bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning in Europe for ‘EU’rope: Spatial planning as a political technology of territory
Authors: Luukkonen Juho
Published: January 2014

Despite the fact that spatial planning forms one of the key constituents of territorial politics, territory and territoriality have been largely neglected in the studies of European spatial planning. This article seeks to address this shortcoming by considering spatial planning through the recent research on territories and territorial politics in political geography. The article suggests that European spatial planning ought to be conceptualized as a political technology of territory of the European Union, whose effectiveness is not dependent on the acquisition of formal policy status but stems from its capacity to fuse populations and geographical areas into manageable entities, from its reputation as apolitical management of space as well as from its resonance with current political tastes.
Lessons Learned? Nurses and Health Demonstration Projects in New York City, 1920–1935
Authors: D’Antonio Patricia
Published: January 2014

This historical case study looks at two foundation-funded health demonstration projects in New York City from 1920 to 1935. It specifically examines the disciplinary interests, the work, and the aspirations of nurses and social workers as they tried to provide coordinated and cost-effective care to the individuals and families with whom they worked. It attends to the processes—not just the outcomes—involved in the coming together and moving apart of the different organizations, disciplinary interests, knowledge domains, and spheres of public and private responsibilities involved in caring for those in need. It locates the problems of coordination within disciplinary tensions as nurses and social worker—working within a web of gender, class, race, and power—sought to advance their own disciplinary interests even as they searched for better ways to care for the families in their charge.
Dissociating Conscious and Unconscious Learning With Objective and Subjective Measures
Authors: Gaillard Vinciane , Cleeremans Axel , Destrebecqz Arnaud
Published: January 2014

According to functionalist theories, consciousness can be defined by the functions that it serves and by the way it contributes to cognition. For example, when trying to establish dissociations between conscious and unconscious knowledge, conscious representations would be identified by the fact that they allow cognitive control or successful identification or recollection, assessed by verbal reports or forced-choice tasks. Even though the functionalist approach has brought about important dissociation results concerning conscious and unconscious cognition, critics emphasize that it does not account for the qualitative properties of conscious experience. Phenomenal theories are precisely based on the notion that conscious representations are such that it feels like something to have these representations. Thus, one way to assess conscious knowledge is to ask people, after they have produced a forced-choice response, to identify their mental states through the use of subjective confidence ratings, in which they discriminate between a complete guess and a response based on some feeling of knowing. However, these 2 approaches are not mutually exclusive. In this article, we review a series of studies showing that the joint use of objective judgments about some external stimuli and about one’s own subjective knowledge concerning these stimuli, provides new insights into the putative dissociation between conscious and unconscious knowledge in learning.
The Evidence in Support of Physicians and Health Care Providers as Physical Activity Role Models
Authors: Lobelo Felipe , de Quevedo Isabel Garcia
Published: January 2014

Physical inactivity constitutes the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Health care providers (HCPs) should play a key role in counseling and appropriately referring their patients to adopt physical activity (PA). Previous reports suggest that active HCPs are more likely to provide better, more credible, and motivating preventive counseling to their patients. This review summarizes the available evidence on the association between HCPs’ personal PA habits and their related PA counseling practices. Based on relevant studies, a snowball search strategy identified, out of 196 studies screened, a total of 47 pertinent articles published between 1979 and 2012. Of those, 23 described HCPs’ PA habits and/or their counseling practices and 24 analytic studies evaluated the association between HCPs’ personal PA habits and their PA counseling practices. The majority of studies came from the United States (n = 33), and 9 studies included nonphysicians (nurses, pharmacists, and other HCPs). PA levels were mostly self-reported, and counseling was typically assessed as self-reported frequency or perceived self-efficacy in clinical practice. Most (19 out of 24) analytic studies reported a significant positive association between HCPs’ PA habits and counseling frequency, with odds ratios ranging between 1.4 and 5.7 ( P < .05), in 6 studies allowing direct comparison. This review found consistent evidence supporting the notion that physically active physicians and other HCPs are more likely to provide PA counseling to their patients and can indeed become powerful PA role models. This evidence appears sufficient to justify randomized trials to determine if adding interventions to promote PA among HCPs, also results in improvements in the frequency and quality of PA preventive counseling and referrals, delivered by HCPs, to patients in primary care settings. Future studies should also aim at objectively quantifying the effect of HCPs’ PA role-modeling and how it influences patients’ PA levels. More evidence from low-to-middle income countries is needed, where 80% of the deaths due to inactivity and related noncommunicable diseases already occur.
Trans Citizenship: Marriage, Immigration, and Neoliberal Recognition in the United States
Authors: Josephson Tristan
Published: January 2014

