bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palynofacies and Biomarkers of the Campanian Khasib Formation Oil Used To Assess Oil- Source Correlation and Suggestion for Other Traps Along the Migration Path, East Baghdad Oil Field, Iraq
Authors: Al Ameri Thamer , Zine Mohamed
Published: February 2016

This reference is for an abstract only. A full paper was not submitted for this conference.

Plynomorph constituents and their maturation, rock oval pyrolysis, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis are carried on for the whole succession of the Upper Jurassic and the Cretaceous Formations of Iraq. These lines of analysis have been used in this study to evaluate correlation between oil of Khasib reservoir rocks and kerogen of the source rocks as well as suggestions for oil traps along the predicted migration path in East Baghdad oil Field. The gas chromatography of these oils can show biomarkers of abundant ranges to suggest mainly liquid oil constituents of parafinic hydrocarbons in the reservoir as well as low non aromatic C15+ peaks to indicate their degradation and water washing. Oil biomarkers and CPI=1.5 could indicate anoxic marine environment with carbonate deposition of early Cretaceous source. The recorded palynomorph constituents in this oil and associated water could indicate affinity to the Lower Cretaceous Chiagara and Ratawi Formations. The recorded palynomorphs from the reservoired oil are comparable to the mature palynomorphs of Chiagara and Lower part of Ratawi Formations that had generated hydrocarbons according their TOC, high hydrogen potential, mature kerogen type II and palynofacies of high generating potential for oil, while the palynomorphs of the rocks of Khasib Formation are not generated hydrocarbons. But, this last formation could be considered as oil reservoir only. Accordingly, these palynomorphs have been included in this oil during its generation from the Kerogen source of the Chiagara and Ratawi Formations, and hence been migrated within the liquid hydrocarbnos to the Khasib Formation through fractured fault passageway shown on the seismic section in Baghdad Oil Field. The increasing Pristane/ Phytane ratios to more than one, increasing migration index up to 0.9 and microfractare of the source rocks could confirm their migration.
Physical Simulation of In-situ Combustion of Sensitive Heavy Oil Reservoir
Authors: Wu Shuhong , Wenlong Guan , Shihu Wang
Published: February 2016

This reference is for an abstract only. A full paper was not submitted for this conference.

Block Z, one of reservoir of Shengli Oil Field, is a sensitive heavy oil reservoir with high content of kaolinite and illite. From 1992 to 2002, more than ten-years water drive and steam huff and puff has seen poor production performance. In 2003, in-situ combustion pilot test with 1 injector and 11 producers was carried out to improve development performance and, simultaneously physical simulation is designed to evaluate the pilot test. The paper will detail the physical experiments of in-situ combustion, its experiment apparatus, its process, and its results. Also, it will briefly introduce production history and performance of pilot test. Several experiments have been carried out and the results show that air injection rate is the key factor to influence the fire flooding, the higher injecting rate and the higher the advancing speed of combustion front. For complete combustion with plentiful air supply, no coke comes into being and the formation remains undamaged without permeability decrease. For the sensitive reservoir, the component of rock has changed after burning, and the reservoir has turned into low sensitive to water and steam. In front of burning zone, high oil saturation bank is formed, in which pressure decreases greatly during fire flooding. When the bank is away from the producer, the producer shows low productivity. Once it goes near to the producer, productivity increases step by step. Experiment results have been successfully used to evaluate the pilot test and to improve the performance. Up to now, the pilot test has been lasting for more than 3 years and more than 140,000 barrel oil has been produced.
Meningococcal vaccine antigen diversity in global databases
Authors: Brehony Carina , Hill Dorothea M , Lucidarme Jay , Borrow Ray , Maiden Martin C
Published: January 2016

The lack of an anti-capsular vaccine against serogroup B meningococcal disease has necessitated the exploration of alternative vaccine candidates, mostly proteins exhibiting varying degrees of antigenic variation. Analysis of variants of antigen-encoding genes is facilitated by publicly accessible online sequence repositories, such as the Neisseria PubMLST database and the associated Meningitis Research Foundation Meningococcus Genome Library (MRF-MGL). We investigated six proposed meningococcal vaccine formulations by deducing the prevalence of their components in the isolates represented in these repositories. Despite high diversity, a limited number of antigenic variants of each of the vaccine antigens were prevalent, with strong associations of particular variant combinations with given serogroups and genotypes. In the MRF-MGL and globally, the highest levels of identical sequences were observed with multicomponent/multivariant vaccines. Our analyses further demonstrated that certain combinations of antigen variants were prevalent over periods of decades in widely differing locations, indicating that vaccine formulations containing a judicious choice of antigen variants have potential for long-term protection across geographic regions. The data further indicated that formulations with multiple variants would be especially relevant at times of low disease incidence, as relative diversity was higher. Continued surveillance is required to monitor the changing prevalence of these vaccine antigens.
Genotyping and strain distribution of Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis isolated from humans and pigs in Belgium, 2011–2013
Authors: Vluggen Christelle , Soetaert Karine , Duytschaever Lucille , Denoël Joseph , Fauville-Dufaux Maryse , Smeets François , Bruffaerts Nicolas , Huygen Kris , Fretin David , Rigouts Leen , Saegerman Claude , Mathys Vanessa
Published: January 2016

