bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pentecostal Ecclesiology: A View From the Global South
Authors: Clark Mathew
Published: January 2013

The experience and understanding of ‘church’ in the Global South differs radically from the North. This is due to differences in size, background cultures and spiritualities, different experiences of the public space, varying resources and diverse leadership models, among other aspects. However, Pentecostalism in the North is more influential in theologizing and publishing, while the texts they produce do not always resonate with Southern needs and contexts. This paper wrestles with this situation and attempts to outline some tentative aspects of a Pentecostal ecclesiology from the South.
Positioning strategies of Polish entrepreneurs in Germany: Transnationalizing Bourdieu’s notion of capital
Authors: Nowicka Magdalena
Published: January 2013

This article presents an in-depth study of how Polish entrepreneurs in Munich, Germany, make use of their economic, social and cultural capital acquired in Poland and in Germany to position themselves transnationally. The article studies these migrants’ life courses and draws attention to cross-border intersections between their cultural, social and economic capital with roots in different places. The article also throws light on the subjective evaluation of economic capital of migrants in a transnational frame. Three types of transnational social positioning of the migrants are discerned (single space, bi-local and overlapping), which suggest a new reading of Bourdieu’s work that is better adapted to the theoretical challenges faced by researchers who study people in transnational spaces.
Modeling migrant adaptation: Coping with social strain, assimilation, and non-integration
Authors: Kwok-bun Chan , Plüss Caroline
Published: January 2013

This article adapts Robert Merton’s theory of coping with social strain to revisit the main paradigms in the literature of migrant adaptation. Intersecting this literature with Merton’s theory of coping with social strain and the ideas of emergence and resistance, the authors develop five new ideal types of migrant adaptation: (1) migrant conformity through straight-line assimilation; (2) migrant ritualism through multidirectional assimilation; (3) migrant retreatism through segmented assimilation; (4) migrant innovation through transnationalism; and (5) migrant rebellion through cosmopolitanism. The authors’ typology makes the point that migrant adaptation is a plural and ambiguous process, which needs to be understood and explained to identify the causes and effects of long-term migrant adaptation, integration or non-integration. The results show that these ideal types provide an explanation of how and why many of the paradigms on which the literature on migrant adaptation is based also lead to different forms of migrant non-adaptation.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of Children With Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome
Authors: Singhi Pratibha , Sahu Jitendra Kumar , Sarkar Jhuma , Bansal Deepak
Published: January 2013

The opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome is a distinct disorder characterized by opsoclonus, myoclonus, and ataxia, along with marked irritability and behavioral changes. Worldwide, data on its epidemiology, clinical features, and outcome are scarce. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical profile and outcome of children with this disorder. A retrospective study of all children admitted with a diagnosis of opsoclonus-myoclonus from 2000 to 2012 was done. Outcome was assessed on follow-up by direct assessment and by telephonic interview. Eleven patients with a diagnosis of opsoclonus-myoclonus were admitted over a 12-year period. Of the 11, 4 had paraneoplastic etiology. Children with paraneoplastic opsoclonus had more relapses and a poor outcome as compared to an idiopathic group. Paraneoplastic opsoclonus had a poor outcome in our experience.
Ánimo. Estamos con vosotros: Messages of solidarity written in a visitors’ book during a sit-in conducted by a group of immigrants in Spain
Authors: Hernández Antonio M Bañón , Romero Samantha R
Published: January 2013

We are experiencing a time during which there is a clear crisis of values, meaning a distancing with regard to the problems of socially disadvantaged groups. This article’s main purpose is to discuss whether this situation has had any impact on solidarity discourse towards immigrants. To fulfill our objective, we will analyse the written messages in a visitors’ book used for a sit-in that took place in Murcia, Spain, in 2001. We selected 100 of these messages to determine the degree of involvement that visitors show towards immigrants. In this regard, we have proposed four processes of involvement, from low to high: proximity, accompaniment, support and identification. We will analyse these processes from a critical and constructive viewpoint in an attempt to determine which is the most common and which combinations of processes are preferred by the authors of the messages. In addition, we will focus on the use of key expressions, terms of intensification, and argumentative structures as basic elements for the interpretation of these processes of involvement.
Moralising class: A discourse analysis of the mainstream political response to Occupy and the August 2011 British riots
Authors: Bennett Joe
Published: January 2013

