bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Filamentous Carbon Material via Decomposition of CF2Cl2 over Self-Organizing Ni-Cr Catalyst
Authors: Bauman Yurii , Mishakov Ilya , Korneev Denis , Vedyagin Aleksey
Published: March 2018

The way to produce the nanostructured carbon filaments via H2-assisted catalytic decomposition of CF2Cl2 over self-organizing Ni-based catalyst has been reported. The self-organizing 6%Ni/CNM catalyst, where CNM is a carbon nanomaterial, resulted from carbon erosion of bulk Ni-Cr alloy (nichrome) in C2H4Cl2 vapors was also shown to be effective for catalytic chemical vapor deposition of CF2Cl2 with formation of bimodal carbon structures. It was demonstrated that interaction of nichrome with CF2Cl2/H2 reaction mixture at 600 °C leads to its rapid disintegration caused by carbon erosion to form disperse active Ni-particles catalyzing the growth of carbon filaments. The resulted filamentous carbon material is characterized with high textural parameters.
Effect of Acid-Doped Polyaniline-Zinc Oxide Composite on the Removal of Methyl Orange under Visible Light Exposure
Authors: Leonor Ava Mari Jonea , Gillado Armida V. , Herrera Marvin U.
Published: March 2018

In this study, acid-doped polyaniline-zinc oxide composites were prepared and used to investigate their effect on the removal of methyl orange dye under visible light exposure. The composites were prepared by mixing different volume fractions of polyaniline and ZnO powders. Their effect on the removal of methyl orange was determined through transmittance spectroscopy. Polyaniline-zinc oxide composites of 75% volume fractions showed the highest percent removal of methyl orange. This was attributed to the presence of p-n heterojunctions and adsorption capability of the polyaniline molecules.
The Influence of Fly Ash and Aggregates Composition on Pervious Concrete Characteristics
Authors: Endawati Jul , Utami R. , Rochaeti
Published: March 2018

Fly ash as a pozzolanic waste material can be utilized to substitute part of Portland cement in concrete mixture. The concrete paving industry utilizes the fly ash up to 50% (by weight) of the total binder. This study aims to obtain the characteristics of fly ash applications for pervious concrete. The composition of the binder developed based on the optimal proportion of fly ash from the previous study and the maximum of fly ash percentage used by the local paving industry in general. Other mix variations were made of the same binder composition with the addition of 6% of fine aggregates. The compressive strength of pervious concrete which binder composed of 63% portland cemet composite-25% fly ash-12% silica fume gained at 28 days, was not much different from the compressive strength of the pervious concrete without fine aggregate and with the binder composition of 50% FA-50% PCC and 0% SF. The value of the compressive strength test of the pervious concrete without fine aggregate is still within the range of compressive strength values ​​according to the ACI 522 R-10. The permeability rate of the pervious concrete is in the range of permeability research result of Chopra, 2013 (0.97 ÷ 1.90 cm/sec), but still higher compared to permeability rate gained by Dewoolkar, 2009 (0.83 ÷ 0.98 cm/sec).
Automation Tool for Quality Assurance of Long Products
Authors: Liskow Miriam , Kruse Michael
Published: March 2018

The 3-roll Reducing and Sizing block RSB has been known as reliable instrument for the economic production of SBQ and wire rod. By continuous development of the RSB technology in the past decades, KOCKS clearly contributed to meet high availability, efficient production, fast dimension change and tightest tolerances to secure a rolling mills’ existence. The repeatability of tightest tolerances is an enormous challenge due to the constantly changing basic conditions of a mill. The operator needs to precisely adapt the process parameters reacting to smaller lot sizes made of different material grades with partly strongly varying spreading and shrinkage behavior or yield strengths. It is KOCKS' objective to meet this challenge by an automated tool, the Size Control Systems SCS®, thus lifting the quality assurance of long products to a new level.
Effect of Cooling and Isothermal Holding on the Amount of Martensite/Austenite (M/A) Constituents, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Microalloyed Pipeline Steel
Authors: Kabanov Alexander , Korpala Grzegorz , Kawalla Rudolf , Ionov Sergey
Published: March 2018

Constant increase of energy consumption in modern industry requires construction of heavily loaded pipelines with high throughput capacity. Therefore, high-strength steels should be used for the cost reasons. Additionally, the pipelines are also often used in the areas with cold climate and high seismicity. Therefore, strength and plasticity reduction is unacceptable. Bainitic steels with retained austenite (RA) or martensite/austenite (M/A) constituents meet these requirements. The purpose of this investigation is to determine thermo-mechanical treatment parameters with further accelerated cooling and additional isothermal holding for M/A-phase and mechanical properties formation. Experimental modeling of the production process was carried out using Gleeble HDS-V40 thermo-mechanical simulator. All investigations were realized with two high-strength micro-alloyed steels with different molybdenum and carbon content. Results showed that decrease of temperature and duration of isothermal holding as well as addition of molybdenum promote bainitic microstructure nucleation and reduce grain size and M/A-constituents. All these factors lead to a slight improvement in mechanical properties.
Manufacturing of Long-Length Rods of Ultrafine-Grained Ti-Ni Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Prokoshkin Sergey , Khmelevskaya Irina , Andreev Vladimir , Karelin Roman , Komarov Victor , Kazakbiev Alibek
Published: March 2018

