in phosphorus structures such as epoxy resins and polyesters are given attention.

Health, safety, and environmental aspects are discussed as are commercial trends.
Objective estimation of spatially variable parameters of epidemic type aftershock sequence model: Application to California
Authors: Nandan Shyam , Ouillon Guy , Wiemer Stefan , Sornette Didier
Published: June 2017

The Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) model is widely employed to model the spatiotemporal distribution of earthquakes, generally using spatially invariant parameters. We propose an efficient method for the estimation of spatially varying parameters, using the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm and spatial Voronoi tessellation ensembles. We use the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) to rank inverted models given their likelihood and complexity and select the best models to finally compute an ensemble model at any location. Using a synthetic catalog, we also check that the proposed method correctly inverts the known parameters. We apply the proposed method to earthquakes included in the Advanced National Seismic System catalog that occurred within the time period 1981–2015 in a spatial polygon around California. The results indicate significant spatial variation of the ETAS parameters. We find that the efficiency of earthquakes to trigger future ones (quantified by the branching ratio) positively correlates with surface heat flow. In contrast, the rate of earthquakes triggered by far‐field tectonic loading or background seismicity rate shows no such correlation, suggesting the relevance of triggering possibly through fluid‐induced activation. Furthermore, the branching ratio and background seismicity rate are found to be uncorrelated with hypocentral depths, indicating that the seismic coupling remains invariant of hypocentral depths in the study region. Additionally, triggering seems to be mostly dominated by small earthquakes. Consequently, the static stress change studies should not only focus on the Coulomb stress changes caused by specific moderate to large earthquakes but also account for the secondary static stress changes caused by smaller earthquakes.
Fine particle retention within stream storage areas at base flow and in response to a storm event
Authors: Drummond J. D. , Larsen L. G. , González‐Pinzón R. , Packman A. I. , Harvey J. W.
Published: June 2017

Fine particles (1–100 µm), including particulate organic carbon (POC) and fine sediment, influence stream ecological functioning because they may contain or have a high affinity to sorb nitrogen and phosphorus. These particles are immobilized within stream storage areas, especially hyporheic sediments and benthic biofilms. However, fine particles are also known to remobilize under all flow conditions. This combination of downstream transport and transient retention, influenced by stream geomorphology, controls the distribution of residence times over which fine particles influence stream ecosystems. The main objective of this study was to quantify immobilization and remobilization rates of fine particles in a third‐order sand‐and‐gravel bed stream (Difficult Run, Virginia, USA) within different geomorphic units of the stream (i.e., pool, lateral cavity, and thalweg). During our field injection experiment, a thunderstorm‐driven spate allowed us to observe fine particle dynamics during both base flow and in response to increased flow. Solute and fine particles were measured within stream surface waters, pore waters, sediment cores, and biofilms on cobbles. Measurements were taken at four different subsurface locations with varying geomorphology and at multiple depths. Approximately 68% of injected fine particles were retained during base flow until the onset of the spate. Retention was evident even after the spate, with 15.4% of the fine particles deposited during base flow still retained within benthic biofilms on cobbles and 14.9% within hyporheic sediment after the spate. Thus, through the combination of short‐term remobilization and long‐term retention, fine particles can serve as sources of carbon and nutrients to downstream ecosystems over a range of time scales.
Physical controls of Southern Ocean deep‐convection variability in CMIP5 models and the Kiel Climate Model
Authors: Reintges A. , Martin T. , Latif M. , Park W.
Published: June 2017

Global climate models exhibit large biases in the Southern Ocean. For example, in models Antarctic bottom water is formed mostly through open‐ocean deep convection rather than through shelf convection. Still, the timescale, region, and intensity of deep‐convection variability vary widely among models. We investigate the physical controls of this variability in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, where most of the models simulate recurring deep‐convection events. We analyzed output from 11 exemplary CMIP5 models and four versions of the Kiel Climate Model. Of the several potential physical control parameters that we tested, the ones shared by all these models are as follows: Stratification in the convection region influences the timescale of the deep‐convection variability; i.e., models with a strong (weak) stratification vary on long (short) timescales. Also, sea ice volume affects the modeled mean state in the Southern Ocean: Large (small) sea ice volume is associated with a nonconvective (convective) predominant regime.
Social Role Participation and Satisfaction With Life: A Study Among Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Population Controls
Authors: van Genderen Simon , Plasqui Guy , van der Heijde Désirée , van Gaalen Floris , Heuft Liesbeth , Luime Jolanda , Spoorenberg Anneke , Arends Suzanne , Lacaille Diane , Gignac Monique , Landewé Robert , Boonen Annelies
Published: June 2017

Objective

Participation in society of persons with chronic diseases receives increasing attention. However, little is known about which components of participation are most relevant to life satisfaction. This study examines the association between several aspects of social role participation and satisfaction with life (SWL) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to population controls.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, participants completed the Social Role Participation Questionnaire (SRPQ) and SWL scale. The SRPQ assesses several dimensions of participation (importance, satisfaction with performance, and satisfaction with time and physical difficulty) in 11 roles representing 3 domains (interpersonal relations, leisure, and work). For individuals with AS and controls, the association between role domains and SWL was examined using linear regression for each participation dimension separately, in the total and the employed population, adjusting for age, sex, education, and income.