This article examines the intersection of marriage and immigration law in the U.S. to consider how transgender subjects are normalized as legible legal subjects and incorporated as citizens through marriage. It focuses on Matter of Lovo (2005), a Board of Immigration Appeals case confirming immigration benefits for marriages involving transgender spouses. My analysis traces how legal regulation develops through the ways different legal documents and actors condition each other as well as the legal subjects they produce. The article addresses key questions about trans citizenship as it is shaped through marriage, immigration, and neoliberalism in the contemporary U.S.
Singapore-style press control? Not in Fiji
Authors: Edge Marc
Published: January 2014

Constraints imposed on the press in Fiji under the 2010 Media Decree have been compared with the system of press control in Singapore. The two systems are, however, quite different. The type of hegemonic control that has been achieved in Singapore is unlikely to be replicated in Fiji. The press in Singapore was brought to heel over a period of decades through regulation, including licensing, and legal intimidation in a sophisticated system that utilizes corporate control to ensure that journalists exercise self-censorship. A military dictatorship in place in Fiji since 2006 instead criminalized journalism ethics in the Media Decree and has engaged in repression and censorship of journalists. Fiji’s press system, and the regime’s attempts to control it, were the subject of intense scrutiny in advance of elections planned for September 2014.
Michel Chevalier and the Saint-Simonian legacy: Early roots of modern cross-national comparative communication research
Authors: Kittler Juraj
Published: January 2014

Michel Chevalier (1806–1879) and Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859) were two French contemporaries who on separate assignments travelled through North America on behalf of their government and consequently published their observations. Despite the fact that Chevalier’s analysis of the Jacksonian United States seems philosophically more consistent and theoretically better funded, in the course of the twentieth century it was almost completely overshadowed by Tocqueville’s legacy. Furthermore, Chevalier’s primary focus on communication/transportation systems makes him a unique source for scholars interested in the history of communication research. By pointing out some of the most interesting empirical observations and philosophical reflections that epitomize Chevalier’s intellectual heritage, this essay attempts to put a spotlight on his often ignored, yet pivotal position among the early nineteenth-century founders of modern social research, especially his contribution to the field of cross-national comparative communication research.
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Authors: Lameris Madeleine , Atkins Christopher
Published: January 2014

The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the healthcare system is significant, entailing supportive rather than curative management. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) not only improves functional exercise capacity, dyspnoea and overall health status, but also provides economic and societal advantages. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the British Thoracic Society both support the provision of PR for nearly all COPD patients who are symptomatic. This article explains the nature of PR, how it benefits patients with COPD, and how GPs need to be involved in promoting PR to their patients and local commissioners.
Passive Diffusion of Transdermal Glucose
Authors: Kanjananimmanont Sunsanee , Ge Xudong , Mupparapu KarunaSri , Rao Govind , Potts Russell , Tolosa Leah
Published: January 2014

Background:

The motivation for this study was to determine if a statistically significant correlation exists between blood glucose (BG) and transdermal glucose (TG) collected by passive diffusion. A positive outcome will indicate that noninvasive passive TG diffusion is a painless alternative to collecting blood through a break on the skin.

Method:

Sampling involves placing a small volume of buffer solution on the surface of membrane or skin for 5 minutes. The sample is then assayed with fluorescent GBP. In vitro testing was done on regenerated cellulose and a porcine skin model to determine diffusion of standard glucose solutions. In vivo testing was done on a healthy subject and a subject with type 2 diabetes.

Results:

Glucose diffused readily through the regenerated cellulose membrane with good correlation between surface and internal glucose concentrations ( R2 = .997). But the porcine skin model required a surface prewash to achieve the same good correlation R2 = .943). Based on this, an optimum prewash step was determined for the in vivo studies. The resulting correlation coefficients between TG and BG after a 15-minute prewash in a healthy subject and type 2 subject were .87 and .93, respectively.

Conclusions:

Removal of the extraneous glucose in the skin by prewashing was an important step in achieving good correlation between TG and BG. The results suggest that passive collection of TG is a noninvasive alternative to current practice of breaking the skin. Further studies are under way to determine the lag time between TG and BG and for the sampling protocol to be more amenable to point-of-care application.
Spondylolysis in Elite Junior-Level Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Donaldson Laurie D.
Published: January 2014

Background:

Spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain and significant loss of play in the young athlete. Its incidence in hockey players has not been reported. This study reviewed the incidence and potential causative factors of low back pain and spondylolysis in an elite junior-level ice hockey program over a 15-year period.

Hypothesis:

Because of the repetitive movements of the lower spine required by the sport, spondylolysis was expected to be a frequent cause of low back pain in hockey players.

Study Design:

Retrospective case review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

The medical and athletic trainer records of male ice hockey players, ages 15 to 18 years, who presented with the complaint of low back pain were reviewed. This elite program consisted of 2 rosters. There were approximately 44 players total per year representing these 2 teams. For players diagnosed with spondylolysis, the following factors were reviewed: year in the program, age at presentation, symptoms and duration, studies performed, level of spondylolysis, presence of spondylolisthesis, affected side to shooting side, player position, treatment, and current level of play.

