bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of male circumcision for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention among voluntary counselling and testing clients in a centre in northern Namibia
Authors: Ngodji Terthu K , Rebert Jessica , Igumbor Ehimario U , Nuuyoma Vistolina 
Published: February 2017

Background: There is compelling evidence that male circumcision (MC) is associated with reduced risk of contracting HIV. For this reason, MC is recommended for countries like Namibia where HIV prevalence is high and MC rates are low. Following this recommendation, a national MC campaign was considered to introduce MC as an additional HIV prevention strategy with the intention of rolling it out in communities where MC is not traditionally practised and where heterosexually transmitted HIV infection rates are high. Little is known about the acceptability of MC in traditionally non-circumcising communities in Northern Namibia.Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of MC among men presenting for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in a traditionally non-circumcising ethnic group in the northern Namibia.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 331 Oshiwambo-speaking males aged 18 years and older, presenting for VCT services. Data was analysed using Epi-Info 2008, Version 3.5.1.Results: The self-reported prevalence of MC in the study sample was 15.4%, with 38% of those reporting being circumcised during their childhood (1-13 years) and 44% being circumcised for health-related reasons. Most respondents (n = 241, 74.4%) had heard that MC reduces the men’s risk of HIV infection. Up to 53.1% of the respondents had good knowledge regarding MC; moreover, the majority of the respondents (n = 194, 66.6%) reported that it is easier for uncircumcised men to acquire HIV infection. It was found that men aged 25 to 34 years were more willing to be circumcised than the other age groups.Conclusions: A high level of knowledge of MC was revealed. Accordingly, the idea of MC is likely to be accepted, especially if it is implemented to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Laïcité et valeurs dans l’économie du projet de loi no 60 Charte des valeurs
Authors: Côté Pauline , Mathieu Félix 
Published: February 2017

Le dépôt du projet de loi no 60, communément appeléCharte des valeurs, a mobilisé l’attention des médias, de la classe politique, des groupes d’intéressés et du grand public sur un ensemble de questions à la fois difficiles, complexes et sensibles. Comment rendre compte de l’initiative? Comment la laïcité s’est-elle imposée comme un objet d’action publique? Qu’est-ce qui l’a élevée au rang de valeur? Dans un premier temps, l’analyse lexicale et de contenu de l’objet « laïcité », au projet de loi, révèle le cadrage de l’enjeu à débattre du point de vue gouvernemental. À la lumière du processus de mise à l’ordre du jour, l’enquête remonte aux sources de cette configuration symbolique singulière. Il en ressort notamment des interventions stratégiques du côté de l’offre politique, partisane et gouvernementale.
« Dans leur propre intérêt » : La Charte des valeurs québécoises, ou du danger de la religion pour les femmes
Authors: Beaman Lori G. , Smith Lisa 
Published: February 2017

Au cours des dix dernières années, plusieurs rapports et débats publics ont exposé clairement la relation entre la laïcité et l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes. Dans de nombreux cas, l’égalité hommes-femmes ne semble être envisagée que dans un contexte laïque. Les récents débats publics sur la religion et la diversité au Québec illustrent bien la manière dont laïcité et égalité des femmes sont mises en parallèle. Dans cet article, nous examinons comment le principe d’égalité hommes-femmes ressort de certains des mémoires présentés devant la Commission Bouchard-Taylor, du rapport des commissaires, ainsi que des discussions publiques ultérieures qui ont été menées sur le sujet. Nous explorons ensuite les modalités selon lesquelles l’égalité hommes-femmes a émergé comme thème central des mémoires présentés à l’Assemblée nationale à l’occasion du débat sur la Charte des valeurs québécoises. Notre analyse révèle que ces mémoires présentent les femmes, croyantes ou non, pratiquantes ou non (religious or non-religious) comme des êtres en mal de protection : c’est en effet le cas pour les femmes qui le sont, si l’on part du principe qu’elles n’ont aucune capacité à agir par soi-même (agency); c’est également celui des femmes qui ne le sont pas dans l’optique où elles ne devraient pas être exposées aux dogmes religieux. Dans notre perspective, ces deux postures s’inscrivent dans la lignée d’une attitude patriarcale qui nie la capacité des femmes à agir selon leur propre volonté. En outre, nous remettons en cause l’idée selon laquelle l’égalité des femmes relève de la laïcité, elle-même impliquée dans le patriarcat et emprisonnée dans la question de l’inégalité des femmes.