Mycobacterium avium represents a health concern for both humans and pigs. The characterisation of its subspecies is an important step improving the understanding of the epidemiology and the control of this pathogen. Ninety-two human M. avium strains were selected for a retrospective study. Subspecies determination by rpoB sequencing and IS1245/IS901 analysis showed that 98.9% of Belgian human M. avium strains belong to the subspecies hominissuis (MAH). Some of these MAH strains present particular IS1245/IS901 profiles (absence of IS1245 and false IS901 detection provoked by the presence of ISMav6). In addition, 54 MAH strains isolated from submandibular lymph nodes of Belgian pigs with lymphadenitis were included in this study. Genotyping of human and porcine isolates was performed using multispacer sequence typing (MST). In total, 49 different MST types were identified among pig (n = 11) and human (n = 43) MA isolates, with only five shared by both hosts. Among these MST types, 34 were newly identified. Our findings demonstrate the extensive genetic diversity among MAH isolates. Some genotypes were more prevalent in human or pigs but no correlation was observed between MST type and place of residence or the farm of origin for human and porcine isolates respectively, suggesting an environmental source of infection.
Mutations acquired during cell culture isolation may affect antigenic characterisation of influenza A(H3N2) clade 3C.2a viruses
Authors: Skowronski Danuta M , Sabaiduc Suzana , Chambers Catharine , Eshaghi Alireza , Gubbay Jonathan B , Krajden Mel , Drews Steven J , Martineau Christine , De Serres Gaston , Dickinson James A , Winter Anne-Luise , Bastien Nathalie , Li Yan
Published: January 2016

As elsewhere, few (< 15%) sentinel influenza A(H3N2) clade 3C.2a viruses that dominated in Canada during the 2014/15 season could be antigenically characterised by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Clade 3C.2a viruses that could be HI-characterised had acquired genetic mutations during in vitro cell culture isolation that modified the potential glycosylation motif found in original patient specimens and the consensus sequence of circulating viruses at amino acid positions 158–160 of the haemagglutinin protein. Caution is warranted in extrapolating antigenic relatedness based on limited HI findings for clade 3C.2a viruses that continue to circulate globally.
Financial Sustainability of Selected MFIs of Nepal
Authors: Sharma Puspa Raj
Published: January 2016

This paper aims to analyze the financial sustainability of selected MFIs. In this regard, it deals with concept of sustainability, financial sustainability including operational and financial self-sufficiency. It also deals operating performance, staff productivity, portfolio quality and relation of financial sustainability with other variables. Nepalese MFIs are not strong from status of sustainability perspective at present. PI-MFIs are in better position than GI-MFIs. The data had collected from a special survey carried out in hill and terai in 2004-2006 of Nepal.Key Words: Sustainability, financial, operating, MFIs.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. V, No. 1, 2008, December Page:24-36
An Overview of Microfinance Service Practices in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Pushpa Raj
Published: January 2016

Microfinance is not simply banking for the poor; it is a development approach with a social mission and a private sector-based financial bottom line that uses tested and continually adjusted sets of principles, practices and technologies. The key to successful microfinance lies in the ability of the provider to cost-effectively reach a critical mass of clients with systems of delivery, market responsiveness, risk management and control that can generate a profit to the institution. Typically, this profit is ploughed back to ensure the long-term survival of the institution, i.e. the continuous provision of services demanded by its clients. The two long-term goals of microfinance are thus substantial outreach and sustainability. This article focus on microfinance services practices in Nepal on the basis of opinion survey.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. Vii, No. 1, 2010-2011Page : 1-16Uploaded date: July 7, 2012
Value Added Tax (VAT) in Nepal: A Critical Assessment of Its Performance
Authors: Koirala Kamal
Published: January 2016

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a recent phenomenon in the arena of tax administration in Nepal. This paper aims to assess critically the performance of VAT in Nepal since its inception to date, focusing basically on three aspects of it, viz, (i) Current scenario of VAT administration (ii) Major issues, and (iii) Urgent corrective actions required. Most of the qualitative and quantitative relevant data have been collected from Economic Survey and office of Inland Revenue Department (IRD). The data comprises of both primary and secondary data.The Journal of Nepalese Business StudiesVol. Vii, No. 1, 2010-2011Page : 63-69Uploaded date: July 8, 2012
“Süß im Licht, Wach im Wind”: Rainer Maria Rilke’s Search for a Locus Amoenus in Paris
Authors: Hansen-Glucklich Jennifer
Published: February 2016

This essay argues that Rainer Maria Rilke creates alternative realms evocative of an earlier time and sensibility in select poems of the Neue Gedichte in an attempt to overcome certain disturbing aspects of the Großstadt. In these alternative realms, which reveal traces of a vanished world, Rilke draws on the topos dimension of landscape and stages theatrical scenes within the Parisian cityscape. Here, exotic places and objects triumph over ordinary ones and encourage the reader to imagine faraway spaces and times. Rilke thus creates within the Großstadt a locus amoenus and a utopian vision of what an ideal city might be.
Mechanical properties of the novel B2-type binary Zr – Co alloys containing the B33 phase
Authors: Li Peiyou
Published: February 2016

