bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relaxations in relation to Liquid Crystalline Formation and Glass Transition for Comb-like Polymer: Structural Relaxation as expressed by Entropy Model and Activation Energy Spectrum
Authors: Tanaka Yutaka 
Published: December 2013

This study demonstrates that the modelling approach for the kinetic phenomenon of glass transition is effective to examine the relaxation. In the enthalpy relaxation of poly(cyanobiphenyl-yloxy) alkyl acrylate, the decrease in enthalpy was measured as a function of ageing time and ageing temperature. Obtained data was analysed at first with the activation energy spectrum (AES) model, and next, with the framework of the entropy model which follows the evolution of the configurational entropy of the sample during the whole thermal history in the experiment. The prediction of DSC curve based on the result of analysis for the glass transition will be presented. AES model gives information about thermally activated processes which are available to contribute to observed enthalpy changes against the thermal history. The activated processes are relevant to the rearrangement of molecules. The rearrangement corresponds to the structural changes of polymer chain which can be observed in our study as the change in optical texture, known as the coarsening dynamics of nematic domain for the liquid crystalline materials. The analysis for the coarsening is also shown to elucidate the specific feature of physical parameter.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v30i0.9377Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 30, 2012 Page: 107-110 Uploaded date: 12/19/2013
Enhanced Production of Ethanol from Cheese whey by Agarose and Alginate immobilization of Yeast Cells
Authors: Shrestha Smita , Shrestha Fedip , Rajbhandari Prajwal , Baral Ramesh , Suwal Shyam Krishna , Joshi Jarina 
Published: December 2013

Yeasts cells isolated from dry yeast were immobilized in alginate and agarose to form beads. The fermentation of ethanol from cheese whey was optimized with respect to temperature, pH, and rpm. A comparative study was performed between immobilized and free cells to get the maximum ethanol production Results revealed that 35°C temperature, 4.5 pH and 60 rpm is the optimized condition for yeast immobilized in agarose bead. Similarly, 35°C temperature, 5.0 pH, 60 rpm is the optimized condition for yeast immobilized in alginate bead and 35°C temperature, 5.0 pH, 80 rpm is the optimized condition for the free yeast cell respectively. Immobilised cell resulted 4.25% ethanol with alginate bead whereas 4.35% with agarose bead and 4.30% with free cell after three days of incubation under optimized conditions. When the same cell immobilized beads were reused, obtained 1.8% ethanol with agarose and 1.7% ethanol with alginate bead.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v30i0.9388Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 30, 2012 Page: 159-164 Uploaded date: 12/20/2013
Preparation of halide sensors by means of co-precipitation of silver sulphide and silver halide
Authors: Rajbhandari Armila , Manandhar Krishna , Pradhananga Raja Ram 
Published: December 2013

Halide sensors have been prepared in the laboratory by means of co-precipitation of silver sulphide and silver halide and is used for the determination of iodide, bromide and chlorides ions. The iodide sensors show a Nernstian response in the concentration range of 10-1 to 10-6M iodide ions, bromide sensors show a linear response in the concentration range of 10-1 to 10-5M bromide ions while chloride sensors show linear response upto the concentration range of 10-4M chloride ions. The response time of all the electrodes, is < 1minute. The iodide sensors were found to be selective towards iodide ions in the presence of Cl- and Br- ions while bromide and chloride sensors interferred by iodide ions as indicated by selectivity coefficient values of 3.98 and 48.9 respectively. These sensors have been successfully applied for potentiometric titrations.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v30i0.9390Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 30, 2012 Page: 168-173 Uploaded date: 12/20/2013
Synthesis of Triazole derivative: [4-(benzylideneamino)-5-phenyl -4H-1,2,4 – triazole-3-thiol]
Authors: Singh Ashok Kumar , Kandel Khem Raj 
Published: December 2013