Transient performance improvement in indirect model reference adaptive control using perturbation‐based extremum seeking identifier
Authors: Dadkhah Tehrani Reza , Shabaninia Faridoon , Khayatian Alireza , Asemani Mohammad Hassan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOne of the main drawbacks of model reference adaptive control (MRAC) is the weakness of its transient performance. The key reason of this imperfection is parameter's estimation error convergence. For many cases in the closed‐loop control, the plant input signal cannot satisfy the persistence of excitation (PE) condition which yields poor parameters estimation error convergence. In this paper, we use a fast perturbation‐based extremum seeking (PES) scheme without steady‐state oscillation as the parameter identifier in indirect MRAC. The estimated parameters through the PES identifier contain the additive sinusoidal signals with distinct frequencies in the transient, which satisfy the PE condition of the plant input. Therefore, convergence of the parameters estimation error to zero will be guaranteed that results in improvement of transient performance for indirect MRAC. Also, the contrary effects on the steady‐state behaviour is eliminated since the sinusoidal excitation signals amplitude exponentially converge to zero and reinitiate with every change in the unknown parameters. Simulation results for a second order example have been presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Visible Light‐Mediated Copper(I)‐Catalysed Aerobic Oxidation of Ynamides/Ynamines at Room Temperature: A Sustainable Approach to the Synthesis of α‐Ketoimides/α‐Ketoamides
Authors: Ragupathi Ayyakkannu , Charpe Vaibhav Pramod , Sagadevan Arunachalam , Hwang Kuo Chu 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA novel visible light‐mediated, copper‐catalysed aerobic oxidation of the C≡C bond in ynamides/ynamines at room temperature by using molecular oxygen as an oxidant is described. Overall, 23 examples were demonstrated with substrates having a wide range of functional groups. The current protocol can be readily scaled up to a preparative (1–2 g) scale with high yields (78–92%), high atom efficiency, and reaction mass efficiency. The mechanistic study shows that in‐situ formation of a copper(I)‐coordinated π‐complex (λmax=460 nm) is most probably the key light absorbing species responsible for the visible light‐induced oxidation of ynamides and ynamines. This sustainable oxidation approach allows the direct synthesis of potentially important novel α‐ketoimide/α‐ketoamide skeletons without the need of external oxidants (organic/inorganic oxidants) and generation of stoichiometric amounts of wastes.magnified image
Regioselective Direct C3‐Phosphorylation of N‐Sulfonylindoles under Mild Oxidative Conditions
Authors: Su Feng , Lin Weidong , Zhu Pengfei , He Dezhi , Lin Jianbin , Zhang Hui‐Jun , Wen Ting‐Bin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe reactions of N‐sulfonylindoles with H‐phosphine oxides under oxidative conditions give a wide range of C‐3 phosphorylated free (NH)‐indoles. Several mild oxidants, such as AgNO3, di‐tert‐butyl peroxide (DTBP), and K2S2O8, can be used to promote this transformation.magnified image
Association between parental access to paid sick leave and children's access to and use of healthcare services
Authors: Asfaw Abay , Colopy Maria 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundWe examined the association between parental access to paid sick leave (PPSL) and children's use of preventive care and reduced likelihood of delayed medical care and emergency room (ER) visits.MethodsWe used the child sample of the National Health Interview Survey data (linked to the adult and family samples) from 2011 through 2015 and logistic and negative binomial regression models.ResultsControlling for covariates, the odds of children with PPSL receiving flu vaccination were 12.5% [95%CI: 1.06–1.19] higher and receiving annual medical checkups were 13.2% [95%CI: 1.04–1.23] higher than those of children without PPSL. With PPSL, the odds of children receiving delayed medical care because of time mismatch were 13.3% [95%CI: 0.76–0.98] lower, and being taken to ER were 53.6% [95%CI: 0.27–0.81] lower than those of children without PPSL. PPSL was associated with 11% [95%CI: 0.82–0.97] fewer ER visits per year.ConclusionPPSL may improve children's access and use of healthcare services and reduce the number of ER visits. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:276–284, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chelator‐Free Radiolabeling of Nanographene: Breaking the Stereotype of Chelation
