bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical corrosion behavior and surface modification of ZrB2 in hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution
Authors: Ding Zhihui , Lee Dong‐Yeon , Han Young‐Hwan , Ye Qun , Huang Qing , Deng Qihuang
Published: April 2017

The electrochemical corrosion behavior in an open system of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) was studied in hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution at room temperature. Based on analysis of the intermediate products of corrosion, a corrosion mechanism for ZrB2 is suggested. The morphology evolution of anodic ZrB2 is investigated. The density of the hexagonal‐pyramid grain array is dictated by current density, and the time dictates the length of the hexagonal pyramid grains. The microstructure of the surface can be controlled by the current density, which demonstrates that the surface wettability of ZrB2 can be modified by tailoring the current density.
Influence of expansion admixtures on the properties of water‐glass‐based refractory pastes
Authors: Tao Xin , Wang Mingchao , Ren Sue , Guo Anran , Hou Feng , Liu Jiachen
Published: April 2017

Water‐glass‐based pastes show good prospect for high‐temperature applications, but they are subject to substantial dry‐shrinkage. Silicon and aluminum powders were added to prevent the dry‐shrinkage. The influence of them on compressive strength, bonding strength and volume of the pastes was discussed. SEM, XRD, and TG/DSC were employed to study the influencing mechanisms. The results show that Si and Al effectively prevented the dry‐shrinkage; Al improved compressive strength and bonding strength, while Si was bad for bonding strength. When Al dosage was 6%, the pastes presented mild expansion of 1.05%, the compressive strength increased by 8.9%, and the bonding strength by 33.4%.
Role of ApoE‐ε4 Genotype in Gait and Balance in Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Biggan John R. , Taylor Wyn E. , Moss Kamiah , Adumatioge Larry , Shannon Vale , Gatchel Robert J. , Ray Christopher T.
Published: April 2017

Falls are common and costly in older adults. Risk factors include deficits in gait and postural control, both of which are linked to cognitive impairments. These cognitive impairments may be attributed to a genetic predisposition. A previous study found that a genetic risk factor related to Alzheimer's disease (the ApoE‐ε4 genetic variant) is also related to gait speed decline in older adults. No research has attempted to assess the impact of this variant on postural control in older adults. The purpose of this pilot study was to replicate the gait findings and extend these to measures of balance in older adults. Forty‐six older adults, without a history of neurological disorder, were genotyped and had their gait and postural control assessed. Surprisingly, analyses showed lowered double‐stance time for carriers than noncarriers of the ε4 isoform. However, no significant differences were observed between carriers and noncarriers for any other comparisons, including postural control scores. Results suggest that the ε4 isoform may affect gait, but not postural control.
Sequence‐independent Amplification with Genome Multiplexing to Establish Complete Genome of Multipartite RNA Viruses: Cucumber mosaic virus as a Case Study
Authors: Kumar Surender , Kumari Reenu , Hallan Vipin
Published: April 2017

Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) is considered one of the accurate and reliable techniques for plant virus detection and genome characterization. Environmental conditions, error prone replication and biological competition lead to mutations and sequence variation. This results in generation of various strains/variants. These conditions present difficulties in genome amplification, especially with techniques which utilize prior sequence information, such as RT‐PCR. Keeping in view this difficulty, in this study, we used replicating forms (RFs) from (Cucumber mosaic virus) infected Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi as a precursor for ligation of self‐primed anchor primer at 3′‐hydroxyl end and subsequently used it for first strand cDNA synthesis. This cDNA was amplified further by sequence‐independent single‐primer amplification (SISPA) for genome multiplexing of CMV, a tripartite ssRNA positive‐sense virus. It was also observed that the presence of anchor primer aids towards cloning of genome segments. These results demonstrate genome multiplexing for complete genome characterization of single‐stranded, multipartite plant RNA viruses as the new application of SISPA.
Redefining contractual capacity? the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the incapacity defence in English contract law
Authors: Varney Eliza
Published: April 2017

How can the incapacity defence in contract law coexist with the concept of universal legal capacity advanced by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)? In the absence of clear guidance from the CRPD on the link between legal capacity and mental capacity, and given the silence of this Convention on the concept of contractual capacity, this article stresses the need to redefine contractual capacity in a manner that responds not only to economic interests (eg upholding the security of transactions) but also to social interests (including the protection of values such as dignity). The discussion insists that incapacity and disability must never be conceptually equated and calls for a definition of contractual incapacity that moves beyond the medical condition of individuals (whether this is known by or apparent to the other contracting party) and which considers the circumstances of the transaction. These arguments are explored in the context of English contract law, focusing on the question of contractual validity when a party lacked the mental capacity to understand the transaction and the other party was unaware of the incapacity and acted in good faith.
Making the Most of the First‐Offer Advantage: Pre‐Offer Conversation and Negotiation Outcomes
Authors: Kim Najung , Park Hun‐Joon
Published: April 2017

Why do some negotiators benefit from making the first offer during negotiations while others do not? This study explores the contents of conversations that take place before negotiators make their first offers in order to learn more about the differences between ultimately successful first offers that benefit from anchoring effects and ultimately unsuccessful ones in which negotiators apparently derive no benefit from making the first offer.