Results:

Over 9 hockey seasons, 25 players presented to medical staff with low back pain. Of those, 44% were confirmed to have lumbar spondylolysis. The majority of these cases presented in the first year of the program without clear history of trauma but rather vague pain with weight lifting or hockey. Less than half of spondylolysis cases were diagnosed on plain films. There were no cases of spondylolisthesis. Spondylolysis occurred on the shooting side in 73% of players. Sixty-four percent of players with spondylolysis were forwards. The treatment for most included rest from lifting and hockey and physical therapy. Average return to play was 8 weeks. Ninety-six percent of players continued to play at an elite level.

Conclusion:

Spondylolysis should be strongly considered in the differential of low back pain in ice hockey players with consideration for advanced imaging. Considerable loss of play occurs with spondylolysis, but with proper treatment, excellent outcomes occur.

Clinical Relevance:

This study brings to light the prevalence of spondylolysis in ice hockey players. With an increased index of suspicion, the condition can be diagnosed and properly treated to allow full return to play.
Incorporating Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging into an Observation Unit Transient Ischemic Attack Pathway
Authors: Oostema J. Adam , DeLano Mark , Bhatt Archit , Brown Michael D.
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose:

National guidelines advocate for early, aggressive transient ischemic attack (TIA) evaluations and recommend diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for brain imaging. The purpose of this study is to examine clinician compliance, the yield of MRI, and patient-centered clinical outcomes following implementation of an emergency department observation unit (EDOU) clinical pathway incorporating routine MRI into the acute evaluation of patients with TIA.

Methods:

This is a prospective observational study of patients with TIA admitted from the ED. Patients with low-risk TIA were transferred to an EDOU for diagnostic testing including MRI; high-risk patients were directed to hospital admission. Clinical variables, diagnostic tests, and treatment were recorded for all patients. The primary clinical outcome was the rate of stroke or recurrent TIA, determined through telephone follow-up and medical record review at 7 and 30 days.

Results:

A total of 116 patients with TIA were enrolled. In all, 92 (79.3%) patients were transferred to the EDOU, of whom 69 (59.5%) were discharged without hospitalization. Compliance with the EDOU pathway was 83 (91.2%) of 92. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated acute infarct in 16 (15.7%) of 102 patients. Stroke (n = 2) or TIA (n = 3) occurred in 5 patients with TIA (4.3%, 95% confidence interval: 1.6%-10.0%) within 30 days; no strokes occurred after discharge.

Conclusions:

Implementation of a TIA clinical pathway incorporating MRI effectively encouraged guideline-compliant diagnostic testing; however, patient-important outcomes appear similar to diagnostic protocols without routine MRI. Further study is needed to assess the benefits and costs associated with routinely incorporating MRI into TIA evaluation.
Continuing Improvement in Type 2 Diabetes Care Through Performance-Based Evaluations
Authors: Baum Howard B. A. , Cagliero Enrico , Berry Carolyn A. , Mencia William A. , Stowell Stephanie A. , Miller Sara C.
Published: January 2014

Aims: The timely evidence-based care of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is imperative for achieving and maintaining glycemic control, reducing complications, and changing the paradigm of this epidemic. Based largely on results from earlier performance improvement (PI) activities, we conducted a continuing medical education (CME)–certified PI activity to foster improved adherence to guideline recommendations and current evidence for the care of patients with T2DM. Methods: Participants engaged in a 3-stage process of self-assessment, goal setting, and reassessment. Results: A total of 64 clinicians completed the entire PI process, abstracting data from 1600 patient charts before and after a period of self-improvement. After the intervention, clinicians were more likely to assess patients for disease-related complications and provide counseling on proper nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation. Patients with A1C, blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values above goal (defined as A1C ≥7, BP ≥130/80 mm Hg, and LDL-C >100 g/dL) were more likely to receive treatment modifications compared with baseline clinician performance. Significant changes observed in patient outcomes included improved mean A1C values (baseline 7.5% vs postintervention 7.3%; P = .027), decreased likelihood of BP at or above 130/80 mm Hg (baseline 37% vs postintervention 30%; P < .001), and decreased likelihood of LDL-C above 100 g/dL (baseline 33% vs postintervention, 27%; P < .001). Conclusions: Significant changes in clinician performance of key quality measures were reported in patients with T2DM after a PI CME activity improved adherence to evidence-based recommendations of care.
Role of Fracture and Repair Type on Pain and Opioid Use After Hip Fracture in the Elderly
Authors: Strike Sophia A. , Sieber Frederick E. , Gottschalk Allan , Mears Simon C.
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose:

Pain after hip fracture repair is related to worse functional outcomes and higher fracture care costs than that for patients with no or less pain. However, to our knowledge, few studies have examined the roles of hip fracture type or surgical procedure as factors influencing postoperative pain or opioid analgesic requirements. Our goal was to determine whether the type of hip fracture or hip fracture repair affects postoperative pain or opioid analgesic requirements in the elderly patient.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of 231 patients ≥65 years old admitted to a hip fracture center for surgical repair. Fracture patterns were classified into femoral neck (FN) versus intertrochanteric (IT), stable versus unstable, and type of surgical repair. Demographic and intraoperative variables, postoperative pain scores, and opioid analgesic use data were collected and analyzed according to the type of hip fracture and type of surgical repair.