In binary Zr – Co alloys, the B2 parent phase to B33 phase ratio can be defined by defining the atomic percent ratio of Zr to Co. The B2-type alloys Zr48Co52, Zr46Co54, Zr4
4Co5
6 and Zr4
2Co5
8 were fabricated by rapid solidification techniques, with the B33 phase being present at room temperature. The experimental results showed that the presence of the B33 phase yielded higher strength, elongation and toughness in the B2-type Z50Co50 alloy. Consequently, the appropriate combination of the B2 and B33 phases enhances both strength and ductility. This combination of high strength and ductility of the novel B2-type binary Zr – Co alloys containing the B33 phase means they may be considered as novel engineering materials.
Experimental investigation of the Zn–Co–Sb system at 450°C
Authors: Peng Siyuan , Chen Meiliang , Zhu Zhongxi , Ma Wenbo , Wang Xinming , Yin Fucheng
Published: February 2016

Phase relations in the Zn – Co – Sb ternary system have been studied experimentally for the whole composition range, using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The ternary compound named CoZnSb, containing 26.0 to 36.1 at.% Co, 31.1 to 36.5 at.% Zn and 31.8 to 39.7 at.% Sb, still exists at 450 °C. Moreover, the experimental results indicate that twelve tri-phase regions could be confirmed in the system at 450 °C, and the maximum solubility of Zn in CoSb is up to 6.0at.%.
Weibull distribution application on temperature dependence of polyurethane storage modulus
Authors: Kopal Ivan , Bakošová Dana , Koštial Pavel , Jančíková Zora , Valíček Jan , Harničárová Marta
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a stiffness–temperature model based on Weibull statistics was applied to quantitatively describe changes in the storage modulus of thermoplastic polyurethane over a wide range of temperature. The variation of the storage modulus with temperature was obtained from dynamic mechanical analysis tests across transition temperatures. Both the physical and statistical parameters of the applied model were estimated in the process of parametric fitting of the model to the storage modulus versus a temperature curve by using a trust region algorithm for a robust nonlinear least squares method. Good agreement between the modeled and experimental data has been found over the entire investigated temperature range, including all observed relaxation transitions.
Firm Births, Access to Transit, and Agglomeration in Portland, Oregon, and Dallas, Texas
Authors: Chatman Daniel G. , Noland Robert B. , Klein Nicholas J.
Published: January 2016

The formation of new firms is one process by which economies grow and innovate. Public transportation services may facilitate the birth of new firms by both providing better access and causing local densification that leads to agglomeration economies. In this study firm births are investigated to determine how they are related to newly provided light rail transit service in two metropolitan areas in the United States. A geocoded time-series database of firm establishments in Dallas, Texas, and Portland, Oregon, from 1991 through 2008 is used. The data set allows the study of spatial patterns by industry and the analysis of the relationship of firm births to rail station proximity, accessibility, and local agglomeration while controlling for a number of potentially confounding factors. Positive, large, and statistically significant relationships are found in Portland between rail station proximity and firm births. The rail proximity results in Dallas are also generally positive, though not as large; this finding is consistent with the smaller accessibility value of rail in Dallas, as well as policies encouraging commercial development near rail in Portland. Rail proximity increases firm births across almost all industrial sectors in both of these metropolitan areas when controlling for the negative effects on firm births of local own-industry employment. Local block-level agglomeration and generalized accessibility are also highly significant but appear to work independently of rail access. These results imply that passenger rail service increases firm births near rail stations by expanding access to the labor market but not by increasing information spillovers or increasing face-to-face interactions.
Socioeconomic Discrepancies in Children’s Access to Physical Activity Facilities: Activity Space Analysis
Authors: Ravensbergen Léa , Buliung Ron N. , Wilson Kathi , Faulkner Guy
Published: January 2016

Few Canadian children meet current physical activity recommendations, especially children from households with lower socioeconomic status (SES). Previous work suggests that accessibility to, quality of, and cost of physical activity–promoting facilities influence physical activity levels. Disparities in accessibility to physical activity resources may contribute to neighborhood health and social inequalities. Many studies examine geographic accessibility to health-promoting facilities in residential neighborhoods and ignore individual mobility and other barriers to access such as cost and quality. This study examines SES differences in accessibility to physical activity facilities for schoolchildren as they move throughout the day. It does so by using activity spaces measured with a modified version of a road network buffer and a shortest-path network estimation method. SES-based differences in use and quality of visited physical activity resources are also considered. Results indicate that the high-SES sample has greater accessibility to physical activity facilities and uses them more frequently. Used facilities are of higher quality than those used by children living in low-SES neighborhoods. Cost is identified as a potential barrier to facility access for the low-SES group. To combat neighborhood health inequalities, cities should aim to provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible resources across all neighborhoods.
Spatial Aggregation Method for Anonymous Surveys: Case Study for Associations Between Urban Environment and Obesity
Authors: Amini Nima , Rashidi Taha , Gardner Lauren , Waller S. Travis
Published: January 2016