The basic nucleus 4-(amino)-5-phenyl-l-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol has been synthesized by cyclisation of potassium dithiocarbazinate with hydrazine hydrate using water as solvent under reflux condition for 3-4 h. The compound which has been synthesized successfully was subjected to condensation with benzaldehyde to synthesize 4-(benzylideneamino)-5-phenyl -4H-1,2,4 – triazole-3-thiol (Schiff base). The compounds were confirmed by physical parameters (melting point), chromatographic methods (TLC) and spectroscopic methods (IR and NMR).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v30i0.9391Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 30, 2012 Page: 174-177 Uploaded date: 12/20/2013
When Tenure Protects the Incompetent: Results from a Survey of Department Chairs
Authors: Rothgeb John M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis research uses data from a national survey of political science department chairs to explore when tenure protects incompetent faculty. The characteristics of the responding institutions and the procedures and standards they use when evaluating tenure applications were analyzed to determine how they related to the protection of the incompetent. The results reveal that tenure is most likely to shield incompetent faculty when collegiality plays a role in tenure decisions and when departments focus on the quantity of articles an applicant publishes. The findings also show that when departments demand that candidates publish in prestigious journals and when higher authorities at the institution have reversed positive departmental tenure recommendations, the probability that the incompetent are protected declines.
Rubrics in the Political Science Classroom: Packing a Serious Analytical Punch
Authors: Rublee Maria Rost 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAlthough professors may be aware that rubrics shorten grading time and improve grading consistency, many are not aware that rubrics offer a powerful analytical punch. Given the demands for active learning in today's college classroom, rubrics allow instructors to focus on analytical quality while engaging students in a variety of assignments. Rubrics are useful not only in more traditional applications—for example, papers and oral presentations—but also for more creative purposes. Using rubrics in both self and peer assessment engages students more in assignments, allowing them to reflect on their own performance and their peers. Going one step further, instructors can engage students in the construction of rubrics that will be used to grade their own work. Finally, rubrics force instructors to be clear about their own purposes for an assignment, and over time, instructors can become more attuned to the analytical possibilities in even traditional “busywork” assignments.
Performance of commercial dengue NS1 ELISA and molecular analysis of NS1 gene of dengue viruses obtained during surveillance in Indonesia
Authors: Aryati Aryati , Trimarsanto Hidayat , Yohan Benediktus , Wardhani Puspa , Fahri Sukmal , Sasmono R Tedjo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundEarly diagnosis of dengue infection is crucial for better management of the disease. Diagnostic tests based on the detection of dengue virus (DENV) Non Structural Protein 1 (NS1) antigen are commercially available with different sensitivities and specificities observed in various settings. Dengue is endemic in Indonesia and clinicians are increasingly using the NS1 detection for dengue confirmation. This study described the performance of Panbio Dengue Early NS1 and IgM Capture ELISA assays for dengue detection during our surveillance in eight cities in Indonesia as well as the genetic diversity of DENV NS1 genes and its relationship with the NS1 detection.MethodsThe NS1 and IgM/IgG ELISA assays were used for screening and confirmation of dengue infection during surveillance in 2010–2012. Collected serum samples (n = 440) were subjected to RT-PCR and virus isolation, in which 188 samples were confirmed for dengue infection. The positivity of the ELISA assays were correlated with the RT-PCR results to obtain the sensitivity of the assays. The NS1 genes of 48 Indonesian virus isolates were sequenced and their genetic characteristics were studied.ResultsUsing molecular data as gold standard, the sensitivity of NS1 ELISA assay for samples from Indonesia was 56.4% while IgM ELISA was 73.7%. When both NS1 and IgM results were combined, the sensitivity increased to 89.4%. The NS1 sensitivity varied when correlated with city/geographical origins and DENV serotype, in which the lowest sensitivity was observed for DENV-4 (19.0%). NS1 sensitivity was higher in primary (67.6%) compared to secondary infection (48.2%). The specificity of NS1 assay for non-dengue samples were 100%. The NS1 gene sequence analysis of 48 isolates revealed the presence of polymorphisms of the NS1 genes which apparently did not influence the NS1 sensitivity.ConclusionsWe observed a relatively low sensitivity of NS1 ELISA for dengue detection on RT-PCR-positive dengue samples. The detection rate increased significantly when NS1 data was combined with IgM. In our study, the low sensitivity of NS1 antigen detection did not relate to NS1 genetic diversity. Rather, the performance of the NS1 antigen test was affected by the infection status of patients and geographical origin of samples.