Results:

There were no differences in postoperative pain when comparing FN versus IT fractures, stable versus unstable fractures, or type of surgical repair. Patients with FN fractures had higher analgesic requirements on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. There was no difference in postoperative analgesic requirements among patients with stable versus unstable fractures or type of surgical repair. Otherwise, there were no differences in postoperative pain or opioid analgesic use based on the surgical repair or fracture type. Overall, patients with hip fracture experienced low levels of pain.
Nosological Reflections
Authors: Whooley Owen
Published: January 2014

Since the establishment of the symptoms-based categories in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM), Third Edition, sociologists have raised concerns about the DSM’s failure to appreciate social, contextual factors when defining mental disorders. The author describes recent developments in psychiatric nosology—the DSM-5 revision process and the emergence of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)—and then considers their implications for decontextualization. Drawing on in-depth interviews with psychiatrists involved in the DSM-5 controversy and a content analysis of key documents, the author first recounts the ambitious DSM-5 revisions, illuminating the DSM-5 Task Force’s embrace of dimensionalization as a solution to the problem of validity and the ultimate rejection of this “paradigm shift” by psychiatrists. The Task Force’s failures prompted the National Institute of Mental Health to promote RDoC as an alternative nosological framework that eschews DSM categories altogether. Next, the author explores the ramifications of these events for decontextualization, which neither DSM-5 nor RDoC explicitly addresses, demonstrating how RDoC is poised to escalate decontextualization through its brain-centric conceptualization of mental disorders. To counteract these developments, sociologists should continue to promote ways of defining mental distress that underscore its social embeddedness.
Knee Injuries in Downhill Skiers
Authors: Shea Kevin G. , Archibald-Seiffer Noah , Murdock Elizabeth , Grimm Nathan L. , Jacobs John C. , Willick Stuart , Van Houten Heather
Published: January 2014

Background:

Knee injuries account for approximately one third of injuries in skiers. Researchers have proposed several mechanisms of knee injury in skiers. However, the frequencies of these mechanisms have varied in different studies.

Purpose:

To identify the most common knee injury mechanisms in recreational downhill skiers and to assess injury frequencies across several demographics.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Over 6 ski seasons, 541 patients with acute knee injuries completed a survey. Patients selected 1 of 6 injury classifications; age, sex, height, weight, years of experience, ability level, and ski binding release were also recorded.

Results:

The overall injury distribution was valgus–external rotation (32.9%), phantom foot (22.5%), hyperextension (19.0%), boot induced (7.8%), collision (2.2%), and other (15.6%). The phantom foot mechanism was most common in ages 30 to 40 years (36.3% of all injuries within this mechanism; P < .01). Children and adults showed no significant difference in distribution of injury mechanism. Of 80 youth skiers, valgus–external rotation was most common (35.4%), followed by phantom foot (25.3%). Adult and youth skiers who identified as “advanced” skiers had a higher prevalence of valgus–external rotation than did less experienced skiers (51.5% of total valgus injuries; P < .01). Bindings released in 19.3% in adults and 53.7% in youths ( P < .01) during injury. Female skiers comprised 60.0% of total respondents, but only 39.7% of injuries occurred in female children ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

Valgus–external rotation is the most common injury mechanism for recreational skiers in general. Previous studies have suggested that the phantom foot injury is the most common injury, but in this series, it was the second most common, representing 22.5% of injuries in this study. Individuals between the ages of 30 and 40 years showed an increased risk for the phantom foot mechanism, and the prevalence of injuries was significantly higher for females compared with males in this cohort ( P < .01). Children and adults appear to have similar mechanisms for ski-related knee injuries, with valgus–external rotation being most common and advanced skiers having the highest frequency of this mechanism. Binding release was more likely to occur in youth skiers.
Effect of feeding Ca–Mg–RE–Zr composite cored wire during refining of liquid steel on weldability of ultrahigh strength wear resistant steels
Authors: Li N. , Wu K. M. , He T. Q. , Wang H. H. , Anatolii T. , Yu H. W. , Xiong Y. Z.
Published: January 2014

The weldability and mechanical properties of an ultrahigh strength wear resistant steel were substantially improved by the addition of a small amount of Ca–Mg–RE–Zr composite (1·5 kg t−1) to the molten steel during the refining stage. Based on optical and electron microscopy examinations, the observed improvements were attributed to the enhanced pining effect of inclusions on the original austenite grain boundaries within the coarse grained heat affected zone, as well as the inclusion induced acicular ferrite formation within the fine grained heat affected zone.
Optimisation of friction stir processing parameters to produce sound and fine grain layers in pure magnesium
Authors: Ahmadkhaniha D. , Heydarzadeh Sohi M. , Zarei-Hanzaki A.
Published: January 2014