Obesity and other chronic diseases are becoming more prevalent in affluent countries such as Australia. Researchers are trying to understand and combat this trend. One related growing stream of research explores the role of the built environment and transport system on an individual’s weight. However, results from many studies conducted have been contradictory. A primary cause of these contradictions is due to how neighborhood areas are defined, which directly affects how the built environment variables are calculated in geographic information systems. The potential impacts on regression analysis resulting from different data aggregation methods are well documented in spatial studies, geography, and regional planning fields, and the problem is primarily referred to as the modifiable aerial unit problem. In this paper, the focus is on reducing the error caused by the modifiable aerial unit problem by introducing a new data aggregation method. Individual health and lifestyle data are obtained from the survey of households, income, and labor dynamics in Australia, and the relationship between the built environment and obesity is evaluated by using a discrete choice model. The proposed aggregation method is evaluated across three spatial scales and compared against a conventional data aggregation method (i.e., using predefined administrative boundaries such as census tracts). The results reveal a stronger relationship between land use variables and obesity when the proposed aggregation method is implemented. This paper is relevant primarily to researchers because it provides an improved aggregation method to deal with some privacy restrictions of surveys. It is also relevant to practitioners and policy makers by its quantification of the association between specific built environment variables and obesity.
The anatomic rationale for transforaminal endoscopic interbody fusion: a cadaveric analysis
Authors: Hardenbrook Mitchell , Lombardo Sergio , Wilson Miles C. , Telfeian Albert E.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

The authors describe a cadaveric analysis to determine the ideal dimensions and trajectory for considering endoscopic transforaminal interbody implantation.

METHODS

The soft tissues of 8 human cadavers were removed from L-1 to the sacrum, exposing the posterior bony elements. Facetectomies were performed bilaterally at each lumbar level with resection of the pars interarticularis, revealing the pedicles, nerve roots, and interbody disc space. Each level was digitally photographed with a marker for scale and evaluated with digital analysis software. The traversing and exiting nerve roots and pedicle margins were identified, and the distances between these structures and their relationships to the surrounding structures were documented.

RESULTS

The dimensions of 2 areas were measured: the working triangle and safe zone. The working triangle is the triangle between the exiting and traversing nerve roots above the superior margin of the inferior pedicle. The safe zone is the trapezoid bounded by the widths of the superior and inferior pedicles between the exiting and traversing nerve roots. The mean surface area for the working triangle was 1.83 cm2, with L5–S1 having the largest area at 2.19 cm2. The mean surface area of the safe zone was 1.19 cm2, with L5–S1 having the largest area at 1.26 cm2. At the medial border of the pedicle extending superiorly, there were no nerve structures within 1.19 cm at any level. On the lateral border of the pedicle, the exiting nerve root was closer superiorly, with the closest being 0.3 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

The working triangle is a relatively large area. The safe zone, just superior to the pedicle, is free of nerve structures. By utilizing the superior border of the pedicle, the disc space can be accessed within this safe zone without risk of injury to the nerves. A thorough understanding of foraminal anatomy is fundamental for considering how to safely access the disc space, thereby utilizing less invasive endoscopic techniques, and is an important first step in considering what shapes and sizes of interbody implants and retractors are feasible for use in the foramen.
Early experience with endoscopic revision of lumbar spinal fusions
Authors: McGrath Lynn B. , Madhavan Karthik , Chieng Lee Onn , Wang Michael Y. , Hofstetter Christoph P.
Published: February 2016

Approximately half a million spinal fusion procedures are performed annually in the US. It is estimated that up to one-third of arthrodesis constructs require revision surgeries. In this study the authors present endoscopic treatment strategies targeting 3 types of complications following arthrodesis surgery: 1) adjacent-level foraminal stenosis; 2) foraminal stenosis at an arthrodesis segment; and 3) stenosis caused by a displaced interbody cage.

A retrospective chart review of 11 patients with a mean age of 68 ± 15 years was performed (continuous variables are shown as the mean ± SEM). All patients had a history of lumbar arthrodesis surgery and suffered from unilateral radiculopathy. Endoscopic revision surgeries were done as outpatient procedures, and there were no intraoperative or perioperative complications. The cohort included 3 patients with foraminal stenosis at the level of previous arthrodesis. They presented with unilateral radicular leg pain (visual analog scale [VAS] score: 7.3 ± 2.1) and were severely disabled, as evidenced by an Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) of 46 ± 4.9. Transforaminal endoscopic foraminotomies were performed, and at a mean follow-up time of 9.0 ± 2.5 months VAS was reduced by an average of 6.3. The cohort also includes 7 patients suffering unilateral radiculopathy due to adjacent-level foraminal stenosis. Preoperative VAS for leg pain of the symptomatic side was 6.0 ± 1.6, VAS for back pain was 5.2 ± 1.7, and ODI was 40 ± 6.33. Endoscopic decompression led to reduction of the ipsilateral leg VAS score by an average of 5, resulting in leg pain of 1 ± 0.5 at an average of 8 months of follow-up. The severity of back pain remained stable (VAS 4.2 ± 1.4). Two of these patients required revision surgery for recurrent symptoms. Finally, this study includes 1 patient who presented with weakness and pain due to retropulsion of an L5/S1 interbody spacer. The patient underwent an endoscopic interlaminar approach with partial resection of the interbody cage, which resulted in complete resolution of her radicular symptoms.