THE IMPACT OF CHINESE BUSINESS ON MARKET ENTRY IN GHANA AND SENEGAL
Authors: Marfaing Laurence , Thiel Alena 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn this article we analyse the currently observable changes in the norms and orders that regulate market entry in the Ghanaian and Senegalese trade sectors. We portray the three distinct ways in which – facilitated by the presence of independent Chinese migrants – previously excluded actors are now able to enter the market, without needing to rely on the networks that typically mediate access to start-up capital needs – such as selling space, marketing skills and, not least, capital stock. Creatively appropriating the new situation, these previously excluded actors have thus found in the Chinese presence a means of bypassing restrictive economic, social and religious networks. In-depth ethnographic fieldwork in 2011 and 2012 has revealed that while aspiring traders from Ghana and Senegal applaud the newly opened pathways to gainful economic activity, more established local merchants in the urban centres of both countries feel and express, in contrast, a discontent with the growing Chinese presence – as they see their role as gatekeepers of the market order being increasingly undermined.
‘TARMACKING’ IN THE MILLENNIUM CITY: SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL TRAJECTORIES OF EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN KISUMU, KENYA
Authors: Prince Ruth J. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTOver the past fifteen years, the city of Kisumu in western Kenya has emerged as an epicentre of ‘global health’ interventions, organized by non-governmental and transnational groups. These interventions involve concrete, practical engagements with the city's populations, but also imaginations and desires, as they intersect with residents’ expectations of development. This article follows the hopes, aspirations and trajectories of people who attach themselves as volunteers to these interventions, or who hope to do so through a process they describe as ‘tarmacking’. In exploring how volunteers orient themselves to ideas of ‘empowerment’ that are promoted by NGOs and also have influence outside institutional settings, it examines the relations between the landscapes of intervention, the spatial-temporal horizons, and the geographies of responsibility emergent in the city. Through its association with ‘moving ahead’ and with development, empowerment implies movement towards some kind of future. While there is a widely shared sense among volunteers that they are going somewhere, just where that might be is not clearly articulated. Rather than attempt to pinpoint this destination, this article follows their trajectories in an attempt to grasp why and how it remains obscure.
STUCK IN RUINS, OR UP AND COMING? THE SHIFTING GEOGRAPHY OF URBAN PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH IN KISUMU, KENYA
Authors: Geissler P. Wenzel 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTSince the Second World War, the Kenyan city of Kisumu has been an important site of medical research and public health interventions – on malaria and other vector-borne diseases, and lately on HIV and related infections. This article compares the work and lives of two generations of local workers in public health research, each central to science in the city at their time: staff of the Ministry of Health's Division of Vector Borne Disease (DVBD) in the decades after independence, and temporary employees of the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in its collaboration with the US government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the early twenty-first century. Against the backdrop of changes to the city, which stagnated during the 1970s and 1980s, became an epicentre of the East African AIDS epidemic, and underwent an economic boom of sorts from the late 1990s – at least partly driven by HIV research and intervention programmes – the article examines the spaces and movements of health research workers, and their experience of the city in time. The now elderly DVBD workers' accounts are pervaded by memories of anticipated progress and the convergence of life and work in the civic wholes of nation and city; by chagrin about decay; and by nostalgia for lost hopes. Today's young KEMRI/CDC workers' short-term contracts, and the fragmented city they inhabit and study, make for less bounded and predictable spaces and temporalities. Their urban lives and work take shape between remainders and remembrances of past projects, the exhaustion of everyday struggles to make a living and a meaningful life, and the search for new forms of urban order and civic purpose.
Phytochemical and Biological Studies on Zanthoxylum Armatum of Nepal
Authors: Joshi Sushika , Gyawali Anuradha 
Published: December 2013