The effects of friction stir processing (FSP) parameters such as rotational, traverse speeds and tool penetration depth on the formation of fine and defect free magnesium layers were investigated. The achieved microstructures were optically studied, and the microhardness profile of the optimised workpiece was measured. The results show that rotational and traverse speeds as well as their ratio play key roles in achieving a sound friction stir processed workpiece of pure Mg. In addition, at constant rotational and traverse speeds, when the penetration depth increases, the title angle must also increases in order to have a defect free workpiece. At optimum conditions, one pass FSP significantly refined the grain size from 3 mm in the as received magnesium to 14·6 μm in friction stir process layer. The microhardness of the fabricated layer reached to about 1·6 times that of the base metal.
Orientation relationships of intragranular austenite in duplex stainless steel weld metals
Authors: Karlsson L. , Börjesson J.
Published: January 2014

Formation and characteristics of fine intragranular austenite were studied for low energy input duplex stainless steel welds. Microstructures were largely ferritic with some allotriomorphic grain boundary austenite, Widmanstätten type austenite, fine intragranular austenite and nitrides. Electron backscattered diffraction analysis revealed that grain boundary austenite had a random orientation relationship (OR) with one of the adjacent ferrite grains and was close to Kurdjumov–Sachs (KS) with the other, whereas Widmanstätten austenite always showed an OR near KS. The finest intragranular austenite was mainly randomly oriented, whereas coarser austenite more often was close to KS. It is argued that the OR of intragranular austenite with the ferritic matrix is governed by a combination of composition, determining driving force for nucleation at temperature, cooling rate and the availability of nitrides acting as nucleation sites. A random OR is most likely for higher cooling rates and compositions promoting nucleation at lower temperatures.
Effect of tempering temperature on carbide precipitation behaviours in high strength low alloy steel under high magnetic field
Authors: Hou T. P. , Wu K. M. , He G.
Published: January 2014

The influence of high magnetic field on carbide precipitation behaviours during the tempering of a high strength low alloy steel was investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy. TEM analysis results indicated that the applied high field effectively promoted the precipitation of Fe5C2 type carbide at low temperature (200°C) and the precipitation of M6C type carbide at intermediate temperature (530°C). The promotion of specific carbides at low and intermediate temperature was caused by the reduction in magnetic Gibbs free energy. Regarding the magnetic Gibbs free energy of carbides, not only the magnetization but also the internal field induction related to the morphology of carbide was taken into consideration. It was observed that there was no pronounced effect of high magnetic field on the precipitation sequence of alloy carbides when specimens were tempered at 700°C, because they were changed into paramagnetic phases at this temperature.
Grain refining aluminium foundry alloys with commercial Al–B master alloys
Authors: Birol Y.
Published: January 2014

In Al–3B master alloy, a higher fraction of borides is of the AlB2 variety, while in Al–8B alloy, the predominant species is the AlB12 phase. AlB12 is less stable than AlB2 and is engaged in exchange reactions, leading to the formation of transition metal diborides that subsequently settle at the bottom of the melt. Hence, AlB12 is involved more in precipitating transition elements than in refining the grain structure. With predominantly AlB12 particles, Al–8B master alloys are better suited for the removal of transition metal impurities in the manufacture of aluminium conductors. Al–3B, on the other hand, is a better grain refiner as the majority of its borides are of the AlB2 variety. Which of the two master alloys is used in grain refinement does not make a difference once the transition metal impurities have been precipitated. B is dedicated to grain refinement in an impurity free aluminium melt and produces exceptionally small equiaxed grains across the section of the samples.
Reducing hot cracking tendency of dissimilar weld overlay by magnetic arc oscillation
Authors: Yu X. , Lim Y. C. , Smith R. , Babu S. S. , Farson D. F. , Lippold J. C. , McCracken S.
Published: January 2014

Nickel filler metals are used for joining and repair of dissimilar metal welds in nuclear power plants. However, with some compositions of austenitic stainless steel base metals, weld cracking is observed. In the present work, the solidification cracking behaviour of 52M overlay on stainless steel with and without magnetic stirring was studied. Single, double and triple bead on plate experiments with 52M filler wire were performed on a type 303 stainless steel plate cladding with a single layer of ER308LSi stainless steel. Weldings were then performed with and without magnetic stirring. Although cracking tendency was observed in all experiments, it was seen that magnetic stirring significantly reduced the cracking tendency. Confirmatory electron backscattered diffraction analyses confirmed the grain refinement in 52M beads with magnetic stirring.
Effect of microalloying elements on austenite grain growth in Nb–Ti and Nb–V steels
Authors: Karmakar A. , Kundu S. , Roy S. , Neogy S. , Srivastava D. , Chakrabarti D.
Published: January 2014