In this article, I present an analysis of the discursive response of two British politicians – the Prime Minister David Cameron and the leader of the opposition, Ed Miliband – to the riots that took place in British cities in August 2011 and the Occupy protests of later in the same year. Considering this response as, following Van Leeuwen, recontextualisation of the events with which the two politicians are concerned, I suggest that in both cases a particular neoliberal discourse is employed that serves to moralise what is in actual fact material, class-based opposition. Cameron suggests that the riots are indicative of a ‘moral collapse’ in contemporary Britain, and Miliband, superficially aligning himself with the movement, suggests that the Occupy protests indicate a ‘value gap’. In both cases, I argue, the discursive response serves as an attempt to assert as hegemonic a substantively identical moralised neoliberal understanding of the inequalities of contemporary capitalism. This is an understanding – a discourse – that I suggest is both a contributor to these inequalities and a false representation of their true nature.
Clinical Examination of Plantar Plate Abnormality
Authors: Klein Erin E. , Weil Lowell , Weil Lowell Scott , Coughlin Michael J. , Knight Jessica
Published: January 2013

Background:

Plantar plate tears can cause pain and deformity in the forefoot but are frequently missed on initial examination. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the diagnostic statistics of common clinical examination parameters using observed intraoperative abnormality as the referenced standard.

Methods:

Medical records of 90 patients (109 feet) who underwent a plantar plate repair were reviewed for the presence and onset of pain, plantar edema, instability of the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (drawer sign), pain with range of motion of the lesser MTP joint, first MTP joint range of motion, crossover toes, previous first ray surgery, and previous corticosteroid injections. Clinical examination findings were compared with intraoperative findings. Diagnostic statistics were calculated.

Results:

Parameters with a high sensitivity (greater than 80%) were gradual onset of pain (93%), previous first ray surgery (100%), pain at the second metatarsal head (98%), edema at the second metatarsal head (95.8%), and a positive drawer sign (80.6%). High specificity (greater than 80%) was found for a positive drawer test (99.8%) and crossover toes (88.9%). Parameters with odds ratios greater than 1 were gradual onset of pain (1.104), pain at the second metatarsal head (6.125), edema at the second metatarsal head (2.875), and a positive drawer sign (1.389).

Conclusion:

Ninety-five percent of patients with a plantar plate tear presented with a gradual onset of forefoot pain, edema, and a positive drawer sign. A comprehensive clinical examination can heighten the suspicion for plantar plate tears when the data are interpreted correctly.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective, diagnostic.
The suture loop holding capacity of flexor digitorum profundus tendon within and outside the digital tendon sheath
Authors: Havulinna J. , Leppänen O. V. , Göransson H.
Published: January 2013

In a previous study we found that the strength of a Kessler core suture in the flexor tendon was greater in flexor zone 2 than in zone 3. To further investigate the material properties of the flexor tendon without the influence of a locking suture configuration, we measured the ultimate strength of a simple loop suture in the flexor digitorum profundus tendon in zones 1, 2, and 3. Eight cadaver flexor digitorum profundus tendons were tested in 10 mm increments with a 3-0 polyester suture loop pull-out test in the mid-substance of the tendon. The mean strength in zones 1 and 2 (26.7 N, SD 5.6) was significantly higher than the mean strength in zone 3 (17.7 N, SD 5.4). We conclude that the difference is owing to variations of the structure of the flexor tendon in different sections of the tendon, as the suture configuration was a simple loop without a locking or grasping component.
Risk of acute urinary retention associated with inhaled anticholinergics in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease: systematic review
Authors: Loke Yoon K. , Singh Sonal
Published: January 2013

