bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal and professional values grading among midwifery students
Authors: Özcan Müesser , Akpınar Aslıhan , Ergin Ayla B
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the professional and personal values among midwifery students in Turkey and to identify whether the years of study affected these values. A total of 192 participants were asked to prioritize 16 professional and 36 personal values. The relationship between the year of study and value ranking was analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis test. The first three of the professional values were justice, equality, and human dignity. Equality ranked sixth among the personal terminal values, and it increased with the years of study. Of personal instrumental values, responsibility and cleanliness ranked second and fifth, which are of central importance for the profession of midwifery. However, the other two important values, privacy and preventing unnecessary suffering, ranked lower when the years of study increased, in other words when the students confront clinics. Since these values are important for midwifery, ethics courses should be given throughout the midwifery education to prepare students for the challenges they face in the clinical environment.
Nurses’ experiences of violation of their dignity
Authors: Khademi Mojgan , Mohammadi Eesa , Vanaki Zohreh
Published: May 2012

Dignity is a human right and a base for human health. This right must be observed in work environments as a moral obligation. This qualitative study aimed to understand nurses’ experiences of violation of their dignity at work and to explore its dimensions. The participants were 15 nurses working in two hospitals in Tehran. The data were collected through 26 unstructured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The dimensions of violation were ‘irreverence’, including experiences of abuse and violence, humiliation, and being ignored; ‘coercion and violation of autonomy’, consisting of the control of relationships, lack of privacy, rigidness, and imposition; ‘ignoring professional and scientific ability’, indicating impossibilities in applying nurses’ knowledge; and ‘denying the value of nurse/care’, being the theme that verified the dominance of treatment/cure and lack of recognition of care value. Health systems should take the promotion of the nurses’ dignity into account through providing a dignified work environment.
Beyond recreation: Personal social networks and social capital in the transition of young players from recreational football to formal football clubs
Authors: Rosso Edoardo GF , McGrath Richard
Published: May 2012

The relationship between sport and social capital is drawing the attention of a growing number of writers and researchers. However, its analysis is often limited to social capital accruing to communities or regions through involvement with sport and to the effects this may have on local wellbeing. While participation in sport can facilitate social capital creation at the community level, social capital accruing to wider communities, and particularly sporting communities, can affect the technical development of athletes. This paper reports on research employing both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the role of social capital in the development of female football players (i.e. soccer) in South Australia. In particular, this paper considers how social capital accruing to players from their personal social networks can influence their early ‘career step’ between recreational and school football to formal football clubs. The paper focuses on social networks encompassing players, their families and acquaintances, and highlights both positive and negative implications of social capital accumulated by means of membership in those networks.
Magnetoelectric effect in coated fibrous magnetic–piezoelectric composites
Authors: Dinzart Florence , Sabar Hafid
Published: May 2012

In this study, the magnetoelectroelastic behavior is investigated for magnetic–piezoelectric composites with coated reinforcements under antiplane mechanical and in-plane electromagnetic loads. The coating is considered as a layer with properties different from those of the inclusion and the matrix. The developed model is based on the solution of the problem of the magnetoelectroelastic coated inclusion embedded in an infinite homogeneous medium obtained from two different approaches. The first is the complex variable method integrating the Laurent expansion method, and the second is a micromechanical approach based simultaneously on Green’s function techniques and the interfacial operators. The exact solution is obtained and used as background to determine the effective magnetoelectroelastic properties of the composite containing thinly coated inclusions embedded in a matrix through Mori–Tanaka’s model. Numerical investigations into magnetoelectroelastic moduli responsible for the magnetoelectric effect are presented as functions of the volume fraction and characteristics of the coated inclusions. Comparisons with existing models are presented for various fractions of the coated inclusions.
Stiff lattices with zero thermal expansion
Authors: Lehman Jeremy , Lakes Roderic
Published: May 2012

Lattice microstructures are presented with zero coefficient of thermal expansion. These are made of positive expansion materials. The behavior is primarily stretch dominated, resulting in favorable stiffness. The behavior of these lattices is compared with that of triangular and hexagonal honeycombs in a modulus–density map. These lattices do not undergo thermal buckling, in contrast to designs based on sublattices.
Fractal dimension–based Lamb wave tomography algorithm for damage detection in plate-like structures
Authors: Moustafa Ayman , Salamone Salvatore
Published: May 2012

This study presents a new signal-processing technique that utilizes the fractal proprieties of guided ultrasonic waves for structural health monitoring in complex structures. In particular, we use the fractal dimension of Lamb waves as a damage-sensitive feature. In the last decade, a fractal analysis has been extensively used in image analysis problems, especially in the medical field. In this article, a damage index based on the fractal dimension of Lamb waves is proposed using a modified box-counting algorithm. The proposed damage index has been also combined with a tomographic imaging algorithm to identify damages in plate-like structures. The performance of the proposed approach is validated through experimental tests performed on an aluminum plate instrumented with eight circular piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate) transducers.
The effect of Duffing-type non-linearities and Coulomb damping on the response of an energy harvester to random excitations
Authors: Green Peter L , Worden Keith , Atallah Kais , Sims Neil D
Published: May 2012