Results

A total of 246 AS patients (mean ± SD age 51 ± 12 years, 62% males, mean ± SD disease duration 17 ± 12 years) and 510 controls (mean ± SD age 42 ± 15 years, 70% males) were included. AS patients were more frequently (extremely) dissatisfied with life (17.9% versus 8.6%; P < 0.05). In the total and the employed population, less physical difficulty and higher satisfaction with interpersonal relations and leisure were associated with higher SWL, and this was somewhat stronger in patients than in controls (P < 0.1). In employed controls, but not in employed patients, satisfaction with work was independently associated with SWL.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of supporting persons with AS in ameliorating social role participation, particularly in areas like close relationships and leisure activities, which are typically ignored when treating AS.
Determinants of Perceived Health Nonimprovement in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Favorable Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Steunebrink L. M. M. , Oude Voshaar M. A. H. , Taal E. , Vonkeman H. E. , Zijlstra T. R. , van de Laar M. A. F. J.
Published: June 2017

Objective

To explore the association between achieving favorable clinical outcomes and patients’ perceived change in overall health status after 12 months of treat‐to‐target in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to identify determinants of subjective nonimprovement.

Methods

Baseline and 12‐month data of patients included in the Dutch Rheumatoid Arthritis Monitoring remission induction cohort study with at least a moderate response (by European League Against Rheumatism criteria) after 1 year were selected for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with nonimproved perceived overall health status at 12 months.

Results

At 12 months, 75 of 210 patients (35%) did not consider their health to have improved despite having achieved favorable clinical outcomes. Relative change from baseline in pain (Wald = 20.20; P < 0.01) and fatigue (Wald = 5.58; P = 0.02) was independently associated with nonimproved perceived overall health status. The results were similar when only patients with ≤1 swollen joint were analyzed. An improvement of 55% in pain measured on a visual analog scale was found to discriminate reasonably well between patients who considered their health to have improved versus patients who did not, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.61–0.78).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that clinical improvements do not equate with improved subjective health for all patients. The association of nonimprovement with changes in pain and fatigue suggest that it might be worthwhile to monitor and address pain and fatigue in addition to and independently of disease activity in early RA.
Chemically Functionalized Natural Cellulose Materials for Effective Triboelectric Nanogenerator Development
Authors: Yao Chunhua , Yin Xin , Yu Yanhao , Cai Zhiyong , Wang Xudong
Published: June 2017

Cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer, is renewable, biodegradable, and cost competitive. This paper reports the development of a high‐performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with both contacting materials made from cellulosic materials. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are used as the raw material, and chemical reaction approaches are employed to attach nitro groups and methyl groups to cellulose molecules to change the tribopolarities of CNF, which in turn significantly enhances the triboelectric output. Specifically, the nitro‐CNF possesses a negative surface charge density of 85.8 µC m−2, while the methyl‐CNF possesses a positive surface charge density of 62.5 µC m−2, reaching 71% and 52% of that for fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), respectively. The figure of merit of the nitro‐CNF and methyl‐CNF is quantified to be 0.504 and 0.267, respectively, comparable to or exceeding a number of common synthetic polymers, such as Kapton, polyvinylidene fluoride, and polyethylene. The TENG fabricated from nitro‐CNF paired with methyl‐CNF demonstrates an average voltage output of 8 V and current output of 9 µA, which approaches the same level obtained from TENG made from FEP. This work demonstrates a successful strategy of using environmentally friendly, abundant cellulosic materials for replacing the synthetic polymers in TENG development.
Functional Carbon Nanomesh Clusters
Authors: Li Changxia , Li Zengling , Cheng Zhihua , Ding Xiaoteng , Zhang Jing , Huang Rudan , Qu Liangti
Published: June 2017

A new type of atom‐thin carbon nanomesh clusters (CMCs) is prepared through a self‐sacrificial and morphology‐reserved thermal transformation of electrodeposited zinc coordination polymer (Zn‐CP). Such a unique structure can effectively inhibit the sheet stacking due to the self‐formed cluster morphology of Zn‐CP. The clusters are composed of nitrogen‐doped, continuous, interconnected, one‐/two‐atom‐thick carbon nanosheets, which not only effectively inhibit the sheet stacking but also significantly benefit ion transport. As a result, as active electrode material of supercapacitor in aqueous electrolytes, the resultant nitrogen‐doped CMC (N‐CMC) yields a capacitance of up to 984 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and excellent cycling stability with 137% of its initial capacitance after 40 000 cycles, both higher than most of reported graphene‐based and carbon‐based electrode materials. On the other hand, the final N‐doped CMC also exhibits superior electrocatalytic activities for oxygen reduction reaction.
Three‐Dimensional Binder‐Free Nanoarchitectures for Advanced Pseudocapacitors
Authors: Kang Jianli , Zhang Shaofei , Zhang Zhijia
Published: June 2017