Development of austenite grain structures have been compared in two different microalloyed steels (Nb–Ti and Nb–V steels) and one Al killed C–Mn steel, after soaking at 950–1250°C for 1 h. Minimum austenite grain size in Nb–V steel at the lower soaking temperature (<1075°C) can be attributed to the pinning effect from AlN, Nb(C,N) and V(C,N) precipitates. At the intermediate soaking temperatures (1150–1200°C) dissolution of Nb precipitates led to an abnormal austenite grain growth and the formation of bimodal grain size distributions in microalloyed steels. Grain size bimodality was more severe in Nb–V steel as compared to Nb–Ti steel. Complete absence of precipitates allowed the austenite grains to grow freely at higher soaking temperature (>1200°C) in all the steels. Higher stability of TiN precipitate restricted the grain growth in Nb–Ti steel at higher soaking temperature. An effort has been made to predict the austenite grain size considering both solute drag and Zener drag.
Evolution of microstructures and texture in the surface layer of copper during burnishing process
Authors: Zhang X. , Luo H. , Han Z. , Lv J.
Published: January 2014

The evolution of microstructures and texture subjected to a burnishing process in pure copper was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction. The grains of the top surface underwent significant refinement with a minimum grain size of ∼100 nm. The grain refinement was dominated by dislocation activities, including formation of dislocation cells, transformation of cell walls into sub-grain boundaries, development of highly disoriented sub-boundaries and generation of equiaxed grains. Shear strain induced by friction affected the strain state at the first pass of burnishing, resulting in a {001}<110> shear texture. Brass orientation developed well at the early stage of burnishing. Then, with a further increase in plastic strain, Brass orientation decreased, while the Goss orientation was observed, which mainly owing to the transformation from Brass to Goss orientation by rotation along the α-fibre. Moreover, dynamic recrystallisation occurred as the strain increased.
Numerical analysis of liquid fraction in solid–liquid phase transformation of semisolid alloy
Authors: Wang Y. T. , Yuan X. G. , Yu B. Y. , Huang H. J. , Li L.
Published: January 2014

The non-linear mathematical expression of liquid fraction in solid–liquid phase transformation of semisolid alloy was derived by thermodynamic equations, and the numerical solution of the non-linear mathematical expression was obtained by the Gauss Newton iteration algorithm. The solid–liquid phase transformation of hypereutectic Al–20Si–3Fe–1Mn–4Cu–1Mg alloy was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, and it was used for the expression reliability validation and compared with the Scheil linear regression expression. The results showed that the liquid fraction of the semisolid alloy was not increased linearly with the heating temperature increasing, but increased non-linearly, which was not consistent with the Scheil expression, and the growth rate of liquid fraction was not entirely the same in different temperature ranges. The non-linear mathematical expression data fit well with the experimental data, and the non-linear mathematical expression had a smaller discrete degree and higher credibility compared with the Scheil linear regression expression. The relationship of liquid fraction and heating temperature of the semisolid alloy can be reflected by means of the non-linear mathematical expression in the case of solid–liquid phase transformation.
Insights into plasma nitriding behaviour of M50NiL steel with different initial microstructures
Authors: Wang X. A. , Yan M. F. , Zhang C. S. , Zhang Y. X. , Bai B. , Chen L. , Long Z. , Li R. W.
Published: January 2014

Annealed and quenched M50NiL steel specimens were plasma nitrided at 460°C for 4 h under a mixture gaseous supply of 0·05N2+0·4H2 L min−1 to investigate the effects of the substrate microstructure on the features of nitrided layer, such as microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance. The results show that the nitrided layer is mainly consisted of α′-Fe, γ′-Fe4N and α′N (nitrogen expanded martensite) phases. The surface hardness is significantly enhanced. For the quenched specimens, the nitrided depth decreases with increasing quenched temperature. Compared to the quenched specimens, the nitrided depth of the annealed specimen is thicker under the same nitriding condition. The mechanism may be the variation in the amounts of interstitial carbon atoms and substitution alloying elements in the lattice, and the compressive residual stresses in the substrate. It is also demonstrated that the wear resistance for both the annealed and the quenched specimens can be significantly improved by plasma nitriding treatment.
Local texture of three-stage CVD SiC fibre by precession electron diffraction (PED) and XRD
Authors: Huang B. , Yang Y. Q. , Li M. H. , Chen Y. X. , Luo X. , Fu M. S. , Chen Y. , Zeng Xierong
Published: January 2014

SiC fibre with the transverse isotropic properties is very important to it reinforced metal matrix composites. In this paper, local texture of the CVD SiC fibre was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and precession electron diffraction (PED) on transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The result from XRD is in agreement with the result obtained from PED. And the result shown that at the first stage of deposition, the preferred direction of SiC grains is almost random and the distribution of grain size is scattered. At the second and third stages of deposition, there are two kinds of texture in SiC fibre, that is, (110)<111> and (110)<115>. Furthermore, the grain size at the second and third stages is about 200 nm and it is lower at the third stage than at the second stage because of the lower temperature at the third stage. The [110] preferred direction along axial direction for SiC fibre is beneficial to the axial tensile strength.
In vivo study of 2D PHA matrices of different chemical compositions: tissue reactions and biodegradations
Authors: Volova T. G. , Shishatskaya E. I. , Nikolaeva E. D. , Sinskey A. J.
Published: January 2014

