bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Hydrophilic Biochar Effect on Sandy Soil Water Retention
Authors: Rattanakam Ramida , Pituya Pinitpon , Suwan Mantana , Supothina Sitthisuntorn
Published: August 2017

This paper reports studies to investigate the relationships between hydrophobicity of biochar surface and soil water retention. The studied biochars were produced from acacia wood, cashew wood and bamboo. The resulting materials were oxidized via liquid oxidation to generate hydrophilic biochars containing oxygenated functional groups on the surface. All biochars were characterized and their ability as soil additives to enhance water retention was assessed. Our results suggest that hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of biochars is not the major factor governing water retention ability of this particular soil. However, hydrophilicity of biochar helps improve soil permeability by providing better wettability to the soil.
Photocatalytic Comparative Study of TiO2, ZnO, Ag-G-ZnO and Ag-G-TiO2 Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Kalnaowakul Phuri , Phairatana Tonghathai , Rodchanarowan Aphichart
Published: August 2017

In this study, the photocatalytic properties and morphology of TiO2, ZnO, Ag-graphene-zinc oxide (Ag-G-ZnO) and Ag-graphene-titanium dioxide (Ag-G-TiO2) nanocomposite were compared. The Ag-G-ZnO and Ag-G-TiO2 nanocomposite were successfully prepared by thermal decomposition of colloidal solution. These prepared composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy and photocatalytic activities. The results from XRD patterns show that Ag-G-TiO2 composites and the Ag-G-ZnO nanocomposites were in the form of fcc and hcp crystal structure, respectively. The SEM images show that at calcination of 500 °C for 3 h, the composite thin film of Ag-G-ZnO and Ag-G-TiO2 were homogenous. In the case of the photocatalytic experiments using methylene blue dye (MB) under UV irradiation, the order of the photocatalytic activities from high to low performances are Ag-G-ZnO, Ag-G-TiO2, ZnO and TiO2, respectively.
Effect of Cooling Rate on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu-0.05Ni Solder Alloy
Authors: Inkong Kogaew , Sungkhaphaitoon Phairote
Published: August 2017

The effect of cooling rate on the microstructural and mechanical properties of Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu-0.05Ni lead-free solder alloy was studied. The microstructure of specimens was characterized by using an optical microscope (OM) and an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The mechanical properties were performed by using a universal testing machine (UTM). The results showed that the cooling rate of water-cooled specimens was about 2.37 °C/s and the cooling rate of mold-cooled specimens was about 0.05 °C/s. To compare the different cooling rates, it was found that the grain size of water-cooled specimens was finer than that of the mold-cooled specimens, this resulted in an increment of mechanical properties of solder alloy. A higher tensile strength (33.10 MPa) and a higher elongation (34%) were observed when water-cooled and mold-cooled systems were used, respectively. The microstructure of Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu-0.05Ni lead-free solder alloy solidified by both cooling systems exhibited three phases: β-Sn, Ag3Sn and (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 IMCs.
Synthesis and Characterization of Alumina-Ceria Core-Shell Nanoparticles Using a Wet Chemical Method
Authors: Davar Sajedeh , Movahedi Behrooz , Dini Ghasem , Milani Mostafa
Published: August 2017

In this study, α-Al2O3-CeO2 core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized from the cerium acetate and the commercial α-Al2O3 nanoparticles as the starting materials via a wet chemical method. Poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) as an additive compound was used for the surface modification of alumina nanoparticles. Also, the effects of PAA content, pH value and calcination temperature on the synthesis behavior of α-Al2O3-CeO2 nanoparticles were investigated. The formation of core-shell structure was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicated that at the PAA=1.5 wt. %, pH=6 and calcination temperature=1150°C (as optimal conditions), the core-shell nanoparticles with alumina core and ceria shell and homogeneous size distribution were synthesized successfully.
Influence of Pretreatment on the Free CaO in Steel Slag
Authors: Wei Long Hua , Qi Xian Jin , Zhu Xing , Wang Hua , Hu Bin , Xu Yuan , Li Yong , Li Xun
Published: August 2017

An experimental program was carried out to investigate how to improve the characteristics of steel slag. Mainly the pretreatment methods of cooking and autoclave were used to detect such as free CaO content in the steel slag. The physical and chemical characteristics of steel slag were measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The aim of improving the slag utilization is an important way to resolve large production problem, and then the research progress of steel slag utilization at home and abroad are recycled as raw material to be applied. By means of those ways to manage steel slag we have received the following conclusions: With the increase of cooking temperature the content of free CaO is gradually reduced. When temperature higher than 90oC the means could greatly reduce the free CaO content from about 7% wt. to less than 2.5% wt. in 3 h. By means of autoclave pressure upto 1.5MPa could greatly reduce the free CaO content from about 7% wt. to less than 3.2% wt. in 3 h. Through the study of the relevant of steel slag after pretreatment can effectively reduce the free CaO content in the steel slag, improving the stability of the steel slag is advantageous to the seven used in the construction field.
Observation of Fracture Surface of Induction-Heated JIS SUJ2 Bearing Steel under Rotating Bending Fatigue
Authors: Yoshida Isamu , Mizobe Koshiro , Kida Katsuyuki
Published: August 2017