Ti-Ni shape memory alloys were subjected to a rotary forging (RF) from the diameter of 20 or 12 mm to 5 mm at relatively low temperatures of 450 and 350 °C. The structure was studied using X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were determined by uniaxial tensile and Vickers hardness tests, and the maximum completely recoverable strain by a thermomechanical method. The obtained results showed that RF at low temperatures allows manufacturing 3 m-long Ti-Ni rods. A mixed submicrocrystalline and nanosubgrained structure with an average size of structural elements of 118 ± 7 nm after forging from 20 mm, and 126 ± 7 nm after forging from 12 mm at 350 °С provides the highest mechanical (σв= 1113 MPa after forging from 20 mm, and 1065 MPa after forging from 12 mm) and functional (maximum completely recoverable strain of 8.0 %, after post-deformation annealing at 400 °С, 1 h) properties as compared to the initial state before RF (700 MPa, and 4.4 %, respectively).
Skin-Resident T Cells Drive Dermal Dendritic Cell Migration in Response to Tissue Self-Antigen
Authors: Ali Niwa , Zirak Bahar , Truong Hong-An , Maurano Megan M. , Gratz Iris K. , Abbas Abul K. , Rosenblum Michael D.
Published: March 2018

Migratory dendritic cell (DC) subsets deliver tissue Ags to draining lymph nodes (DLNs) to either initiate or inhibit T cell–mediated immune responses. The signals mediating DC migration in response to tissue self-antigen are largely unknown. Using a mouse model of inducible skin-specific self-antigen expression, we demonstrate that CD103+ dermal DCs (DDCs) rapidly migrate from skin to skin DLN (SDLNs) within the first 48 h after Ag expression. This window of time was characterized by the preferential activation of tissue-resident Ag-specific effector T cells (Teffs), with no concurrent activation of Ag-specific Teffs in SDLNs. Using genetic deletion and adoptive transfer approaches, we show that activation of skin-resident Teffs is required to drive CD103+ DDC migration in response to tissue self-antigen and this Batf3-dependent DC population is necessary to mount a fulminant autoimmune response in skin. Conversely, activation of Ag-specific Teffs in SDLNs played no role in DDC migration. Our studies reveal a crucial role for skin-resident T cell–derived signals, originating at the site of self-antigen expression, to drive DDC migration during the elicitation phase of an autoimmune response.
Barriers to tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus treatment guidelines adherence among nurses initiating and managing anti-retroviral therapy in KwaZulu-Natal and North West provinces
Authors: Makhado Lufuno , Davhana-Maselesele Mashudu , Farley Jason E.
Published: March 2018

Background: Nurses, as front-line care providers in the South Africa’s health care system, are called upon to deliver integrated interventions for tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (TB and HIV) including nurse-initiated management of anti-retroviral therapy (NIMART) and anti-TB treatment. Adherence to treatment guidelines and factors associated with non-adherence to treatment guidelines among nurses remain under explored.Purpose: To explore and describe barriers to treatment guidelines adherence among nurses initiating and managing anti-retroviral therapy and anti-TB treatment in KwaZulu-Natal and North West provinces.Design: This study employed a qualitative exploratory descriptive design.Methods: Four semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted during 2014 each consisting of four to eight NIMART trained nurses. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Atlas T.I. software.Findings: During data analysis, two themes emerged: (1) NIMART trained nurses’ distress about TB and HIV guidelines adherence that is inclusive of lack of agreement with guidelines, poor motivation to implement guidelines, poor clinical support and supervision, resistance to change, insufficient knowledge or lack of awareness and (2) exterior factors inhibiting nurses’ adherence to treatment guidelines which incorporated organisational factors, guidelines-related factors and patient-related factors.Conclusion: This qualitative study identified that nurses have substantial concerns over guideline adherence. If NIMART trained nurses’ barriers inhibiting adherence to treatment guidelines cannot be remedied, patient outcomes may suffer and South Africa will struggle to meet the 90-90-90 targets.
Antimicrobial activity of stigmasterol from the stem bark of Neocarya macrophylla
Authors: Yusuf Amina J. , Abdullahi Musa I. , Aleku Godwin A. , Ibrahim Ilyasu A.A. , Alebiosu Celestina O. , Yahaya Maryam , Adamu Hajara W. , Sanusi Abdulrazaq , Mailafiya Maria M. , Abubakar Hassan
Published: March 2018