Endoscopic surgery may be a useful adjunct for management of certain arthrodesis-related complications. Endoscopic foraminal decompression of previously fused segments and resection of displaced interbody cages appears to have excellent outcomes, whereas decompression of adjacent segments remains challenging and requires further investigation.
Indirect decompression and vertebral body endplate strength after lateral interbody spacer impaction: cadaveric and foam-block models
Authors: Kwon Anthony J. , Hunter William D. , Moldavsky Mark , Salloum Kanaan , Bucklen Brandon
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

The lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine is a well-defined procedure for the management of discogenic spinal pathology necessitating surgical intervention. Intervertebral device subsidence is a postoperative clinical risk that can lead to recurrence of symptomatic pathology and the need for surgical reintervention. The current study was designed to investigate static versus expandable lateral intervertebral spacers in indirect decompression for preserving vertebral body endplate strength.

METHODS

Using a cadaveric biomechanical study and a foam-block vertebral body model, researchers compared vertebral body endplate strength and distraction potential. Fourteen lumbar motion segments (7 L2–3 and 7 L4–5 specimens) were distributed evenly between static and expandable spacer groups. In each specimen discectomy was followed by trialing and spacer impaction. Motion segments were axially sectioned through the disc, and a metal stamp was used to apply a compressive load to superior and inferior vertebral bodies to quantify endplate strength. A paired, 2-sample for means t-test was performed to determine statistically significant differences between groups (p ≤ 0.05). A foam-block endplate model was used to control simulated disc tension when a spacer with 2- and 3-mm desired distraction was inserted. One-way ANOVA and a post hoc Student Newman-Keuls test were performed (p ≤ 0.05) to determine differences in distraction.

RESULTS

Both static and expandable spacers restored intact neural foramen and disc heights after device implantation (p > 0.05). Maximum peak loads at endplate failure for static and expandable spacers were 1764 N (± 966 N) and 2284 N (± 949 N), respectively (p ≤ 0.05). The expandable spacer consistently produced greater desired distraction than was created by the static spacer in the foam-block model (p ≤ 0.05). Distraction created by fully expanding the spacer was significantly greater than the predetermined goals of 2 mm and 3 mm (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The current investigation shows that increased trialing required for a static spacer may lead to additional iatrogenic endplate damage, resulting in less distraction and increased propensity for postoperative implant subsidence secondary to endplate disruption.
Randomized clinical trial of acetazolamide administration and/or prone positioning in mitigating wound complications following untethering surgeries
Authors: Shahjouei Shima , Hanaei Sara , Habibi Zohreh , Hoseini Mostafa , Ansari Saeed , Nejat Farideh
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

No evidence-based guideline has been approved for the postoperative management of pediatric patients with tethered cord syndrome (TCS). The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of prone positioning and acetazolamide administration on complication rates following spinal cord untethering surgeries.

METHODS

From October 2012 to February 2015, patients with a primary diagnosis of TCS who were admitted to the Children's Medical Center Hospital of Iran were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 intervention modality groups postoperatively: 1) Group A, acetazolamide administration for 10 days; 2) Group B, prone positioning for 10 days; 3) Group C, acetazolamide administration and prone positioning for 10 days; and 4) Group D, no intervention. CSF leakage, CSF collection, wound dehiscence, operative site infection, and secondary surgical wound repair were considered failure.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients were enrolled in this study (Group A, n = 39 [24.2%]; Group B, n = 41 [25.5%]; Group C, n = 39 [24.2%]; and Group D, n = 42 [26.1%]). The overall failure rate was 12.42% (20 patients). Complication rates through pooled analyses were as follows: CSF leakage (n = 9, 5.6%), CSF collection (n = 12, 7.5%), wound dehiscence (n = 2, 1.2%), and infection of operation site (n = 3, 1.9%). Two patients (1.2%) required surgical secondary wound repair due to complications. CSF leakage and collection rates were significantly lower in patients who underwent prone positioning (p = 0.042 and 0.036, respectively). The administration of acetazolamide, either isolated or in combination with prone positioning, not only could not significantly lower the complication rates, but also added the burden of side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrates the possible role of prone positioning in mitigating the complication rates subsequent to untethering surgeries.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01867268 (clinicaltrials.gov)
An Efficient Preparation of Novel Epoxyketone Intermediates for the Synthesis of Carfilzomib and Its Derivatives
Authors: Du Xiao , Zhang Hao-yang , Lei Meng , Li Zi-yuan , Zhu Yong-qiang
Published: February 2016

A novel and efficient preparation of epoxyketone intermediates for the synthesis of carfilzomib and its derivatives has been developed. Compared to reported methods, this highly stereoselective, environmentally friendly, low-cost method can be used in scaling up the synthesis of carfilzomib and its derivatives.
Algorithms for Managing, Querying and Processing Big Data in Cloud Environments
Authors: Cuzzocrea Alfredo
Published: February 2016