In‐depth qualitative analyses of the conversations that role players engaged in prior to their first offers were conducted in simulated negotiation exercises. Their analysis identified five different conversational tactics that negotiators employed in one‐on‐one negotiations to gain power in the negotiation, or what they call here “power conversation tactics.” Their findings suggest that the negotiation outcome (i.e., net value) was related to how the negotiators employed and combined these tactics during the pre‐offer conversation.

Based on these findings, they conceptualized four types of power‐gaining/power‐losing pre‐offer conversation scenarios and explored the link between negotiation outcomes and each of these types of pre‐offer conversations. This study further develops the literature on power dynamics and conversations in negotiations as well as the literature on the anchoring effect of a first offer.
Neurogenic and myogenic patterns of electrical activity in isolated intact mouse colon
Authors: Hibberd T. J. , Costa M. , Travis L. , Brookes S. J. H. , Wattchow D. A. , Feng J. , Hu H. , Spencer N. J.
Published: April 2017

Background

Relatively little is known about the electrical rhythmicity of the whole colon, where long neural pathways are preserved.

Methods

Smooth muscle electrical activity was recorded extracellularly from the serosa of isolated flat‐sheet preparations consisting of the whole mouse colon (n=31).

Key Results

Two distinct electrical patterns were observed. The first, long intense spike bursts, occurred every 349±256 seconds (0.2±0.2 cpm), firing action potentials for 31±11 seconds at 2.1±0.5 Hz. They were hexamethonium‐ and tetrodotoxin‐sensitive, but persisted in nicardipine as 2 Hz electrical oscillations lacking action potentials. This pattern is called here neurogenic spike bursts. The second pattern, short spike bursts, occurred about every 30 seconds (2.0±0.6 cpm), with action potentials firing at about 1 Hz for 9 seconds (1.0±0.2 Hz, 9±4 seconds). Short spike bursts were hexamethonium‐ and tetrodotoxin‐resistant but nicardipine‐sensitive and thus called here myogenic spike bursts. Neurogenic spike bursts transiently delayed myogenic spike bursts, while blocking neurogenic activity enhanced myogenic spike burst durations. External stimuli significantly affected neurogenic but not myogenic spike bursts. Aboral electrical or mechanical stimuli evoked premature neurogenic spike bursts. Circumferential stretch significantly decreased intervals between neurogenic spike bursts. Lesioning the colon down to 10 mm segments significantly increased intervals or abolished neurogenic spike bursts, while myogenic spike bursts persisted.

Conclusions & Inferences

Distinct neurogenic and myogenic electrical patterns were recorded from mouse colonic muscularis externa. Neurogenic spike bursts likely correlate with neurogenic colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMC) and are highly sensitive to mechanical stimuli. Myogenic spike bursts may correspond to slow myogenic contractions, whose duration can be modulated by enteric neural activity.
A scoping review of outcomes related to orthodontic treatment measured in cleft lip and palate
Authors: Tsichlaki A. , O'Brien K. , Johal A. , Fleming P. S.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to identify and summarize the outcomes measured in orthodontic studies of children with cleft lip and/or palate. The objectives were to categorize the outcomes into pre‐determined domains and to explore whether any domains were under‐represented. Electronic databases and grey literature were searched until December 2016 to identify all studies of orthodontic treatment interventions in children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate. Abstracts and subsequently eligible full‐text articles were screened independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. All reported outcome measures were identified and categorized into six predetermined outcome domains. The search identified 833 abstracts. The majority of studies did not assess orthodontic interventions and were therefore not eligible for inclusion. Consequently, following screening 71 eligible articles were retrieved in full, of which 40 met the inclusion criteria. Morphological features of malocclusion were measured in 27 studies (68%) and adverse effects of orthodontic treatment in 10 (25%). Functional status (n=4; 10%), physical consequences of malocclusion (n=3; 7.5%), quality of life (n=3; 7.5%) and health resource utilization (n=2; 5%) were rarely considered. Relatively few studies concerning patients with cleft lip and palate focused on orthodontic interventions. Most of the identified outcomes were concerned with measuring morphological treatment‐related changes and do not reflect patient perspectives.
“Little things matter!” Exploring the perspectives of patients with dementia about the hospital environment
Authors: Hung Lillian , Phinney Alison , Chaudhury Habib , Rodney Paddy , Tabamo Jenifer , Bohl Doris
Published: April 2017

Background

Recognising demographic changes and importance of the environment in influencing the care experience of patients with dementia, there is a need for developing the knowledge base to improve hospital environments. Involving patients in the development of the hospital environment can be a way to create more responsive services. To date, few studies have involved the direct voice of patients with dementia about their experiences of the hospital environment.

Design and method

Using an action research approach, we worked with patients with dementia and a team of interdisciplinary staff on a medical unit to improve dementia care. The insights provided by patients with dementia in the early phase shaped actions undertaken at the later stage to develop person‐centred care within a medical ward. We used methods including go‐along interviews, video recording and participant observation to enable rich data generation.