Background: Natural products play a significant role in human therapy. They represent a huge reservoir of bioactive chemical diversity and help in understanding the cellular pathways that are essential component of drug discovery process. Objective: This study was aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activity of stigmasterol isolated from the stem bark of Neocarya macrophylla. Methods: Stigmasterol previously isolated from the stem bark of N. macrophylla was subjected to antimicrobial screening against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), S. aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans and Candida krusei using agar diffusion and broth dilution methods. Results: Susceptibility test results showed that the compound (100 μg/mL) inhibited the growth of all the test organisms with mean zone of inhibition range from 23 mm to 30 mm except the VRE, S. typhi and K. pneumoniae. The activity of stigmasterol was compared with that of ciprofloxacin (5 μg/mL), the standard antibacterial drug, and fluconazole (5 μg/mL), the antifungal agent. The test compound displayed a broad-spectrum of activity, and in many cases exhibited comparable antibacterial activity when compared to ciprofloxacin. Interestingly, the compound also showed antifungal activity against Candida spp., affording comparable inhibitory effect as fluconazole. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) of stigmasterol range from 6.25 μg/mL to 25 μg/mL and from 12.5 μg/mL to 50 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: These properties suggest that the isolated stigmasterol is a potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal agent and as such may serve as a lead compound in the development of novel antimicrobial drugs.
Teachers’ learning and assessing of mathematical processes with emphasis on representations, reasoning and proof
Authors: Maoto Satsope , Masha Kwena , Mokwana Lekwa
Published: March 2018

This article focuses mainly on two key mathematical processes (representation, and reasoning and proof). Firstly, we observed how teachers learn these processes and subsequently identify what and how to assess learners on the same processes. Secondly, we reviewed one teacher’s attempt to facilitate the learning of the processes in his classroom. Two interrelated questions were pursued: ‘what are the teachers’ challenges in learning mathematical processes?’ and ‘in what ways are teachers’ approaches to learning mathematical processes influencing how they assess their learners on the same processes?’ A case study was undertaken involving 10 high school mathematics teachers who enrolled for an assessment module towards a Bachelor in Education Honours degree in mathematics education. We present an interpretive analysis of two sets of data. The first set consisted of the teachers’ written responses to a pattern searching activity. The second set consisted of a mathematical discourse on matchstick patterns in a Grade 9 class. The overall finding was that teachers rush through forms of representation and focus more on manipulation of numerical representations with a view to deriving symbolic representation. Subsequently, this unidirectional approach limits the scope of assessment of mathematical processes. Interventions with regard to the enhancement of these complex processes should involve teachers’ actual engagements in and reflections on similar learning.
Intervention for bilingual speech sound disorders: A case study of an isiXhosa–English-speaking child
Authors: Rossouw Kate , Pascoe Michelle
Published: March 2018

Background: Bilingualism is common in South Africa, with many children acquiring isiXhosa as a home language and learning English from a young age in nursery or crèche. IsiXhosa is a local language, part of the Bantu language family, widely spoken in the country. Aims: To describe changes in a bilingual child’s speech following intervention based on a theoretically motivated and tailored intervention plan. Methods and procedures: This study describes a female isiXhosa–English bilingual child, named Gcobisa (pseudonym) (chronological age 4 years and 2 months) with a speech sound disorder. Gcobisa’s speech was assessed and her difficulties categorised according to Dodd’s (2005) diagnostic framework. From this, intervention was planned and the language of intervention was selected. Following intervention, Gcobisa’s speech was reassessed. Outcomes and results: Gcobisa’s speech was categorised as a consistent phonological delay as she presented with gliding of/l/in both English and isiXhosa, cluster reduction in English and several other age appropriate phonological processes. She was provided with 16 sessions of intervention using a minimal pairs approach, targeting the phonological process of gliding of/l/, which was not considered age appropriate for Gcobisa in isiXhosa when compared to the small set of normative data regarding monolingual isiXhosa development. As a result, the targets and stimuli were in isiXhosa while the main language of instruction was English. This reflects the language mismatch often faced by speech language therapists in South Africa. Gcobisa showed evidence of generalising the target phoneme to English words. Conclusions and implications: The data have theoretical implications regarding bilingual development of isiXhosa–English, as it highlights the ways bilingual development may differ from the monolingual development of this language pair. It adds to the small set of intervention studies investigating the changes in the speech of bilingual children following intervention. In addition, it contributes to the small amount of data gathered regarding typical bilingual acquisition of this language pair.
Post-stroke depression: Prevalence, associated factors and impact on quality of life among outpatients in a Nigerian hospital
Authors: Oni Osunwale D. , Olagunju Andrew T. , Olisah Victor O. , Aina Olatunji F. , Ojini Francis I.
Published: March 2018