Matrices based on resorbable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) of five types {a homopolymer of 3-hydroxybutyric acid, copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyric and 4-hydroxybutyric acids [P(3HB/4HB)], 3-hydroxybutyric and 3-hydroxyvaleric acids [P(3HB/3HV)], 3-hydroxybutyric and 3-hydroxyhexanoic acids [P(3HB/3HHx)]} have been constructed and characterised. No significant differences have been found in tissue response to implantation of these PHAs. Non-coarse fibrous capsules that formed around PHA matrices reached their maximum thickness (60–90 μm) 90 days after implantation; by day 180, the average thickness of the capsules had decreased by 1·5–2·3 times. The number of foreign body giant cells, resorbing PHAs, remained high. In vivo biodegradation behaviour of polymer matrices is related to the chemical composition of the PHA. Matrices prepared from copolymers P(3HB/4HB) and P(3HB/3HHx) exhibited the fastest degradation rates. P3HB/3HV matrices were degraded more slowly, and P3HB matrices were the most durable. In the PHA matrices that were degraded more slowly, giant cell reaction developed later.
Sliding wear and low cycle fatigue properties of new carbide free bainitic rail steel
Authors: Feng X. Y. , Zhang F. C. , Kang J. , Yang Z. N. , Long X. Y.
Published: January 2014

A new carbide free bainitic rail steel was prepared, whose comprehensive mechanical properties are equal or superior to current premium pearlitic and bainitic rail steels. The new bainitic rail steel possesses better low cycle fatigue properties and approximate resistance to wear compared with current pearlitic rail steel. The carbon enriched film-like austenite between the ferrite of the new bainitic rail steel can delay crack initiation and propagation in fatigue processes, resulting in a relatively high low cycle fatigue life (about two times) compared to the pearlitic rail steel. Finally, a wear model during sliding wear and deformation model during the low cycle fatigue of pearlitic and bainitic rail steels were established. As a result, the bainitic rail steel with a relatively reasonable combination of wear and fatigue properties compared to pearlitic rail steel is obtained, in which the initiation and propagation of cracks may be partially or entirely removed during the wear process.
Analysis of yield strength anisotropy of pipeline steel based on crystallographic model
Authors: Zong C. , Mao W-M. , Zhu G-H.
Published: January 2014

In the analytical modelling of yield strength anisotropy, some deviations between calculations and experiments are generally observed. These deviations are assumed to be the result of conventional crystallographic models for calculation not being able to distinguish the volume fraction of plastically deformed grains when materials yield. In this study, a novel physical model based on Schmid's law and on a crystallographic model was developed to interpret the yield strength anisotropy of pipeline steel by distinguishing the volume fraction of plastically deformed grains. Commercially hot rolled API X100 pipeline steel was used. The proposed model confirms the combined effect of crystallographic texture and volume fraction of plastically deformed grains on the yield strength anisotropy of the X100 pipeline steel. The volume fraction of plastically deformed grains when yielding was found to be related to the orientation factor distribution determined by the crystallographic texture.
Evaluation of laser drilling of holes in thermal barrier coated superalloys
Authors: Bathe R. , Padmanabham G.
Published: January 2014

Laser drilling of precise holes in thermal barrier coated Ni based superalloys has been studied. The interplay between various hole geometrical features such as hole shape, taper, barrelling, undercut, etc. and laser parameters such as pulse energy, pulse width and pulse repetition rate have been examined. The hole diameters are seen to follow a linear dependence on the incoming laser power densities for pulse width up to 2·0 ms. However, such a linear dependence was not observed for a pulse width of 3·0 ms. It was found that high pulse energy and short pulse width (high power density) gave crack free recast layer, whereas low pulse energy and longer pulse width (low power density) gave microcracks in the heat affected layer of superalloy. The significant barrelling observed in IN718 material at low power density values is due to multiple reflection of the incident beam from the cavity in combination with plasma formation at the evaporation front and trapping of the incident radiation causing excessive heating in that region.
Microstructure and martensitic transformation and mechanical properties of cast Ni rich NiTiCo shape memory alloys
Authors: El-Bagoury N.
Published: January 2014