Aim

This study explores the perspectives of patients with dementia about the hospital environment.

Results

The participants indicated that a supportive hospital environment would need to be a place of enabling independence, a place of safety, a place of supporting social interactions and a place of respect.

Conclusions

Patient participants persuasively articulated the supportive and unsupportive elements in the environment that affected their well‐being and care experiences. They provided useful insights and pointed out practical solutions for improvement. Action research offers patients not only opportunities to voice their opinion, but also possibilities to contribute to hospital service development.

Implications for practice

This is the first study that demonstrates the possibility of using go‐along interviews and videoing with patients with dementia staying in a hospital for environmental redesign.

Researchers, hospital leaders and designers should further explore strategies to best support the involvement of patients with dementia in design and redesign of hospital environments.
A new phylogeny of Stegosauria (Dinosauria, Ornithischia)
Authors: Raven Thomas J. , Maidment Susannah C. R.
Published: April 2017

The stegosaurs are some of the most easily recognizable dinosaurs, but are surprisingly rare as fossils. Consequently much remains unknown about their palaeobiology, and every new stegosaurian find contributes to our understanding of the evolution of the clade. Since the last attempt to examine the evolutionary relationships of Stegosauria, new specimens have come to light, including the most complete individual of Stegosaurus ever found, new taxa have been described and, perhaps most importantly, new methods for analysis of cladistic datasets have been produced. In the light of these new data and technological advances, the phylogenetic relationships of the stegosaurs and basal armoured dinosaurs are investigated. The inclusion of continuous data results in much better resolution than was previously obtained, and the resulting single most parsimonious tree supports re‐erection of the genera Miragaia and Hesperosaurus, which had previously been synonymized with Dacentrurus and Stegosaurus respectively. The recently described genus Alcovasaurus is resolved as a basal thyreophoran, but this is most likely a consequence of a very high degree of missing data and the questionable ontogenetic stage of the specimen. Examination of the effects of continuous data on the analysis suggest that while it contains a phylogenetic signal congruent with that of discrete data and provides better resolution than discrete data alone, it can affect topologies in unpredictable ways, particularly in areas of the tree where there are large amounts of missing data. The phylogeny presented here will form the basis for future work on the palaeobiology of the plated dinosaurs.
On the purported presence of fossilized collagen fibres in an ichthyosaur and a theropod dinosaur
Authors: Smithwick Fiann M. , Mayr Gerald , Saitta Evan T. , Benton Michael J. , Vinther Jakob
Published: April 2017

Since the discovery of exceptionally preserved theropod dinosaurs with soft tissues in China in the 1990s, there has been much debate about the nature of filamentous structures observed in some specimens. Sinosauropteryx was the first non‐avian theropod to be described with these structures, and remains one of the most studied examples. Despite a general consensus that the structures represent feathers or feather homologues, a few identify them as degraded collagen fibres derived from the skin. This latter view has been based on observations of low‐quality images of Sinosauropteryx, as well as the suggestion that because superficially similar structures are seen in Jurassic ichthyosaurs they cannot represent feathers. Here, we highlight issues with the evidence put forward in support of this view, showing that integumentary structures have been misinterpreted based on sedimentary features and preparation marks, and that these errors have led to incorrect conclusions being drawn about the existence of collagen in Sinosauropteryx and the ichthyosaur Stenopterygius. We find that there is no evidence to support the idea that the integumentary structures seen in the two taxa are collagen fibres, and confirm that the most parsimonious interpretation of fossilized structures that look like feather homologues in Sinosauropteryx is that they are indeed the remains of feather homologues.
Validation of the Japanese Version of the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire in Patients with Low Back Pain
Authors: Nishigami Tomokiko , Mibu Akira , Tanaka Katsuyoshi , Yamashita Yuh , Shimizu Michele Eisemann , Wand Benedict M. , Catley Mark J. , Stanton Tasha R. , Moseley G. Lorimer
Published: April 2017

Background

There is a growing interest in the role of disturbed body perception in people with persistent pain problems such as chronic low back pain (CLBP). A questionnaire, the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ), was recently developed as a simple and quick way of assessing disturbed perceptual awareness of the back in people with CLBP and appears to have acceptable psychometric properties. The aim of the present study was to develop a Japanese version of the FreBAQ (FreBAQ‐J) and evaluate its psychometric properties in a sample of Japanese people with low back pain (LBP).

Methods

Translation of the FreBAQ into Japanese was conducted using a forward‐backward method. One hundred participants with LBP completed the resultant FreBAQ‐J. A subset of the participants completed the FreBAQ‐J again 2 weeks later. Validity was investigated by examining the relationship between the FreBAQ‐J and clinical valuables. Rasch analysis was used to assess targeting, category ordering, unidimensionality, person fit, internal consistency, and differential item functioning.

Results

The FreBAQ‐J was significantly correlated with pain in motion, disability, pain‐related catastrophizing, fear of movement, and anxiety symptomatology. The FreBAQ‐J had acceptable internal consistency, a minor departure from unidimensionality, and good test‐retest reliability, and was functional on the category rating scale.