Authors: Shi Sixiang , Xu Cheng , Yang Kai , Goel Shreya , Valdovinos Hector F. , Luo Haiming , Ehlerding Emily B. , England Christopher G. , Cheng Liang , Chen Feng , Nickles Robert J. , Liu Zhuang , Cai Weibo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMacrocyclic chelators have been widely employed in the realm of nanoparticle‐based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, whereas its accuracy remains questionable. Here, we found that 64Cu can be intrinsically labeled onto nanographene based on interactions between Cu and the π electrons of graphene without the need of chelator conjugation, providing a promising alternative radiolabeling approach that maintains the native in vivo pharmacokinetics of the nanoparticles. Due to abundant π bonds, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) exhibited significantly higher labeling efficiency in comparison with graphene oxide (GO) and exhibited excellent radiostability in vivo. More importantly, nonspecific attachment of 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid (NOTA) on nanographene was observed, which revealed that chelator‐mediated nanoparticle‐based PET imaging has its inherent drawbacks and can possibly lead to erroneous imaging results in vivo.
Synthetic Channel Specifically Inserts into the Lipid Bilayer of Gram‐Positive Bacteria but not that of Mammalian Erythrocytes
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhu Ping‐Ping , Xin Pengyang , Si Wen , Li Zhan‐Ting , Hou Jun‐Li 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA series of tubular molecules with different lengths have been synthesized by attaching Trp‐incorporated peptides to the pillar[5]arene backbone. The tubular molecules are able to insert into the lipid bilayer to form unimolecular transmembrane channels. One of the channels has been revealed to specifically insert into the bilayer of the Gram‐positive bacteria. In contrast, this channel cannot insert into the membranes of the mammalian rat erythrocytes even at the high concentration of 100 μm. It was further demonstrated that, as a result of this high membrane selectivity, the channel exhibits efficient antimicrobial activity for the Gram‐positive bacteria and very low hemolytic toxicity for mammalian erythrocytes.
Nanostrukturierte Materialien für die elektrokatalytische CO2‐Reduktion und ihre Reaktionsmechanismen
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Zhi‐Jian , Gong Jinlong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDie allmählich zunehmende Konzentration an Kohlendioxid (CO2) in der Atmosphäre wurde als Hauptursache für den Anstieg der mittleren Erdtemperatur erkannt. In den letzten Jahren hat daher die Entwicklung von Wegen zur hocheffizienten Umwandlung von CO2 viel Beachtung gefunden. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt neueste Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet von Festkörperkatalysatoren für die elektrochemische CO2‐Reduktion. Die Bedeutung dieser katalytischen Verfahren wird im Einführungsteil dargestellt, darauf folgen die allgemeinen Parameter für die elektrochemische CO2‐Reduktion und ein Überblick zur Reaktionsvorrichtung. Wir erörtern außerdem verschiedene Arten von festen Katalysatoren in Abhängigkeit von den Mechanismen der CO2‐Umwandlung. Darüber hinaus geben wir eine Zusammenfassung zu den entscheidenden Faktoren (Partikelgröße, Oberflächenstruktur, Zusammensetzung usw.), die die Leistungsfähigkeit der elektrochemischen Reduktion bestimmen.
Investigation of surface properties and elastomeric behaviors of EPDM/EOC/PP thermoplastic vulcanizates with different octene contents
Authors: Uthaipan Nattapon , Junhasavasdikul Banja , Vennemann Norbert , Nakason Charoen , Thitithammawong Anoma 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTPhase morphology, phase compatibility, and elastomeric properties of the ternary EPDM/EOC/PP TPVs were investigated, to determine the influence of octene comonomer content in the EOC molecules on these properties. Such effects are expected as the comonomer impacts the chemical interactions and the chain flexibility of EOC. Viscosity ratio and interfacial properties of the phases were determined, and later related to the morphological structure and the phase compatibility in the ternary TPVs. Increasing octene comonomer content in the EOC reduced surface and interfacial tensions in the TPVs, thereby improving the work of adhesion and the phase compatibility. The study also confirmed that the morphological structure of the TPVs had core–shell elastomer particles dispersed in a continuous PP matrix. Furthermore, elastomeric behavior of the TPVs with various octene contents in the EOC was also assessed. The results revealed improved stress relaxation with low molecular damping and with low permanent set when EOC with higher octene comonomer content was included. Therefore, in the present study the EOC as third component improved phase compatibility and strengthened elastomeric properties of the TPVs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44857.