Martensitic high-carbon chromium bearing steel is used for rolling contact applications in various mechanical parts. Induction heating is one of heat treatment methods which take shorter time and lower energy compared with furnace heating. In the present work, we prepared induction-heated and furnace-tempered JIS SUJ2 bearing steel bar specimens. After rotating bending tests, we observed their fracture surfaces. It was found that the very large fisheye crack failures occurred and the crack size increased with increasing number of cycles to failure.
Numerical Evaluation of a High Speed Steel Work Roll during Hot Strip Rolling Process
Authors: Deng Guan Yu , Zhu Hong Tao , Tieu A. Kiet , Zhu Qiang , Su Li Hong , Reid Mark , Wei Pei Tang , Zhang Liang , Wang Hui , Zhang Jie , Li Jin Tao , Ta Thi Dinh , Wu Qiong
Published: August 2017

Hot strip rolling process is one of the most promising industrial processes to fabricate finished or semi-finished bulk products. Numerical analysis on the temperature and thermal stress distributions in a high speed steel work roll during hot rolling has been conducted based on a transient thermo-mechanical model. Influence of initial work roll body temperature on temperature and thermal stress has been discussed in detail by assuming different rolling stages. Compared to the work roll surface, stress is much smaller at depth of 2.1 mm and 5.0 mm, respectively. Results showed similar maximum circumferential thermal stress at both depths of 2.1 mm and 5.0 mm when the roll has initial temperature of 25 °C and 100 °C, but they are about 3 times and 8 times larger than at depth of 2.1 mm and 5.0 mm, respectively, when the initial temperature is 200 °C.
Experimental Investigation of Energy Absorption of ‎Partially Wrapped Thin-Walled ‎Aluminium-Glass/Epoxy Tube Subjected to Quasi-Static Loading
Authors: Abbas Tahir , Ya Hamdan H. , Abdullah Mohamad Zaki
Published: August 2017

This paper describes the failure modes and energy absorption capability of partially wrapped aluminium-glass/epoxy tubes, subjected to quasi-static loading. ‎These tubes are used in aircraft and automobiles applications. Aluminium tubes were partially wrapped with 4, 6 and 8 glass/epoxy layers, using filament winding process. The 90◦ fiber orientation was used for glass/epoxy layers. Quasi-static loading of partially wrapped tubes was carried out at 5mm/min speed, using the universal ‎testing machine. The experimental results revealed that partially wrapped aluminium tubes are 42.54%, 47.77% and 28.91% more ‎efficient in energy absorption as compared to the simple aluminium tubes. Furthermore, the effect of glass/epoxy layers on ‎failure modes has also been described.
Designing and Validating Parallel Wire Suspension Bridge Wire Strands for Neutron Diffraction Stress Mapping
Authors: Brügger Adrian , Lee Seung Yub , Noyan İsmail Cevdet , Betti Raimondo
Published: August 2017

Suspension-bridge cables are constructed from strands of galvanized steel wire. They are failure-critical structural members, so a fundamental understanding of their mechanics is imminently important in quantifying suspension bridge safety. The load-carrying capabilities of such strands after local wire failures have been the subject of many theoretical studies utilizing analytical equations and finite-element analysis. Little experimental data, however, exists to validate these models.Over the past five years we have developed a methodology for measuring stress/strain transfer within parallel wire strands of suspension bridge cables using neutron diffraction [1,2]. In this paper we describe the design and verification of parallel cable strands used in our studies. We describe the neutron diffraction strain measurements performed on standard 7-wire and expanded 19-wire models in various configurations at both the Los Alamos National Laboratory Spectrometer for Materials Research at Temperature and Stress (LANL SMARTS) and at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory VULCAN Engineering Materials Diffractometer (ORNL VULCAN). Particular attention is placed on the challenges of aligning and measuring multibody systems with high strain gradients at body-to-body contact points.
Neutron Through-Thickness Stress Measurements in Coatings with High Spatial Resolution
Authors: Luzin Vladimir , Vackel ANdrew , Valarezo Alfredo , Sampath Sanjay
Published: August 2017

A great variety of techniques are nowadays used to spray coatings with different functionality and properties for the purpose of surface enhancement. Depending on application and design, these can be thermal (plasma or high-velocity oxy-fuel are the most widely used) and warm or cold spraying, which are known to generate considerable residual stresses. This stress is a function of the spaying process as well as the material and thickness of the coating-substrate system. The mechanical integrity of coatings is critical for certain applications, e.g. wear resistant and thermal-barrier coatings, hence residual stress control and mitigation are essential in preventing the coating’s mechanical failure, improving the coating’s performance and the its operational lifetime.
Although hole drilling technique or x-ray diffraction combined with layer removal method can be applicable for stress measurements in coatings, the neutron diffraction stress analysis also provides an effective and efficient tool for non-destructive through-thickness stress measurements with a commensurately high resolution, down to 0.1-0.2 mm. The most recent results of neutron diffraction stress measurements in coating systems are presented herein.
Residual Stress Depth Distributions for Atmospheric Plasma Sprayed MnCo1.9Fe0.1O4 Spinel Layers on Crofer Steel Substrate
Authors: Back Hyoung C. , Mutter Markus , Gibmeier Jens , Mücke Robert , Vaßen Robert
Published: August 2017

In solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) for operating temperatures of 800 °C or below, the use of ferritic stainless steel can lead to degradation in cell performance due to chromium migration into the cells at the cathode side [1]. Application of a coating on the ferritic stainless steel interconnect is one option to prevent Cr outward migration through the coating. MnCo1.9Fe0.1O4 (in the following designated as MCF) spinels act as a diffusion barrier and retain high conductivity during operation [2]. Knowledge about the residual stress depth distribution throughout the complete APS coating system is important and can help to optimize the coating process. This implicitly requires reliable residual stress analysis in the coating, the interface region and in the substrate.For residual stress analysis on these specific layered systems diffraction based analysis methods (XRD) using laboratory X-ray sources can only by applied at the very surface. For larger depths sublayer removal is necessary to gain reliable residual stress data. The established method for sublayer removal is electrochemical etching, which fails, since the spinel layer is inert. However, a mechanical layer removal will affect the local residual stress distribution.As an alternative, mechanical residual stress analyses techniques can be applied. Recently, we established an approach to analyse residual stress depth distributions in thick film systems by means of the incremental hole drilling method [5, 6]. In this project, we refined our approach for the application on MCF coatings with a layer thickness between 60 – 125 μm.
Rhinovirus Infection of ORMDL3 Transgenic Mice Is Associated with Reduced Rhinovirus Viral Load and Airway Inflammation
Authors: Song Dae Jin , Miller Marina , Beppu Andrew , Rosenthal Peter , Das Sudipta , Karta Maya , Vuong Christine , Mehta Amit Kumar , Croft Michael , Broide David H.
Published: August 2017

Orosomucoid like 3 (ORMDL3), a gene localized to chromosome 17q21, has been linked in epidemiologic studies to childhood asthma and rhinovirus (RV) infections. As the single nucleotide polymorphisms linking ORMDL3 to asthma are associated with increased expression of ORMDL3, we have used hORMDL3zp3-Cre mice (which have universal increased expression of human ORMDL3) to determine whether infection of these transgenic mice with RV influences levels of airway inflammation or RV viral load. RV infection of hORMDL3zp3-Cre mice resulted in reduced RV viral load assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (lung and airway epithelium), as well as reduced airway inflammation (total bronchoalveolar lavage cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) compared with RV-infected wild-type mice. Levels of the antiviral pathways including IFNs (IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-λ) and RNAse L were significantly increased in the lungs of RV-infected hORMDL3zp3-Cre mice. Levels of the antiviral mouse oligoadenylate synthetase (mOas)1g pathway and RNAse L were upregulated in the lungs of unchallenged hORMDL3zp3-Cre mice. In addition, levels of mOas2, but not mOas1 (mOas1a, mOas1b, mOas1g), or mOas3 pathways were significantly more upregulated by IFNs (IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-λ) in epithelial cells from hORMDL3zp3-Cre mice compared with RV-infected wild-type mouse epithelial cells. RNAse L–deficient mice infected with RV had increased RV viral load. Overall, these studies suggest that increased levels of ORMDL3 contribute to antiviral defense to RV infection in mice through pathways that may include IFNs (IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-λ), OAS, and RNAse L.
Anti-Cancer Drug HMBA Acts as an Adjuvant during Intracellular Bacterial Infections by Inducing Type I IFN through STING
Authors: Gamage Akshamal Mihiranga , Lee Kok-Onn , Gan Yunn-Hwen
Published: August 2017

The anti-proliferative agent hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) belongs to a class of hybrid bipolar compounds developed more than 30 y ago for their ability to induce terminal differentiation of transformed cells. Recently, HMBA has also been shown to trigger HIV transcription from latently infected cells, via a CDK9/HMBA inducible protein-1 dependent process. However, the effect of HMBA on the immune response has not been explored. We observed that pretreatment of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with HMBA led to a markedly increased production of IL-12 and IFN-γ, but not of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 upon subsequent infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei and Salmonella enterica. HMBA treatment was also associated with better intracellular bacterial control. HMBA significantly improved IL-12p70 production from CD14+ monocytes during infection partly via the induction of type I IFN in these cells, which primed an increased transcription of the p35 subunit of IL-12p70 during infection. HMBA also increased early type I IFN transcription in human monocytic and epithelial cell lines, but this was surprisingly independent of its previously reported effects on positive transcription elongation factor b and HMBA inducible protein-1. Instead, the effect of HMBA was downstream of a calcium influx, and required the pattern recognition receptor and adaptor STING but not cGAS. Our work therefore links the STING-IRF3 axis to enhanced IL-12 production and intracellular bacterial control in primary monocytes. This raises the possibility that HMBA or related small molecules may be explored as therapeutic adjuvants to improve disease outcomes during intracellular bacterial infections.
CXCR3 Signaling Is Required for Restricted Homing of Parenteral Tuberculosis Vaccine–Induced T Cells to Both the Lung Parenchyma and Airway
Authors: Jeyanathan Mangalakumari , Afkhami Sam , Khera Amandeep , Mandur Talveer , Damjanovic Daniela , Yao Yushi , Lai Rocky , Haddadi Siamak , Dvorkin-Gheva Anna , Jordana Manel , Kunkel Steven L. , Xing Zhou
Published: August 2017

Although most novel tuberculosis (TB) vaccines are designed for delivery via the muscle or skin for enhanced protection in the lung, it has remained poorly understood whether systemic vaccine-induced memory T cells can readily home to the lung mucosa prior to and shortly after pathogen exposure. We have investigated this issue by using a model of parenteral TB immunization and intravascular immunostaining. We find that systemically induced memory T cells are restricted to the blood vessels in the lung, unable to populate either the lung parenchymal tissue or the airway under homeostatic conditions. We further find that after pulmonary TB infection, it still takes many days before such T cells can enter the lung parenchymal tissue and airway. We have identified the acquisition of CXCR3 expression by circulating T cells to be critical for their entry to these lung mucosal compartments. Our findings offer new insights into mucosal T cell biology and have important implications in vaccine strategies against pulmonary TB and other intracellular infections in the lung.
The human sense of smell
Authors: Cantone Elena , Ricciardiello Filippo , Cuofano Rossella , Castagna Giovanni , Oliva Flavia , Sequino Giulio , Abate Teresa , Villani Romolo , Iengo Maurizio
Published: August 2017

The sense of smell, like taste and trigeminal senses, is a chemical sense dedicated to the perception of chemical stimulations and to the generation of responses to them. Although, from an evolutionary perspective, the chemical senses are the oldest of our senses, our knowledge on the neural processing of the three chemical senses is still incomplete and has been considerably lagging behind that of our other senses. The current review aims to give an overview about human smell function. In particular we focus on the anatomy and physiology of the olfactory system, the epidemiology and the causes of olfactory loss, and on the clinical management of olfactory disorders stressing the impact of smell loss on the quality of life. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of olfaction in every day life. In our opinion, the impairment of sense of smell should be taken into serious consideration by the clinicians, as it could be the indicator of important systemic diseases or the cause of domestic accidents.
How does the grade obtained at school for English and Mathematics affect the probability of graduation at a university?
Authors: Murray Michael
Published: August 2017

Over half of all students enrolling at a particular university in KwaZulu-Natal fail to complete a degree. This article is wanting to determine to what extent the marks they obtain for English and Mathematics at school impact on their probability of graduation at this university. In addressing this problem, other student specific factors associated with their gender, race and the type of school they have attended need also to be properly accounted for. To provide answers for this study, the performance of 24 392 students enrolling at the university over the period 2004 to 2012 was followed until they graduated or dropped out from their studies. A structural equation model was fitted because it allows one to separate a direct effect from that of an indirect effect. Gender, race and school background were found to be very significant with males, Black Africans and students coming from a less privileged school background having a smaller probability associated with eventually graduating from this university. Males tend to perform better than females in Mathematics, with females performing better males in English. More importantly, however, a single percentage point increase in one’s mark for English increases the probability associated with graduating from this university far more than would be the case if their Mathematics mark were to increase by a single percentage point. In the light of these mediated results, perhaps this university should be directing their efforts more towards improving the English (rather than mathematical) literacy of students entering the university.
Local content requirements and the impact on the South African renewable energy sector: A survey-based analysis
Authors: Ettmayr Christopher , Lloyd Hendrik
Published: August 2017

Background: Economies aim to grow over time, which usually implies the need for increased energy availability. Governments can use their procurement of energy to increase benefits in their economies via certain policy tools. One such tool is local content requirements (LCRs), where the purchase of goods prescribes that a certain value has to be sourced locally. The argument for this tool is that spending is localised and manufacturing, as well as job creation, can be stimulated because industry will need to establish in the host economy. However, this practice is distortionary in effect and does not create a fair playing ground for global trade. Furthermore, if the local content definition is weak, or open to manipulation, the goals of such a policy may not be achieved at all.Aim: The objective of this study was to determine how LCRs would ultimately impact on the overall procurement programme.Setting: This study took place as South Africa commenced with large scale development of the renewable energy sector. This was largely achieved via the State run Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).Method: This study utilised opinion-based surveys to look into the LCRs of South Africa’s REIPPPP and measure the impact of this policy on the renewable energy sector in general. The mixed method approach was utilised to analyse qualitative and quantitative data and this was then triangulated with an international peer group to arrive at certain conclusions. The Delphi Technique was then employed to achieve population consensus on the findings.Results and conclusion: It was found that, in order to implement a policy such as local content without any negative welfare effects, the host economy had to show certain pre-existing conditions. Because South Africa does not hold all supportive pre-conditions, the impact and effect of LCRs have not been optimal, and it has not been found to be a sustainable mechanism to continue using indefinitely. The pricing of renewable energy was also found to be higher due to local content and such pricing is passed on to the energy consumer. The welfare created for South Africa, which should be in a trade-off for the creation of jobs and manufacturing, is therefore diminished and coupled with unsustainability and potential manipulation of the system, the country does not seem to be benefitting as it should be from this specific application of a local content policy.
Rage, loss and other footpaths: Subjectification, decolonisation and transformation in higher education
Authors: Becker Anne
Published: August 2017