Phytochemical and biological screening of stem extracts of Zanthoxylum armatum of Nepal were carried out. Presence of sterols, triterpenes, volatile oils, coumarins, alkaloids, flavonoids, flavonic glycosides, saponins and tannins were detected in phytochemical screening. β-sitosterol and lupeol were isolated from the hexane fraction and β-sitosterol glucoside was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction. Lupeol was identified by comparison of melting point, Co-TLC and 1H-NMR spectrum with authentic sample. β-sitosterol and β-sitosterol glucoside were characterized by their melting points and Co-TLC with authentic samples. In brine-shrimp bioassay, hexane and methanol fractions exhibited bioactivity, whereas ethyl acetate and methanol fractions showed proper bioactivity in antimicrobial bioassay.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v30i0.9339Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 30, 2012 Page: 71-77 Uploaded date: 12/16/2013
The chemical compositions of Rhododendron arboreum, “Laligunras”
Authors: Shrestha Roshani M. , Budhathoki Narendra Pratapsingh 
Published: December 2013

Rhododendron arboreum, family Ericaceae, is a medium size tree 7-14m height or shrub, Widely distributed in Nepal all along sub-tropical and temperate regions from 1200-3300m, the Rhododendron arboreum is known as ‘Gunras’ in Nepali. R. arboreum was declared of Nepal’s national flower in 1962 by government of Nepal. The chemical compositions of the wood (stem) Of Rhododendron arboreum has been investigated on the basis of useful methods of Tappi & ASTM. The main chemical compositions were:-Ash content (0.75%), Extractives (4.39%), Hollocelluloses (69.82%), Hemicelluloses (22%), alpha-celluloses (47.98%), Pentosans (16.84%), & Lignins (24.88%). The Lignins were analyzed by UV &IR. Similarly, the fatty acid compositions of extractives were analyzed by GC/MS. The main fatty acid compositions were: Butanoic acid, Pentanoic acid, 4-Heptenoic acid, & 8-Nonynoic acid in extractives. The solubility of wood in various solvents is a measure of extraneous components content. The solubility of different solvents were: - in cold water (7.02%), Hot water (8.47%), & 1% NaOH (19%). The high percentage of alpha celluloses in chemical compositions shows prospective use as a raw material for paper production along with Danphebholua (Lokta) in cottage industries of Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v30i0.9376Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol. 30, 2012 Page: 97-106 Uploaded date: 12/19/2013
NGF and VEGF Effects on Retinal Ganglion Cell Fate: New Evidence from an Animal Model of Diabetes
Authors: Mantelli Flavio , Lambiase Alessandro , Colafrancesco Valeria , Rocco Maria Luisa , Macchi Ilaria , Aloe Luigi 
Published: December 2013

Purpose: To investigate if the survival effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) eyedrops on retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) are related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a rat model of diabetic retinopathy. Methods: Diabetes was induced in adult rats by streptozotocin injection and changes in the NGF/TrkA and VEGF retina levels were related to the progression of RGC loss. Diabetic rats were subjected to administration of NGF eyedrops or intraocular injection of anti-NGF antibody. All morphologic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses were performed on whole retinas dissected after 7 or 11 weeks after diabetes induction. Results: Diabetes was successfully induced in rats as shown by glycemic levels >250 mg/dL. The NGF levels increased in diabetic retinas at 7 weeks and decreased at 11 weeks, while VEGF levels increased at all time points. The RGC loss in diabetic retinopathy worsened with anti-NGF administration, which did not alter retina VEGF levels significantly. Administration of NGF eyedrops restored TrkA levels in the retina, and protected RGCs from degeneration without influencing VEGF levels. Conclusions: The early increase of NGF in diabetic retina might be an endogenous response for protecting RGCs from degeneration. This protective mechanism is impaired at 11 weeks following diabetes induction, and results in a marked RGC degeneration that is improved by exogenous NGF administration and worsened by anti-NGF. The observed NGF-induced neuroprotection on damaged RGCs was not associated with changes in VEGF retina levels, which were constantly high in diabetic rats and were not altered by anti-NGF administration.
Arteriovenous Fistula Creation Using the Optiflow™ Vascular Anastomotic Connector: The Open (Optiflow PatEncy and MaturatioN) Study
Authors: Chemla Eric , Tavakoli Afshin , Nikam Milind , Mitra Sandip , Malete Tlou , Evans Jackie , Roy-Chaudhury Prabir 
Published: December 2013