Conclusions

The FreBAQ‐J has acceptable psychometric properties and is suitable for use in people with LBP. Participants with high levels of disturbed body perception are well targeted by the scale. The functioning of one item (item 8) was poor. Further study is warranted to confirm if this item should be excluded.
Four‐Extremity Neurostimulation Using Two Cervical Octapolar Leads and High Frequency of 10 kHz
Authors: Harandi Shervin , Kapural Leonardo
Published: April 2017

Objectives and Methods

A few published reports describe successful clinical use of low‐frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the cervical spine resulting in bilateral upper and lower extremity pain relief. A major side‐effect when using this modality of SCS is the uneven intensity of paresthesias, which are frequently excessive in upper extremities while attempting to achieve optimal paresthesia coverage in all 4 extremities.

Results and Conclusions

Here we describe a successful case of high‐frequency SCS at 10 kHz where profound control of neuropathic pain of all 4 extremities was achieved without the complication of paresthesias. Discussed are future implications of such therapy.
Co‐expression of GR79 EPSPS and GAT yields herbicide‐resistant cotton with low glyphosate residues
Authors: Liang Chengzhen , Sun Bao , Meng Zhigang , Meng Zhaohong , Wang Yuan , Sun Guoqing , Zhu Tao , Lu Wei , Zhang Wei , Malik Waqas , Lin Min , Zhang Rui , Guo Sandui
Published: April 2017

Glyphosate‐resistant (GR) crops have been adopted on a massive scale by North and South American farmers. Currently, about 80% of the 120 million hectares of the global genetically modified (GM) crops are GR crop varieties. However, the adoption of GR plants in China has not occurred at the same pace, owing to several factors including, among other things, labour markets and the residual effects of glyphosate in transgenic plants. Here, we report the co‐expression of codon‐optimized forms of GR79 EPSPS and N‐acetyltransferase (GAT) genes in cotton. We found five times more resistance to glyphosate with 10‐fold reduction in glyphosate residues in two pGR79 EPSPS‐pGAT co‐expression cotton lines, GGCO2 and GGCO5. The GGCO2 line was used in a hybridization programme to develop new GR cottons. Field trials at five locations during three growing seasons showed that pGR79‐pGAT transgenic cotton lines have the same agronomic performance as conventional varieties, but were USD 390‐495 cheaper to produce per hectare because of the high cost of conventional weed management practices. Our strategy to pyramid these genes clearly worked and thus offers attractive promise for the engineering and breeding of highly resistant low‐glyphosate‐residue cotton varieties.
Newborn Length of Stay and Risk of Readmission
Authors: Harron Katie , Gilbert Ruth , Cromwell David , Oddie Sam , van der Meulen Jan
Published: April 2017

Background

Evidence on the association between newborn length of hospital stay (LOS) and risk of readmission is conflicting. We compared methods for modelling this relationship, by gestational age, using population‐level hospital data on births in England between 2005–14.

Methods

The association between LOS and unplanned readmission within 30 days of postnatal discharge was explored using four approaches: (i) modelling hospital‐level LOS and readmission rates; (ii) comparing trends over time in LOS and readmission; (iii) modelling individual LOS and adjusted risk of readmission; and (iv) instrumental variable analyses (hospital‐level mean LOS and number of births on the same day).

Results

Of 4 667 827 babies, 5.2% were readmitted within 30 days. Aggregated data showed hospitals with longer mean LOS were not associated with lower readmission rates for vaginal (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66, 1.13), or caesarean (aRR 0.89, 95% CI 0.72, 1.12) births. LOS fell by an average 2.0% per year for vaginal births and 3.4% for caesarean births, while readmission rates increased by 4.4 and 5.1% per year respectively. Approaches (iii) and (iv) indicated that longer LOS was associated with a reduced risk of readmission, but only for late preterm, vaginal births (34–36 completed weeks’ gestation).

Conclusions

Longer newborn LOS may benefit late preterm babies, possibly due to increased medical or psychosocial support for those at greater risk of potentially preventable readmissions after birth. Research based on observational data to evaluate relationships between LOS and readmission should use methods to reduce the impact of unmeasured confounding.
Optimization of growth conditions and fatty acid analysis for three freshwater diatom isolates
Authors: Li Xiao‐li , Marella Thomas Kiran , Tao Ling , Li Rong , Tiwari Archana , Li Gu
Published: April 2017