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of post-stroke depression (PSD), its associated factors and impact on quality of life (QoL) among outpatients in a Nigerian hospital.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 140 adults made up of 70 stroke survivors and matched controls with stable hypertension. Participants were administered questionnaires to profile their socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Subsequently, they were assessed with the modified mini-mental state examination (MMSE), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), schedule for clinical assessment in neuropsychiatry (SCAN) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQoL-BREF).Results: The mean ages (± s.d.) of stroke survivors and controls were 57.43 (± 9.67) years and 57.33 (± 9.33) years, respectively. Majority of stroke survivors (n = 55 [78.6%]) had infarctive stroke, and 37 (52.9%) had right hemispheric lesion. Sixteen (22.9%) stroke survivors had PSD, with moderate to severe depression (F32.1) being the most prevalent, while none of the controls was clinically depressed. PSD correlated positively with monthly health bill above 10 000 naira ($61), significant post-stroke disability and poorer scores on all QoL domains (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Depression was 20-fold prevalent in stroke survivors compared to controls with stable hypertension, and sevenfold the life-time prevalence reported among adult general population in Nigeria. Furthermore, increased health care bills per month, significant post-stroke disability and poorer QoL indicated survivors more likely to have depression. Findings in this study support the need to pay closer attention to psychosocial needs of stroke survivors to improve well-being. Future longitudinal study on psychosocial burden of stroke is warranted.
Post-partum depression, anxiety and marital satisfaction: A perspective from Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Odinka Jaclyn I. , Nwoke Marybasil , Chukwuorji JohnBosco C. , Egbuagu Kenneth , Mefoh Philip , Odinka Paul C. , Amadi Kennedy U. , Muomah Rosemary C.
Published: March 2018

Background: Many studies have noted the high prevalence of post-partum depression (PPD) and anxiety associated with poor marital satisfaction, albeit amidst a dearth of literature on comorbid PPD and anxiety among women in Nigeria.Objective: The study was aimed to assess the prevalence of PPD and anxiety, and to investigate their relationship with marital satisfaction in low-risk women in Enugu, Southeastern Nigeria.Method: A cross-sectional study of 309 randomly selected nursing mothers at two tertiary health institutions. Socio-demographic Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS) were used to collect data on demography, anxiety and depression and marital relationship respectively. All statistical tests were performed at a significant level of 0.05.Results: The age range of the respondents was 20–46 years; mean and s.d. was 29.65 and ± 4.87, respectively, and most of them were graduates of tertiary educational institutions (74.1%). The prevalence of post-partum anxiety was 31.1% and of PPD was 33.3%. Marital dissatisfaction was observed in 39.5% (122) of the respondents who were mothers. Those with co-morbid depression and anxiety (22.0%) had worse marital dissatisfaction. The strongest correlation with depression and anxiety was item 12 of IMS (‘feel that my partner doesn’t confide in me’).Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of marital dissatisfaction, PPD and anxiety among nursing mothers in Enugu, but with low detection rate. The effects of PPD and anxiety on the mother, her marital relationship and her infant make them essential conditions for early diagnosis, prevention and treatments.
Forensic psychiatric assessment process and outcome in state patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Houidi Ahlem , Paruk Saeeda , Sartorius Benn
Published: March 2018

Background: Individuals who were charged with a serious offence may be referred by courts for forensic psychiatric assessment. The court may declare them as state patients if they are found unfit to stand trial or not criminally responsible because of mental illness or defect.In forensic psychiatry practice, there may be challenges in the forensic psychiatric observation process, and discrepancies may occur between the clinician report and the court’s decision.Objectives: To describe elements of the forensic psychiatric observation and discuss the legal correlates associated with the admission of state patients.Method: A retrospective study of the forensic psychiatric observation records of 91 newly admitted state patients at a forensic unit in KwaZulu-Natal over a 3-year period.Results: A total of 71 state patients (78.02%) were found not fit to stand trial and 10 patients (10.99%) were not criminally responsible. Nine patients (9.89%) were fit to stand trial and criminally responsible but still declared state patients and 13 state patients (14.29%) did not commit a serious offence. There was correlation for diagnosis between the assessing and the treating psychiatrists.Conclusion: The findings of the forensic observation were not always considered by the courts. Individuals found fit to stand trial, those found criminally responsible and those who did not commit serious crimes were declared state patients.
The prevalence of restless leg syndrome among pregnant Saudi women
Authors: Khan Mohmd , Mobeireek Noha , Al-Jahdali Yassar , Al-Dubyan Nujood , Ahmed Anwar , Al-Gamedi Majed , Al-Harbi Abdullah , Al-Jahdali Hamdan
Published: March 2018

Objectives: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common among pregnant women, but it has not been documented in pregnant Saudi Arabian women. The main purpose of this study was to estimate the extent of the prevalence of RLS and identify both the associated factors and the associated risk factors among pregnant Saudi women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (KAMC-Riyadh) over the period from June 1 to November 1, 2014. We interviewed the participants and collected demographic data, number of pregnancies, duration of pregnancy, comorbidities, and symptoms of RLS. The diagnosis of RLS is based on the four criteria designated by the International RLS Study Group. Results: The total number of participants enrolled was 517, and the mean age was 30.11 ± 5.42 years. The prevalence of RLS was 21.3% (110/517) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.83%-25.06%). RLS symptoms were more common among women in the third trimester (24.1%) compared to the second trimester (14.3%) and first trimester (13.6%), P = 0.043. The stepwise multivariate logistic model identified insomnia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.167–6.017, P = 0.001), and poor sleep quality (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.473-16.454, P = 0.010) were associated with RLS. Conclusion: RLS occurs in two of ten pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics at KAMC-Riyadh and is strongly associated with insomnia and poor sleep quality. Studies are needed to explore the causality of these associations.
Pretherapeutic Assessment by Multidetector Computed Tomography for Thyroid Cartilage Invasion in Laryngeal Cancer: A Double‑edged Sword
Authors: Arora Manali , Thakker Vishal D , Sindhwani Geetika , Bhatt Jayesh , Gupta Monica , Shah Jay
Published: March 2018