Inhaled anticholinergics (ipratropium bromide and tiotropium bromide) are widely used as maintenance treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Previous studies have reported on their cardiovascular effects but relatively little is known about their effects on the bladder. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency which can be associated with serious complications. Our objective was to evaluate the existing literature regarding the effects of inhaled anticholinergics on urinary retention among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We searched PubMed and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adverse events database for case reports, observational studies, randomized controlled trials (or meta-analyses of such trials) that reported on the outcome of urinary retention with inhaled anticholinergics (ipratropium or tiotropium). We checked 27 published articles and identified relevant papers including two case reports, three pooled analyses, two observational studies and one randomized controlled trial. Two of the observational studies and a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials reported a significant increase in the risk of acute urinary retention with inhaled anticholinergics. Older patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia seem to be at the highest risk of this adverse effect which tends to occur soon after treatment initiation. Although all the links in the chain have yet to be fully elucidated, the preponderance of evidence suggests the possibility of a causal relationship between inhaled anticholinergics and urinary retention. Clinicians should carefully balance these and other adverse effects of inhaled anticholinergics against their known symptomatic benefits on exacerbations, after eliciting patient preferences for various outcomes in a shared decision-making context.
Structural evolutions and mechanical behaviours of carbides in Nb–Ti–C alloys
Authors: Wei W Q , Wang H W , Zou C M , Qi J Q , Wei Z J
Published: January 2013

The structural evolution of the (Nb, Ti)C and its effect on the mechanical behaviours of Nb–(21, 35)Ti–4C and Nb–25Ti–8C (at-) alloys have been comprehensively investigated. The alloys consist of Nb solid solution (Nbss) and (Nb, Ti)C both for the as cast and the heat treated samples; however, the secondary Nbss precipitates within the (Nb, Ti)C after heat treatment and the composition of the secondary Nbss is mainly the Nb. The driving force of Nbss precipitation from (Nb, Ti)C is summarised as two aspects: the lack of C atoms in (Nb, Ti)C induced by the fast cooling rate; and the difference of thermodynamic stability of TiC and NbC. The small sized long strip secondary Nbss, which adopts a well defined orientation relationship between the (Nb, Ti)C, is obtained in the case of low driving force. On the condition of high driving force, the microstructure of the Nbss precipitations becomes large sized massive and layered. The brittleness of (Nb, Ti)C is reduced by the secondary Nbss precipitations proved by nanoindentation tests.
Mechanical characterisation and quality index of A356-type aluminium castings heat treated using fluidised bed quenching
Authors: Ragab Kh A , Bournane M , Samuel A M , Al-Ahmari A M A , Samuel F H , Doty H W
Published: January 2013

The current study aimed at investigating the effect of fluidised sand bed quenching on the mechanical performance and quality index of A356·2 aluminium cast alloys. Traditional water and conventional hot air quenching media were used to establish a relevant comparison with fluidised sand bed quenching. Quality charts were generated using two models of quality indices to support the selection of material conditions on the basis of the proposed quality indices. The use of a fluidised sand bed for the direct quenching aging treatment of A356·2 casting alloys yields greater UTS and YS values compared to conventional furnace quenched alloys. For the same aging conditions (170°C/4 h), the fluidised bed quenched aged 356 alloys show nearly the same or better strength values than those quenched in water and then aged in a CF or an FB. Based on the quality charts developed for alloys subjected to different quenching media, higher quality index values are obtained by water quenched T6-tempered A356 alloys. Using hot sand as a quenching medium at different temperatures, namely 170, 190 and 210°C, reduces both the strength and the quality with increase in quenching temperature for the alloys investigated. The regression models indicate that the eutectic silicon modification factor has the most significant effect on the quality results of the alloys investigated, for all heat treatment cycles, as compared to other metallurgical parameters.
Surface borided SAE 1020 steel with dual phase core microstructure
Authors: Ulu S , Kayali Y , Gunes I
Published: January 2013

In the present study, the production of dual phase steel structure in the core of surface borided SAE 1020 steel and the effect of martensite volume fraction (MVF) on tensile, microhardness and microstructure were investigated. For the purposes, specimens were divided into two groups. The first group of specimens was subjected to intercritical annealing at temperatures between 720 and 820°C. Specimens from the second group were first borided at 900°C for 2 h, and then without removing the specimens from the furnace, they were annealed at different intercritical heat treatment temperatures from 720 to 820°C. During the intercritical annealing process, the specimens of both groups were kept in the furnace for 30 min. Thermal processes were followed by microstructural analysis of the specimens. The MVFs of the specimens were calculated after intercritical annealing. Heat treatment temperatures that resulted in common MVFs were found for the two groups. In the first and second groups of specimens, dual phase microstructures were obtained after heat treatment. Up to 83 μm thick boride layer was obtained on the surface of the borided specimens, and a ferrite–martensite microstructure was produced in the matrix. In addition, an X-ray diffraction test was applied to the borided specimens. According to microhardness tests, a hardness value of up to 1530 was obtained on the boride layer.
Grain size evolution simulation in aluminium alloys AA 6082 and AA 7020 during hot forward extrusion process
Authors: Foydl A , Segatori A , Khalifa N Ben , Donati L , Brosius A , Tomesani L , Tekkaya A E
Published: January 2013