Big data (e.g., [1–3]) has become one of the most challenging research topics in current years. Big data is everywhere, from social networks to web advertisements, from sensor and stream systems to bio-informatics, from graph management tools to smart cities, and so forth. [...]
Dating Violence among High-Risk Young Women: A Systematic Review Using Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
Authors: Joly Lauren , Connolly Jennifer
Published: January 2016

Our systematic review identified 21 quantitative articles and eight qualitative articles addressing dating violence among high risk young women. The groups of high-risk young women in this review include street-involved, justice-involved, pregnant or parenting, involved with Child Protective Services, and youth diagnosed with a mental health issue. Our meta-analysis of the quantitative articles indicated that 34% (CI = 0.24–0.45) of high-risk young women report that they have been victims of physical dating violence and 45% (CI = 0.31–0.61) of these young women report perpetrating physical dating violence. Significant moderator variables included questionnaire and timeframe. Meta-synthesis of the qualitative studies revealed that high-risk young women report perpetrating dating violence to gain power and respect, whereas women report becoming victims of dating violence due to increased vulnerability.
Heterogeneous Partial (amm)Oxidation and Oxidative Dehydrogenation Catalysis on Mixed Metal Oxides
Authors: Védrine Jacques
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an overview of heterogeneous partial (amm)oxidation and oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of hydrocarbons. The review has been voluntarily restricted to metal oxide-type catalysts, as the partial oxidation field is very broad and the number of catalysts is quite high. The main factors of solid catalysts for such reactions, designated by Grasselli as the “seven pillars”, and playing a determining role in catalytic properties, are considered to be, namely: isolation of active sites (known to be composed of ensembles of atoms), Me–O bond strength, crystalline structure, redox features, phase cooperation, multi-functionality and the nature of the surface oxygen species. Other important features and physical and chemical properties of solid catalysts, more or less related to the seven pillars, are also emphasized, including reaction sensitivity to metal oxide structure, epitaxial contact between an active phase and a second phase or its support, synergy effect between several phases, acid-base aspects, electron transfer ability, catalyst preparation and activation and reaction atmospheres, etc. Some examples are presented to illustrate the importance of these key factors. They include light alkanes (C1–C4) oxidation, ethane oxidation to ethylene and acetic acid on MoVTe(Sb)Nb-O and Nb doped NiO, propene oxidation to acrolein on BiMoCoFe-O systems, propane (amm)oxidation to (acrylonitrile) acrylic acid on MoVTe(Sb)Nb-O mixed oxides, butane oxidation to maleic anhydride on VPO: (VO)2P2O7-based catalyst, and isobutyric acid ODH to methacrylic acid on Fe hydroxyl phosphates. It is shown that active sites are composed of ensembles of atoms whose size and chemical composition depend on the reactants to be transformed (their chemical and size features) and the reaction mechanism, often of Mars and van Krevelen type. An important aspect is the fact that surface composition and surface crystalline structure vary with reaction on stream until reaching steady state, which makes characterisation of active and selective surface sites quite difficult. The use of oxidants other than O2, such as H2O2, N2O or CO2, is also briefly discussed. Based on such analysis and recent discoveries and process developments, our perspective is given.
Microbiologically Contaminated and Over-Preserved Cosmetic Products According Rapex 2008–2014
Authors: Neza Edlira , Centini Marisanna
Published: February 2016

We investigated the Rapid Alert System (RAPEX) database from January 2008 until week 26 of 2014 to give information to consumers about microbiologically contaminated cosmetics and over-preserved cosmetic products. Chemical risk was the leading cause of the recalls (87.47%). Sixty-two cosmetic products (11.76%) were recalled because they were contaminated with pathogenic or potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently found microorganism. Other microorganisms found were: Mesophilic aerobic microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Enterococcus spp., Enterobacter cloacae, Enterococcus faecium, Enterobacter gergoviae, Rhizobium radiobacter, Burkholderia cepacia, Serratia marcescens, Achromabacter xylosoxidans, Klebsiella oxytoca, Bacillus firmus, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii. Nine cosmetic products were recalled because they contained methylisothiazolinone (0.025%–0.36%), benzalkonium chloride (1%), triclosan (0.4%) in concentrations higher than the limits allowed by European Regulation 1223/2009. Fifteen products were recalled for the presence of methyldibromo glutaronitrile, a preservative banned for use in cosmetics. Thirty-two hair treatment products were recalled because they contained high concentrations of formaldehyde (0.3%–25%).
Supramolecular Assembly of pH-Sensitive Triphenylene Derived π-Gelators and Their Application as Molecular Template for the Preparation of Silica Nanotubes
Authors: Muñoz Resta Ignacio , Manzano Verónica , Cecchi Florencia , Spagnuolo Carla , Cukiernik Fabio , Di Chenna Pablo
Published: February 2016