Introduction:Almost one-fourth of head and neck cancers in India are laryngeal cancers. Both conservative and surgical therapeutic approaches are available. According to present tumor-node-metastasis staging protocol, thyroid cartilage invasion is a crucial criterion for diagnosing advanced stages of the disease. A major cartilage invasion depicts T4A stage of disease for which surgical treatment is required. Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in evaluation thyroid cartilage invasion in T3 and T4 stage of laryngeal cancers. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective analysis done in the Department of Radiology, Pramukhswami Medical College, Anand, Gujarat, on 22 patients of T3 and T4 stage of laryngeal cancer who presented for pretherapeutic MDCT neck evaluation. The MDCT results were retrospectively reviewed and compared with postoperative histopathological results. Statistical analysis was done for each parameter as positive predictive value (PPV) (main statistical parameter), negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: MDCT showed a PPV of 60.00% in detecting any type of thyroid cartilage invasion, 66.66% for major and 33.33% for minor cartilage invasion. Extralaryngeal spread of disease was the most specific marker for cartilage involvement. In total, 31.8% of cases were downgraded in staging by pathology. Conclusion: Overestimation of thyroid cartilage invasion by MDCT is a reality which should be in mind before making final therapeutic decisions. Although crucial, it should not be the sole criteria preventing while making a surgical versus conservative therapeutic call.
Pediatric Intraparotid Neurofibroma: Rare Entity
Authors: Chavan Sushil Suresh , Nagpure Prakash S , Ganeshkar Ravi
Published: March 2018

Aim: This case report provide an awareness of intraparotid facial nerve neurofibroma as a cause of parotid masses and to describe their characteristics and management considerations. Material: It is a case report of a pediatric patients with intraparotid facial nerve neurofibromas which is a rare entity. Method: It was preoperatively diagnosed as intraparotid benign tumor likely to be pleopmorphic features on fine needle aspiration cytology.Tumors arising from the extratemporal course of the facial nerve are quite rare. The tumors arise from Schwann cells and include the schwannoma and the neurofibroma. Conclusion: The overwhelming benign nature of these lesions necessitates a conservative course of treatment. Histological diagnosis should be followed by a limited tumor excision with emphasis on retaining normal facial nerve function. Malignant lesions require wide excision with facial nerve grafting or facial nerve reanimation.
The Biology of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Childhood and Young Adolescents: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Chandra Dinesh , Singh Jasdeep , Deka Roopam , Chauhan Richa , Sazwal Sudha , Mishra Pravas , Seth Tulika , Mahapatra Manoranjan , Saxena Renu
Published: March 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical, biological, and molecular characteristics at diagnosis in children and adolescents with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in the Indian scenario at our tertiary patient care center. Subjects and Methods: We evaluated 51 children and adolescents with CML registered at our clinic, from January 2007 to December 2015. The mean and median of various parameters were calculated using a Microsoft excel sheet and SPSS software version 16. Results: The median age of presentation in children was 16 years; 92.2% of them were older than 10 years, with a higher prevalence in boys than girls (gender ratio 2.6:1). The symptoms at presentation were fatigue, fever, awareness of mass due to splenomegaly, and bleeding manifestations. One patient presented with Bell's palsy. Markedly raised leukocyte counts were present in 29.4% patients (median white blood cell count >400 × 109/L). Most of the patients presented in the chronic phase of the disease, four each were in accelerated phase and blast crisis, respectively. Majority of patients were categorized as intermediate risk as per Sokal and Hansford score. About 60.7% of these pediatric patients fell in low-risk category as per European Treatment and Outcome Study score at baseline. A predominance of transcript P210-b3a2 (68%) was observed in the children who were studied for the type of chimeric BCR-ABL mRNA. Conclusions: This is one of the most recent reported series of CML in children and adolescents from India highlighting the difference in presentation from adults; mainly hepatomegaly, bleeding manifestations, and higher leukocyte count. Presence of b3a3 transcript of p210 breakpoint of BCR-ABL was more common in children (68%) than b2a2 transcript (32%) when compared to adults as recently described in a study from India, which may explain the differences at presentation.
Tumor Infiltrating Cytotoxic CD8 T‑Cells Predict Clinical Outcome of Neuroblastoma in Children
Authors: Rahbar Mahtab , Mehrazma Mitra , Karimian Mersedeh
Published: March 2018

