bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergy of Radiotherapy and a Cancer Vaccine for the Treatment of HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Mondini Michele , Nizard Mevyn , Tran Thi , Mauge Laetitia , Loi Mauro , Clémenson Céline , Dugue Delphine , Maroun Pierre , Louvet Emilie , Adam Julien , Badoual Cécile , Helley Dominique , Dransart Estelle , Johannes Ludger , Vozenin Marie-Catherine , Perfettini Jean-Luc , Tartour Eric , Deutsch Eric
Published: April 2015

There is growing interest in the association of radiotherapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors. Here, we report an extremely effective combination of local irradiation (IR) and Shiga Toxin B (STxB)–based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for the treatment of HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The efficacy of the irradiation and vaccine association was tested using a model of HNSCC obtained by grafting TC-1/luciferase cells at a submucosal site of the inner lip of immunocompetent mice. Irradiation and the STxB-E7 vaccine acted synergistically with both single and fractionated irradiation schemes, resulting in complete tumor clearance in the majority of the treated mice. A dose threshold of 7.5 Gy was required to elicit the dramatic antitumor response. The combined treatment induced high levels of tumor-infiltrating, antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, which were required to trigger the antitumor activity. Treatment with STxB-E7 and irradiation induced CD8+ T-cell memory, which was sufficient to exert complete antitumor responses in both local recurrences and distant metastases. We also report for the first time that a combination therapy based on local irradiation and vaccination induces an increased pericyte coverage (as shown by αSMA and NG2 staining) and ICAM-1 expression on vessels. This was associated with enhanced intratumor vascular permeability that correlated with the antitumor response, suggesting that the combination therapy could also act through an increased accessibility for immune cells. The combination strategy proposed here offers a promising approach that could potentially be transferred into early-phase clinical trials. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(6); 1336–45. ©2015 AACR.
In vitro Activity of Cefditoren against Middle Ear Fluid Isolates from Costa Rican Children with Otitis Media
Authors: Ulloa Catalina , Guevara Silvia , Soley Carolina , Abdelnour Arturo , Arguedas Adriano
Published: April 2015

Otitis media (OM) is one of the most common infections in children, Streptococcus pneumoniae and nontypable Haemophilus influenzae being the two most common pathogens isolated in the middle ear fluid (MEF) of children with OM. Cefditoren is a third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including activity against those pathogens commonly causing OM, with enhanced stability against common β-lactamases. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of cefditoren against pathogens collected from the MEF of Costa Rican children with OM between 2006 and 2011. A total of 715 samples were analyzed. Among the 89 S. pneumoniae strains that were penicillin-nonsusceptible, only 7% were cefditoren-resistant according to Spanish Regulatory Agency criteria; among the H. influenza and M. catarrhalis isolates obtained, 100 and 90% of the isolates, respectively, were cefditoren-susceptible. MIC50/90 against the 207 PCV-13 S. pneumoniae serotyped strains and the 79 serotypes not covered by PCV-13 for cefditoren were 0.03/1 and 0.03/0.12 mg/l, respectively. For both amoxicillin-susceptible and resistant H. influenzae strains, the MIC range against cefditoren was from ≤0.015 to 0.06 mg/l as well. In conclusion, the confirmation of the wide spectrum of activity of cefditoren and its intrinsic strength against resistant strains allows us to suggest that cefditoren might be included as one of the best choices among antibiotics that are widely used in empiric therapy for OM in pediatric patients.
The Impact of Different Diagnostic Criteria on the Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Healthy Elderly Participants and Geriatric Outpatients
Authors: Reijnierse Esmee M. , Trappenburg Marijke C. , Leter Morena J. , Blauw Gerard Jan , Sipilä Sarianna , Sillanpää Elina , Narici Marco V. , Hogrel Jean-Yves , Butler-Browne Gillian , McPhee Jamie S. , Gapeyeva Helena , Pääsuke Mati , de van der Schueren Marian A.E. , Meskers Carel G.M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: April 2015

Background: A consensus on the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, a common syndrome in the elderly, has not been reached yet. Prevalence rates vary between studies due to the use of different criteria encompassing different measures, correction factors and cutoff points. Objective: This study compared prevalence rates of sarcopenia using nine sets of diagnostic criteria applied in two different elderly populations. Methods: The study population encompassed 308 healthy elderly participants (152 males, 156 females; mean age 74 years) and 123 geriatric outpatients (54 males, 69 females; mean age 81 years). Diagnostic criteria included relative muscle mass, absolute muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Results: Prevalence rates of sarcopenia varied between 0 and 15% in healthy elderly participants and between 2 and 34% in geriatric outpatients. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrates the dependency of sarcopenia prevalence rates on the applied diagnostic criteria.
Utility of 99mTc-PEG4-E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)]2 in Posttherapy Surveillance of Patients with Reelevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels
Authors: Gao Rui , Zhang Guangjian , Chen Ling , Zhu Zhaohui , Wang Fan , Yang Aimin
Published: April 2015