Purpose Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred form of vascular access for hemodialysis. However, non-maturation and patency are major clinical problems. The Optiflow™ device is an implantable anastomotic connector used to standardize the creation of an AVF. Studies have suggested that the geometry of the anastomosis and experience of the surgeon impact patency and maturation rates. The Optiflow serves as a surgical template whereby the geometry and flow path of the anastomosis are predetermined. This prospective study was intended to evaluate maturation, patency and safety of the Optiflow. Methods Forty-one upper arm AVFs were created in 41 end-stage renal disease patients using the Optiflow device at two investigational sites. Patients were followed for 90 days with serial Doppler ultrasounds performed at approximately 14, 42 and 90 days to determine AVF maturation. The primary performance endpoint was unassisted maturation, defined as an outflow vein that was equal to or greater than 5 mm in diameter, and with flow equal to or greater than 500 mL/min without the need for any intervention intended to promote or maintain maturation. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of device-related serious adverse events. Results Unassisted maturation rates were 76%, 72% and 68% and unassisted patency rates were 93%, 88% and 78%, at 14, 42 and 90 days, respectively. There were no device-related serious adverse events. Conclusions The results suggest that the Optiflow is safe for its intended use and could play an important role in enhancing AVF maturation while standardizing the anastomotic technique.
Reported Increase in Substance Use Following Mass Terrorism and the Role of Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Eliashar Roi , Zilberstein Tanya , Shmulewitz Dvora , Skvirsky Vera , Vider Merav , Lev-Ran Shaul 
Published: July 2024

ImportanceResearch has shown evidence of increased substance use (ISU) in populations affected by mass terrorism; however, less is known regarding how psychosocial factors interact to estimate ISU following such events.ObjectiveTo examine which factors are associated with reporting ISU, test whether psychological distress (PD) mediated the association between exposure to trauma and reporting ISU, and whether the mediation effect differed among those with prior mental health (MH) difficulties and those without.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA partially representative cross-sectional survey of the adult Jewish population in Israel (aged 18-70 years) was conducted 4 weeks after October 7, 2023 (October 31 to November 5, 2023). A national Web panel using quotas based on national distributions was used. Randomly chosen adult Jewish members were invited to participate until a predetermined sample size was reached.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe study measures included reporting ISU (outcome), PD (mediator), exposure to terror events and sociodemographic characteristics (variables), and prior MH difficulties (moderator). Hypotheses regarding outcome and variables were formulated before data collection.ResultsA total of 7000 invitations were distributed, 2679 individuals consented, 1432 were excluded owing to quota limits, 74 failed attention tests, and 205 opted out, resulting in 968 participants (490 women [50.6%]; mean [SD] age, 41.5 [14.6] years). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that participants were significantly more likely to report ISU if they had experienced direct exposure (odds ratio [OR], 5.75; 95% CI, 2.53 to 13.05), indirect exposure (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.67), media exposure (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.36), PD (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.44 to 2.25), or previous MH difficulties (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.86 to 4.09). PD partially mediated the association between indirect exposure (b = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.31) and media exposure (b = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.19) and reporting ISU. No evidence was found to support previous MH difficulties as a moderator of these indirect effects (indirect exposure, b = −0.003; 95% CI, −0.28 to 0.28; media exposure, b = 0.01; 95% CI, −0.06 to 0.08).Conclusions and RelevanceThis study contributes to the research on the association of mass terrorism with ISU while shedding important light on the role it may play in the self-medication of PD following exposure, even in those who might have no previous MH difficulties. These insights are crucial for planning essential health services and preventive measures.