Modulus enhancement of polycarbonate by addition of lithium perchlorate
Authors: Sako Takumi , Miyagawa Azusa , Yamaguchi Masayuki 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTThe mechanical properties of polycarbonate (PC) containing lithium perchlorate (LiClO4), which is found to ionize in PC, are examined. The modulus of PC is greatly enhanced by the addition of LiClO4 because of the electrostatic interaction between the lithium cation and the carbonyl group in PC molecules. Previously reported organic antiplasticizers, which fill the free volume of polymers, are known to reduce mechanical toughness and heat resistance. However, the addition of LiClO4 does not sacrifice the advantages of PC, such as heat resistance, transparency, and mechanical toughness. This phenomenon is notable because it is applicable for the enhancement of the mechanical properties of PC. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44882.
Amidoselenation and Amidotelluration of Alkenes using Oxygen as Terminal Oxidant
Authors: Sun Kai , Wang Xin , Zhang Chong , Zhang Saifei , Chen Yao , Jiao Hezhen , Du Weimin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA protocol has been established for oxygen‐mediated amidoselenation and amidotelluration of alkenes under mild conditions. This method provides a simple route to a series of structurally diverse β‐amido selenides and β‐amido tellurides in moderate to high yields. The wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, ease of large‐scale preparation and potential for product derivatization make this reaction attractive for the synthesis of nitrogen‐, selenium‐ and tellurium‐containing molecules.
Quantitative analysis of surface warming amplification over the Tibetan Plateau after the late 1990s using surface energy balance equation
Authors: Su Jiayi , Duan Anmin , Xu Haiming 
Published: February 2017

AbstractLand surface warming is amplified over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) compared with the global climate warming hiatus since the end of the 1990s. Based on in situ observations and two reanalysis datasets, the processes involved were investigated by calculating partial temperature changes using the surface energy budget equation. The results indicated that the enhanced downward longwave radiation under clear‐sky condition and the positive surface albedo feedback (SAF) related to the reduced snow cover are responsible for the pronounced surface warming, especially in winter. Meanwhile, the changes in cloud radiative forcing, surface sensible and latent heat fluxes (H + LE), and heat storage (Q) had a much weaker cooling effect. These results indicate that the enhancement of downward clear‐sky longwave radiative fluxes and SAF have played an important role in the accelerated surface warming over the TP during recent decades.
Novel UHPLC‐MS/MS method for the determination of rotigotine in the plasma of patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mohamed Susan , Riva Roberto , Contin Manuela 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA novel ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of the dopamine receptor agonist rotigotine in human plasma. Following liquid–liquid extraction with tert‐butyl methyl ether from 500 μL plasma, the chromatographic analysis was performed on a Gemini NX3 column using 5 mm pH 5.0 ammonium acetate–5 mm ammonium acetate in methanol as binary gradient mobile phase, at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The MS/MS ion transitions were 316.00 → 147.00 for rotigotine and 256.10 → 211.00 for the internal standard (lamotrigine). The lower limit of quantitation was 50 pg/mL and the linearity was determined from 50 to 2500 pg/mL. The mean recovery was 96.9%. Both intra‐ and interassay imprecision and inaccuracy were ≤15% at all quality control concentrations. The method was successfully applied to measure morning trough plasma rotigotine concentrations in a series of patients with Parkinson's disease on chronic treatment. The present study describes the first fully validated method for rotigotine determination in human plasma.