Diatoms are a group of highly abundant and diverse aquatic algae species. They contain high lipid content along with many bioactive compounds that can be exploited for biotechnological applications. Despite these attractive attributes, diatoms are underrepresented in production projects due to difficulties in their cultivation. To optimize the growth of three freshwater diatom isolates, Cyclotella sp., Synedra sp. and Navicula sp., an orthogonal assay on N, P, Si and Fe, as well as temperature and pH, was designed using traditional single‐factor tests. We also studied the effect of using nanosilica as an alternate Si source on growth and found that the diatom isolates studied achieved their highest growth rates under different combinations of nutrient and environmental conditions. Silica had the greatest influence on growth, followed by phosphate and iron. The optimized growth conditions for Synedra sp. were N: 30 mg L−1, P: 3 mg L−1, Si: 14.8 mg L−1, Fe: 0.448 mg L−1, temperature 25°C and pH 8. For Navicula sp.: N: 20 mg L−1, P: 2.5 mg L−1, Si: 19.7 mg L−1, Fe: 0.112 mg L−1, temperature 30°C and pH 7.5–8. For Cyclotella sp.: N: 20 mg L−1, P: 2.5 mg L−1, Si: 19.7 mg L−1, Fe: 0.448 mg L−1, temperature 30°C and pH 7.5–8. Nano silica negatively affected growth in Navicula sp. and Cyclotella sp., but no such effect was observed in Synedra sp. Fatty acid profiling showed C16:0, C16:1(n − 7), C18:0 and C20:5(n − 3) as major fatty acids, with no significant differences in fatty acid methyl ester profiles between traditional and modified media. This work gives us a new insight into the growth requirements of freshwater diatom species, which are less studied than marine species.
Impact of land use change on soil aggregate dynamics in the dry tropics
Authors: Singh Mahesh Kumar , Singh Sunil , Ghoshal Nandita
Published: April 2017

A 2‐year study was conducted to elucidate land use change (LUC) impact on the distribution of aggregate size fractions and associated carbon (C) concentration involving natural forest (NF), degraded forest (DF), cropland (CL), and biofuel plantation (JP, Jatropha plantation) in the dry tropical region of India across the soil profile (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm). Across the seasons and the land uses, the proportion of macro‐ and microaggregates was maximum at upper and minimum at lower layer whereas mesoaggregates increase with depth. The trend of macro‐ and microaggregate fractions through the soil profile was NF > JP > DF > CL whereas that of mesoaggregates was CL > DF < JP > NF. Dry mean weight diameter was highest at upper layer and decreased down the depth in all the land uses and followed the trend NF > JP > DF > CL. Aggregate associated organic carbon (OC) concentration in all the fractions decreased from NF to DF, CL, or JP indicates that macroaggregate associated OC concentration was more susceptible to loss than that of meso‐ and microaggregate associated OC concentration. LUC induced decline in macroaggregate associated OC stock and increase in meso‐ and microaggregate associated OC stock; indicated redistribution of OC stock among aggregate fractions. It may be concluded that JP in dry tropics can be an efficient strategy for rehabilitation of degraded land as it improves aggregate structure and stability in the whole profile and aggregate associated OC stock in upper layer of soil.
Assessing PTSD in the military: Validation of a scale distributed to Danish soldiers after deployment since 1998
Authors: Karstoft Karen‐Inge , Andersen Søren B. , Nielsen Anni B. S.
Published: April 2017

Since 1998, soldiers deployed to war zones with the Danish Defense (≈31,000) have been invited to fill out a questionnaire on post‐mission reactions. This provides a unique data source for studying the psychological toll of war. Here, we validate a measure of PTSD‐symptoms from the questionnaire. Soldiers from two cohorts deployed to Afghanistan with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 2009 (ISAF7, N = 334) and 2013 (ISAF15, N = 278) filled out a standard questionnaire (Psychological Reactions following International Missions, PRIM) concerning a range of post‐deployment reactions including symptoms of PTSD (PRIM‐PTSD). They also filled out a validated measure of PTSD‐symptoms in DSM‐IV, the PTSD‐checklist (PCL). We tested reliability of PRIM‐PTSD by estimating Cronbach's alpha, and tested validity by correlating items, clusters, and overall scale with corresponding items in the PCL. Furthermore, we conducted two confirmatory factor analytic models to test the factor structure of PRIM‐PTSD, and tested measurement invariance of the selected model. Finally, we established a screening and a clinical cutoff score by application of ROC analysis. We found high internal consistency of the PRIM‐PTSD (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88; both cohorts), strong item‐item (0.48–0.83), item‐cluster (0.43–0.72), cluster‐cluster (0.71–0.82) and full‐scale (0.86–0.88) correlations between PRIM‐PTSD and PCL. The factor analyses showed adequate fit of a one‐factor model, which was also found to display strong measurement invariance across cohorts. ROC curve analysis established cutoff scores for screening (sensitivity = 1, specificity = 0.93) and clinical use (sensitivity = 0.71, specificity = 0.98). In conclusion, we find that PRIM‐PTSD is a valid measure for assessing PTSD‐symptoms in Danish soldiers following deployment.
Management of gynaecological cancer in pregnancy
Authors: China Susnata , Sinha Yashashwi , Sinha Deepali , Hillaby Kathryn
Published: April 2017

Key content

This article summarises the current management and outcome of gynaecological cancers (cervical, endometrial, vulvovaginal, ovarian and fallopian tube cancer) in relation to pregnancy.

Pre‐existing gynaecological cancer and pregnancy planning is discussed, as well as prepartum diagnosis with or without intrapartum recurrence, intrapartum diagnosis and postpartum management.