The present paper investigates the grain size evolution in aluminium alloys AA 6082 and AA 7020 during hot forward extrusion process. The aim of the present work is the definition and implementation of a predictive algorithm that is able to compute the evolution of the grain shape during the process within the finite element method code Deform. Extrusion experiments were performed at two levels: at reduced scale for investigating and identifying the predictive equations and at industrial scale for validating the developed algorithm. At small scale extrusion, a complete factorial plan was performed for two alloys at three different temperatures, three extrusion ratios and two ram speeds: the discards and extrudates from the experiments were quenched immediately in order to avoid any potential recrystallisation, hence allowing measurements of transitional processing steps. At the industrial scale, instead, the 7020 alloy was extruded with two different die designs, thus producing a 20 mm diameter round bar under different extrusion ratios and strain paths. Finite element simulations were initially validated over visioplastic investigations in order to establish an accurate computation of the material flow, then experimental and numerical results were coupled, thus allowing the definition of the grain evolution model that was successfully integrated and validated on industrial scale trials.
Fireside issues in advanced power generation systems
Authors: Simms N J , Sumner J , Hussain T , Oakey J E
Published: January 2013

The requirements to supply increasing quantities of electricity and simultaneously to reduce the environmental impact of its production are currently major issues for the power generation industry. Routes to meeting these challenges include the development and use of power plants with ever increasing efficiencies coupled with the use of both a wider range of fuels and technologies designed to minimise CO2 emissions. For fireside hot gas path components, issues of concern include deposition, erosion and corrosion in novel operating environments and increased operating temperatures. The novel operating environments will be produced both by the use of new fuel mixes and by the development of more complex gas pathways (e.g. in various oxyfired or gasification systems). Higher rates of deposition could significantly reduce heat transfer and increase the need for component cleaning. However, degradation of component surfaces has the potential to be life limiting, and so such effects need to be minimised. Materials and operational issues related to these objectives are reviewed.
Grain refinement of 18-carat white gold alloy containing lanthanum
Authors: Xiang X Z , Bai X J
Published: January 2013

Four different lanthanum contents are added to 18-carat white gold alloy. The microstructures of these kinds of as cast 18-carat gold alloys are studied. Experimental results indicate that the addition of rare earth elements can help grain refinement; as the percentage of lanthanum in alloy grows, the alloy becomes obviously refined. The morphology of the as cast structure changed obviously as well. The mechanism is discussed in this paper.
Thermal desorption spectroscopy study of experimental Ti/S containing steels
Authors: Pérez Escobar D , Duprez L , Atrens A , Verbeken K
Published: January 2013

This research studied hydrogen trapping by Ti/S containing precipitates in two experimental steels, C076 and C077. Ingots were hot and cold rolled to sheets of 1·2 mm thickness. Precipitates were formed during a well designed heat treatment. Thermal desorption spectra (TDS) were measured after electrochemical hydrogen charging. C077 and C076 produced low temperature TDS peaks at ∼90 and ∼140°C, with activation energies of ∼34 kJ mol−1, consistent with hydrogen trapping at grain boundaries. C076 had a higher hydrogen content attributable to the larger grain boundary area. C076 also had higher temperature TDS peak at ∼270°C, with an activation energy of ∼58 kJ mol−1, attributed to hydrogen trapping associated with Fe1·2Ti0·8S2 precipitates.
Investigation on hot deformation of 20Cr–25Ni superaustenitic stainless steel with starting columnar dendritic microstructure based on kinetic analysis and processing map
Authors: Han Y , Liu G W , Zou D N , Sun J P , Qiao G J
Published: January 2013