Linear energy harvesters can only produce useful amounts of power when excited close to their natural frequency. Due to the uncertain nature of ambient vibrations, it has been hypothesised that such devices will perform poorly in real-world applications. To improve performance, it has been suggested that the introduction of non-linearities into such devices may extend the bandwidth over which they perform effectively. In this study, a magnetic levitation device with non-linearities similar to the Duffing oscillator is considered. The governing equations of the device are formed in which the effects of friction are considered. Analytical solutions are used to explore the effect that friction can have on the system when it is under harmonic excitations. Following this, a numerical model is formed. A differential evolution algorithm is used alongside experimental data to identify the relevant parameters of the device. The model is then validated using experimental data. Monte Carlo simulations are then used to analyse the effect of coulomb damping and Duffing-type non-linearities when the device is subjected to broadband white noise and coloured noise excitations.
The research of passive vibration isolation system with broad frequency field
Authors: Yang Chuan , Yuan Xiaowei , Wu Jie , Yang Besheng
Published: May 2012

A passive vibration isolator with broad frequency field (zero dynamic stiffness system) is designed in this paper, whose mathematics model is built applying a mathematics method. Then the static and dynamic analysis of the isolator is conducted with ADAMS software. The zero dynamic system is developed based on theoretic study and simulation analysis. Moreover, the experimental validation of modal and frequency field is acquired. The modal experiment shows that the natural frequency of the isolator has dropped from 11.715 Hz to 2.5421 Hz because of importing negative stiffness mechanism. The result of the frequency field experiment is that the isolator has a better vibration reduction effect between 3 and 100 Hz.
Adaptive Testing With Multidimensional Pairwise Preference Items
Authors: Stark Stephen , Chernyshenko Oleksandr S. , Drasgow Fritz , White Leonard A.
Published: May 2012

Assessment of noncognitive constructs in organizational research and practice is challenging because of response biases that can distort test scores. Researchers must also deal with time constraints and the ensuing trade-offs between test length and the number of constructs measured. This article describes a novel way of improving the efficiency of noncognitive assessments using computer adaptive testing (CAT) with multidimensional pairwise preference (MDPP) items. Tests composed of MDPP items are part of a broader family of forced choice measures that ask respondents to choose between two or more equally desirable statements in an effort to combat response distortion. The authors conducted four computer simulations to explore the influences of test design, dimensionality, and the advantages of adaptive item selection for trait score and error estimation with tests involving as many as 25 dimensions. Overall, adaptive MDPP testing produced gains in accuracy over nonadaptive MDPP tests comparable to those observed with traditional unidimensional CATs. In addition, an empirical illustration involving a 15-dimension MDPP CAT administered in a field setting showed patterns of correlations that were consistent with expectations, thus showing construct validity.
Effects of sedation on echocardiographic variables of left atrial and left ventricular function in healthy cats
Authors: Ward Jessica L , Schober Karsten E , Fuentes Virginia Luis , Bonagura John D
Published: May 2012

Although sedation is frequently used to facilitate patient compliance in feline echocardiography, the effects of sedative drugs on echocardiographic variables have been poorly documented. This study investigated the effects of two sedation protocols on echocardiographic indices in healthy cats, with special emphasis on the assessment of left atrial size and function, as well as left ventricular diastolic performance. Seven cats underwent echocardiography (transthoracic two-dimensional, spectral Doppler, color flow Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging) before and after sedation with both acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg IM) and butorphanol (0.25 mg/kg IM), or acepromazine (0.1 mg/kg IM), butorphanol (0.25 mg/kg IM) and ketamine (1.5 mg/kg IV). Heart rate increased significantly following acepromazine/butorphanol/ketamine (mean ± SD of increase, 40 ± 26 beats/min) and non-invasive systolic blood pressure decreased significantly following acepromazine/butorphanol (mean ± SD of decrease, 12 ± 19 mmHg). The majority of echocardiographic variables were not significantly different after sedation compared with baseline values. Both sedation protocols resulted in mildly decreased left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and mildly increased left ventricular end-diastolic wall thickness. This study therefore failed to demonstrate clinically meaningful effects of these sedation protocols on echocardiographic measurements, suggesting that sedation with acepromazine, butorphanol and/or ketamine can be used to facilitate echocardiography in healthy cats.
Effects of a standardized anesthetic protocol on hematologic variables in healthy cats
Authors: Dhumeaux Marc P , Snead Elisabeth CR , Epp Tasha Y , Taylor Susan M , Carr Anthony P , Dickinson Ryan M , Leis Marina L
Published: May 2012

This study evaluated the effects of an anesthetic protocol using intravenous ketamine and midazolam, and intramuscular buprenorphine on hematologic variables in cats. Twelve healthy adult cats had blood collected for a complete blood count before and after the induction of anesthesia. There were significant decreases in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrits after the induction of anesthesia. On average, red blood cell counts and hematocrits decreased by 25%, and hemoglobin concentrations decreased by 24%. Based on hematocrit, 3/12 samples (25%) taken while the cats were anesthetized would have been interpreted as belonging to anemic patients while none of the cats would have been considered anemic before anesthesia. This study suggests that a complete blood count performed on blood taken under anesthesia with this anesthetic protocol should be interpreted cautiously in order to not make a false diagnosis of anemia.
Mediated gesture
Authors: Schandorf Michael
Published: May 2012

This article draws an analogy between physical nonverbal gesture and the textual conventions of new and social media to argue that the vital nonverbal functions of face-to-face communication are not absent from digital media, but that communicative functions typically enacted nonverbally are transposed into new spaces of interaction afforded by synchronous and near-synchronous textual media. Digital and social media text is conversational text that fulfills the phatic needs of typical social interaction: ‘keeping in touch’ does not in any way constitute a cultural regression but represents the fundamental ground of human cognition, which is inescapably both social and technologically dependent. An analysis of examples from the popular microblogging service Twitter serves to illustrate the gestural functions of digital media text, including the enactment of mediated social ‘spaces’. The closing section explores the theoretical implications for identity and agency of connecting embodied nonverbal communication to digital media communication that is all too often erroneously understood to be or implicitly approached as ‘disembodied’.
Comprehension checks, clarifications, and corrections in an emergency call with a nonnative speaker of Swedish
Authors: Osvaldsson Karin , Persson-Thunqvist Daniel , Cromdal Jakob
Published: May 2012

This article reports on a case study of an emergency call with a 12-year-old girl, who is hearably not a native speaker of Swedish. A sequential analysis of the recorded call revealed two interesting interactional practices through which the participants can be seen to pursue mutual understanding. The first type of practice involves the participants’ orientation toward potential or projected problems of comprehension and should therefore be understood in terms of preemptive management of mutual understanding. This is chiefly accomplished by either party (a) making sure that the other party has understood; (b) checking the correctness and adequacy of one’s own understanding; and finally (c) displaying one’s own understanding of the other party en passant, that is, without requiring the other party’s confirmation. The second type of practice, commonly known as conversational repair, is used to deal with established problems of comprehension. The methods through which these problems are managed involve (d) repeating and paraphrasing preceding turns or their problematic fragments; (e) finding alternative ways of talking about demonstrably noncomprehended information; and finally (f) postponing such problematic exchanges. The study demonstrates that despite the institutionally asymmetric character of emergency calls, both participants are actively engaged in working toward intersubjectivity, and the analysis identifies several different ways through which the parties orient to and handle interactional trouble so as to secure mutual comprehension in a socially smooth yet efficient manner.
Analyses on Human Responses to Illuminance Variations for Resident-Friendly Lighting Environment in a Small Office
Authors: Lee Ji-Hyun , Yoon Younju , Baik Yong-Kyu , Kim Sooyoung
Published: May 2012

This study examines the influence of illuminance variation on visual perception and mood in a small office. Field measurements and annoyance tests were performed in a full-scale mock-up office space. Subjects conducted paper-based and computer-based reading tasks when six instantaneous fluctuation ranges were given under 500 lx and 650 lx base level conditions. Results indicate that equal amounts of instantaneous illuminance fluctuation could influence visual perception differently under these two base level conditions. Visual annoyance under the 500 lx base level was more severe than that under the 650 lx base level. The acceptable illuminance fluctuation ranges that did not cause visual annoyance under 500 lx base level conditions were 141.3 lx for paper-based tasks and 187.3 lx for computer-based tasks. Under 650 lx base level conditions, the acceptable ranges were 200.3 lx and 252.4 lx for paper-based and computer-based tasks respectively. The mean mood and perception responses for visual thresholds under the 650 lx base level showed more positive feelings than those under the 500 lx base level. Multiple linear predictive models showed that feelings of visual sensitiveness to illuminance variation, visual distraction, and stimulation were significant contributors to visual annoyance under fluctuating illuminance conditions.
Establishing a Nexus Between Residential Quality and Health Risk: An Exploratory Analytical Approach
Authors: Aliu I. R. , Adebayo A.
Published: May 2012

One of the basic sources of risk to public health is the built environment. Both housing and health are social issues that need to be constantly ensured by urban stakeholders. There seems to be a strong connection between housing quality and health conditions of inhabitants. However, not much is known about the health risks that poor housing conditions could pose to the residents in Lagos, Nigeria. This paper therefore examines the impacts of housing conditions on the health of dwellers in Lagos metropolitan areas. Data were obtained from survey of residences in three areas of Lagos. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that there are strong negative correlations between housing conditions and health of residents and the residential use value, space quality and structural quality factors are responsible for health risk experienced in the areas under study.
Decision Making in a Sequential Game
Authors: Deck Alan , Deck Cary , Zhu Zhen
Published: May 2012

This article uses data from NASCAR to examine strategic decision making with professional players and high stakes. The authors look at driver decisions to pit, enabling car performance to be improved at the cost of track position. Unlike other sports choices that have been used to test game-theoretic play, pitting decisions occur sequentially. Therefore, optimal decision making should result in the sub-game perfect equilibrium outcome. After estimating the likelihood of successfully passing another driver, the authors find some evidence that drivers make optimal decisions; however, driver behavior is also consistent with a simple heuristic of following the preceding car.
Understanding College Application Decisions
Authors: Pope Devin G. , Pope Jaren C.
Published: May 2012

Using a unique, national data set that indicates where students choose to send their SAT scores, the authors find that college sports success has a large impact on student application decisions. For example, a school that has a stellar year in basketball or football on average receives up to 10% more SAT scores. Certain demographic groups (males, Blacks, out-of-state students, and students who played sports in high school) are more likely to be influenced by sports success than their counterparts. The authors explore the reasons why students might be influenced by these sporting events and present evidence that attention/accessibility helps explain these findings.
Prediction of dimensional properties of weft knitted cardigan fabric by artificial neural network system
Authors: kumar T Saravana , Sampath VR
Published: May 2012

The objective of this paper is to propose an artificial neural network model to predict the dimensional properties of a weft-knitted double cardigan structure made from 100% cotton ring spun yarns. Through experimental study, various U-values (K-constants of derivative knitted structures) were established for the given structure. The factors investigated were yarn count, structural-cell stitch length, course and wale density and stitch density in different relaxation states. A predictive model of artificial neural network was developed with experimental results. Further, the artificial neural network model was compared with U-values established using test set of inputs. The prediction of the dimensional properties produced by the neural network model proved to be highly reliable ( R2 > 0.98).
A Penny for Your Pain? The Financial Compensation of Social Pain After Exclusion
Authors: Lelieveld Gert-Jan , Moor Bregtje Gunther , Crone Eveline A. , Karremans Johan C. , Beest Ilja van
Published: May 2012

Research has repeatedly shown that social exclusion is distressful regardless of mitigating circumstances. In three studies we show that financially compensating social exclusion reduces the unpleasant experience and affects subsequent coping. Participants played a game of Cyberball, and either received money when they were excluded or not. Results showed that financially compensating social exclusion reduced self-reported distress and neural activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), a region found active during physical and social pain. Finally, participants played a dictator game with those who included them, excluded them, or with new players. Results showed that financial compensation increased offers to sources of exclusion to the amount that was given to sources of inclusion or new players. Hence, financially compensating exclusion helps those who are hurt and those who exclude.
Neighborhood Diversity and Social Identity Complexity
Authors: Schmid Katharina , Hewstone Miles , Ramiah Ananthi Al
Published: May 2012

The authors argue that exposure to contextual diversity can prompt more complex, differentiated, and inclusive multiple in-group perceptions, that is, social identity complexity, with positive consequences for intergroup relations. Two unique, large-scale national surveys, involving respondents sampled from neighborhoods of varying degrees of diversity in Germany (Study 1; N = 1,381 drawn from 50 different neighborhoods) and England (Study 2; N = 580 drawn from 192 different neighborhoods), tested the prediction that people living in ethnically diverse neighborhoods would be higher in social identity complexity and, in turn, hold less negative intergroup attitudes. Results confirmed this hypothesis, showing that greater diversity was directly associated with higher social identity complexity (Studies 1 and 2) and indirectly associated with less in-group bias (Studies 1 and 2), and less social distance (Study 2), via social identity complexity. Findings are discussed with regard to their implications for the consequences of diversity for intergroup relations.
Effect of preheat and post-heating on diffusible hydrogen content of welds
Authors: Padhy G K , Ramasubbu V , Murugesan N , Remash C , Albert S K
Published: May 2012

A systematic study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of pre- and post-heating to bring down the diffusible hydrogen (HD) content in the welds to levels that are unlikely to cause cracking. Specimens for HD measurement were prepared as per ISO standard 3690, and the measurement was carried out using standard mercury method and the newly developed hot extraction technique, which uses a hydrogen sensor. Results show that pre- and post-heating of the weld at lower temperatures are more effective than preheating alone at higher temperatures to bring down the HD content in the welds. Results also indicate that if the HD content of welding consumable is known, it is possible to choose the preheat and post-heat temperatures that will bring down the HD content remaining in the weld to sufficiently low levels so that danger of delayed cracking is minimum. Such information can help to optimise the pre- and post-heating requirements during weld fabrication, resulting in substantial energy savings.
Effect of microstructure on hardness of submicrometre thin films and nanostructured devices
Authors: Bull S. J. , Sanderson L. , Moharrami N. , Oila A.
Published: May 2012

The manufacture of mechanical devices such as microelectromechanical systems from thin films can lead to circumstances where the scale of the mechanical deformation induced by device operation is comparable with the scale of the microstructure of the materials from which they are made. A similar observation occurs when using indentation tests to assess the hardness of thin films, where the plastic zone dimensions may be comparable with the grain size. The present paper highlights the effect of grain size, shape and orientation on the indentation response of copper thin films used for semiconductor metallisation. The conditions under which continuum behaviour is observed are discussed, and the effect of crystallographic anisotropy on the choice of appropriate design data will be highlighted for copper coatings. The choice of test conditions such as control method and loading protocol required to generate reliable data is also discussed.
Multiscale modelling approach for predicting solidification structure evolution in vacuum arc remelted superalloy ingots
Authors: Nastac L
Published: May 2012

The present paper describes the mathematical development and validation of a comprehensive stochastic model capable of predicting at the mesoscopic level the solidification structure, Laves, and NbC phases in superalloy ingots processed by vacuum arc remelting (VAR) technology. The multiscale modelling approach consists of a coupling between a fully transient deterministic macroscopic code and a stochastic mesoscopic solidification structure code. Predictions from the model were validated against experimental measurements. Multiscale model predictions are compared against a commercial size VAR ingot.
On assessment of processing variables on copper–tin functionally graded alloys produced by incremental melting and solidification process
Authors: Silva F S , Mazare L , Pinto P , Miranda G , Soares D
Published: May 2012

The present work is concerned with the ability of the incremental melting and solidification process to be used in a controlled way to produce functionally graded materials in industrial environments. For this purpose, the influence of the main process parameters, namely relative mould/coil rate and melt temperature, is evaluated in relation to the obtained final component chemical composition gradient. Several graded components of Cu–Sn alloys were produced. The effect of the process parameters on the final component gradient was quantified. It was verified that both the melt temperature and the relative mould/coil rate play a similar role in final component chemical composition gradient. Predictive equations for the gradient, namely the extension of chemical composition gradient zones, are proposed based on the two studied variables.
Interfacial reactions of sequentially electroplated Au/Sn/Au films on Si chips
Authors: Huang M L , Pan J L , Ma H T , Zhao N
Published: May 2012

Au−30 at-Sn eutectic alloy was fabricated by sequentially pulse electroplating Au and Sn films on Si chips. Three kinds of Au/Sn/Au triple layer films were prepared in the present work: Au/Sn/Au (6/6/1 μm) films, Au/Sn/Au (6/6/6 μm) films and Au/Sn/Au (8/6/1 μm) films. The microstructure and phase transformation in Au/Sn/Au films during aging and reflow soldering were investigated. For Au/Sn/Au (6/6/1 μm) films during aging at 100 and 150°C, the layered AuSn/AuSn2/AuSn4 structure formed in the reaction region. Furthermore, the Sn film was completely consumed, and AuSn4 finally transformed into AuSn and AuSn2 after aging at 150°C for 15 h. For Au/Sn/Au (6/6/6 μm) films during aging at 150°C, the electroplating sequence had an important effect on the formation of Au−Sn phases. An Au5Sn layer was present at the Au II/Sn interface but not at the Au I/Sn interface. For Au/Sn/Au (8/6/1 μm) films, the micropores that formed preferentially along the Au5Sn/AuSn interface remarkably decreased with increasing reflow temperature from 280 to 310°C. After reflowing for 10 s, the microstructure was not an Au−Sn eutectic; however, after reflowing for 60 s, coarsened primary Au5Sn phase and typical Au−30 at-Sn eutectic microstructure of fine eutectic phases (AuSn+Au5Sn) formed.
Effect of Si content in hot dipping aluminium bath on Al–Fe bonding layer of aluminium piston with reinforced cast iron ring
Authors: Li C A , Xiong J , Sun L , Liao Z , Peng M C
Published: May 2012

Pistons with reinforced cast iron ring are produced to meet the increasing performance requirement of internal combustion engines with high power. The intermetallic bonding between piston alloys and cast iron ring must be able to withstand the high pressure and high temperature environment of internal combustion engines. Consequently, the quality and strength of the intermetallic bonding are very important in piston manufacturing. In the present work, the effects of Si content variation in the hot dipping aluminium bath on interface reaction and the intermetallic bonding strength between the cast iron ring and the piston alloys are investigated. The results indicate that bonding strength increases with the increase in Si in the hot dipping aluminium bath to eutectic composition and decreases with excess Si. The mechanism for the variation of bonding strength is also discussed.
Carburising behaviour of low carbon steel with nanocrystalline surface layer induced by ball milling
Authors: Forghani F , Dolatmoradi A , Kahrobaee S , Khaki J Vahdati , Haddad-Sabzevar M
Published: May 2012

Ball milling, as a surface nanocrystallisation method, was employed to investigate the influence of severe plastic deformation on the carburisation treatment performed on low carbon steel. The results indicated an enhancement in the carburisation efficiency as a result of surface milling. This enhancement was attributed to the formation of a nanocrystalline layer in the surface of the treated samples. It was found that the main reasons for the accelerated kinetics of the carburisation process would be the considerable amounts of non-equilibrium defects and the finer austenite grains in the early and later stages of the treatment respectively, which facilitate the carbon diffusion.
Statistical characterisation of inclusions in metals: From 2D to 3D
Authors: Cetin A , Naess A
Published: May 2012

Inclusions play a significant role in certain failure processes and material specifications. Therefore, characterising the largest inclusions in a finite volume of metal from observations on polished surfaces is a key problem facing industry and research. Current efforts to predict the largest inclusions expected to occur in a volume based on light microscopy investigations of polished surfaces are dominated by the simple heuristic model developed by Murakami and his collaborators. In the present paper, an alternative and comprehensive statistical model for inclusion characterisation based on block maximum sampling from polished surfaces is presented. The relation between the observations (two-dimensional) and the actual inclusions (three-dimensional) is transparently modelled. Furthermore, similarities and differences with an existing popular model are explored. The presented model offers deeper insight with the convenience of two-dimensional inspections.
Corrosion of plasma sprayed NiCrAl/Al2O3–13 wt-%TiO2 coatings with and without sealing
Authors: Zhang J J , Wang Z H , Lin P H , Si L Q , Shen G J , Zhou Z H , Jiang S Q , Lu W H
Published: May 2012

Plasma spraying is a well established technique for many industrial applications. In the present study, plasma sprayed Al2O3+13 wt-%TiO2 coatings with bond layer of NiCrAl were prepared and characterised by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Silicone resin sealing treatment was applied to the coating, and the salt spray test and electrochemical testing were conducted to investigate the effect of the sealant on the corrosion resistance of the coatings. It was found that the sealants filled the pores and microcracks in the coating and formed a thin layer with the ceramic, protecting the substrate from corrosion, while the as sprayed coating was subjected to pitting corrosion in the form of electrochemical corrosion at the interface between the bonding layer and the substrate.
Electrodeposition of Ni and Co coatings from ionic liquid
Authors: Srivastava M , Yoganandan G , Grips V K William
Published: May 2012

The aim of the present study is to compare the structure and properties of nickel, cobalt and nickel–cobalt alloy coatings obtained from ionic liquid (IL) with those obtained from aqueous electrolyte. Choline chloride, a cheap and non-toxic IL, has been chosen for electrodeposition. The coatings obtained from IL displayed higher microhardness compared with those obtained from aqueous electrolyte. A difference in the surface morphology was observed. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the nickel rich coatings exhibited face centred cubic crystal structure, whereas those rich in cobalt displayed hexagonal close packed structure. Comparison in the corrosion behaviour of the coatings showed that the Ni coating possessed better corrosion resistance irrespective of the electrolyte adopted.
Evaluation of treatment outcome in 175 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma aged 60 years or over: the SHIELD study
Authors: Proctor Stephen J. , Wilkinson Jennifer , Jones Gail , Watson Gillian C. , Lucraft Helen H. , Mainou-Fowler Tryfonia , Culligan Dominic , Galloway Michael J. , Wood Katrina M. , McNally Richard J. Q. , James Peter W. , Goodlad John R.
Published: May 2012

The SHIELD program for Hodgkin lymphoma in patients 60 years of age or older, prospectively evaluated clinical features and outcome in a large patient cohort (n = 175). The central element was a phase 2 study of VEPEMB chemotherapy (n = 103, median age 73 years) incorporating comorbidity assessment. A total of 72 other patients were treated off-study but registered prospectively and treated concurrently with: ABVD (n = 35); CLVPP (n = 19), or other (n = 18). Of VEPEMB patients, 31 had early-stage disease (stage 1A/2A) and received VEPEMB 3 times plus radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 36 months. Complete remission (CR) rate (intention-to-treat) was 74% and 3-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 81% and 74%, respectively. A total of 72 patients had advanced-stage disease (stage 1B/2B/3 or 4) and received VEPEMB 6 times. CR rate was 61% with 3-year OS and PFS of 66% and 58%, respectively. Of patients achieving CR, 13% with early-stage and 5% with advanced-stage disease progressed. Overall treatment-related mortality was 7%. In patients treated with curative intent with VEPEMB, ABVD, and CLVPP (n = 157), CR linked to several factors in univariate analysis. In a Cox regression model only, obtaining CR remained significant for OS and CR plus comorbidity and age for PFS. RS-EBV status had no significant effect on outcome.
Phylogenomics of the benzoxazinoid biosynthetic pathway of Poaceae: gene duplications and origin of the Bx cluster
Authors: Dutartre Leslie , Hilliou Frédérique , Feyereisen René
Published: May 2012

Background

The benzoxazinoids 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-7- methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), are key defense compounds present in major agricultural crops such as maize and wheat. Their biosynthesis involves nine enzymes thought to form a linear pathway leading to the storage of DI(M)BOA as glucoside conjugates. Seven of the genes (Bx1-Bx6 and Bx8) form a cluster at the tip of the short arm of maize chromosome 4 that includes four P450 genes (Bx2-5) belonging to the same CYP71C subfamily. The origin of this cluster is unknown.

Results

We show that the pathway appeared following several duplications of the TSA gene (α-subunit of tryptophan synthase) and of a Bx2-like ancestral CYP71C gene and the recruitment of Bx8 before the radiation of Poaceae. The origins of Bx6 and Bx7 remain unclear. We demonstrate that the Bx2-like CYP71C ancestor was not committed to the benzoxazinoid pathway and that after duplications the Bx2-Bx5 genes were under positive selection on a few sites and underwent functional divergence, leading to the current specific biochemical properties of the enzymes. The absence of synteny between available Poaceae genomes involving the Bx gene regions is in contrast with the conserved synteny in the TSA gene region.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that rearrangements following duplications of an IGL/TSA gene and of a CYP71C gene probably resulted in the clustering of the new copies (Bx1 and Bx2) at the tip of a chromosome in an ancestor of grasses. Clustering favored cosegregation and tip chromosomal location favored gene rearrangements that allowed the further recruitment of genes to the pathway. These events, a founding event and elongation events, may have been the key to the subsequent evolution of the benzoxazinoid biosynthetic cluster.
Identification of the minimal region in lipase ABC transporter recognition domain of Pseudomonas fluorescens for secretion and fluorescence of green fluorescent protein
Authors: Park Yeonwoo , Moon Yuseok , Ryoo Jungmin , Kim Nayeon , Cho Hyounghoon , Ahn Jung Hoon
Published: May 2012

Background

TliA is a thermostable lipase secreted by the type 1 secretion system (T1SS) of Pseudomonas fluorescens. The secretion is promoted by its secretion/chaperone domain located near the C-terminus, which is composed mainly of four Repeat-in-Toxin (RTX) repeats. In order to identify the minimal region of TliA responsible for its secretion, five different copies of the secretion/chaperone domain, each involving truncated N-terminal residues and a common C-terminus, were acquired and named as lipase ABC transporter recognition domains (LARDs). Each LARD was fused to epidermal growth factor (EGF) or green fluorescent protein (GFP), and the secretion of EGF-LARD or GFP-LARD fusion proteins was assessed in Escherichia coli with ABC transporter.

Results

Among the fusion proteins, GFP or EGF with 105-residue LARD3 was most efficiently secreted. In addition, GFP-LARD3 emitted wild type GFP fluorescence. Structurally, LARD3 had the 4 RTX repeats exposed at the N-terminus, while other LARDs had additional residues prior to them or missed some of the RTX repeats. LARD3 was both necessary and sufficient for efficient secretion and maintenance of GFP fluorescence in E. coli, which was also confirmed in P. fluorescens and P. fluorescens ▵tliA, a knock-out mutant of tliA.

Conclusion

LARD3 was a potent secretion signal in T1SS for its fusion flanking RTX motif, which enhanced secretion and preserved the fluorescence of GFP. LARD3-mediated secretion in E. coli or P. fluorescens will enable the development of enhanced protein manufacturing factory and recombinant microbe secreting protein of interest in situ.
A new technique for testing distribution of knowledge and to estimate sampling sufficiency in ethnobiology studies
Authors: Sousa Araújo Thiago Antonio , Almeida Alyson Luiz Santos , Melo Joabe Gomes , Medeiros Maria Franco Trindade , Ramos Marcelo Alves , Silva Rafael Ricardo Vasconcelos , Almeida Cecília Fátima Castelo Branco Range , Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino
Published: May 2012

Background

We propose a new quantitative measure that enables the researcher to make decisions and test hypotheses about the distribution of knowledge in a community and estimate the richness and sharing of information among informants. In our study, this measure has two levels of analysis: intracultural and intrafamily.

Methods

Using data collected in northeastern Brazil, we evaluated how these new estimators of richness and sharing behave for different categories of use.

Results

We observed trends in the distribution of the characteristics of informants. We were also able to evaluate how outliers interfere with these analyses and how other analyses may be conducted using these indices, such as determining the distance between the knowledge of a community and that of experts, as well as exhibiting the importance of these individuals' communal information of biological resources. One of the primary applications of these indices is to supply the researcher with an objective tool to evaluate the scope and behavior of the collected data.
Comparative evaluation of the cadaveric, radiographic and computed tomographic anatomy of the heads of green iguana (Iguana iguana) , common tegu ( Tupinambis merianae) and bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps)
Authors: Banzato Tommaso , Selleri Paolo , Veladiano Irene A , Martin Andrea , Zanetti Emanuele , Zotti Alessandro
Published: May 2012

Background

Radiology and computed tomography are the most commonly available diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of pathologies affecting the head and skull in veterinary practice. Nevertheless, accurate interpretation of radiographic and CT studies requires a thorough knowledge of the gross and the cross-sectional anatomy. Despite the increasing success of reptiles as pets, only a few reports over their normal imaging features are currently available. The aim of this study is to describe the normal cadaveric, radiographic and computed tomographic features of the heads of the green iguana, tegu and bearded dragon.

Results

6 adult green iguanas, 4 tegus, 3 bearded dragons, and, the adult cadavers of : 4 green iguana, 4 tegu, 4 bearded dragon were included in the study. 2 cadavers were dissected following a stratigraphic approach and 2 cadavers were cross-sectioned for each species. These latter specimens were stored in a freezer (−20°C) until completely frozen. Transversal sections at 5 mm intervals were obtained by means of an electric band-saw. Each section was cleaned and photographed on both sides. Radiographs of the head of each subject were obtained. Pre- and post- contrast computed tomographic studies of the head were performed on all the live animals. CT images were displayed in both bone and soft tissue windows. Individual anatomic structures were first recognised and labelled on the anatomic images and then matched on radiographs and CT images. Radiographic and CT images of the skull provided good detail of the bony structures in all species. In CT contrast medium injection enabled good detail of the soft tissues to be obtained in the iguana whereas only the eye was clearly distinguishable from the remaining soft tissues in both the tegu and the bearded dragon.

Conclusions

The results provide an atlas of the normal anatomical and in vivo radiographic and computed tomographic features of the heads of lizards, and this may be useful in interpreting any imaging modality involving these species.
Effects of expertise on football betting
Authors: Khazaal Yasser , Chatton Anne , Billieux Joël , Bizzini Lucio , Monney Grégoire , Fresard Emmanuelle , Thorens Gabriel , Bondolfi Guido , El-Guebaly Nady , Zullino Daniele , Khan Riaz
Published: May 2012

Background

Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports in the world, including Europe. It is associated with important betting activities. A common belief, widely spread among those who participate in gambling activities, is that knowledge and expertise on football lead to better prediction skills for match outcomes. If unfounded, however, this belief should be considered as a form of “illusion of control.” The aim of this study was to examine whether football experts are better than nonexperts at predicting football match scores.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty-eight persons took part in the study: 21.3% as football experts, 54.3% as laypersons (non-initiated to football), and 24.4% as football amateurs. They predicted the scores of the first 10 matches of the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship. Logistic regressions were carried out to assess the link between the accuracy of the forecasted scores and the expertise of the participants (expert, amateur, layperson), controlling for age and gender.

Results

The variables assessed did not predict the accuracy of scoring prognosis (R2 ranged from 1% to 6%).

Conclusions

Expertise, age, and gender did not appear to have an impact on the accuracy of the football match prognoses. Therefore, the belief that football expertise improves betting skills is no more than a cognitive distortion called the “illusion of control.” Gamblers may benefit from psychological interventions that target the illusion of control related to their believed links between betting skills and football expertise. Public health policies may need to consider the phenomenon in order to prevent problem gambling related to football betting.
Elevated expression of chloride intracellular channel 1 is correlated with poor prognosis in human gliomas
Authors: Wang Liang , He Shiming , TU Yanyang , Ji Peigang , Zong Jianhai , Zhang Jingyu , Feng Fuqiang , Zhao Jipei , Zhang Yongsheng , Gao Guodong
Published: May 2012

Background

Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) is expressed ubiquitously in human tissues and is involved in the regulation of cell cycle, cell proliferation and differentiation. Recent studies have shown that CLIC1 is highly expressed in several human malignant tumors. However, its roles in human gliomas are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological significance and prognostic value of CLIC1 expression in human gliomas.

Methods

CLIC1 expression in human gliomas and nonneoplastic brain tissues was measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay and immunohistochemistry. Its association with clinicopathological factors or prognosis in patients with gliomas was statistically analyzed.

Results

The expression of CLIC1 at both mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased in high-grade (Grade III~IV) glioma tissues compared with that in low-grade (Grade I~II) and nonneoplastic brain tissues, and was up-regulated with ascending tumor World Health Organization (WHO) grades. The elevated expression of CLIC1 protein was also significantly correlated with low Karnofsky performance score (KPS) (P=0.008). Moreover, both univariate and multivariate analysis shown that high CLIC1 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with gliomas (P<0.001 and P=0.01, respectively). In particular, the elevated CLIC1 expression also correlated with shorter overall survival in different glioma subgroups stratified according to the WHO grading.

Conclusions

Our data provide the first evidence that CLIC1 expression might play an important role in the regulation of aggressiveness in human gliomas. The elevated expression of CLIC1 might represent a valuable prognostic marker for this disease.
Non-traumatic dislocation (Cam Jump) in a revision knee: a case report
Authors: Arumilli Buchi Rajendra Babu , Ferns Bernard , Smith Martin , Thalava Ramesh , Obeid Elmoez , Muddu Bishalahalli
Published: May 2012

Dislocation after total knee arthroplasty is a difficult problem and is even more challenging if it occurs following revision. We report the case of a 82 year old male presenting after a frank posterior dislocation (Cam Jump) in a posterior stabilized revision knee arthroplasty without trauma. Flexion space instability with extensor insufficiency was presumed to be the cause of the dislocation without significant trauma. The possibility of worsening collateral stability with high flexion ranges following knee replacement is also explored.