Context: Neuroblastoma is often infiltrated by inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages and T lymphocytes, but the significance of these cells remains unclear. One possible role of these inflammatory cells is that they represent a cell-mediated immune response against cancer. CD8+ lymphocytes are a known crucial component of cell-mediated immunity. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes in Neuroblastoma. Subjects and Methods:Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes were assessed by immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissue from 36 neuroblastoma from April 2008 to May 2015. The number of CD8+ T-cells was counted in tumor nest (intratumoral) and in the fibrovascular stroma of tumor (peritumoral), and their relationship with clinicopathologic outcome was determined. Results: The total number of CD8+ cells was inversely correlated with tumor histology grade (P < 0.001), vascular invasion (P < 0.001), capsular invasion (P < 0.002), calcification (P < 0.005), necrosis of tumor (P < 0.001), regional lymph nodes invasion (P < 0.003), distant metastasis (P < 0.003), stage (P < 0.003), and was positive correlated with N-myc oncogene presentation (P < 0.002) in neuroblastoma. However, there were no correlation between patient's age, sex, and size of tumor with infiltration of CD8+ cells (P < 0.097, P < 0.142, and P < 0.722, respectively). Conclusions: In this analysis, total CD8 T-cell count was a dependent prognostic factor in children. Total number and stromal CD8 lymphocytes were associated with better patient survival (P < 0.003 and P < 0.05, respectively) in children. These results suggest that tumor-infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes have antitumor activity and influence the behavior of neuroblastoma and might be potentially be exploited in the treatment of neuroblastoma in children.
Infections during Induction Chemotherapy in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia – Profile and Outcomes: Experience from a Cancer Center in South India
Authors: Rajeswari Binitha , Sukumaran Nair Reghu K , Guruprasad C S , Nair Manjusha , Thankamony Priyakumari , Parukutty Kusumakumary
Published: March 2018

Objective:The objective of this study is to describe the incidence, clinical, laboratory and microbiological profile, treatment, and outcome of infections during induction chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Materials and Methods: This was prospective, observational study. All children aged 1–14 years, newly diagnosed to have ALL and attending the Pediatric oncology division at our center were included. Induction chemotherapy was administered as per a modified Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster protocol. The study period was from January 2014 to June 2015. Results: Two hundred and twenty-seven patients with ALL were included in the study. One hundred and fifty episodes of infection occurred among 117 patients. Major sites of infection were lung (n = 35) and gastrointestinal tract (n = 30). Blood cultures were positive in 45 episodes (30.6%) with Gram negative organisms being the predominant isolates. The most common organisms isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp. The response to antibiotics was good with only 18% of episodes requiring a third-line antibiotic. One hundred and thirty-six (90.6%) episodes resolved without sequelae. Overall induction mortality (12 out of 227-5.3%) was mainly accounted for by infections. Conclusions: Infections are the major cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with ALL on induction chemotherapy. The outcomes are good for the majority of patients if they receive adequate antibiotics early in the course of infection.
Stress Corrosion Crack Growth Behavior of Type 310S Stainless Steel in Supercritical Water
Authors: Chen Kai , Wang Jiamei , Du Donghai , Guo Xianglong , Zhang Lefu , Andresen Peter L.
Published: March 2018

Stress corrosion crack (SCC) behavior of Type 310S stainless steel (SS) in supercritical water was evaluated at 400°C to 550°C. Crack growth rates (CGR) were obtained as a function of temperature and corrosion potential. Results show that Type 310S SS exhibits 100% intergranular SCC, and creep plays an important role in the overall growth rate. The SCC CGR increases with temperature between 400°C and 550°C, and is higher at a medium-low corrosion potential (argon deaerated water) than in water with dissolved O2 or dissolved H2. A mechanism for SCC of Type 310S SS in supercritical water is proposed to explain the combined effect of SCC and creep.
Neutralized solar wind ahead of the Earth's magnetopause as contribution to non-thermal exospheric hydrogen
Authors: Fahr Hans J. , Nass Uwe , Dutta-Roy Robindro , Zoennchen Jochen H.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. In a most recent paper by Qin and Waldrop (2016), it had been found that the
scale height of hydrogen in the upper exosphere of the Earth, especially
during solar minimum conditions, appears to be surprisingly large. This
indicates that during minimum conditions when exobasic temperatures should be
small, large exospheric H-scale heights predominate. They thus seem to
indicate the presence of a non-thermal hydrogen component in the upper
exosphere. In the following parts of the paper we shall investigate what
fraction of such expected hot hydrogen atoms could have their origin from
protons of the shocked solar wind ahead of the magnetopause converted into
energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) via charge-exchange
processes with normal
atmospheric, i.e., exospheric hydrogen atoms that in the first step evaporate
from the exobase into the magnetosheath plasma region. We shall show that, dependent on the sunward location of the magnetopause,
the density of these types of non-thermal hydrogen atoms (H-ENAs) becomes
progressively comparable with the density of exobasic hydrogen with increasing
altitude. At
low exobasic heights, however, their contribution is negligible. At the end
of this paper, we finally study the question of whether the H-ENA population
could even be understood as a self-consistency phenomenon of the H-ENA
population, especially during solar activity minimum conditions, i.e., H-ENAs
leaving the exosphere being replaced by H-ENAs injected into the exosphere. Keywords. Magnetospheric physics (plasmasphere; solar wind-magnetosphere interactions) – solar physics, astrophysics, and astronomy (energetic particles)
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. David Hess
Authors: Romanchik Danielle
Published: March 2018