The need to transform higher education in South Africa is indisputable. This article explores how the recent #mustfall protests, as an Event, could inform transformation. An Event follows three phases: reframing (shattering the frame through which we understand reality), the fall (the loss of a primordial unity which is a retroactive illusion) and enlightenment (subjectivity itself as an eventuality). In conclusion, I pose that a shift towards who comes into presence in higher education and not (a pre-determined) what comes into presence, could provide possible footpaths to decolonialisation and transformation. Through processes of subjectification, the subject(s) of higher education could reframe historic ontological othering and actively take part in the process(es) of becoming and being human in higher education in (post)colonial South Africa.
A sharp threshold for collapse of the random triangular group
Authors: Antoniuk Sylwia , Friedgut Ehud , Łuczak Tomasz
Published: August 2017

The random triangular group

\Gamma (n,p)

is the group given by a random group presentation with

n

generators in which every relator of length three is present independently with probability

p

. We show that in the evolution of 

\Gamma (n,p)

the property of collapsing to the trivial group admits a very sharp threshold.
Curves intersecting exactly once and their dual cube complexes
Authors: Aougab Tarik , Gaster Jonah
Published: August 2017

Let

S_{g}

denote the closed orientable surface of genus

g

. We construct exponentially many mapping class group orbits of collections of

2g+1

simple closed curves on

S_{g}

which pairwise intersect exactly once, extending a result of the first author [1] and further answering a question of Malestein, Rivin, and Theran [10]. To distinguish such collections up to the action of the mapping class group, we analyze their dual cube complexes in the sense of Sageev [12]. In particular, we show that for any even

k

between

\lfloor g/2 \rfloor

and

g

, there exists such collections whose dual cube complexes have dimension

k

, and we prove a simplifying structural theorem for any cube complex dual to a collection of curves on a surface pairwise intersecting at most once.
On the covering type of a space
Authors: Karoubi Max , Weibel Charles A.
Published: August 2017

We introduce the notion of the “covering type” of a space, which is more subtle than the notion of Lusternik–Schnirelmann category. It measures the complexity of a space which arises from coverings by contractible subspaces whose non-empty intersections are also contractible.
The Hurwitz continued fraction expansion as applied to real numbers
Authors: Simmons David
Published: August 2017

Hurwitz (1887) defined a continued fraction algorithm for complex numbers which is better behaved in many respects than a more “natural” extension of the classical continued fraction algorithm to the complex plane would be. Although the Hurwitz complex continued fraction algorithm is not “reducible” to another complex continued fraction algorithm, over the reals the story is different. In this note we make clear the relation between the restriction of Hurwitz’s algorithm to the real numbers and the classical continued fraction algorithm. As an application we reprove the main result of Choudhuri and Dani (2015).
A survey of $q$-holonomic functions
Authors: Garoufalidis Stavros , Lê Thang T. Q.
Published: August 2017

We give a survey of basic facts of

q

-holonomic functions of one or several variables, following Zeilberger and Sabbah. We provide detailed proofs and examples.
Transversely holomorphic flows and contact circles on spherical 3-manifolds
Authors: Geiges Hansjörg , Gonzalo Pérez Jesús
Published: August 2017

Motivated by the moduli theory of taut contact circles on spherical 3-manifolds, we relate taut contact circles to transversely holomorphic flows. We give an elementary survey of such 1-dimensional foliations from a topological viewpoint. We describe a complex analogue of the classical Godbillon–Vey invariant, the so-called Bott invariant, and a logarithmic monodromy of closed leaves. The Bott invariant allows us to formulate a generalised Gauß–Bonnet theorem. We compute these invariants for the Poincaré foliations on the 3-sphere and derive rigidity statements, including a uniformisation theorem for orbifolds. These results are then applied to the classication of taut contact circles.
Diagrammatics for Coxeter groups and their braid groups
Authors: Elias Ben , Williamson Geordie
Published: August 2017

We give a monoidal presentation of Coxeter and braid 2-groups, in terms of decorated planar graphs. This presentation extends the Coxeter presentation. We deduce a simple criterion for a Coxeter group or braid group to act on a category.
Spin modular categories
Authors: Beliakova Anna , Blanchet Christian , Contreras Eva
Published: August 2017

Modular categories are a well-known source of quantum 3-manifold invariants. In this paper we study structures on modular categories which allow to define refinements of quantum 3-manifold invariants involving cohomology classes or generalized spin and complex spin structures. A crucial role in our construction is played by objects which are invertible under tensor product. All known examples of cohomological or spin type renements of the Witten–Reshetikhin–Turaev 3-manifold invariants are special cases of our construction. In addition, we establish a splitting formula for the refined invariants, generalizing the well-known product decomposition of quantum invariants into projective ones and those determined by the linking matrix.
$L$-space surgeries on links
Authors: Liu Yajing
Published: August 2017

An

L

-space link is a link in

S^3

on which all large surgeries are

L

-spaces. In this paper, we initiate a general study of the definitions, properties, and examples of

L

-space links. In particular, we find many hyperbolic

L

-space links, including some chain links and two-bridge links; from them, we obtain many hyperbolic

L

-spaces by integral surgeries, including the Weeks manifold. We give bounds on the ranks of the link Floer homology of

L

-space links and on the coefficients in the multi-variable Alexander polynomials. We also describe the Floer homology of surgeries on any

L

-space link using the link surgery formula of Manolescu and Ozsváth. As applications, we compute the graded Heegaard Floer homology of surgeries on 2-component

L

-space links in terms of only the Alexander polynomial and the surgery framing, and give a fast algorithm to classify

L

-space surgeries among them.
A perturbation of the geometric spectral sequence in Khovanov homology
Authors: Sarkar Sucharit , Seed Cotton , Szabó Zoltán
Published: August 2017

We study the relationship between Bar-Natan’s perturbation in Khovanov homology and Szabó’s geometric spectral sequence, and construct a link invariant that generalizes both into a common theory. We study a few properties of the new invariant, and introduce a family of

s

-invariants from the new theory in the same spirit as Rasmussen’s

s

-invariant.
Surveillance of Vector-Borne Infections (Chikungunya, Dengue, and Malaria) in Bo, Sierra Leone, 2012–2013
Authors: Dariano Donald F. , Taitt Chris R. , Jacobsen Kathryn H. , Bangura Umaru , Bockarie Alfred S. , Bockarie Moses J. , Lahai Joseph , Lamin Joseph M. , Leski Tomasz A. , Yasuda Chadwick , Stenger David A. , Ansumana Rashid
Published: August 2017

Malaria remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in West Africa, but the contribution of other vector-borne infections (VBIs) to the burden of disease has been understudied. We used rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for three VBIs to test blood samples from 1,795 febrile residents of Bo City, Sierra Leone, over a 1-year period in 2012–2013. In total, 24% of the tests were positive for malaria, fewer than 5% were positive for markers of dengue virus infection, and 39% were positive for IgM directed against chikungunya virus (CHIKV) or a related alphavirus. In total, more than half (55%) of these febrile individuals tested positive for at least one of the three VBIs, which highlights the very high burden of vector-borne diseases in this population. The prevalence of positives on the Chikungunya IgM and dengue tests did not vary significantly with age (P > 0.36), but higher rates of malaria were observed in children < 15 years of age (P < 0.001). Positive results on the Chikungunya IgM RDTs were moderately correlated with rainfall (r2 = 0.599). Based on the high prevalence of positive results on the Chikungunya IgM RDTs from individuals Bo and its environs, there is a need to examine whether an ecological shift toward a greater burden from CHIKV or related alphaviruses is occurring in other parts of Sierra Leone or the West African region.
Impact of Childhood Nutritional Status on Pathogen Prevalence and Severity of Acute Diarrhea
Authors: Tickell Kirkby D. , Pavlinac Patricia B. , John-Stewart Grace C. , Denno Donna M. , Richardson Barbra A. , Naulikha Jaqueline M. , Kirera Ronald K. , Swierczewski Brett E. , Singa Benson O. , Walson Judd L.
Published: August 2017

Children with acute and chronic malnutrition are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality following a diarrheal episode. To compare diarrheal disease severity and pathogen prevalence among children with and without acute and chronic malnutrition, we conducted a cross-sectional study of human immunodeficiency virus-uninfected Kenyan children aged 6–59 months, who presented with acute diarrhea. Children underwent clinical and anthropometric assessments and provided stool for bacterial and protozoal pathogen detection. Clinical and microbiological features were compared using log binomial regression among children with and without wasting (mid-upper arm circumference ≤ 125 mm) or stunting (height-for-age z score ≤ −2). Among 1,363 children, 7.0% were wasted and 16.9% were stunted. After adjustment for potential confounders, children with wasting were more likely than nonwasted children to present with at least one Integrated Management of Childhood Illness danger sign (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0 to 1.5, P = 0.05), severe dehydration (aPR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5 to 3.8, P < 0.01), and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli recovered from their stool (aPR: 1.8, 1.1–2.8, P = 0.02). There were no differences in the prevalence of other pathogens by wasting status after confounder adjustment. Stunting was not associated with clinical severity or the presence of specific pathogens. Wasted children with diarrhea presented with more severe disease than children without malnutrition which may be explained by a delay in care-seeking or diminished immune response to infection. Combating social determinants and host risk factors associated with severe disease, rather than specific pathogens, may reduce the disparities in poor diarrhea-associated outcomes experienced by malnourished children.
Epidemiology of Imported Malaria Cases in Japan, 2006–2014: A Sentinel Traveler Surveillance Approach
Authors: Kanayama Atsuhiro , Arima Yuzo , Matsui Tamano , Kaku Koki , Kinoshita Hitomi , Oishi Kazunori
Published: August 2017