The ever‐increasing energy demands for electrification of transportation and powering of portable electronics are driving the pursuit of energy‐storage technologies beyond the current horizon. Pseudocapacitors have emerged as one of the favored contenders to fill in this technology gap, owing to their potential to deliver both high power and energy densities. The high specific capacitance of pseudocapacitive materials is rooted in the various available oxidation states for fast surface or near‐surface redox charge transfer. However, the practical implementation of pseudocapacitors is plagued by the insulating nature of most pseudocapacitive materials. The wealth of the research dedicated to addressing these critical issues has grown exponentially in the past decade. Here, we briefly survey the current progress in the development of pseudocapacitive electrodes with a focus on the discussion of the recent most exciting advances in the design of three‐dimensional binder‐free nanoarchitectures, including porous metal/graphene‐based electrodes, as well as metal‐atom/ion‐doping‐enhanced systems, for advanced supercapacitors with comparable energy density to batteries, and high power density.
A Coating‐Free Nonfouling Polymeric Elastomer
Authors: Hung Hsiang‐Chieh , Jain Priyesh , Zhang Peng , Sun Fang , Sinclair Andrew , Bai Tao , Li Bowen , Wu Kan , Tsao Caroline , Liu Erik J. , Sundaram Harihara S. , Lin Xiaojie , Farahani Payam , Fujihara Timothy , Jiang Shaoyi
Published: June 2017

Medical devices face nonspecific biofouling from proteins, cells, and microorganisms, which significantly contributes to complications and device failure. Imparting these devices with nonfouling capabilities remains a major challenge, particularly for those made from elastomeric polymers. Current strategies, including surface coating and copolymerization/physical blending, necessitate compromise among nonfouling properties, durability, and mechanical strength. Here, a new strategy is reported to achieve both high bulk mechanical strength and excellent surface nonfouling properties, which are typically contradictory, in one material. This is realized through a nonfouling polymeric elastomer based on zwitterionic polycarboxybetaine derivatives. By hiding both charged moieties of the zwitterionic compounds with hydrocarbon ester and tertiary amine groups, the bulk polymer itself is elastomeric and hydrophobic while its superhydrophilic surface properties are restored upon hydrolysis. This coating‐free nonfouling elastomer is a highly promising biomaterial for biomedical and engineering applications.
Engineering Novel Targeted Boron‐10‐Enriched Theranostic Nanomedicine to Combat against Murine Brain Tumors via MR Imaging‐Guided Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Kuthala Naresh , Vankayala Raviraj , Li Yi‐Nan , Chiang Chi‐Shiun , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: June 2017

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a very common type of “incurable” malignant brain tumor. Although many treatment options are currently available, most of them eventually fail due to its recurrence. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) emerges as an alternative noninvasive therapeutic treatment modality. The major challenge in treating GBMs using BNCT is to achieve selective imaging, targeting, and sufficient accumulation of boron‐containing drug at the tumor site so that effective destruction of tumor cells can be achieved without harming the normal brain cells. To tackle this challenge, this study demonstrates for the first time that an unprecedented 10B‐enriched (96% 10B enrichment) boron nanoparticle nanomedicine (10BSGRF NPs) surface‐modified with a Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled RGD‐K peptide can pass through the brain blood barrier, selectively target at GBM brain tumor sites, and deliver high therapeutic dosage (50.5 µg 10B g−1 cells) of boron atoms to tumor cells with a good tumor‐to‐blood boron ratio of 2.8. The 10BSGRF NPs not only can enhance the contrast of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to help diagnose the location/size/progress of brain tumor, but also effectively suppress murine brain tumors via MR imaging‐guided BNCT, prolonging the half‐life of mice from 22 d (untreated group) to 39 d.
Biomimetically Engineered Demi‐Bacteria Potentiate Vaccination against Cancer
Authors: Ni Dezhi , Qing Shuang , Ding Hui , Yue Hua , Yu Di , Wang Shuang , Luo Nana , Su Zhiguo , Wei Wei , Ma Guanghui
Published: June 2017

Failure in enhancing antigen immunogenicity has limited the development of cancer vaccine. Inspired by effective immune responses toward microorganisms, demi‐bacteria (DB) from Bacillus are engineered as carriers for cancer vaccines. The explored hydrothermal treatment enables the Bacillus to preserve optimal pathogen morphology with intrinsic mannose receptor agonist. Meanwhile, the treated Bacillus can be further endowed with ideal hollow/porous structure for efficient accommodation of antigen and adjuvant, such as CpG. Therefore, this optimal engineered nanoarchitecture allows multiple immunostimulatory elements integrate in a pattern closely resembling that of bacterial pathogens. Such pathogen mimicry greatly enhances antigen uptake and cross‐presentation, resulting in stronger immune activation suitable for cancer vaccines. Indeed, DB‐based biomimetic vaccination in mice induces synergistic cellular and humoral immune responses, achieving potent therapeutic and preventive effects against cancer. Application of microorganism‐sourced materials thus presents new opportunities for potent cancer therapy.