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of 99mTc-PEG4-E[PEG4-c (RGDfK)]2 (99mTc-3PRGD2) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in monitoring the recurrence of malignancies. Materials and Methods:99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT was performed on 28 patients (10 females and 18 males; median age 49.2 years) suspected of recurrent malignancies due to an asymptomatically reelevated carcinoembryonic antigen level. The SPECT was performed 0.5 h after an intravenous injection of 11.1 MBq/kg (0.3 mCi/kg) of 99mTc-3PRGD2. The SPECT and concurrent contrast-enhanced computed tomography (ceCT) findings were analyzed with reference to the histopathological findings and/or clinical follow-up data. Results: Recurrences were identified in 20 out of the 28 patients (prevalence 71.4%) with altogether 26 lesions. Fifteen lesions were confirmed by histopathological findings, and the other 11 lesions were confirmed by serial radiological or clinical follow-up. Of the 20 patients with recurrent malignancies, 12 (60%) were correctly identified by 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT. In the patient-based analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of 99mTc-3PRGD2 SPECT were 60 and 100%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 100 and 50%, respectively. In the lesion-based evaluation, the sensitivity and specificity were 62 and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the ceCT in the patient-based evaluation were 60 and 75%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 86 and 40%, respectively. In the lesion-based evaluation, the sensitivity and specificity of the ceCT were 70 and 84%, respectively. Conclusions:99mTc-3PRGD2, as a new SPECT tracer targeting the integrin αvβ3 receptor, was more useful in distinguishing recurrences as compared to ceCT.
Leaf constituents of Curcuma spp. suppress Meloidogyne hapla and increase bacterial-feeding nematodes
Authors: Nair Muraleedharan G. , Seenivasan Nagachandrabose , Liu Yunbao , Feick Rebecca M. , Maung Zin-Thu-Zar , Melakeberhan Haddish
Published: April 2015

Bioactive compounds extracted from agronomical plants have the potential to be ecologically safe and efficient alternatives to restricted broad-spectrum nematicides for managing root pests like Meloidogyne hapla. This study determined the effects of Curcuma longa and C. mangga leaf extracts and constituents on M. hapla infection, beneficial nematodes found in soil, and plant growth under glasshouse conditions over 350-420 degree-days (base 10°C). Incorporation of 60 and 120 g fresh leaves (kg soil)−1 of both Curcuma spp. suppressed the numbers of M. hapla infecting roots of tomato cv. Rutgers but increased beneficial nematodes in soil with minimal negative effect on plant health and growth. Curcuma mangga appears to be more favourable to beneficial nematodes than C. longa. Rhabditis, Acrobeloides and Eucephalobus were the dominant beneficial nematodes isolated from soils amended with Curcuma spp. The safe and selective activities of Curcuma spp. suggest potential for developing biologically integrated M. hapla management strategies.
The Role of the Best Interests Principle in Decisions Affecting Children and Decisions about Children
Authors: Eekelaar John
Published: April 2015

The principle of the best interests of the child is firmly established and operates across a wide range of circumstances. The generally accepted view is that the principle demands decision makers to seek the best outcome for the children concerned, but that this has to be weighed against other interests. This leads to a very open-ended process. This article picks up on a distinction made, but not developed, between decisions about children and decisions about other matters which affect children indirectly. This distinction could be helpful in providing a better structure for these decisions. It is also shown that this structure is reconcilable with Article 8 of the European Convention.
Politics and the Neutralization of History: A Reply
Authors: Boldizzoni Francesco
Published: April 2015

In his response to Arjo Klamer, Wolfgang Streeck and Adam Tooze, Francesco Boldizzoni continues his reflection on the public role of history, dwelling in particular on the uses and abuses of the past, history’s problematic relationship with the social sciences, and the concept of “historical agnosticism.” He concludes that the neutralization of history, and the construction of atemporal narratives, has gone hand in hand with the Atlanticization of politics.
Sacrifice, Abandonment, and Historical Nihilism
Authors: Fiala Andrew
Published: April 2015

Historical consciousness leaves us with the problem of historical nihilism: individuals feeling sacrificed and abandoned by the flow of time. This paper considers this problem, while considering Hegel’s philosophy of history as a useful response. The attempt to construct meaning in history can provide a sense of reconciliation with the movement of history. This paper describes the problem of historical nihilism. It explains Hegel’s response to the problem as a middle path. And responds to criticisms that have been leveled against Hegel and his understanding of the way that historical consciousness can provide reconciliation to the sacrifice and abandonment that occurs in history.
Hume and the Historicity of Human Nature
Authors: Grigoriev Serge
Published: April 2015