The deformation behaviour of a 20Cr–25Ni superaustenitic stainless steel (SASS) with initial microstructure of columnar dendrites was investigated using the hot compression method at temperatures of 1000–1200°C and strain rates of 0·01–10 s−1. It was found that the flow stress was strongly dependent on the applied temperature and strain rate. The constitutive equation relating to the flow stress, temperature and stain rate was proposed for hot deformation of this material, and the apparent activation energy of deformation was calculated to be 516·7 kJ mol−1. Based on the dynamic materials model and the Murty's instability criterion, the variations of dissipation efficiency and instability factor with processing parameters were studied. The processing map, combined with the instability map and the dissipation map, was constructed to demonstrate the relationship between hot workability and microstructural evolution. The stability region for hot processing was inferred accurately from the map. The optimum hot working domains were identified in the respective ranges of the temperature and the strain rate of 1025–1120°C and 0·01–0·03 s−1 or 1140–1200°C and 0·08–1 s−1, where the material produced many more equiaxed recrystallised grains. Moreover, instability regimes that should be avoided in the actual working were also identified by the processing map. The corresponding instability was associated with localised flow, adiabatic shear band, microcracking and free surface cracks.
Reaction induced anomalous temperature dependence of equilibrium contact angle of TiZr based glass forming melt on Al2O3 substrate
Authors: Zhang B , Li H , Zhu Z W , Fu H M , Wang A M , Dong C , Zhang H F , Hu Z Q
Published: January 2013

The wetting behaviours and interface reactions in Ti32·8Zr30·2Ni5·3Cu9Be22·7/Al2O3 system were investigated using a sessile drop technique at 1073–1223 K in high vacuum. Both the equilibrium contact angles and the interface reactions largely depend on the test temperature. The equilibrium contact angle first decreases and then increases with the increase in temperature. The minimum of the equilibrium contact angle is 21° at 1143 K. The reason for the anomalous change of equilibrium contact angle is the change of the interface structure. At low temperature, the adsorption of α-Ti solid solution at the interface and the formation of Ti0·5Zr0·5O0·33 in the precursor film are beneficial to the wettability. With further increasing the temperature to 1173 K, the formation of ionic α-BeO is responsible for the deterioration in wettability.
Joining of 6061 aluminium ultrasonic soldered of Sn–Pb–Zn alloys
Authors: Min D
Published: January 2013

By means of ultrasonic soldering with a low temperature solder, 6061 aluminium alloy was joined. The following results were obtained. The effect of ultrasound on soldering greatly promotes processes of chemical interactions between solder components and the 6061 aluminium alloy due to thermal effects. The crystallisation behaviour of the fusion zone is divided into four steps. The speed of growth for serration shaped reaction layer is different. The shear strength of the joint is improved significantly, with the maximum shear strength approaching 54·36 MPa.
Effects of annealing temperature on microstructure and magnetic properties of Fe73·37Cu0·92Nb2·9Si13·56B9·24 amorphous alloy
Authors: Li P , Su H L , Song Y J , Wu Y C
Published: January 2013

Fe73·37Cu0·92Nb2·9Si13·56B9·24 amorphous alloy ribbon was prepared by melt spinning method. The influences of the annealing temperature on its microstructure and soft magnetic properties were investigated. Two crystallisation stages were found with temperature increasing by using differential scanning calorimetry. X-ray diffraction test showed that the first crystallisation phase is α-Fe(Si) with the average grain sizes ranging from 12 to 25 nm when annealing temperature is below 560°C and the secondary crystallisation phase with an average grain size of about 45 nm appears when annealing temperature is at 700°C. The soft magnetic property measurement showed that the Bs increases to 1·26 T and the Hc decreases to 0·002 Oe when annealing temperature increased from 520 to 560°C, while corresponding values for the alloy annealed at 700°C are 1·1 T and 0·079 Oe respectively. These results indicate that the Fe73·37Cu0·92Nb2·9Si13·56B9·24 alloy annealed at 560°C has the relatively best magnetic properties.
Comparison of spreading behaviour and interfacial microstructure in Sn–0·7Cu, Sn–0·3Ag–0·7Cu and Sn–2·5Ag–0·5Cu lead free solder alloys on Fe–42Ni substrate
Authors: Narayan S , Prabhu K N
Published: January 2013