Dr. David Hess is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Western Ontario, as well as a Scientist at the Krembil Centre for Stem Cell Biology at the Robarts Research Institute. The focus of his research is on multipotent stem cells and transplantation therapies. WURJ editorial review board member, Danielle Romanchik, had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Hess and hearing his insightful story about his road to research, and current endeavours.
Pastorado, soberanía y salvación: la dualidad gubernativa y soberana de la Iglesia plenomedieval ante la analítica foucaultiana del poder
Authors: Catalina Cristina
Published: March 2018

Este artículo pone en contraste analítico el singular histórico de la Iglesia plenomedieval con la conceptualización del cristianismo ofrecida por Michel Foucault en sus estudios sobre la gubernamentalidad. Para ello se analiza la constitución de la Iglesia romana entre los siglos XI y XIII como una potestad dual –jurídica y pastoral–, desde la perspectiva de la genealogía de las formas políticas occidentales. El análisis se estructura a través de un diálogo crítico con la analítica foucaultiana del poder pastoral y las tecnologías de subjetivación que despliega. Mientras que las transformaciones auspiciadas por el gobierno pontificio dieron lugar al primer sistema jurídico occidental en los siglos centrales del Medioevo, la institución eclesiástica implementó servicios de cura animarum uniformados por toda la cristiandad. Más aún, esta economía de salvación se apoya en el nuevo sistema jurídico, convirtiendo al pastorado medieval en una potestad tanto soberana como gubernativa. El artículo trata de mostrar cómo esta interpretación histórica problematiza la dicotomía gobierno/soberanía sobre la que se funda la categoría de poder pastoral de Foucault y su genealogía de la gubernamentalidad.
La crítica de George Berkeley al representacionalismo de John Locke
Authors: Oya Alberto
Published: March 2018

En su Tratado sobre los principios del conocimiento humano, George Berkeley ofrece una serie de argumentos cuyo objetivo es criticar la tesis materialista. Mi propósito en este artículo es reconstruir y analizar en detalle estos argumentos. Dado que la crítica de Berkeley al materialismo es, fundamentalmente, una crítica al materialismo representacionalista de John Locke, empezaré este artículo explicando cuáles son las ideas básicas de la propuesta de Locke.
Schopenhauer and Buddhism: Soulless Continuity
Authors: Ketcham Christopher
Published: March 2018

Arthur Schopenhauer did not believe in soul. However, he explained that every living thing is possessed by a will. Will is universal. Suffering is universal. Even so, he thought it ethically wrong to cause undue suffering to any person or animal. As a student of Buddhism, Schopenhauer was intrigued by the Buddhist belief in rebirth. I will explore how both Schopenhauer’s idea of the ever-present will and Buddhist rebirth are similar in their concern with and for continuity. For Schopenhauer, continuity is will and for Buddhism, as Frank Hoffman (1987) explains, “continuity is without identity of self-same substance” (p. 53). If all living things are attached by continuity whether by will or “without identity of self-same substance” then what is foundational to the beginning of an ethics of existence is the valuing of that which is attached by continuity, and this includes both human and animal life.
Effects of Vitamin D on Skeletal Muscle and Athletic Performance
Authors: Abrams Geoffrey D. , Feldman David , Safran Marc R.
Published: March 2018

Vitamin D is known to be important for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. It also has important direct effects on skeletal muscle. Unlike authentic vitamins, which cannot be synthesized in the body, vitamin D is produced in the skin using sunlight. Through its nuclear receptor (ie, vitamin D receptor) located throughout the body, including skeletal muscle, vitamin D initiates genomic and nongenomic pathways regulating multiple actions, including myocyte proliferation and growth. In some studies, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to increase muscle strength, particularly in people who are vitamin D deficient. Higher serum levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced injury rates and improved sports performance. In a subset of the population, vitamin D appears to play a role in muscle strength, injury prevention, and sports performance.
The Effects of Financial Record Keeping on Financial Performance of Development Groups in Rural Areas of Western Uganda
Authors: Mwebesa Lawrence Collins Kihamaiso , Kansiime Catherine , Asiimwe Benon B. , Mugambe Paddy , Rwego Innocent B.
Published: March 2018