The influence of Co additions on the microstructure, second phase precipitates, phase transformation and mechanical properties of cast Ni51−xTi49Cox ( x = 0, 0·5, 1·5 and 4 at-) shape memory alloys was investigated. At the expense of Ni, Co added to NiTi alloy significantly increases the martensitic transformation temperature. The matrix phase in the microstructure of Ni51Ti49Co0 alloy is the austenite phase (B2) in addition to martensite phase (B19′) and precipitates of NiTi intermetallic compounds. However, the parent phase in the other three alloys, Ni50·5Ti49Co0·5, Ni49·5Ti49Co1·5 and Ni47Ti49Co4, is martensite. Ti2Ni phase was found in the microstructures of the all investigated alloys; however, Ni3Ti2 phase precipitated only in the NiTi alloy with 0 at-Co. The volume fraction of Ti2Ni phase decreased by the additions of 0·5 and 1·5 at-Co, while it is slightly increased with 4 at-Co. The hardness value of NiTi alloy is affected by Co additions.
Microstructure and dendrite morphology of Sip/ZA27 composite
Authors: Chen T. J. , Li X. W. , Guo H. Y. , Hao Y.
Published: January 2014

The effects of pouring temperature, Si content and P modification on the microstructures and dendrite morphologies of Sip/ZA27 in situ composites have been investigated. Especially, the dendrite morphologies have been visually shown through observation of shrinkage porosity microstructure. The results indicate that the primary α-Al grains change from equiaxed dendrites to parallel distributed columnar-like dendrites as the pouring temperature rises from 575 to 800°C. The change tendency in dendrite morphology with increasing Si content is opposite to that with rising pouring temperature. However, these parallel distributed dendrites with highly anisotropic morphology are not feathery grains. The P modification promotes the formation of feathery grains, and this kind of grains can form when the P modified 4·76 wt- Sip/ZA27 composite is poured at 750°C. There are four lines of secondary dendrite arms around one primary trunk of a feathery grain. Two of them are located in the twin plane (111), and they are easier to grow up than the other two. Therefore, the feathery grains are always in a laminar structure that is overlapped by two-dimensional structured laminar dendrites. The formation process and three-dimensional structure of the feathery grains have also been discussed.
Influence of shielding gases on preheat produced in surface coatings incorporating SiC particulates into microalloy steel using TIG technique
Authors: Patel P. , Mridha S. , Baker T. N.
Published: January 2014

The use of a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding torch has resulted in the development of an economical route for surface engineering of alloys, giving similar results to the more expensive high power laser. Owing to the preheating generated by both techniques, the extent of the temperature rise is sufficient to produce significant changes to the melt dimensions, microstructure and properties between the first and last tracks melted during the coating of a complete surface. The present study examines if similar changes can occur between the start and finish locations of a single track of 50 mm length. The results show that for a TIG melted surface of a microalloy steel substrate, with or without incorporating preplaced SiC particles, in either argon or argon–helium environments, a maximum temperature of 375°C developed in the second third of the track. Even over this short distance, a hardness decrease of >300 HV was recorded in the resolidified SiC coated substrate melt zone, microstructure of a cast iron with cracks was observed. In addition, porosity was found in all the tracks, with and without preplaced SiC powders.
As cast high silicon ductile irons with optimised mechanical properties and remarkable fatigue properties
Authors: de la Torre U. , Loizaga A. , Lacaze J. , Sertucha J.
Published: January 2014

The present work shows a comparative study regarding the mechanical properties of 25 as cast ferritic ductile iron alloys, nine of them with silicon contents higher than 3·00 and carbon contents lower than 3·60. In a first step, different carbon equivalent values have been used in order to analyse the effect of this parameter on the mechanical properties. After this comparative analysis, the composition ranges C = 3·30–3·40 wt- and Si = 3·75–3·80 wt- have been selected as the most proper ones to optimise the tensile and impact properties among the high silicon ductile iron alloys. Finally, a second study was carried out to compare the tensile and fatigue properties of the optimised high silicon alloy with the corresponding ones obtained from an EN GJS 400-18-LT grade alloy with low silicon content. Although the room temperature impact values obtained from the high silicon ductile iron are lower than 6 J cm−2, the measured fatigue limit of this alloy (358 MPa) is clearly higher than the one obtained from the low silicon cast iron (170 MPa). A discussion about the benefits and advantages of the high silicon alloy is included.
Selective oxidation of Al rich Fe–Mn–Al–C low density steels
Authors: Jeong T. K. , Jung G. , Lee K. , Kang Y. B. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H. , Suh D.-W.
Published: January 2014

The surface quality of steels containing solutes that have a strong affinity for oxygen can be markedly compromised during processing at elevated temperatures. Here, we examine a class of steels that are being developed for low density applications and hence, have relatively large concentrations of aluminium and manganese. These two elements compete for what little oxygen is available in the predominantly hydrogen–nitrogen mixture used to protect the steel during heat treatment. It is found that although the general sequence of oxidation does not seem to vary as the aluminium concentration is increased, the stoichiometry of the oxides changes. Manganese rich oxide is always the first to form for all the dew points examined, but is rapidly overtaken by aluminium oxide when the dew point is kept below −30°C. In the latter case, the eventual formation of an alumina film also halts the internal oxidation of aluminium. The results obtained using a variety of high resolution microscopy and analytical techniques have been analysed by calculating phase diagrams and by creating a finite difference model to reveal aspects of the internal oxidation problem.