The gelation properties and mode of self-assembly of six asymmetrical hexaether triphenylene derivatives mono-functionalized with carboxylic and primary amine groups were investigated. The presence of a carboxylic and amine group attached to the triphenylene core generated stable, thermo- and pH-sensitive supramolecular π-organogels with a reversible response to both stimuli. In order to understand the gelation process, we studied the effect of the spacer length and found a different gelation scope for the acid and basic derivatives that accounts for a different supramolecular self-assembly. The presence of the basic group on the amino derivatives was used to guide and catalyze the templated in situ sol-gel polymerization of TEOS and allowed us, under controlled hydrolytic conditions, to prepare an entangled fibrillar network of silica nanotubes.
Enhancement of Alkaline Protease Activity and Stability via Covalent Immobilization onto Hollow Core-Mesoporous Shell Silica Nanospheres
Authors: Ibrahim Abdelnasser , Al-Salamah Ali , El-Toni Ahmed , Almaary Khalid , El-Tayeb Mohamed , Elbadawi Yahya , Antranikian Garabed
Published: January 2016

The stability and reusability of soluble enzymes are of major concerns, which limit their industrial applications. Herein, alkaline protease from Bacillus sp. NPST-AK15 was immobilized onto hollow core-mesoporous shell silica (HCMSS) nanospheres. Subsequently, the properties of immobilized proteases were evaluated. Non-, ethane- and amino-functionalized HCMSS nanospheres were synthesized and characterized. NPST-AK15 was immobilized onto the synthesized nano-supports by physical and covalent immobilization approaches. However, protease immobilization by covalent attachment onto the activated HCMSS–NH2 nanospheres showed highest immobilization yield (75.6%) and loading capacity (88.1 μg protein/mg carrier) and was applied in the further studies. In comparison to free enzyme, the covalently immobilized protease exhibited a slight shift in the optimal pH from 10.5 to 11.0, respectively. The optimum temperature for catalytic activity of both free and immobilized enzyme was seen at 60 °C. However, while the free enzyme was completely inactivated when treated at 60 °C for 1 h the immobilized enzyme still retained 63.6% of its initial activity. The immobilized protease showed higher Vmax, kcat and kcat/Km, than soluble enzyme by 1.6-, 1.6- and 2.4-fold, respectively. In addition, the immobilized protease affinity to the substrate increased by about 1.5-fold. Furthermore, the enzyme stability in various organic solvents was significantly enhanced upon immobilization. Interestingly, the immobilized enzyme exhibited much higher stability in several commercial detergents including OMO, Tide, Ariel, Bonux and Xra by up to 5.2-fold. Finally, the immobilized protease maintained significant catalytic efficiency for twelve consecutive reaction cycles. These results suggest the effectiveness of the developed nanobiocatalyst as a candidate for detergent formulation and peptide synthesis in non-aqueous media.
Mechanisms Involved in the Improvement of Lipotoxicity and Impaired Lipid Metabolism by Dietary α-Linolenic Acid Rich Salvia hispanica L (Salba) Seed in the Heart of Dyslipemic Insulin-Resistant Rats
Authors: Creus Agustina , Ferreira María , Oliva María , Lombardo Yolanda
Published: January 2016

This study explores the mechanisms underlying the altered lipid metabolism in the heart of dyslipemic insulin-resistant (IR) rats fed a sucrose-rich diet (SRD) and investigates if chia seeds (rich in α-linolenic acid 18:3, n-3 ALA) improve/reverse cardiac lipotoxicity. Wistar rats received an SRD-diet for three months. Half of the animals continued with the SRD up to month 6. The other half was fed an SRD in which the fat source, corn oil (CO), was replaced by chia seeds from month 3 to 6 (SRD+chia). A reference group consumed a control diet (CD) all the time. Triglyceride, long-chain acyl CoA (LC ACoA) and diacylglycerol (DAG) contents, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) and muscle-type carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (M-CPT1) activities and protein mass levels of M-CPT1, membrane fatty acid transporter (FAT/CD36), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) were analyzed. Results show that: (a) the hearts of SRD-fed rats display lipotoxicity suggesting impaired myocardial lipid utilization; (b) Compared with the SRD group, dietary chia normalizes blood pressure; reverses/improves heart lipotoxicity, glucose oxidation, the increased protein mass level of FAT/CD36, and the impaired insulin stimulated FAT/CD36 translocation to the plasma membrane. The enhanced M-CPT1 activity is markedly reduced without similar changes in protein mass. PPARα slightly decreases, while the UCP2 protein level remains unchanged in all groups. Normalization of dyslipidemia and IR by chia reduces plasma fatty acids (FAs) availability, suggesting that a different milieu prevents the robust translocation of FAT/CD36. This could reduce the influx of FAs, decreasing the elevated M-CPT1 activity and lipid storage and improving glucose oxidation in cardiac muscles of SRD-fed rats.
Integrating Hot and Cool Intelligences: Thinking Broadly about Broad Abilities
Authors: Schneider W. , Mayer John , Newman Daniel
Published: February 2016