Malaria continues to be imported into Japan. To better assess the risk of imported malaria, we describe malaria species, suspected country/area of infection (accounting for the number of travelers), demographic characteristics, clinical manifestation, and healthcare access, based on the national surveillance data from 2006 to 2014. Among 557 cases, the median age was 33 years (range: 1–83 years), and 76% were male; 306 (55%) were classified as Japanese based on the reported name. The majority were Plasmodium falciparum infections (58%), followed by Plasmodium vivax infections (30%). Most P. falciparum cases were acquired in Africa and P. vivax in Asia/Oceania. Notification rates per 10,000 Japanese travelers for P. falciparum were highest for Africa, P. vivax were highest for Asia/Oceania, and high for both species for Papua New Guinea. Ten percent of the cases were clinically severe at the time of notification. Nearly 80% of severe cases were P. falciparum infections, and among P. falciparum cases, Japanese ethnicity was associated with severe case status (P = 0.03). Plasmodium falciparum cases among Japanese cases showed that older age (≥ 50 years) was associated with severe case status (odds ratio = 5.4; 95% confidence interval = 1.9–15.2), adjusted for sex and healthcare access. More informative assessments are possible by accounting for the number of travelers. Older Japanese represent an important demographic to target prevention and early treatment efforts for malaria.
Gender Differences in Attending Physicians' Feedback to Residents: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Mueller Anna S. , Jenkins Tania M. , Osborne Melissa , Dayal Arjun , O'Connor Daniel M. , Arora Vineet M.
Published: August 2017

Background 

Prior research has shown a gender gap in the evaluations of emergency medicine (EM) residents' competency on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones, yet the practical implications of this are not fully understood.

Objective 

To better understand the gender gap in evaluations, we examined qualitative differences in the feedback that male and female residents received from attending physicians.

Methods 

This study used a longitudinal qualitative content analysis of narrative comments by attending physicians during real-time direct observation milestone evaluations of residents. Comments were collected over 2 years from 1 ACGME-accredited EM training program.

Results 

In total, 1317 direct observation evaluations with comments from 67 faculty members were collected for 47 postgraduate year 3 EM residents. Analysis of the comments revealed that the ideal EM resident possesses many stereotypically masculine traits. Additionally, examination of a subset of the residents (those with 15 or more comments, n = 35) showed that when male residents struggled, they received consistent feedback from different attending physicians regarding aspects of their performance that needed work. In contrast, when female residents struggled, they received discordant feedback from different attending physicians, particularly regarding issues of autonomy and assertiveness.

Conclusions 

Our study revealed qualitative differences in the kind of feedback that male and female EM residents received from attending physicians. The findings suggest that attending physicians should endeavor to provide male and female residents with consistent feedback and guard against gender bias in their perceptions of residents' capabilities.
Solving unit commitment and economic load dispatch problems using modern optimization algorithms
Authors: Hassan Zeinab G. , Ezzat M , Abdelaziz Almoataz Y.
Published: August 2017

Economic Load Dispatch (ELD) and Unit Commitment (UC) are very important applications to predict the optimized cost of load in a power system. UC determines working states for existing generating units under some operational constraints and then optimizing the operation cost for all running units w.r.t. load demand using economic dispatch. This paper introduces Genetic Algorithm (GA) or Dynamic Programming (DP) to solve UC and then Shuffled BAT (BAT) technique as an evolutionary based approach is presented to solve the constrained ELD problem of thermal plants depending on the results obtained from UC solution. The IEEE 30 bus system is used to test the demonstration of the solution quality, computation efficiency and the feasibility of the application of BAT algorithm for ELD problem.Keywords: Unit Commitment, Economic load dispatch, Dynamic Programming, Genetic Algorithm, Shuffled BAT, IEEE 30 bus system
High-risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fitzgerald C , O'Neill James Paul
Published: August 2017

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common nonmelanoma skin cancer worldwide. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can potentially be treated fully with minimal morbidity when detected early; however, certain subtypes of cSCC have been shown to confer a poorer prognosis for patients. In these high-risk tumors, increased incidence of recurrence, as well as metastasis to local lymph nodes and distant sites, is seen as a result of certain patient characteristics and pathological features. While guidelines regarding the management of high-risk cSCC have been produced, no clear consensus management or prognostic algorithms exist. In this review, we discuss current definitions of high-risk cSCC, recommendations regarding the management of cSCC, and current guidelines.

How to cite this article

Fitzgerald C, O'Neill JP. High-risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Head Neck Surg 2017;8(2):37-44.
Role of Depth of Invasion in Evaluation and Management of Early-stage Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shariat-Madar Bahbak , Liu Jeffrey C
Published: August 2017

Aim

To evaluate the existing body of literature and impact of depth of invasion (DOI) in early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) and its role in predicting occult cervical lymph node metastases.

Background

The prognosis for early-stage T1 to T2 disease OCSCC is relatively poor compared with other mucosal subsites within the head and neck. Primary tumor DOI can help prognosticate high-risk tumors for additional treatment.

Review results

There are unequivocal management implications in the literature demonstrating a role for elective neck dissection in early-stage OCSCC based on DOI. Following appropriate patient selection, there may be a role for sentinel lymph node biopsy in regional lymph node staging in early-stage OCSCC.

Conclusion

There are a multitude of studies demonstrating novel strategies to appropriately treat early-stage OCSCC, which are increasingly becoming standard of care. These strategies are altering the overall and disease-free survival of early-stage OCSCC. Despite advances, locoregional recurrence remains a challenge in this disease.

Clinical significance

Herein, the authors highlight a number of advances in the management of early-stage OCSCC as described in the literature, which are having an impact on disease-free and overall survival.

How to cite this article

Shariat-Madar B, Liu JC. Role of Depth of Invasion in Evaluation and Management of Early-stage Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Head Neck Surg 2017;8(2):84-88.
Relationship between Vitamin D and Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women
Authors: Singh Shikha , Agrawal Prabhat , Garg Ruchika , Kokila BT
Published: August 2017

How to cite this article

Garg R, Malhotra J, Singh S, Singh R, Kokila BT, Agrawal P. Relationship between Vitamin D and Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2017;9(3):211-215.
Neonatal Outcome and Its Correlation with Hemoglobin A1c in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Somalwar Savita , Jain Preksha , Jain Pritesh
Published: August 2017

Aim

To determine neonatal outcome in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed using Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of India (DIPSI) recommended method.

Materials and methods

Out of 487 antenatal women, 52 were diagnosed with GDM using DIPSI test. All women were followed up until delivery and evaluated for neonatal outcome and managed accordingly. The appropriate statistical tests for various variables were applied by using Epi Info 7 software and evaluated at the level below than 5%.

Results

Apgar score of <6 at 5 minutes was found in 10 (20%) neonates of GDM mothers as compared with 18 (4.1%) in non-GDM group (p-value of 0.00001). Respiratory distress was present in 19 (38%) neonates in GDM group, while it was 48 (11.1%) in non-GDM group (p-value of 0.00002). Association of GDM and hyperbilirubinemia was nonsignificant in 2 (4%) neonates among GDM group, while it was 6 (1.4%) in non-GDM group. Hypoglycemia was 5 (10%) in GDM group, while 3 (0.7%) in non-GDM group (p-value of <0.0003). A total of 3 (6%) among GDM group had hypocalcemia, while 3 (0.7%) had hypocalcemia in non-GDM group (p-value of 0.02). The neonatal intensive care unit admissions were 29 (58%) in GDM group, while it was 96 (22.1%) neonates belonging to non-GDM group (p-value of 0.00001). No neonatal deaths were reported in GDM group, while there were 2 (0.5%) in non-GDM group. Anomalies were found in 6 (11.5%) in GDM group as compared with 5 (1.1%) in non-GDM (p-value of 0.00001). About 44.2% women with GDM had hemoglobin (Hb)A1c levels between 6 and 6.9%. Among GDM women, 4 (7.7%) had pregnancy losses as compared with 7 (1.6%) in non-GDM group.

Conclusion

The GDM is associated with significant fetal and neonatal morbidity; hence, preconceptional counseling, early diagnosis, and proper treatment are recommended.

Clinical significance

Preconceptional correction of HbA1c is also recommended based on risk of anomalies in fetus of GDM mother.

How to cite this article

Jain P, Somalwar S, Jain P. Neonatal Outcome and Its Correlation with Hemoglobin A1c in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2017;9(3):216-220.
Restricted Use of Episiotomy
Authors: Sharma Anju , Hooja Nupur , Dadhich Brijesh , Aseri Sapna , Sharma Avantika , Kumawat Bhomraj
Published: August 2017

Aim

There is extensive disagreement about the necessity and benefits of routine episiotomy for all. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Practice Bulletins, 2006 based on good scientific evidence recommends restricted use of episiotomy to be preferred, yet its restricted use is not being practiced. Keeping these in mind, the study was done with the aim to assess the effects of restrictive use of episiotomy during vaginal birth.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective study. Singleton primigravida term vaginal deliveries over 3 months were included. Under the policy of restricted use of episiotomy, great restraint was observed in giving an episiotomy. Mediolateral episiotomy was given in women where expected baby weight >3 kg or perineal tear was anticipated, and in cases of instrumental deliveries. Perineal tears, postpartum status, and satisfaction level of women were compared between patients with or without episiotomy. Data so obtained were analyzed.

Results

About 29.8% women delivered with episiotomy, 65.5% had intact perineum; 5.67% women had first-degree perineal tear and only 1.42% women had second-degree perineal tear using a policy of restricted use of episiotomy. None of the women had third- and fourth-degree perineal tear. Patients delivered without episiotomy were more comfortable in terms of less perineal pain, early evacuation of bladder, and ambulation.

Conclusion

With the restricted use of episiotomy using precise clinical judgment, the unnecessary episiotomies could be avoided, giving better care and patient satisfaction with minimum maternal morbidity.

Clinical significance

The policy of restricted use of episiotomy would result in considerable reduction in maternal morbidity, decreased hospital stay and overall cost, and good patient satisfaction level.

How to cite this article

Dadhich B, Hooja N, Sharma A, Aseri S, Sharma A, Kumawat B. Restricted Use of Episiotomy. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2017;9(3):260-262.