This paper urges a reconsideration of Hume’s role in the philosophy of history. It begins by challenging the common perception of Hume as a proto-positivist hoping to draw from history a mechanical causal account of the unchanging human nature. It draws attention instead to his grasp of historical contingency, the sui generis nature of the social world, and the complexity of the relationships of recognition and identity-formation which structure its operation. The paper goes on to examine Hume’s position in the light of the idea of the historicity of human nature. It is argued that Hume could be perfectly comfortable with the idea of changes in human nature as well as with the contextual dependence of terms in which human nature comes to define and redefine itself over time. What Hume cannot countenance is the prospect of a radical discontinuity within human nature, the potential significance of which is downplayed by his methodological reliance, qua a historian, on critical common sense and the moralistic vocabulary of folk psychology associated with it.
Corrections to Phytotaxa 197: A revised delimitation of the rattan genus Calamus (Arecaceae)
Authors: Baker William
Published: April 2015

In Phytotaxa 197 (Baker 2015), I placed the rattan genera Ceratolobus Blume (in Schultes & Schultes 1830: lxxx), Daemonorops Blume (in Schultes & Schultes 1830: 1333) and Pogonotium Dransfield (1980: 763) in synonymy with Calamus Linnaeus (1753: 325). Subsequently, two nomenclatural errors and one overlooked synonym have been drawn to my attention. These are corrected here.
Small-Scale Precipitation Elements in Midlatitude Cyclones Crossing the California Sierra Nevada
Authors: Medina Socorro , Houze Robert A.
Published: April 2015

Radar data in some frontal systems passing over the Sierra Nevada of California show large variance on scales of ~10 km. The most prominent features are a few kilometers in scale and are similar to small-scale precipitation cells embedded in fronts seen over other mountain ranges. Other frontal systems crossing the Sierras are characterized by more uniform air motions. Updrafts in large-variance storms have characteristics of shear-induced turbulence, although buoyant instability may also contribute. Large-variance storms occur under stronger upstream winds and vertically integrated cross- and along-barrier moisture fluxes. Rain gauges indicate that large-variance storms have precipitation greater than smaller-variance storms. Stronger horizontal moisture fluxes may provide greater mean upslope condensation rates; however, it is hypothesized that accelerated microphysical processes are needed to most efficiently convert the condensate into precipitation that falls out on the lower slopes before being carried downstream. Radar data indicate that the turbulence embodied in the cellular motions of the large-variance cases is consistent with microphysical enhancement resulting from updraft elements producing pockets of liquid water conducive to riming and coalescence. In addition, radar spectrum-width data show that the cells contain strong subcell-scale turbulence conducive to particle collisions and aggregation. Polarimetric radar data just below the 0°C level show large raindrops in the cells, consistent with aggregation occurring in cells just above the melting layer. It is hypothesized that such enhanced microphysical processes in large-variance cases hasten the growth and fallout in the regions of maximum condensation over the windward slopes.
Practical Predictability of the 20 May 2013 Tornadic Thunderstorm Event in Oklahoma: Sensitivity to Synoptic Timing and Topographical Influence
Authors: Zhang Yunji , Zhang Fuqing , Stensrud David J. , Meng Zhiyong
Published: April 2015

The practical predictability of severe convective thunderstorms during the 20 May 2013 severe weather event that produced the catastrophic enhanced Fujita scale 5 (EF-5) tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, was explored using ensembles of convective-permitting model simulations. The sensitivity of initiation and the subsequent organization and intensity of the thunderstorms to small yet realistic uncertainties in boundary layer and topographical influence within a few hours preceding the thunderstorm event was examined. It was found that small shifts in either simulation time or terrain configuration led to considerable differences in the atmospheric conditions within the boundary layer. Small shifts in simulation time led to changes in low-level moisture and instability, primarily through the vertical distribution of moisture within the boundary layer due to vertical mixing during the diurnal cycle as well as advection by low-level jets, thereby influencing convection initiation. Small shifts in terrain led to changes in the wind field, low-level vertical wind shear, and storm-relative environmental helicity, altering locally enhanced convergence that may trigger convection. After initiation, an upscale growth of errors resulting from deep moist convection led to large forecast uncertainties in the timing, intensity, structure, and organization of the developing mesoscale convective system and its embedded supercells.
The carbon tetrachloride model in mice
Authors: Scholten D , Trebicka J , Liedtke C , Weiskirchen R
Published: April 2015

Recently, the need for more standardized operation procedures in experimental liver fibrosis research was suggested due to dramatic changes in European animal welfare rules. Here, we present a short series of standard operation procedures (SOPs) summarizing the most relevant and widely accepted experimental models for the induction of liver injury leading to liver fibrosis. The described procedures are based on the long-term experience of the Collaborative Research Centre ‘Organ Fibrosis: From Mechanisms of Injury to Modulation of Disease’ ( http://www.sfbtrr57.rwth-aachen.de/ ), which is supported by the German Research Foundation (SFB/TRR57). These SOPs will help to improve standardization of fibrosis models and to increase the comparability of data between different laboratories with the aim of reducing animal experimentation according to the principle that was proposed in 1959 by Russell and Burch as an ethical framework for conducting scientific experiments with animals, namely the replacement, refinement and reduction (3R) principle. In the first section we focus on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model in mice, which is the toxic model of liver fibrosis induction most commonly used worldwide.
Angiogenesis in bronchial asthma
Authors: Pałgan Krzysztof , Bartuzi Zbigniew
Published: April 2015

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by airflow obstruction that may be reversed spontaneously or in response to treatment. The airway inflammation can lead to structural changes and remodelling consisting of subepithelial layer thickening, airway smooth muscle hyperplasia and angiogenesis. Subepithelial hypervascularity and angiogenesis in the airways are part of the structural airway wall in asthma. Increased vascularity of bronchial mucosa is closely related to the expression of angiogenic factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). The scope of the present review is to summarise the roles of anagiogenic factors and treatment in vascular development.
Caring: Everybody’s business
Authors: Sharkey Shirlee
Published: April 2015

As structures become more fluid and less constrained by traditional boundaries, the time is ripe to welcome the blurring lines between government, business, and social purpose organizations. No matter where you sit on the spectrum, organizations must learn from each other, remain grounded in their strengths, and work collectively to make the fabric of our communities richer and stronger. It is here we can realize the ideals of universality and caring at the highest level.
Salary Inequity in Social Work
Authors: Lane Shannon R. , Flowers Theresa D.
Published: April 2015

Fifty years after the Equal Pay Act of 1963, research continues to find disparities between the salaries of men and women across disciplines. This study examines empirical evidence about salary and gender within the social work profession from the 1960s to present day. All available articles with empirical data regarding salary and gender during the time period were included in this systematic review. Salary disparities were found between men and women in the vast majority of studies. The authors classify contributing factors into three categories (a) characteristics of the employing organizations, (b) characteristics of the position held, and (c) characteristics of the individual, and include a discussion of factors relevant to social workers in academic positions. The researchers recommend legislative policy changes, best practices in organizational policy, and proactive education within social work programs. Social workers have the opportunity to effect change in this area by promoting social justice within our society, practice, and educational institutions.
Election Laws and Agenda Setting: How Election Law Restrictiveness Shapes the Complexity of State Ballot Measures
Authors: Milita Kerri
Published: April 2015

Recently, many U.S. states that allow citizen initiatives have passed laws designed to make it more difficult for an initiative to qualify for the ballot (e.g., by increasing the number of signatures required to get on the ballot), thereby making it harder for citizens to bypass the legislature and make direct changes to public policy. Such laws have reduced both the number of measures that make the ballot and the number that pass on Election Day. I show that laws governing access of initiatives to the ballot also shape the policy agenda; provisions making it harder for proposals to get on the ballot decrease the complexity of the initiatives on the ballot. As less complex initiatives are more likely to be understood by voters and voters are reluctant to vote for measures they do not understand, more restrictive laws actually increase the likelihood that an initiative will pass.
The prevalence of vascular calcification in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Kraus Mark A. , Kalra Philip A. , Hunter John , Menoyo José , Stankus Nicole
Published: April 2015

Background:

This multicenter international cross-sectional observational study characterized vascular and valvular calcification burden and correlations with pulse pressure, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases in prevalent hemodialysis patients.

Methods:

We enrolled 275 consecutive adults with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis for ⩾3 months. Coprimary endpoints were prevalences of: (1) echocardiographic calcification in mitral valve, aortic valve or mitral annulus; (2) aortoiliac tree vascular calcifications by plain lateral lumbar X-ray. Correlations among calcification sites and with demographics and comorbidities were determined. Pulse pressures were determined.

Results:

Subjects’ mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 56 ± 15.9 years; mean (SD) dialysis duration was 4.5 ± 4.3 years. Overall, 100% of echocardiographically imaged patients ( n = 243) had calcification in aortic valve, mitral valve, or mitral annulus; 77.8% of X-rayed patients ( n = 248) had abdominal aortic calcification. Radiographic abdominal aortic calcification score correlated significantly with calcification of aortic valve ( p < 0.0001) and mitral annulus ( p = 0.0001) but not mitral valve. Aortic valve, mitral valve, and mitral annulus calcification correlated significantly among themselves ( p < 0.0001). Moderate/severe aortic valve calcification was significantly more prevalent in patients aged ⩾65 years than <65 years, men than women, and Whites than African Americans. Pulse pressure correlated significantly with vascular calcification score ( p = 0.0049) but not with valvular calcification at any site.

Conclusions:

Vascular and valvular calcification are highly prevalent in the hemodialysis population. Peripheral vascular calcification correlates significantly with elevated pulse pressure and can be assessed easily using lateral lumbar X-ray. Further studies investigating the interaction between pulse pressure and development or progression of vascular calcification are of interest.
Effect of microtexturing on tribological performance of Ni/Ni–SiC composite coatings
Authors: Gyawali G. , Joshi B. , Tripathi K. , Kim S.-H. , Wohn Lee S.
Published: April 2015

Laser surface texturing is one of the promising surface modification techniques to reduce wear and friction properties of materials. In this study, we report the comparative effect of laser surface texturing on commercial nickel, electrodeposited nickel and Ni–SiC composite coatings. Hemispherical dimples, with 80–200 μm dimple spacing, were created and examined on the surfaces of the materials studied. The results revealed that microsurface texturing with 150 μm dimple spacing considerably improved the coefficient of friction. Electrodeposited nickel has shown improved coefficient of friction under identical texturing and tribological conditions when compared to commercial nickel. Furthermore, incorporation of SiC nanoparticles in nickel, by codeposition processes, resulted in the increase in microhardness of the coating, which in turn prevented the dimples from being deformed after wear testing. Dimple spacing accuracy and incorporated second phase ceramic particles both contributed significantly to reduction in coefficient of friction of electrodeposited Ni–SiC composite coatings.
Effect of iodine utilisation conditions on CSVT deposited CuInSe2 films
Authors: Benhalima O. , Chouia F. , Chouial B. , Hadjoudja B. , Silini S. , Chibani A.
Published: April 2015

In this work, we investigate the effect of the carrier gas (iodine) utilisation conditions on the growth of CuInSe2 (CIS) thin films deposited by the close spaced vapour transport technique. This study shows that the CIS films deposited at 430°C, with heated iodine and open reactor, are of high quality in structural, optical and electrical properties. Analysis by X-ray diffraction showed that these films are polycrystalline and have a chalcopyrite structure. The preferential orientation according to the plane (112) was obtained. The morphological study of these films showed that they present a compact aspect with crystallites of uniform size. The energy dispersive spectrometer analysis showed that these films are slightly copper rich. The optical and electrical studies at room temperature gave the following results: an energy gap of 1 eV, an absorption coefficient higher than 105 cm− 1, p type conductivity and a low resistivity of 0·12 Ω cm.
Wear characteristics of functionally graded nanocrystalline Ni–P coatings
Authors: Anvari S. R. , Monirvaghefi S. M. , Enayati M. H.
Published: April 2015

In this study, functionally graded Ni–P coatings with a gradual change of phosphorus content were deposited using a single electroless bath. For comparing tribological and mechanical properties, three types of single layer coatings were deposited. According to the results among the single layer coatings, medium P coating had the minimum wear resistance, while its hardness was not minimum. The main reason may be that the medium P coating had the minimum H/E ratio, and this ratio is a more appropriate parameter than hardness for predicting wear resistance. Results of nanoindentation test showed gradual changes in hardness profile in the cross-section of FGCs due to the gradual changes of phosphorus content in the thickness of the coatings and, consequently, gradual changes in structures. In addition, functionally graded coatings indicated much better wear resistance than single layer coatings because during the wear process cracks were effectively prevented through the thickness as a result of gradual composition and structures.
Effects of current density and agitation on co-deposition behaviour of electrodeposited Ni–TiO2 composite coating
Authors: Kim M.-J. , Kim J. S. , Kim D. J. , Kim H. P. , Hwang S. S.
Published: April 2015

In the present study, the effects of current density and agitation on the behaviour of co-deposition of TiO2 particles in an electrodeposited nickel were investigated. The electrodeposited Ni–TiO2 composite was manufactured from a nickel sulfamate bath containing TiO2 particles. The volume fraction of the incorporated TiO2 particles, the current efficiency (C.E.) and the hardness were measured in different current densities, magnetic bar speed and flow rate of the air bubble. The results indicate that the volume fraction of TiO2 particles in the nickel matrix increased with a decrease of the C.E. at the mass transfer region, but the opposite tendency was observed under the charge transfer region. The hardness of the Ni–TiO2 composite increased normally with an increase in the volume fraction of the TiO2 particles. However, the hardness increased with a decrease in the volume fraction at a lower current density region owing to the hardening of the nickel matrix.
Electroless Co–P plating on magnesium alloy and its anti-corrosion properties
Authors: Seifzadeh D. , Farhoudi L.
Published: April 2015

Electroless Co–P coating was successfully applied on AZ31 magnesium alloy through environmentally friendly cerium–lanthanum–permanganate conversion coating treatment. It is found that application of the conversion coating activates the electroless Co–P plating. Electroless nucleation centres were first formed around the conversion coating pores due to replacement reaction between the cobalt ions and the alloying elements, and then were grown to form cobalt clusters. Low phosphorous, crystalline and compact electroless coating with no obvious pores or cracks in the coating/substrate interface was obtained. The results of open circuit potential and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that the corrosion resistance of the AZ31 alloy was significantly increased by electroless Co–P plating.
Effect of SiC particle morphology on Co–P electroless coating characteristics
Authors: Noori H. , Mousavian R. Taherzadeh , Khosroshahi R. Azari , Brabazon D. , Damadi S. R.
Published: April 2015

In this study, two kinds of micrometre sized SiC powders (as received and ball milled) were used as the starting materials to investigate the effect of ceramic surface morphology on the coating characteristics. Determined optimised electroless deposition bath values of pH (9) and bath temperature (70°C) were used. It was found that etching pretreatment was very effective on the coating quality for both types of SiC powders. The experimental results indicated that milling of the powders led to the formation of multimodal sized ceramic powders with sharp edges and rough surfaces, which resulted in a uniform adhesive metallic layer on the powders without any crack formation. Finally, the effect of cobalt coating on the incorporation of ceramic particles into the molten aluminium during fabrication of aluminium matrix composite was studied, and it was revealed that a significant improvement in incorporation could be obtained using cobalt coated ceramic particles.
Drag reducing surface fabrication with deformed sharkskin morphology
Authors: Luo Y. H. , Li X. , Zhang D. Y. , Liu Y. F.
Published: April 2015

The superiority of sharkskin is the consequence of nature selection and self-evolution. The nano/microhierarchical structure covering over sharkskin can match its living surroundings perfectly, whereas the best drag reducing effect cannot be implemented at all circumstances. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the size and shape of sharkskin morphology to accommodate more potential flowing conditions. In this paper, the stretching deformed fabrication process of sharkskin surface is explored and investigated, and the super-hydrophobic and hydrodynamic drag reduction effect is inspected. The experimental results in the water tunnel indicate that the stretched sharkskin can expand the speed scope of applications with satisfactory drag reduction effect. Additionally, the drag reduction mechanism is explained and derived comprehensively, which has important significance to apprehend sharkskin effect.
Microstructure and properties of TiCrN coatings by arc ion plating
Authors: Huang M. , Chen Z. , Wang M. , Li Y. , Wang Y.
Published: April 2015

TiCrN coatings were deposited onto high-speed steel substrates by arc ion plating. The crystalline structure of the coatings was analysed by X-ray diffraction. Influence of both negative bias applied to the substrates and nitrogen flowrate on the crystalline structure was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the surface quality of the coatings. Hardness of the coatings was measured by the XP nanoindenter. It is indicated that both size and quantity of the macroparticles decrease with increasing negative bias. TiCrN coatings with enhanced hardness can be obtained when a larger negative bias is applied. Increasing nitrogen flowrate benefits hardness of the coatings as well. Compared with the TiN thin film, the TiCrN coatings exhibit better mechanical behaviour due to the solid solution strengthening effects caused by the doped Cr atoms. Influence of deposition parameters on the structure and mechanical properties has been discussed.
Effects of Ru and Ag cap layers on microstructure and magnetic properties of FePt ultrathin films
Authors: Liu Mingfeng , Jin Tianli , Hao Liang , Cao Jiangwei , Wang Ying , Wu Dongping , Bai Jianmin , Wei Fulin
Published: April 2015

The effects of Ru and Ag cap layers on the microstructure and magnetic properties of the FePt ultrathin films have been investigated. The results indicate that i) The Ag cap layer segregates from the FePt/Ag bilayer, lowers the FePt ordering temperature, promotes the FePt thin films to form island structure, and enhances the coercivity; ii) The Ru cap layer increases the FePt ordering temperature, helps to maintain smooth continuous structure film, and restrains the FePt (001) orientation and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). The effects become more pronounced for the 3-nm-thick FePt thin films. The effects can be mainly attributed to the different melting point and thermal expansion stress between the cap layer and FePt thin films.
Fingerprint-based crypto-biometric system for network security
Authors: Barman Subhas , Samanta Debasis , Chattopadhyay Samiran
Published: April 2015

To ensure the secure transmission of data, cryptography is treated as the most effective solution. Cryptographic key is an important entity in this process. In general, randomly generated cryptographic key (of 256 bits) is difficult to remember. However, such a key needs to be stored in a protected place or transported through a shared communication line which, in fact, poses another threat to security. As an alternative to this, researchers advocate the generation of cryptographic key using the biometric traits of both sender and receiver during the sessions of communication, thus avoiding key storing and at the same time without compromising the strength in security. Nevertheless, the biometric-based cryptographic key generation has some difficulties: privacy of biometrics, sharing of biometric data between both communicating parties (i.e., sender and receiver), and generating revocable key from irrevocable biometric. This work addresses the above-mentioned concerns. We propose an approach to generate cryptographic key from cancelable fingerprint template of both communicating parties. Cancelable fingerprint templates of both sender and receiver are securely transmitted to each other using a key-based steganography. Both templates are combined with concatenation based feature level fusion technique and generate a combined template. Elements of combined template are shuffled using shuffle key and hash of the shuffled template generates a unique session key. In this approach, revocable key for symmetric cryptography is generated from irrevocable fingerprint and privacy of the fingerprints is protected by the cancelable transformation of fingerprint template. Our experimental results show that minimum, average, and maximum Hamming distances between genuine key and impostor’s key are 80, 128, and 168 bits, respectively, with 256-bit cryptographic key. This fingerprint-based cryptographic key can be applied in symmetric cryptography where session based unique key is required.
Impacts of climate change on regional hydrological regimes of the Wujiang River watershed in the Karst area, Southwest China
Authors: Qin Nianxiu , Wang Junneng , Chen Xi , Yang Guishan , Liang Haoyuan
Published: April 2015

Background

The impacts of climate change on streamflow in the Wujiang River watershed of Guizhou Province, Southwest China, were investigated by using a monthly distributed hydrological model and the two–parameter climate elasticity of streamflow approach.

Results

Results showed two different approaches obtained almost identical results in term of precipitation elasticity of streamflow, which is about 1.42 across different emission scenarios. Precipitation is the primary factor controlling runoff generation. However, the effects of temperature on the streamflow cannot be neglected with evidences of opposite signs of future precipitation and streamflow; the slight decline of streamflow is associated with an increase of precipitation and a higher temperature.

Conclusion

While the magnitudes of annual mean streamflow responses are minor, there would be a seasonal shift: drier spring and wetter summer would potentially result in the increasing frequency of spring drought events and summer flooding, and would produce serious challenge for water resources planning and management for Southwest China.
President's Page
Authors: Graul Mike
Published: April 2015

Finding something valuable in the subsurface is at the core of exploration geophysics. Individuals and groups adept at this search have often been handsomely rewarded. Any technical advancement or deeper understanding that helps in the quest is similarly well regarded. Although subsurface resources are essential to our prosperity, their value fluctuates: Many SEG members probably check (perhaps with trepidation) the daily price of WTI or Brent crude oil.
Member contributions and hits propel the SEG Wiki forward
Authors: Allison Paul
Published: April 2015

The SEG Wiki received more than 1.25 million hits in the last quarter of 2014. Since its inception in 2011 and Apache Corporation's investment in 2012, the SEG Wiki has matured into an important resource for knowledge, facts, and geophysical data.
Calpain-10 Activity Underlies Angiotensin II-Induced Aldosterone Production in an Adrenal Glomerulosa Cell Model
Authors: Seremwe Mutsa , Schnellmann Rick G. , Bollag Wendy B.
Published: April 2015

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone important in the regulation of blood pressure. Aberrant production of aldosterone results in the development and progression of diseases including hypertension and congestive heart failure; therefore, a complete understanding of aldosterone production is important for developing more effective treatments. Angiotensin II (AngII) regulates steroidogenesis, in part through its ability to increase intracellular calcium levels. Calcium can activate calpains, proteases classified as typical or atypical based on the presence or absence of penta-EF-hands, which are involved in various cellular responses. We hypothesized that calpain, in particular calpain-10, is activated by AngII in adrenal glomerulosa cells and underlies aldosterone production. Our studies showed that pan-calpain inhibitors reduced AngII-induced aldosterone production in 2 adrenal glomerulosa cell models, primary bovine zona glomerulosa and human adrenocortical carcinoma (HAC15) cells, as well as CYP11B2 expression in the HAC15 cells. Although AngII induced calpain activation in these cells, typical calpain inhibitors had no effect on AngII-elicited aldosterone production, suggesting a lack of involvement of classical calpains in this process. However, an inhibitor of the atypical calpain, calpain-10, decreased AngII-induced aldosterone production. Consistent with this result, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of calpain-10 inhibited aldosterone production and CYP11B2 expression, whereas adenovirus-mediated overexpression of calpain-10 resulted in increased AngII-induced aldosterone production. Our results indicate that AngII-induced activation of calpain-10 in glomerulosa cells underlies aldosterone production and identify calpain-10 or its downstream pathways as potential targets for the development of drug therapies for the treatment of hypertension.
The Uprising of POW/MIA Wives: How Determined Women Forced America, Hanoi, and the World to Change
Authors: Smith Steven L.
Published: April 2015

In the fall of 1966, a small and informal group of wives whose husbands were classified as Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) formed a small and informal group. By December 12, 1969, this group of women had gained such power, influence, and a multitude of disparate followers that twenty-six met with President and Mrs. Pat Nixon at the White House. In part, the POW/MIA story is about a small group of women taking a decisive role to change the United States POW/MIA policy, accentuate the plight of the prisoners, and demand humane treatment by Hanoi—all in a national and global arena.
Why “Good” Followers Go “Bad”: The Power of Moral Disengagement
Authors: Johnson Craig E.
Published: April 2015

Moral disengagement answers the question of why “good” followers (those with high personal standards) go “bad” (engage in unethical and illegal activities). In moral disengagement, actors set aside the self-condemnation they would normally experience in order to engage in immoral activities with a clear conscience. Moral disengagement mechanisms encourage individuals to justify harmful behavior, to minimize personal responsibility for harm, and to devalue victims. The follower role makes individuals more vulnerable to moral disengagement. While all followers are susceptible to moral disengagement, some are more vulnerable than others due to such personal antecedents as lack of empathy, rigid and authoritarian beliefs, low self-esteem, and fear and anxiety. Retaining a sense of moral agency is the key to resisting moral disengagement. Exercise of moral agency can be encouraged by recognizing personal vulnerability; by never losing sight of the fact that “I” am at the center of any action, and by the on-going practice of self-questioning, such as modeled by the Quakers (Society of Friends).
Helping parents achieve safer male infant circumcision
Authors: Harbinson Michael J
Published: April 2015

Non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision, whether for religious or cultural reasons, is generally not available via the NHS. Tragedies can occur with unqualified practitioners, and some health-care Trusts have cooperated with local communities to provide approved services. Unfortunately, these are unevenly distributed throughout the UK and most involve cost. Midwives are well placed to help interested parents understand the procedure and contact an acceptable provider.

This article hopes to give midwives some knowledge of infant circumcision, its controversial nature, the pros and cons, the groups for whom it is important and the methods commonly used in the UK. Points are listed for patient discussion and suggestions made for examining websites. As with Scottish guidelines, were midwives to discuss neonatal circumcision with all parents in the antenatal period, it would give them time to consider the procedure and access a safe and reliable service.
Diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia: A clinical perspective on recent advances in the field
Authors: Townsend Rosemary , O'Brien Patrick , Khalil Asma
Published: April 2015

The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy encompass pre-eclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension and essential hypertension, which may be complicated by superimposed pre-eclampsia. They represent a significant contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity worldwide. A sound understanding of the pathophysiology and management of the disease is essential to safe and effective care of all women in pregnancy.

In addition, hypertension in pregnancy is associated with health risks in later life and detection in pregnancy represents an opportunity to provide women with health information that may protect them and their babies in later life.

This article addresses the current understanding of the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia and the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and presents the latest developments in screening, diagnosis and management of the disease.
Midwifery management of asthma and allergies during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum
Authors: Nolte Anna GW , Hastings-Tolsma Marie , Hoyte Flavia
Published: April 2015

Asthma and allergic rhinitis are two of the most common health problems worldwide and can present serious complication during pregnancy. While these diseases may improve, remain unchanged, or become exacerbated during pregnancy, they are frequently under-diagnosed and under-treated. The inflammatory processes involved in asthma and allergic rhinitis are superimposed on the normal respiratory changes of pregnancy, making early intervention crucial. Recognition of factors that can aggravate asthma, implementation and adherence to treatment guidelines, and diligent follow-up are important in midwifery management. Patient education is particularly important for prevention of asthma exacerbations. With careful control of asthma and allergic rhinitis, if present, excellent obstetrical outcomes can be expected.
Hand expressing in pregnancy and colostrum harvesting—preparation for successful breastfeeding?
Authors: Wszolek Kamila
Published: April 2015

Colostrum harvesting is a process involving antenatal expressing and storing of colostrum. Its benefits include quicker establishment of ‘full lactation’ ( Singh, 2009 ), increased confidence in hand expressing ( Brisbane and Giglia, 2013 ), and reduced stress over breast milk supply in the immediate postpartum period ( Cox, 2006 ). Despite its advantages, the use of colostrum harvesting remains limited, with only a small selection of UK Trusts currently utilising this process. In the past, there have been concerns over the safety of antenatal expressing and its potential to initiate premature labour ( Soltani and Scott, 2012 ). A more recent critical review of the literature found that the substantial benefits of early feeding of colostrum outweigh the lack of evidence associated with the risk of preterm labour ( Chapman et al, 2013 ; East et al, 2014 ). This article discusses the advantages of antenatal hand expressing and colostrum harvesting in view of the best available evidence.
Promoting homebirth: Intermediate homebirth report
Authors: Noble Sarah
Published: April 2015

The publication of the Place of Birth Study ( Birthplace in England Collaborative Group et al, 2011 ) provided the impetus for a West Midlands NHS Trust to develop a long-desired dedicated homebirth team. In 2013, Birmingham Women's hospital successfully bid and won a £750 000 Service Development Improvement Plan from Birmingham South Central Commissioners to lead a 3-year homebirth service pilot project. The aim of the project was to increase the homebirth rate and produce positive results in three key areas: improve women's experience of maternity services, signpost low-risk women out of hospital into the home setting, and improve outcomes and deliver care within tariff. This report reflects on the initial set-up and the launch of the new service.
What are OERs and MOOCs and what have they got to do with prep?
Authors: Power Alison , Coulson Kathryn
Published: April 2015

As technology advances and becomes more accessible, it offers midwives a greater variety of ways to meet prep (continuing professional development (CPD)) standards ( Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2011 ) and, at the end of 2015, its successor, revalidation. The concepts of online learning and open educational resources (OERs) have developed rapidly in the last two decades owing to advances in, and the massification of, information technology. The term massive open online courses (MOOCs) was devised by Dave Cormier in 2008 in response to the development of free, open, online courses which allow for an unlimited number of participants ( Cormier, 2010 ). As OERs and MOOCs are free and easily accessible, could they be useful resources for midwives to access to meet CPD requirements? This article will explain what they are; suggest how they might be useful and recommend some resources to consider.