Fibers and Particles in Stirred Systems: Influence on the Flow Velocities
Authors: Lomtscher Annett , Jobst Karin , Kraume Matthias 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDie Auslegung und Optimierung von Mischprozessen faseriger Suspensionen erfordert eine umfassende Quantifizierung vorhandener Zusammenhänge zwischen den Zustandsgrößen der Suspension, den zu wählenden Prozessgrößen und dem Mischergebnis. In experimentellen Untersuchungen zeigt sich, dass die faserigen Bestandteile die Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten wesentlich beeinflussen. Partikelgröße und ‐form nehmen Einfluss auf die Höhe der Geschwindigkeiten, so dass die Verwendung von vereinfachten, partikelfreien Modellstoffsystemen für die Nachbildung von Mischprozessen faseriger Fluide nicht oder nur bedingt geeignet ist.
Particle Image Velocimetry Compared to CFD Simulation of Stirred Vessels with Helical Coils
Authors: Jährling Katja , Wolinski Sven , Stefan Alexander , Helle Hagen , Bliem Volker , Ulbricht Mathias , Schultz Heyko Juergen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe results of measurements using two different particle image velocimetry (PIV) systems (2D‐PIV versus stereo‐PIV) are compared and the obtained data with a coupled CFD simulation are also correlated. A stirred vessel with internal helical coil as additional heat exchanger is analyzed with these settings. Results for the velocity fields and turbulent kinetic energy distribution are shown and the feasibility of stereo‐PIV measurements by using refractive index matching fluid is proven. This investigation provides a good accordance and consistency between the different PIV systems and the related CFD.
KRAS mutation in papillary fibroelastoma: a true cardiac neoplasm?
Authors: Wittersheim Maike , Heydt Carina , Hoffmann Fabian , Büttner Reinhard 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPrimary cardiac tumours are rare and mostly benign lesions. Recent publications report that cardiac papillary fibroelastomas are the most common benign primary heart tumour, outnumbering myxomas. However, there is no consensus about their aetiology. We investigated the molecular profile of these tumours using next generation sequencing in a cohort of 16 cases. Eleven of 14 (79%) analysable tumours showed mutations of the KRAS oncogene. Our results provide unambiguous evidence that a significant proportion of these lesions are genuine neoplastic tumours caused by an oncogenic driver mutation.
Double‐Strand Breaks in Genome‐Sized DNA Caused by Ultrasound
Authors: Kubota Rinko , Yamashita Yusuke , Kenmotsu Takahiro , Yoshikawa Yuko , Yoshida Kenji , Watanabe Yoshiaki , Imanaka Tadayuki , Yoshikawa Kenichi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) caused by ultrasound were evaluated in a quantitative manner by single‐molecule fluorescence microscopy. We compared the effect of time‐interval (or pulse) sonication to that of continuous wave (CW) sonication at a fixed frequency of 30 kHz. Pulses caused fewer DSBs than CW sonication under the same total input ultrasound energy when the pulse repetition period was above the order of a second. In contrast, pulses caused more DSBs than CW sonication for pulse widths shorter than a second. These effect of ultrasound on DNA were interpreted in terms of the time‐dependent decay in the probability of breakage during the duration of a pulse. We propose a simple phenomenological model by considering a characteristic decay in the probability of DSBs during single‐pulse sonication, which reproduces the essence of the experimental trend. In addition, a data analysis revealed a characteristic scaling behavior between the number of pulses and the number of DSBs.
Environmental Policy Performances for Sustainable Development: From the Perspective of ISO 14001 Certification
Authors: Lee Sang M. , Noh Yonghwi , Choi Donghyun , Rha Jin Sung 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study investigated the financial performances of environmental policy by using the long‐term effect of ISO 14001 certification. Drawing on a natural‐resource‐based view of the firm, this study examined abnormal performances of ISO 14001 certified firms on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) in the USA during the period 1996–2010 employing a rigorous event study methodology. The results indicate that the profitability variables showed immediate positive abnormal effects after firms applied for the ISO 14001 certification, while the market benefit variable showed gradual improvements after obtaining the certification. However, ISO 14001 did not show significant effect on the internal process improvement. Overall, ISO 14001 was found beneficial to the firm in the long run from the perspectives of profitability and market benefits. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment