bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-reported smoking cessation activities among Swiss primary care physicians
Authors: Jacot Sadowski Isabelle , Ruffieux Christiane , Cornuz Jacques
Published: March 2009

Background

Individual counselling, pharmacotherapy, and group therapy are evidence-based interventions that help patients stop smoking. Acupuncture, hypnosis, and relaxation have no demonstrated efficacy on smoking cessation, whereas self-help material may only have a small benefit. The purpose of this study is to assess physicians' current clinical practice regarding smokers motivated to stop smoking.

Methods

The survey included 3385 Swiss primary care physicians. Self-reported use of nine smoking cessation interventions was scored. One point was given for each positive answer about practicing interventions with demonstrated efficacy, i.e. nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, counselling, group therapy, and smoking cessation specialist. No points were given for the recommendation of acupuncture, hypnosis, relaxation, and self-help material. Multivariable logistic analysis was performed to identify factors associated with a good practice score, defined as ≥ 2.

Results

The response rate was 55%. Respondents were predominately over the age of 40 years (88%), male (79%), and resided in urban areas (74%). Seventeen percent reported being smokers. Most of the physicians prescribed nicotine replacement therapy (84%), bupropion (65%), or provided counselling (70%). A minority of physicians recommended acupuncture (26%), hypnosis (8%), relaxation (7%), or self-help material (24%). A good practice score was obtained by 85% of respondents. Having attended a smoking cessation-training program was the only significant predictor of a good practice score (odds ratio: 6.24, 95% CI 1.95–20.04).

Conclusion

The majority of respondents practice recommended smoking cessation interventions. However, there is room for improvement and implementing an evidence-based smoking cessation-training program could provide additional benefit.
Identification of novel Cyclooxygenase-2-dependent genes in Helicobacter pylori infection in vivo
Authors: Walduck Anna K , Weber Matthias , Wunder Christian , Juettner Stefan , Stolte Manfred , Vieth Michael , Wiedenmann Bertram , Meyer Thomas F , Naumann Michael , Hoecker Michael
Published: March 2009

Background

Helicobacter pyloriis a crucial determining factor in the pathogenesis of benign and neoplastic gastric diseases. Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) is the inducible key enzyme of arachidonic acid metabolism and is a central mediator in inflammation and cancer. Expression of theCox-2gene is up-regulated in the gastric mucosa duringH. pyloriinfection but the pathobiological consequences of this enhanced Cox-2 expression are not yet characterized. The aim of this study was to identify novel genes down-stream of Cox-2 in anin vivomodel, thereby identifying potential targets for the study of the role of Cox- 2 inH. pyloripathogenesis and the initiation of pre- cancerous changes.

Results

Gene expression profiles in the gastric mucosa of mice treated with a specific Cox-2 inhibitor (NS398) or vehicle were analysed at different time points (6, 13 and 19 wk) afterH. pyloriinfection.H. pyloriinfection affected the expression of 385 genes over the experimental period, including regulators of gastric physiology, proliferation, apoptosis and mucosal defence. Under conditions of Cox-2 inhibition, 160 target genes were regulated as a result ofH. pyloriinfection. The Cox-2 dependent subset included those influencing gastric physiology (Gastrin, Galr1), epithelial barrier function (Tjp1, connexin45, Aqp5), inflammation (Icam1), apoptosis (Clu) and proliferation (Gdf3, Igf2). Treatment with NS398 alone caused differential expression of 140 genes, 97 of which were unique, indicating that these genes are regulated under conditions of basal Cox-2 expression.

Conclusion

This study has identified a panel of novel Cox-2 dependent genes influenced under both normal and the inflammatory conditions induced byH. pyloriinfection. These data provide important new links between Cox-2 and inflammatory processes, epithelial repair and integrity.
Pathogenesis of swine influenza virus (Thai isolates) in weanling pigs: an experimental trial
Authors: Sreta Donruethai , Kedkovid Roongtham , Tuamsang Sophon , Kitikoon Pravina , Thanawongnuwech Roongroje
Published: March 2009

Background

The objective of this study is to investigate the pathogenesis of swine influenza virus (SIV) subtype H1N1 and H3N2 (Thai isolates) in 22-day-old SPF pigs.

Results

The study found that all pigs in the infected groups developed typical signs of flu-like symptoms on 1–4 days post- infection (dpi). The H1N1-infected pigs had greater lung lesion scores than those of the H3N2-infected pigs. Histopathological lesions related to swine influenza-induced lesions consisting of epithelial cells damage, airway plugging and peribronchial and perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration were present in both infected groups. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry using nucleoprotein specific monoclonal antibodies revealed positive staining cells in lung sections of both infected groups at 2 and 4 dpi. Virus shedding was detected at 2 dpi from both infected groups as demonstrated by RT-PCR and virus isolation.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated that both SIV subtypes were able to induce flu-like symptoms and lung lesions in weanling pigs. However the severity of the diseases with regards to lung lesions both gross and microscopic lesions was greater in the H1N1-infected pigs. Based on phylogenetic analysis, haemagglutinin gene of subtype H1N1 from Thailand clustered with the classical H1 SIV sequences and neuraminidase gene clustered with virus of avian origin, whereas, both genes of H3N2 subtype clustered with H3N2 human-like SIV from the 1970s.
A highly divergent South African geminivirus species illuminates the ancient evolutionary history of this family
Authors: Varsani Arvind , Shepherd Dionne N , Dent Kyle , Monjane Aderito L , Rybicki Edward P , Martin Darren P
Published: March 2009

Background

We have characterised a new highly divergent geminivirus species, Eragrostis curvula streak virus (ECSV), found infecting a hardy perennial South African wild grass. ECSV represents a new genus-level geminivirus lineage, and has a mixture of features normally associated with other specific geminivirus genera.

Results

Whereas the ECSV genome is predicted to express a replication associated protein (Rep) from an unspliced complementary strand transcript that is most similar to those of begomoviruses, curtoviruses and topocuviruses, its Rep also contains what is apparently a canonical retinoblastoma related protein interaction motif such as that found in mastreviruses. Similarly, while ECSV has the same unusual TAAGATTCC virion strand replication origin nonanucleotide found in another recently described divergent geminivirus, Beet curly top Iran virus (BCTIV), the rest of the transcription and replication origin is structurally more similar to those found in begomoviruses and curtoviruses than it is to those found in BCTIV and mastreviruses. ECSV also has what might be a homologue of the begomovirus transcription activator protein gene found in begomoviruses, a mastrevirus-like coat protein gene and two intergenic regions.

Conclusion

Although it superficially resembles a chimaera of geminiviruses from different genera, the ECSV genome is not obviously recombinant, implying that the features it shares with other geminiviruses are those that were probably present within the last common ancestor of these viruses. In addition to inferring how the ancestral geminivirus genome may have looked, we use the discovery of ECSV to refine various hypotheses regarding the recombinant origins of the major geminivirus lineages.
Effects of alpha-linolenic acid vs. docosahexaenoic acid supply on the distribution of fatty acids among the rat cardiac subcellular membranes after a short- or long-term dietary exposure
Authors: Brochot Amandine , Guinot Marine , Auchere Daniel , Macaire Jean-Paul , Weill Pierre , Grynberg Alain , Rousseau-Ralliard Delphine
Published: March 2009

Background

Previous work showed that the functional cardiac effect of dietary alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in rats requires a long feeding period (6 months), although a docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid-supply affects cardiac adrenergic response after 2 months. However, the total cardiac membrane n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition remained unchanged after 2 months. This delay could be due to a specific reorganization of the different subcellular membrane PUFA profiles. This study was designed to investigate the evolution between 2 and 6 months of diet duration of the fatty acid profile in sarcolemmal (SL), mitochondrial (MI), nuclear (NU) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane fractions.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 3 dietary groups (n = 10/diet/period), either n-3 PUFA-free diet (CTL), or ALA or DHA-rich diets. After 2 or 6 months, the subcellular cardiac membrane fractions were separated by differential centrifugations and sucrose gradients. Each membrane profile was analysed by gas chromatography (GC) after lipid extraction.

Results

As expected the n-3 PUFA-rich diets incorporated n-3 PUFA instead of n-6 PUFA in all the subcellular fractions, which also exhibited individual specificities. The diet duration increased SFA and decreased PUFA in SL, whereas NU remained constant. The SR and MI enriched in n-3 PUFA exhibited a decreased DHA level with ageing in the DHA and CTL groups. Conversely, the n-3 PUFA level remained unchanged in the ALA group, due to a significant increase in docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). N-3 PUFA rich diets lead to a better PUFA profile in all the fractions and significantly prevent the profile modifications induced by ageing.

Conclusion

With the ALA diet the n-3 PUFA content, particularly in SR and SL kept increasing between 2 and 6 months, which may partly account for the delay to achieve the modification of adrenergic response.
Increased Peripheral Nerve Excitability and Local Nav1.8 RNA Up-Regulation in Painful Neuropathy
Authors: Thakor Devang Kashyap , Lin Audrey , Matsuka Yoshizo , Meyer Edward M , Ruangsri Supanigar , Nishimura Ichiro , Spigelman Igor
Published: March 2009

Background

Neuropathic pain caused by peripheral nerve injury is a chronic disorder that represents a significant clinical challenge because the pathological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Several studies have suggested the involvement of various sodium channels, including tetrodotoxin-resistant NaV1.8, in affected dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We have hypothesized that altered local expression of NaV1.8 in the peripheral axons of DRG neurons could facilitate nociceptive signal generation and propagation after neuropathic injury.

Results

After unilateral sciatic nerve entrapment injury in rats, compound action potential amplitudes were increased in both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers of the ipsilateral sciatic nerve. Tetrodotoxin resistance of both fiber populations and sciatic nerve NaV1.8 immunoreactivity were also increased. Further analysis of NaV1.8 distribution revealed that immunoreactivity and mRNA levels were decreased and unaffected, respectively, in the ipsilateral L4 and L5 DRG; however sciatic nerve NaV1.8 mRNA showed nearly an 11-fold ipsilateral increase. Nav1.8 mRNA observed in the sciatic nerve was likely of axonal origin since it was not detected in non-neuronal cells cultured from nerve tissue. Absence of changes in NaV1.8 mRNA polyadenylation suggests that increased mRNA stability was not responsible for the selective peripheral mRNA increase. Furthermore, mRNA levels of NaV1.3, NaV1.5, NaV1.6, NaV1.7, and NaV1.9 were not significantly different between ipsilateral and contralateral nerves. We therefore propose that selective NaV1.8 mRNA axonal transport and local up-regulation could contribute to the hyperexcitability of peripheral nerves in some neuropathic pain states.

Conclusion

Cuff entrapment injury resulted in significantly elevated axonal excitability and increased NaV1.8 immunoreactivity in rat sciatic nerves. The concomitant axonal accumulation of NaV1.8 mRNA may play a role in the pathogenesis of this model of neuropathic pain.
Real-time navigational control of mobile robots using an artificial neural network
Authors: Parhi D R , Singh M K
Published: March 2009

This article deals with the reactive control of an autonomous robot, which moves safely in a crowded real-world unknown environment and reaches a specified target by avoiding static as well as dynamic obstacles. The inputs to the proposed neural controller consist of left, right, and front obstacle distance to its locations and the target angle between a robot and a specified target acquired by an array of sensors. A four-layer neural network has been used to design and develop the neural controller to solve the path and time optimization problem of mobile robots, which deals with cognitive tasks such as learning, adaptation, generalization, and optimization. The back-propagation method is used to train the network. This article analyses the kinematical modelling of mobile robots as well as the design of control systems for the autonomous motion of the robot. Training of the neural net and control performances analysis were carried out in a real experimental set-up. The simulation results are compared with the experimental results and they show very good agreement.
An experimental and numerical investigation of fracture resistance behaviour of a dissimilar metal welded joint
Authors: Samal M K , Balani K , Seidenfuss M , Roos E
Published: March 2009

Dissimilar welds impose a challenge to the engineers concerned with the structural integrity assessment of these joints. This is because of the highly inhomogeneous nature of these joints in terms of their microstructure, mechanical, thermal, and fracture properties. Fracture mechanics-based concepts cannot be directly used because of the problems associated with the definition of a suitable crack-tip loading parameter such as J-integral crack tip opening displacement (CTOD), etc. Again, depending upon the location of initial crack (i.e. base, weld, buttering, different interfaces, etc.), further crack propagation can occur in any material. The objective of the current work is to use micro-mechanical models of ductile fracture for initiation and propagation of cracks in the bimetallic welds. The authors have developed a finite element formulation that incorporates the porous plasticity yield function due to Gurson—Tvergaard—Needleman and utilized it here for the analysis. Experiments have been conducted at MPA Stuttgart using single edge-notched bend (SEB) specimens with cracks at different locations of the joint. The micro-mechanical (Gurson) parameters of four different materials (i.e. ferrite, austenite, buttering, and weld) have been determined individually by simulation of fracture resistance behaviour of SEB specimens and comparing the simulated results with those of the experiment. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the damage model in predicting the crack growth in the actual bimetallic-welded specimen, simulation of two SEB specimens (with initial crack at ferrite—buttering and buttering—weld interface) has been carried out. The simulated fracture resistance behaviour compares well with those of the experiment.
Experimental investigation and improvement of the inlet guide vane with plate vane in a centrifugal fan
Authors: Zhang Y , Qi D , Mao Y
Published: March 2009

To enhance the adjusting action and performance of the inlet guide vane (IGV) of a centrifugal fan, this study has proposed a new definition for the prerotation coefficient, and suggested that the prerotation coefficient and the resistance coefficient be used as the main indexes for assessing the IGV performance. The flow fields upstream and downstream of the IGV have been measured with a five-hole probe. Experimental measurements of the flow at the inlet and the outlet of a plate vane IGV of the centrifugal fan have shown that: the IGV has little impact on the distribution of the flow upstream of the IGV; the flow downstream of the IGV is relatively uniform in the circumferential direction but very non-uniform in the radial direction; and the flow prerotation generated by the IGV is very small in the central region of the through-flow cross section behind the IGV. Both the resistance coefficient and the prerotation coefficient of the IGV increase with the increase of the IGV vane angle. The resistance coefficient increases more rapidly than the prerotation coefficient when the vane angle is >50°. Based on analysis of the experimental data, the IGV of the test fan is to improve its performance. The profile of the vane cross section is changed from the original single straightline to two straightline segments. The vane chord length at the inner radius of the IGV is increased to enhance the cascade solidity. It is deduced from the experiments of the improved IGV vane that compared with the original vane, the improved vane is able to reduce the resistance coefficient of the IGV in a wider flowrate-adjusting range and the increase in the cascade solidity can augment the prerotation coefficient with the resistance coefficient kept almost unchanged. By applying all the above measures to decrease the resistance coefficient and increase the prerotation coefficient, the adjustment curve of the test fan has been clearly improved. Compared with the original adjustment curve of the test fan obtained under the same operating conditions, the flowrate adjusting range is extended by ∼9 per cent and the flowrate region with energy-saving effects accounts for ∼71 per cent of the entire flowrate adjusting range. Corresponding to different flowrates in the energy-saving adjusting region, the energy-saving ratio of the fan reaches 1.1∼13.5 per cent.
A comparison of barefoot and sprint spike conditions in sprinting
Authors: Toon D , Williams B , Hopkinson N , Caine M
Published: March 2009

The primary kinematic factors relating to sprinting performance may be influenced by the mechanical properties of the footwear worn. It was hypothesized that, compared with the barefoot condition, sprint spikes would influence sole angle to the ground, and metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) extension and flexion. High-speed video recording was used to analyse key kinematic variables of the foot segments and the MPJ in barefoot and shod running conditions. The stance phases of four sprinters (two male) were captured in the blocks, at 10 m and at 50 m into a maximal effort sprint. Angular range and angular velocity during MPJ flexion at 10 m and 50 m were reduced significantly when wearing sprint spikes. The mean angular range at 10 m was reduced by 11°, 13°, and 5° for the initial flexion phase, the extension phase, and the final phase of flexion respectively. This effect was larger during ground contact at 10 m versus 50 m. Sole angle to the ground at take-off was lower in the sprint spike shod condition than in the barefoot condition. Performance-related parameters such as degree of MPJ extension, MPJ extension velocity, and sole angle to the ground are influenced by sprint spikes when compared with the barefoot condition.
Differential functions of two editosome exoUases in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Ernst Nancy Lewis , Panicucci Brian , Carnes Jason , Stuart Kenneth
Published: March 2009

Mitochondrial RNAs in trypanosomes are edited by the insertion and deletion of uridine (U) nucleotides to form translatable mRNAs. Editing is catalyzed by three distinct editosomes that contain two related U-specific exonucleases (exoUases), KREX1 and KREX2, with the former present exclusively in KREN1 editosomes and the latter present in all editosomes. We show here that repression of KREX1 expression leads to a concomitant reduction of KREN1 in ∼20S editosomes, whereas KREX2 repression results in reductions of KREPA2 and KREL1 in ∼20S editosomes. Knockdown of KREX1 results in reduced cell viability, reduction of some edited RNA in vivo, and a significant reduction in deletion but not insertion endonuclease activity in vitro. In contrast, KREX2 knockdown does not affect cell growth or editing in vivo but results in modest reductions of both insertion and deletion endonuclease activities and a significant reduction of U removal in vitro. Simultaneous knockdown of both proteins leads to a more severe inhibition of cell growth and editing in vivo and an additive effect on endonuclease cleavage in vitro. Taken together, these results indicate that both KREX1 and KREX2 are important for retention of other proteins in editosomes, and suggest that the reduction in cell viability upon KREX1 knockdown is likely a consequence of KREN1 loss. Furthermore, although KREX2 appears dispensable for cell growth, the increased inhibition of editing and parasite viability upon knockdown of both KREX1 and KREX2 together suggests that both proteins have roles in editing.
Technical Note—A Risk-Averse Newsvendor Model Under the CVaR Criterion
Authors: Chen Youhua (Frank) , Xu Minghui , Zhang Zhe George
Published: March 2009

The classical risk-neutral newsvendor problem is to decide the order quantity that maximizes the one-period expected profit. In this note, we consider a risk-averse newsvendor with stochastic price-dependent demand. We adopt Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR), a risk measure commonly used in finance, as the decision criterion. The aim of our study is to investigate the optimal pricing and ordering decisions in such a setting. For both additive and multiplicative demand models, we provide sufficient conditions for the uniqueness and existence of the optimal policy. Comparative statics show the monotonicity properties and other characteristics of the optimal pricing and ordering decisions. We also compare our results with those of the newsvendor with a risk-neutral attitude and a general utility function.
The Value of Multistage Stochastic Programming in Capacity Planning Under Uncertainty
Authors: Huang Kai , Ahmed Shabbir
Published: March 2009

This paper addresses a general class of capacity planning problems under uncertainty, which arises, for example, in semiconductor tool purchase planning. Using a scenario tree to model the evolution of the uncertainties, we develop a multistage stochastic integer programming formulation for the problem. In contrast to earlier two-stage approaches, the multistage model allows for revision of the capacity expansion plan as more information regarding the uncertainties is revealed. We provide analytical bounds for the value of multistage stochastic programming (VMS) afforded over the two-stage approach. By exploiting a special substructure inherent in the problem, we develop an efficient approximation scheme for the difficult multistage stochastic integer program and prove that the proposed scheme is asymptotically optimal. Computational experiments with realistic-scale problem instances suggest that the VMS for this class of problems is quite high; moreover, the quality and performance of the approximation scheme is very satisfactory. Fortunately, this is more so for instances for which the VMS is high.
Lisdexamfetamine for Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Cowles Brian J
Published: March 2009

Objective:

To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of the prodrug lisdexamfetamine for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults and describe its potential place in therapy.

Data Sources:

Primary literature published between January 1, 1990, and August 1, 2008, was selected from PubMed using the search key words lisdexamfetamine, Vyvanse, and NRP104. References of selected publications were also reviewed. Posters and abstracts of research presented at national meetings were reviewed when available. The product labeling for Vyvanse was also used.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Preference was given to published, randomized, and controlled research describing the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of lisdexamfetamine. Noncontrolled studies, postmarketing reports, and poster presentations were considered secondly. All published studies were included.

Data Synthesis:

Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine covatently bound to Hysine, which is activated during first-pass metabolism. The unique pharmacokinetic profile owing to lisdexamfetamine's prodrug design and rate-limited enzymatic biotransformation allows for once-daily dosing with a duration of activity of approximately 12 hours. Lisdexamfetamine has been proven to reduce the symptoms of ADHD both in children aged 6–12 years and adults aged 18–55 years, decreasing ADHD rating scale scores by approximately 27 and 19 points, respectively. Adverse effects with an incidence greater than 10% during preclinical trials included appetite suppression, insomnia, and headache. Lisdexamfetamine's unique pharmacokinetic properties may provide additional safety with regard to reducing abuse potential. As with other central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, concerns regarding sudden cardiac death and adverse effects on growth also apply to lisdexamfetamine.

Conclusions:

Lisdexamfetamine provides another amphetamine-based CNS stimulant option for treatment of children and adults with ADHD. However, its use may be limited by a lack of significant differentiation when compared with cunently used stimulants and a lack of evidence to support its use in adolescents.
Key Principles to Guide Development of Consumer Medicine Information—Content Analysis of Information Design Texts
Authors: Raynor David K , Dickinson David
Published: March 2009

Background:

Effective written consumer medicines information is essential to support safe and effective medicine taking, but the wording and layout of currently provided materials do not meet patients' needs.

Objective:

To identify principles from the wider discipline of information design for use by health professionals when developing or assessing written drug information for patients.

Methods:

Six experts in information design nominated texts on best practice in information design applicable to consumer medicines information. A content analysis identified key principles that were tabulated to bring out key themes.

Results:

Six texts that met the Inclusion criteria, were Identified, and content analysis indentified 4 themes: words, type, lines, and layout. Within these main themes, there were 24 subthemes. Selected principles relating to these subthemes were: use short familiar words, short sentences, and short headings that stand out from the text; use a conversational tone of voice, addressing the reader as “you”; use a large type size while retaining sufficient white space; use bullet points to organize lists; use unjustified text (ragged right) and bold, lower-case text for emphasis. Pictures or graphics do not necessarily improve a document.

Conclusions:

Applying the good information design principles identified to written consumer medicines information could support health professionals when developing and assessing drug information for patients.
Cyclosporine-Induced Pain Syndrome in a Child Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Lavoratore Sara R , Navarro Oscar M , Grunebaum Eyal , Ali Muhammad , Koo Alicia , Schechter Tal , Gassas Adam , Doyle John J , Dupuis L Lee
Published: March 2009

Objective:

To report a case of calcineurin-induced pain syndrome (CIPS) in a child undergoing his second hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

Case Summary:

A 6.1-year-old child received cyclosporine and methotrexate for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) prophylaxis after his first HSCT for acute myeloblastic leukemia. Amlodipine was given for the treatment of hypertension. Symptoms of CIPS were not observed. After the second HSCT at the age of 6.7 years, the child received cyclosporine (target trough whole blood cyclosporine concentration range 150–200 μg/L). starting on day −3, and mycophenolate mofetil for aGVHD prophylaxis. With the first cyclosporine dose, the patient complained of leg pain that was most severe during the cyclosporine infusion. Analgesic agents and a change from intravenous to oral administration of cyclosporine were Ineffective In controlling the pain. Magnetic resonance imaging findings on day 10 showed periosteal soft tissue changes and mild bone marrow edema of the femora and tibiae. Tacrolimus was substituted for cyclosporine on day 20; on day 21 amlodipine was initiated to manage hypertension. Trough whole blood tacrolimus concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 6.2 μg/L. Pain was reduced in seventy by day 29 and completely resolved once tacrolimus was discontinued on day 42. In this case, CIPS was considered to be probably associated with cyclosporine according to the Naranjo probability scale.

Discussion:

CIPS is hypothesized to result from calcineurin-induced vascular changes that disturb bone perfusion and permeability, leading to intraosseous vasoconstriction and bone manow edema. In our patient, symptoms were most acute during the infusion, when whole blood cyclosporine concentrations were likely to be the highest. Our patient's symptoms were resolved when tacrolimus was substituted for cyclosporine and amlodipine was initiated.

Conclusions:

interventions aimed at reducing pain associated with CIPS may include the initiation of calcium-channel blocker therapy and conversion to an alternative calcineurin inhibitor.
Trials and trails: Do HE design students need museum learning resources?
Authors: Reynolds Rebecca , Speight Catherine
Published: March 2009

There is a lack of collaboration between universities and museums in supporting design students' learning and a corresponding lack of targeted learning resources.

This paper focuses on the iGuides from StreetAccess project, which has involved the creation of twenty web-based trails
for design students to access on personalized digital assistants (PDAs) at the Victoria and Albert Museum. It reports initial findings from the evaluation of two trails, detailing aspects of trail design and their possible usefulness to students.

It suggests that such materials can encourage
students to develop object-based learning skills skills which design tutors may perceive as innate or best left to develop with the minimum of direction. It concludes that museums can usefully supply HE design students with guidance and suggest ways of engaging with their collections.
A Revised Contact Filter Paper Method
Authors: Power Kenton C. , Vanapalli Sai K. , Garga Vinod K.
Published: March 2009

The filter paper method, ASTM Standard D5298-03 is generally accepted to be an inexpensive, technically simple, and reasonably accurate method that could be used to measure a wide range of soil suction. The method, however, is dependent upon the accuracy of the calibration curve that relates filter paper water content to soil suction. Additionally, applying a contact stress to the filter papers significantly influences this calibration curve. The effect of five separate contact stresses, namely, 0, 0.4, 1, 2, and 4 kPa on the calibration curve of Whatman 42 filter paper were examined. The study demonstrates that a contact stress of 1 kPa will ensure direct contact between the filter papers and the pore-water of the test specimens without significantly altering the ASTM calibration curve. The contact filter paper method was used to measure the matric suction of compacted Indian Head till specimens over a range of 20 to 300 kPa. This range was chosen to understand the performance and sensitivity of the filter paper method in the low suction range. A comparison of published calibration equations was then undertaken to show the drastically different matric suction estimates that can be obtained by the improper selection of published calibration equations.
Methylene Blue Surface Area Method to Correlate with Specific Soil Properties
Authors: Sivapullaiah P. V. , Prasad B. Guru , Allam M. M.
Published: March 2009

Specific surface area (SSA) of soils is calculated by determining the amount of adsorbed substance such as methylene blue (MB), ethylene glycol monoehtyl ether (EGME), or water required to form a monolayer. Free swell index and liquid limit of soils, which are well correlated with each other, and with engineering properties of soils, can be used to check the relative advantage of determination of a specific area by different methods in geotechnical engineering. The water adsorption method yields different values depending on the relative humidity (RH) at which the soils are equilibrated with water and gives significantly high adsorption values at 100 % RH. The water adsorption method, comparatively simpler, gives more accurate values for kaolinitc soils but generally has lower values for soils with montmorillonitic mineral owing to insufficient saturation of exchangeable ions. The SSA values obtained by EMGE correlates reasonably well with free swell index. Improved correlation is observed in specific surface area values obtained by MB methods. The SSA values obtained by methylene blue titration (MBT) or as methylene blue spot method (MBS) are comparable.
Neutron Dosimetry for Reactor Pressure Vessel Applications
Authors: Serpan CZ , Morgan WC
Published: March 2009

The neutron dosimetry analysis effort discussed is aimed solely at obtaining the most accurate projections of neutron fluence and future radiation embrittlement in the pressure vessel of an operating commercial power reactor. The mechanical property changes in materials for reactor pressure vessel applications are caused by neutron/atomic lattice interactions that are highly sensitive to material composition, irradiation temperature, and population and energy of the damage causing neutrons. Of these, the neutron fluence and spectra are most difficult to define accurately for a given irradiation condition since neither can be measured directly. Nevertheless, if radiation induced changes are to be understood and subsequently used as a basis for projecting changes in real reactor components, the neutron dosimetry analysis must be as precise as possible; the ultimate results of any such projections are highly dependent upon the accuracy of the neutron spectrum and neutron fluence used as input. Improvements in both of these areas, as well as in standardization of approaches, are needed for accurate projection of radiation induced changes in reactor pressure vessels. The current status of neutron dosimetry in power reactors is reviewed, and guidelines are provided for improving future dosimetry of reactor pressure vessel surveillance programs.
Structure and Composition Effects on Irradiation Sensitivity of Pressure Vessel Steels
Authors: Steele LE
Published: March 2009

The paper emphasizes engineering implications of the effects of structure and composition on the irradiation sensitivity of steels. Theoretical considerations are discussed and reviewed as they relate to possible explanations for observations on the subject.

The structural aspects include primarily the type of metallurgical microstructure and the grain size and also the steel condition, that is, plate, forging, weld metal, or weld heat affected zone. The compositional factors are never quite separable from structural factors in a microscopic sense. Several interstitial elements, primarily nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, have been investigated for their relationship to neutron radiation sensitivity. Substitutional elements, including nickel, copper, phosphorus, vanadium, sulfur, and boron, as constituents in steels have also been included. Copper and phosphorus are found particularly detrimental to radiation resistance when present in quantities above certain levels.
Effects of Irradiation in a Thermal Reactor on the Tensile Properties of Zircaloy 2 and 4 and Borated Stainless Steel
Authors: Baroch CJ , Munim AV , Harbinson EN
Published: March 2009

Babcock & Wilcox conducted a series of tests to determine the effects of irradiation and thermal aging on the tensile properties of core structural materials used in a PWR. Type 304 stainless steel (containing about 250 ppm boron) and Zircaloy 2 specimens were obtained from the first core of the Consolidated Edison Indian Point reactor, and Zircaloy 4 specimens were irradiated in the Babcock & Wilcox test reactor. The Type 304 stainless steel cladding and the Zircaloy 2 channel from the Indian Point reactor had operated at about 600 and 525 F, respectively, and had achieved peak fluences of about 3×1021 n/cm2, E > 1 MeV. The Zircaloy 4 specimens were irradiated at 130, 650, and 725 F to peak fluences of about 9×1020 n/cm2, E > 1 MeV.

The borated stainless steel specimens were tested at 70, 600, 750, 900, 1050, 1200, 1300, and 1450 F. Some of the specimens were annealed at 1832 F for 1 h to eliminate all displacement-type defects. Irradiation increased the strength of the cladding at test temperatures below 900 F, but it had little effect on the strength at higher test temperatures. At all test temperatures the ductility of the cladding was quite low—often less than 0.5 percent. Postirradiation annealing for 1 h at 1832 F returned the strength to the unirradiated condition but had little effect on the ductility.

Specimens obtained from both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the Zircaloy 2 channel were tested at 70, 525, and 750 F. At all test temperatures the ultimate and yield strengths increased with fluence up to the peak fluence achieved in the program. The uniform elongations were all 1 percent or less, regardless of fast fluence or specimen orientation.

Zircaloy 4 ring specimens were tested at 900, 1100, 1300, 1450, and 1600 F. About half of the tension specimens were in the mill-annealed condition, and the remainder were cold-worked. At 1100 F and above the tensile properties of cold-worked and mill-annealed Zircaloy 4 were identical. At a test temperature of 900 F, irradiation caused some changes in the tensile properties of both materials. The extent of the effect of irradiation was dependent on the level of cold work and fluence.
Influence of Irradiation Temperature on the Tensile Properties of Stainless Steel
Authors: Kangilaski M , Spretnak JW , Bauer AA , Wullaert RA
Published: March 2009

As an initial step in comparing the effects of irradiation in neutron spectrums characteristic of thermal and fast reactors, irradiations to establish the role of temperature on tensile property changes in the thermal reactor spectrum were undertaken. For this purpose specimens of Type 347 stainless steel were irradiated in the ETR at 400 and 650 C to a target fluence of 5×1O21 n/cm2. The results of this irradiation are reported in this paper and are compared with previous results for specimens irradiated to the same fluence at 50 C.
Quantitative Transmission Electron Microscopy of Bubbles in A1 and A1-A12O3 Alloys
Authors: Ruedl E
Published: March 2009

The density and size distribution of small helium bubbles, present in thin foils of A1 and A1-A12 O3 after alpha particle bombardment and postbombardment annealing, were measured by means of transmission electron microscopy. For making these measurements the conditions for visibility were first established by theoretical calculations of contrast for void sizes similar to those of the observed bubbles. Micrographs were then taken in suitable contrast conditions and the number and size of the bubbles measured on the micrographs. It was found that the density of small bubbles, present in the matrix, can be measured accurately. The density of small bubbles attached to particles, on the other hand, is difficult to measure. Furthermore, the size of very small bubbles is hard to determine with precision since it depends on different parameters. The size and shape of larger bubbles can be established by tilting and stereomicroscopy.
Void Formation in Proton Irradiated Stainless Steel
Authors: Keefer DW , Neely HH , Robinson JC , Pard AG , Kramer D
Published: March 2009

Voids have been produced by 1.2-MeV proton irradiation at 500 C in Type 316 stainless steel containing 2 appm helium. The proton fluence was 6×1018 p/cm2. Observations of electron microscope foils obtained at various positions along the proton path length have shown that the volume swelling increased with increasing number of atom displacements. Calculated volume swelling ranged from 0.2 to 5 percent. In addition to voids, irradiation produced dislocation loops and small precipitate particles on dislocations have been observed.
Considerations of Metal Swelling and Related Phenomena Caused by Fast Neutron Irradiation
Authors: Li C-Y , Franklin DG , Harkness SD
Published: March 2009

The existing analytical model that describes metal swelling under fast neutron irradiation is reviewed. The assumption of quasi-steady state and uniform point defect generation used in the present model is partially justified. Possible effects, due to microstructural defect interactions, that may occur at high fluences are discussed. The effect of stress field on point defect migration and its consequences on metal swelling and creep are considered.
Some Observations on the Structure and Tensile Properties of AISI Type 316 Steel as a Function of Fast Reactor Irradiation Temperature
Authors: Barton PJ , Higgins PRB
Published: March 2009

Solution treated AISI Type 316 steel strip specimens were irradiated in the Dounreay fast reactor to doses of 1.0 to 1.3 ×1022n/cm2 (total), 1.7 to 2.6 ×1021 n/cm2 (fission) within the following measured temperature ranges: 420 to 440, 500 to 513, 520 to 533, 560 to 570, and 645 to 650 C.

Transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of voids after irradiation at all these temperatures. Distribution is uniform after irradiation at 420 to 440, 500 to 513, and 520 to 533 C. At higher temperatures it is uneven and concentration is so low that probably helium bubbles and not voids are being observed. From the temperature dependence of void concentration and average diameter it is deduced that the consequent density decrease is maximal after irradiation at 500 to 513 C.

Dislocation loops are present for irradiation at all but the highest temperature. They are interstitial and lie on {111} planes with Burgers vectors of the type a/3 ⟨111 ⟩. At 420 to 440 C all loops are faulted. As irradiation temperature increases, loop concentration decreases, and at 520 to 533 C a few unfaulted loops are observed. Yield stress increases estimated from loop and void concentrations are found to be in fair agreement with measured values.
Uniaxial and Biaxial Creep Rupture of Type 316 Stainless Steel After Fast Reactor Irradiation
Authors: Lovell AJ , Barker RW
Published: March 2009

The degradation in creep rupture properties of Type 316 stainless steel after fast reactor irradiation has been determined for both uniaxial and biaxial loading conditions. Uniaxial specimens (rod type) and biaxial specimens (tube type) were irradiated in the 7C4 position of the EBR-II to a total fluence of 1.2×1022 n/cm2 (1×1022 n/cm2, E>0.1 MeV) at∼ 480 C. Postirradiation tests were performed over a temperature range of 538 to 760 C.

The results from both uniaxial and biaxial tests at 538 C show significant losses in rupture life relative to unirradiated specimens when compared on the basis of initial true stress. Rupture life was reduced by factors down to 1/20 for uniaxial and 1/40 for biaxial tests. The substantial loss in rupture life at 538 C was primarily a result of high creep rates, and the contribution from ductility loss was relatively small. Uniaxial test results at 593 C show reductions in rupture life to a factor of 1/5 at high stresses and only small reductions at low stresses. The rupture life for both uniaxial and biaxial tests at 649 C show only a decrease of 1/2 after irradiation. The decrease becomes more substantial again at 760 C, with a reduction in life to 1/10 to 1/7. The rupture life reductions at 593, 649, and 760 C were the results of reduced ductility, with no significant contributions from creep rate differences. The underlying cause of the low ductility at these higher temperatures is associated with helium embrittlement and defect structure.
The Effects of Helium on the High-Temperature Ductility of Sandvik 12R72HV and Inco IN-744X
Authors: Kramer D , Garr KR , Rhodes CG , Pard AG
Published: March 2009

Small tension specimens of Sandvik 12R72HV and Inco IN-744X were injected with helium by means of α particle irradiation from a cyclotron to produce approximately uniform concentrations of from 1×10-6 to 2.5×10-5 atom fraction. The specimens subsequently were tension tested in vacuum between 500 and 800 C. Sandvik 12R72HV is significantly more resistant to helium embrittlement than Type 304 or 316 stainless steel. Helium in Inco IN-744X has little effect on the superplastic behavior of this alloy.
The Resistance of Metals to Cyclic Deformation
Authors: Landgraf RW
Published: March 2009

Fatigue behavior of metals is reviewed with particular emphasis on those properties and parameters which relate to cyclic deformation resistance. Representative data for aluminum-, titanium-, and nickel-base alloys and steels strengthened by various processes are presented to illustrate procedures for characterizing cycle-dependent deformation and fracture behavior.

The nature and extent of cyclically induced changes in deformation resistance are conveniently described in terms of a cyclic stress-strain curve. A metal's monotonic strain hardening behavior provides an indication of cyclic stability. Fracture behavior is characterized by simple relations in terms of stress resistance, plastic strain resistance, and total strain resistance. True monotonic fracture strength and ductility can be related to fatigue strength and ductility, thus providing useful approximations of life behavior. Indications of notched fatigue resistance can be gained from smooth specimen data through consideration of local stress-strain response. Finally, the utility of such material behavior considerations in arriving at the proper combination of properties to maximize the fatigue resistance of a metal under specified conditions is discussed.
Crack Initiation at Stress Concentrations as Influenced by Prior Local Plasticity
Authors: Crews JH
Published: March 2009

The effects of high loads on crack initiation lives of notched specimens were quantitatively assessed from an analysis of local behavior at the stress concentration. Local cyclic stresses were determined by a simulation technique involving unnotched specimens and agreed well with experimental local stresses. Unnotched specimens were fatigue tested under stress sequences equal to the local stresses in notched specimens, and test results were used as estimates of crack initiation lives for the notched specimens. These estimates reflected the general effects of prior local plasticity on crack initiation behavior at a stress concentration but were consistently shorter than experimentally determined crack initiation lives. This discrepancy was attributed to the large difference in volume of highly stressed material for the notched and unnotched specimens.
The Deformation and Fracture of a Ductile Metal Under Superimposed Cyclic and Monotonic Strain
Authors: Coffin LF
Published: March 2009

This paper describes an investigation on annealed Nickel A to explore the effects of simultaneously applied cyclic and monotonic strains. The results are presented in terms of the true stress-strain envelope of the end points of individual hysteresis loops. During mixed straining, early increased hardening, and later softening with progressive mean strain, occurs in comparison to simple tension. In the limit, the stress level required for deformation is controlled by the stress amplitude of the stabilized hysteresis loop associated with cyclic strain component, and monotonic hardening effects are absent. For tensile monotonic strains, superimposed cyclic strains lead to early necking, until, in the limit, necking occurs with zero mean strain and provides a mechanism for low-cycle fatigue crack nucleation. A failure criterion which fits the results is developed. Here ∈f/∈f0 = 1 − (Nf/Nf0)0.563 where ∈f0 is the tensile ductility, Nf0 the fatigue life for the cyclic strain component alone, ∈f and Nf the fracture strain and fatigue life, respectively, for the mixed mode of deformation.