Although results from factor-analytic studies of the broad, second-stratum abilities of human intelligence have been fairly consistent for decades, the list of broad abilities is far from complete, much less understood. We propose criteria by which the list of broad abilities could be amended and envision alternatives for how our understanding of the hot intelligences (abilities involving emotionally-salient information) and cool intelligences (abilities involving perceptual processing and logical reasoning) might be integrated into a coherent theoretical framework.
Effect of Mn and Fe on the Formation of Fe- and Mn-Rich Intermetallics in Al–5Mg–Mn Alloys Solidified Under Near-Rapid Cooling
Authors: Liu Yulin , Huang Gaoren , Sun Yimeng , Zhang Li , Huang Zhenwei , Wang Jijie , Liu Chunzhong
Published: January 2016

Mn was an important alloying element used in Al–Mg–Mn alloys. However, it had to be limited to a low level (<1.0 wt %) to avoid the formation of coarse intermetallics. In order to take full advantage of the benefits of Mn, research was carried out to investigate the possibility of increasing the content of Mn by studying the effect of cooling rate on the formation of Fe- and Mn-rich intermetallics at different content levels of Mn and Fe. The results indicated that in Al–5Mg–Mn alloy with low Fe content (<0.1 wt %), intermetallic Al6(Fe,Mn) was small in size and amount. With increasing Mn content, intermetallic Al6(Fe,Mn) increased, but in limited amount. In high-Fe-containing Al–5Mg–Mn alloys (0.5 wt % Fe), intermetallic Al6(Fe,Mn) became the dominant phase, even in the alloy with low Mn content (0.39 wt %). Cooling rate played a critical role in the refinement of the intermetallics. Under near-rapid cooling, intermetallic Al6(Fe,Mn) was extremely refined. Even in the high Mn and/or high-Fe-containing alloys, it still demonstrated fine Chinese script structures. However, once the alloy composition passed beyond the eutectic point, the primary intermetallic Al6(Fe,Mn) phase displayed extremely coarse platelet-like morphology. Increasing the content of Fe caused intermetallic Al6(Fe,Mn) to become the primary phase at a lower Mn content.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Polythiophenes Containing Pyrene Chromophores: Thermal, Optical and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Valderrama-García Bianca , Rodríguez-Alba Efraín , Morales-Espinoza Eric , Moineau Chane-Ching Kathleen , Rivera Ernesto
Published: February 2016

A novel series of pyrene containing thiophene monomers TPM1–5 were synthesized and fully characterized by FTIR, MS, 1H- and 13C-NMR spectroscopy; their thermal properties were determined by TGA and DSC. These monomers were chemically polymerized using FeCl3 as oxidizing agent to give the corresponding oligomers TPO1–5) and they were electrochemically polymerized to obtain the corresponding polymer films deposited onto ITO. All oligomers exhibited good thermal stability, with T10 values between 255 and 299 °C, and Tg values varying from 36 to 39 °C. The monomers showed an absorption band at 345 nm due to the S0 → S2 transition of the pyrene group, whereas the fluorescence spectra showed a broad emission band arising from the “monomer” emission at 375–420 nm. The obtained polymers exhibited two absorption bands at 244 and 354 nm, due to the polythiophene and the pyrene moieties, respectively. The fluorescence spectra of polymers showed a broad “monomer” emission at 380–420 nm followed by an intense excimer emission band at 570 nm, due to the presence of intramolecular pyrene-pyrene interactions in these compounds.
Unusual Nitrogenous Phenalenone Derivatives from the Marine-Derived Fungus Coniothyrium cereale
Authors: Elsebai Mahmoud , Ghabbour Hazem , Mehiri Mohamed
Published: February 2016

The new phenalenone metabolites 1, 2, 4, and 6 were isolated from the marine-derived endophytic fungus Coniothyrium cereale, in addition to the ergostane-type sterol (3) and entatrovenetinone (5). Compounds 1 and 2 represent two unusual nitrogen-containing compounds, which are composed of a sterol portion condensed via two bonds to phenalenone derivatives. Compound 6, which contains unprecedented imine functionality between two carbonyl groups to form a oxepane -imine-dione ring, exhibited a moderate cytotoxicity against K562, U266, and SKM1 cancer cell lines. Moreover, molecular docking studies were done on estrogen receptor α-ligand binding domain (ERα-LBD) to compounds 1 and 2 to correlate with binding energies and affinities calculated from molecular docking to the anti-proliferative activity.
Ecological Efficiency Based Ranking of Cities: A Combined DEA Cross-Efficiency and Shannon’s Entropy Method
Authors: Lo Storto Corrado
Published: January 2016

In this paper, a method is proposed to calculate a comprehensive index that calculates the ecological efficiency of a city by combining together the measurements provided by some Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) cross-efficiency models using the Shannon’s entropy index. The DEA models include non-discretionary uncontrollable inputs, desirable and undesirable outputs. The method is implemented to compute the ecological efficiency of a sample of 116 Italian provincial capital cities in 2011 as a case study. Results emerging from the case study show that the proposed index has a good discrimination power and performs better than the ranking provided by the Sole24Ore, which is generally used in Italy to conduct benchmarking studies. While the sustainability index proposed by the Sole24Ore utilizes a set of subjective weights to aggregate individual indicators, the adoption of the DEA based method limits the subjectivity to the selection of the models. The ecological efficiency measurements generated by the implementation of the method for the Italian cities indicate that they perform very differently, and generally largest cities in terms of population size achieve a higher efficiency score.