Learning objectives

To understand prepregnancy planning with involvement of the multidisciplinary team and counselling.

To understand how to approach gynaecological cancers in relation to pregnancy inclusive of patient factor and stage of malignancy.

To be able to give optimal management of these patients to provide the best outcome for the mother and baby.

Ethical issues

Sanctity of life – balancing optimal maternal therapy versus fetal health.

Termination of pregnancy and personal beliefs.

Utility – benefit over harm and the quality of life for both mother and baby given certain outcomes.
Iron deficiency and iron‐deficiency anaemia in women's health
Authors: Percy Laura , Mansour Diana
Published: April 2017

Key content

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide.

More than 20% of women are iron deficient in their reproductive years.

There are a number of oral iron preparations available but iron content in them varies and they can result in gastrointestinal adverse effects. The formulation and dose of iron should be chosen to best suit the woman and her level of iron deficiency.

As gynaecologists, we focus on reducing menstrual blood loss in women with heavy menstrual bleeding, but frequently fail to diagnose, manage and treat iron deficiency/iron‐deficiency anaemia, resulting in a slow return to improved quality of life.

Learning objectives

To be able to summarise the mechanisms underlying iron metabolisms and the importance of iron in cellular functioning.

To help clinicians recognise the importance of iron deficiency and its management.

Ethical issues

Severe preoperative iron‐deficiency anaemia may place a patient at increased risk of blood transfusion during surgery and adverse postoperative sequelae. Recognising and treating this with intravenous iron can prevent such an intervention, but at the cost of providing treatment in a safe, appropriately staffed environment to manage rare adverse events such as anaphylaxis.
Perinatal mental health: how to ask and how to help
Authors: Bambridge Gabrielle A , Shaw Elizabeth J , Ishak Melania , Clarke Sonji D , Baker Catherine
Published: April 2017

Key content

The 2015 Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries (MBRRACE) report states that death from psychiatric disorders is now one of the leading causes of maternal death, surpassing haemorrhage, pre‐eclampsia and genital tract sepsis.

Perinatal mental health is stigmatising to women and professionals alike, leading to reluctance to discuss the topic and under‐ or misdiagnosis. Often clinicians may feel apprehensive in broaching the subject for fear of asking questions insensitively or perhaps not knowing what to do with the information divulged.

Learning objectives

To understand ‘how to ask’ women about mental health: by normalising and raising awareness of perinatal mental health, providing examples of open screening questions, recapping psychiatric history and mental state examination, and performing a risk assessment.

To understand ‘how to help’ women with their mental health: by guideline‐driven advice at first contact for mild anxiety and low mood, deciding on level of risk and the direction and urgency of referral.

Ethical issues

There is no evidence that discussing mental health or suicidal ideation leads to an increased risk of self‐harm or suicide, and in fact it is known to decrease the rate of completed suicide.
A Comprehensive Experimental Investigation of the Performance of Closed-Loop Pulsating Heat Pipes
Authors: Halimi M. , Abbas Nejad A. , Norouzi M.
Published: April 2017

Closed-loop pulsating heat pipes (CLPHPs) are a new type of two-phase heat transfer devices that can transfer considerable heat in a small space via two-phase vapor and liquid pulsating flow and work with various types of two-phase instabilities so the operating mechanism of CLPHP is not well understood. In this work, two CLPHPs, made of Pyrex, were manufactured to observe and investigate the flow regime that occurs during the operation of CLPHP and thermal performance of the device under different laboratory conditions. In general, various working fluids were used in filling ratios of 40%, 50%, and 60% in horizontal and vertical modes to investigate the effect of thermo-physical parameters, filling ratio, nanoparticles, gravity, CLPHP structure, and input heat flux on the thermal performance of CLPHP. The results indicate that three types of flow regime may be observed given laboratory conditions. Each flow regime exerts a different effect on the thermal performance of the device. There is an optimal filling ratio for each working fluid. The increased number of turns in CLPHP generally improves the thermal performance of the system reducing the effect of the type of the working fluid on the aforementioned performance. The adoption of copper nanoparticles, which positively affect fluid motion, decreases the thermal resistance of the system as much as 6.06–42.76% depending on laboratory conditions. Moreover, gravity brings about positive changes in the flow regime decreasing thermal resistance as much as 32.13–52.58%.
Lower Cervical Spine Motion Segment Computational Model Validation: Kinematic and Kinetic Response for Quasi-Static and Dynamic Loading
Authors: Barker Jeffrey B. , Cronin Duane S. , Nightingale Roger W.
Published: April 2017

Advanced computational human body models (HBM) enabling enhanced safety require verification and validation at different levels or scales. Specifically, the motion segments, which are the building blocks of a detailed neck model, must be validated with representative experimental data to have confidence in segment and, ultimately, full neck model response. In this study, we introduce detailed finite element motion segment models and assess the models for quasi-static and dynamic loading scenarios. Finite element segment models at all levels in the lower human cervical spine were developed from scans of a 26-yr old male subject. Material properties were derived from the in vitro experimental data. The segment models were simulated in quasi-static loading in flexion, extension, lateral bending and axial rotation, and at dynamic rates in flexion and extension in comparison to previous experimental studies and new dynamic experimental data introduced in this study. Single-valued experimental data did not provide adequate information to assess the model biofidelity, while application of traditional corridor methods highlighted that data sets with higher variability could lead to an incorrect conclusion of improved model biofidelity. Data sets with continuous or multiple moment–rotation measurements enabled the use of cross-correlation for an objective assessment of the model and highlighted the importance of assessing all motion segments of the lower cervical spine to evaluate the model biofidelity. The presented new segment models of the lower cervical spine, assessed for range of motion and dynamic/traumatic loading scenarios, provide a foundation to construct a biofidelic model of the spine and neck, which can be used to understand and mitigate injury for improved human safety in the future.
Diffraction of Cylindrical Waves by a Transmissive Half-Plane
Authors: Ziya Umul Yusuf
Published: April 2017

The scattered acoustic waves by a transmissive half-plane, which is illuminated by a line source, are investigated. The high-frequency diffracted wave expressions are obtained by taking into account a resistive half-screen that is defined in electromagnetics. The uniform diffracted fields are expressed in terms of the Fresnel cylinder functions. The behavior of the waves is compared with the case when the uniform theory of diffraction is considered. The geometrical optics and diffracted fields are examined numerically.
Patterning Curved Three-Dimensional Structures With Programmable Kirigami Designs
Authors: Wang Fei , Guo Xiaogang , Xu Jingxian , Zhang Yihui , Chen C. Q.
Published: April 2017

Originated from the art of paper cutting and folding, kirigami and origami have shown promising applications in a broad range of scientific and engineering fields. Developments of kirigami-inspired inverse design methods that map target three-dimensional (3D) geometries into two-dimensional (2D) patterns of cuts and creases are desired to serve as guidelines for practical applications. In this paper, using programed kirigami tessellations, we propose two design methods to approximate the geometries of developable surfaces and nonzero Gauss curvature surfaces with rotational symmetry. In the first method, a periodic array of kirigami pattern with spatially varying geometric parameters is obtained, allowing formation of developable surfaces of desired curvature distribution and thickness, through controlled shrinkage and bending deformations. In the second method, another type of kirigami tessellations, in combination with Miura origami, is proposed to approximate nondevelopable surfaces with rotational symmetry. Both methods are validated by experiments of folding patterned thin copper films into desired 3D structures. The mechanical behaviors of the kirigami designs are investigated using analytical modeling and finite element simulations. The proposed methods extend the design space of mechanical metamaterials and are expected to be useful for kirigami-inspired applications.
Numerical Study of Turbulent Helical Pipe Flow With Comparison to the Experimental Results
Authors: Datta Anup Kumer , Hayamizu Yasutaka , Kouchi Toshinori , Nagata Yasunori , Yamamoto Kyoji , Yanase Shinichiro
Published: April 2017

Turbulent flow through helical pipes with circular cross section is numerically investigated comparing with the experimental results obtained by our team. Numerical calculations are carried out for two helical circular pipes having different pitches and the same nondimensional curvature δ (=0.1) over a wide range of the Reynolds number from 3000 to 21,000 for torsion parameter β (=torsion /2δ  = 0.02 and 0.45). We numerically obtained the secondary flow, the axial flow and the intensity of the turbulent kinetic energy by use of three turbulence models incorporated in OpenFOAM. We found that the change to fully developed turbulence is identified by comparing experimental data with the results of numerical simulations using turbulence models. We also found that renormalization group (RNG) k−ε turbulence model can predict excellently the fully developed turbulent flow with comparison to the experimental data. It is found that the momentum transfer due to turbulence dominates the secondary flow pattern of the turbulent helical pipe flow. It is interesting that torsion effect is more remarkable for turbulent flows than laminar flows.
Stability of Damped Skateboards Under Human Control
Authors: Varszegi Balazs , Takacs Denes , Stepan Gabor
Published: April 2017

A simple mechanical model of the skateboard–skater system is analyzed, in which a linear proportional-derivative (PD) controller with delay is included to mimic the effect of human control. The equations of motion of the nonholonomic system are derived with the help of the Gibbs–Appell method. The linear stability analysis of the rectilinear motion is carried out analytically in closed form. It is shown that how the control gains have to be varied with respect to the speed of the skateboard in order to stabilize the uniform motion. The critical reflex delay of the skater is determined as functions of the speed, position of the skater on the board, and damping of the skateboard suspension system. Based on these, an explanation is given for the experimentally observed dynamic behavior of the skateboard–skater system at high speed.
Divergence Compensatory Optical Flow Method for Blood Velocimetry
Authors: Yang Zifeng , Yu Hongtao , Huang George P. , Ludwig Bryan
Published: April 2017

Detailed blood velocity map in the vascular system can be obtained by applying the optical flow method (OFM) in processing fluoroscopic digital subtracted catheter angiographic images; however, there are still challenges with the accuracy of this method. In the present study, a divergence compensatory optical flow method (DC-OFM), in which a nonzero divergence of velocity is assumed due to the finite resolution of the image, was explored and applied to the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images of blood flow. The objective of this study is to examine the applicability and evaluate the accuracy of DC-OFM in assessing the blood flow velocity in vessels. First, an Oseen vortex flow was simulated on the standard particle image to generate an image pair. Then, the DC-OFM was applied on the particle image pair to recover the velocity field for validation. Second, DSA images of intracranial arteries were used to examine the accuracy of the current method. For each set of images, the first image is the in vivo DSA image, and the second image is generated by superimposing a given flow field. The recovered velocity map by DC-OFM agrees well with the exact velocity for both the particle images and the angiographic images. In comparison with the traditional OFM, the present method can provide more accurate velocity estimation. The accuracy of the velocity estimation can also be improved by implementing preprocess techniques including image intensification, Gaussian filtering, and “image-shift.”
Three-Dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling and Validation of Ion Current Sensor in a Gen-Set Diesel Engine Using Chemical Kinetic Mechanism
Authors: Badawy Tamer , Henein Naeim
Published: April 2017

Ion current sensing is a low-cost technology that can provide a real-time feedback for the in-cylinder combustion process. The ion current signal depends on several design parameters of the sensing probe in addition to the operating conditions of the engine. To experimentally determine the effect of each of these parameters on the ion current signal, it requires modifications in the engine which would be costly and time consuming. A 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, coupled with a chemical kinetic solver, was developed to calculate the mole fraction of the ionized species formed in different zones in the fuel spray. A new approach of defining a number of virtual ion sensing probes was introduced to the model to determine the influence of sensor design and location relative to the spray axis on the signal characteristics. The contribution of the premixed and the mixing-diffusion controlled combustion was investigated. In addition, the crank angle resolved evolution of key ionization species produced during the combustion process was also compared at different engine operating conditions.
New data on oribatid mites of Galumna (Galumna) (Acari, Oribatida, Galumnidae) from Northern Vietnam, with a key to species of this subgenus in the Oriental region
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Stary Josef
Published: April 2017

A new species of Galumna (Galumna) (Oribatida, Galumnidae) are described from a sample of grass rhizosphere, from a meadow of the Tam Dao National Park, Northern Vietnam. Galumna (Galumna) dkrivolutskyi sp. nov. differs from G. pseudotriquetra Ermilov, 2015(b) by the larger body size, bothridial heads slightly developed unilaterally and by the absence of sejugal suture medially. A supplementary description of G. discifera Balogh, 1960 is present based on Vietnamese specimens. Morphological additions to description of the Vietnamese species, G. acutirostrum Ermilov & Anichkin, 2010, are given. An identification key to known species of Galumna (Galumna) from the Oriental region is provided.
Phoretic mite Neocypholaelaps indica Evans infests inflorescences of Pachysandra axillari Franch. and its pollinators, Apis cerana Fabricius
Authors: Ge Jia , Yang Jing , Sun Wei Bang , Chen Gao
Published: April 2017

In this study, we report that the phoretic flower mite Neocypholaelaps indica can infest flowers of Pachysandra axillaris and Apis cerana in Yunnan, China. We suggest that beekeepers, researchers and regulators should be aware of this species to regulate its potential harm to beekeeping and output of crops in China.
One hundred years of Moseley's law: An undergraduate experiment with relativistic effects
Authors: Soltis Tomas , Folan Lorcan M. , Eltareb Waleed
Published: April 2017

As the centenary of H. G. H. Moseley's untimely passing approached, the authors undertook an evaluation of Moseley's work as the basis for an undergraduate laboratory experiment. Using a modern solid-state detector and low activity sources, characteristic K X-rays were excited and detected without the use of a vacuum chamber, from a selection of elemental metal foil samples from Ti to Er. The authors introduce first order relativistic corrections into the experimental analysis to obtain better fits for K X-ray energies that deviate substantially from Moseley's original law for elements beyond the first row transition metals. The experimental set up is described in detail, and the data and conclusions are readily reproducible by undergraduate students in the span of a couple of typical lab sessions.
Using flatbed scanners in the undergraduate optics laboratory—An example of frugal science
Authors: Koopman Thomas , Gopal Venkatesh
Published: April 2017

We describe the use of a low-cost commercial flatbed scanner in the undergraduate teaching laboratory to image large (∼25 cm) interference and diffraction patterns in two dimensions. Such scanners usually have an 8-bit linear photosensor array that can scan large areas (∼28 cm × 22 cm) at very high spatial resolutions (≥100 Megapixels), which makes them versatile large-format imaging devices. We describe how the scanner can be used to image interference and diffraction from rectangular single-slit, double-slit, and circular apertures. The experiments are very simple to setup and require no specialized components besides a small laser and a flatbed scanner. Due to the presence of Automatic Gain Control in the scanner, which we were not able to override, we were unable to get an excellent fit to the data. Interestingly, we found that the less-than-ideal data were actually pedagogically superior as it forced the students to think about the process of data acquisition in much greater detail instead of simply performing the experiment mechanically.