Good financial recordkeeping enables business organizations to plan properly and also check for misappropriations of resources. This manuscript expounds a study on financial record keeping as an integral part of managing development groups’ business environment. The study was carried out in three rural districts of Rubirizi, Kasese and Rukungiri in Western Uganda with the aim of determining the effects of financial record keeping on financial performance of Development groups. A total of 99 respondents were obtained from 33 development groups. In every development group, three leaders i.e. the Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary were interviewed. Data were entered in Epi data 3.1 and descriptive and correlational analyses were done using SPSS version 21. Using the Likert scale with five categories from strongly agree to strongly disagree, a mean value of 3.5 indicated a strong agreement to the questions asked. The mean value (4.32) on access to information implied that when members have access to information; transparency and accountability are ensured. Findings indicated that 67 (67.7%) knew the type of financial books recognized by international accounting standards board (IASB). 36 (36.4%) respondents reported keeping money in boxes while 22 (22.2%) kept money in the bank. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the financial record keeping and financial performance (r=0.297**, P>0.05). Notwithstanding the above findings, there is need to train group leaders in financial recordkeeping.
The Effect of Accounting and Market Indicators on Predicting the Stock Prices for Jordanian Banks: An Econometric Study for the Period (2010-2015)
Authors: Al-Oshaibat Suleiman Daood , Al-Manaseer Sufian Radwan
Published: March 2018

This study aims at examine the ability of a group of financial ratios, which is derived from the financial statements of Jordanian commercial banks, to predict the prices of the market shares for the period (2010-2015). Besides, it investigates the explanatory power and the nature of the relation between some accounting and market indices, including compound and individual indicators, and the market share price. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the researcher used the Panel Data and the time series data. While the Hussmann Test is used to choose the appropriate model whether it is a static effect modal or a random effect one based on Chi-Square probability value.Throughout the discussion and the data analysis, the study highlights a set of results. One of the most important results shows that the effects of the independent variables as a single package on predicting the stock market prices were very strong.In addition, the researcher comes up with some recommendations which emphasize the importance of disclosing the financial statements under study to investors and analysts periodically due to the importance of transparency in the financial sector. Moreover, while distributing earnings on participants, investors’ preferences should be taken into consideration due to their influence on the share price since it is a futurist result of the investors’ evaluations of the earnings distribution policy.
An Examination of the Benefits of Factor Investing in U.K. Stock Returns
Authors: Fletcher Jonathan
Published: March 2018

This study uses the Bayesian approach of Wang (1998) to examine the benefits of factor investing in U.K. stock returns in the presence of market frictions. My study finds that factor investing provides significant performance benefits when the benchmark investment universe is the market index, even in the presence of market frictions such as portfolio constraints and trading costs. However when the benchmark investment universe includes industry portfolios, market frictions, such as no short selling constraints and trading costs, tends to eliminate the benefits of factor investing. Imposing less restrictive portfolio constraints, factor investing can generate significant performance for investors with higher risk aversion levels.
The Realization of English Vowels by Kuwaiti Speakers
Authors: Taqi Hanan A. , Algharabally Nada A. , Akbar Rahima S.
Published: March 2018

Learning to speak a language does not necessarily mean learning to realize all the phonemes of that language. When a sound does not exist in a speakers’ mother tongue, s/he tends to use a phonotactic; hence, either replacing the sound with another that might sound similar, eliminating the sound, or adding a sound to make it possible to realize. In some cases, the orthography of the target language causes confusion and is considered misleading to non-native speakers. There are only 6 vowels in Arabic phonetics, long and short. Yet, there are 20 phonetic vowel symbols in Received Pronunciation, and 16 in General American. The following study investigates the realization of the English vowels by Kuwaiti speakers, and the effect of orthography on such realizations. 64 male and female Kuwaiti speakers are recorded reading 55 words and 10 sentences. The data obtained was analyzed by Praat (qualitative data), and SPSS (quantitative data). Focus group interviews were also conducted to gain further insight into the topic. It was found that not only do the speakers replace the vowels that do not exist in Arabic, but they also mispronounce vowels that exist in Arabic as they are negatively affected by the English orthography.
Pauses and Hesitations in Drama Texts
Authors: Abbas Nawal Fadhil , Jawad Ru'aa Tariq , Muhi Maysoon Tahir
Published: March 2018

Pauses and hesitations are phenomena that can be found in speech. They can help both the speaker and the hearer, due to the functions they have in a dialogue. Their occurrence in speech has a value that they make it more understandable. In this regard, the researchers intend to critically examine the pauses and hesitations used in the two texts as well as their functions. The present paper aims to identify the types of pauses and hesitations used by Pinter’s The Homecoming and Baker’s Circle Mirror Transformation as well as the functions they serve and to compare both playwrights in this regard. To do so, the sequential production approach of turn taking, in combination with the contributions of some scholars who state the multifunctional use of pauses and hesitations, has been used. The findings of the present study show that pauses and hesitations do not exist arbitrarily in speech but they are found to serve certain functions depending on the context in which they occur. Regarding the two selected extracts, it is noticed from the comparison that the two writers do not use pauses and hesitations equally. Baker uses them more frequently than Pinter due to the context in which they are used which requires using pauses to aid comprehension.