In the present work, spreading behaviour and development of interfacial microstructure in Sn–0·7Cu, Sn–0·3Ag–0·7Cu and Sn–2·5Ag–0·5Cu lead free solder alloys on Fe–42Ni substrates having two different surface textures were investigated. Smooth textured surfaces yielded better wettability than rough surfaces particularly for Sn–0·7Cu solder alloy. Wettability of Sn–0·7Cu solder on rough textured surfaces was found to be poor compared to other solder alloys. Spreading of Sn–0·7Cu solder on substrate surface showed longer viscous regime, Sn–2·5Ag–0·5Cu solder exhibited shortest viscous regime. Sn–0·3Ag–0·7 solder showed intermediate behaviour. Sn–Cu solder alloy exhibited needle and coarse shaped (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 intermetallics at the interface and in the matrix of the solder alloy on smooth substrate, whereas on rough substrate, formation of only coarse shaped (Cu,Ni)6Sn5 intermetallic compounds (IMCs) was observed. For Sn–0·3Ag–0·7Cu solder alloy, Fe–Ni–Sn and FeSn2 IMCs identified at the interface. (Cu,Ni)6/Sn5 IMCs were found to be less coarser than as observed at Sn–0·7Cu/substrate interface. Sn–2·5Ag–0·5Cu alloy exhibited (Cu,Ni)3Sn4 and (Cu,Ni)6 Sn5 IMCs at the interface and in the bulk of solder alloy.
Experimental investigation and modelling on dry sliding wear behaviour of Al–zircon metal matrix composites
Authors: Vijayakumar S , Karunamoorthy L
Published: January 2013

The present paper presents the influence of wear parameters on wear behaviour of Al–LM25–zircon metal matrix composites. The composite has been fabricated by novel stir casting process and heat treated. The wear behaviour of composites against EN32 steel was studied using pin on disc type wear test rig. The mathematical model to predict the wear rate of Al–zircon composites has been expressed in terms of reinforcement volume fraction, particle size, applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance using five factors, five level central composite design matrix approach by response surface method. The morphology and topography of worn out surface wear were studied using a scanning electron microscope. The effect of wear parameters on wear rate of composites was analysed by statistical method.
Microstructural and properties evolution of austenitic heat resistant steel after addition of aluminium
Authors: Sun Y F , Lv Y Z , Zhang Y , Zhao J Y , Wu Y
Published: January 2013

Effect of aluminium on microstructure and properties of austenitic heat resistant steel was investigated. The results showed that Al addition led to formation of spheroidal and dispersed Ni3Al. After solution treatment, Ni3Al particles experienced a significant refinement from 1·5 μm to nanoscale (∼80 nm). Matrix transformed from austenite to ferrite when addition of Al was >4·72. Oxidation resistance of samples containing 4·72Al was two times higher than Al free samples due to the formation of compacted Al2O3 scales. Excessive Al resulted in the formation of Al3Fe5O12 and AlN on oxidation surface, which destroyed the oxidation resistance. Dispersedly precipitated Ni3Al effectively supported the matrix and enhanced the wear resistance, and samples containing 4·72Al performed ∼80 higher in wear resistance than Al free samples. Al significantly improved the microstructure and the properties of austenitic heat resistant steel, and samples containing 4·72Al performed the optimal combination properties.
Computational design of nanostructured steels employing irreversible thermodynamics
Authors: Rivera-Díaz-del-Castillo P. E. J. , Hayashi K. , Galindo-Nava E. I.
Published: January 2013

Recent theory demonstrates that the Kocks–Mecking formulation of plasticity has a foundation in multiscale irreversible thermodynamics. The key terms in the formulation can be obtained form experiments and from fundamental calculations. This offers two advantages to materials scientists and alloy designers: the Kocks–Mecking approach goes beyond being a phenomenological approach, gaining a solid physical foundation in multiscale computational physics; the new formulation can be employed to conceive new alloys displaying complex synergistic interactions at several scales and among several phases. This approach is ideal for designing and modelling nanostructured steels. This work incorporates four concomitant strengthening effects: solid solution, Hall–Petch, dislocation forest and precipitation. The new formulation is applied to nanostructured martensitic, dual phase and twinning induced plasticity steels, describing with excellent accuracy of their stress–strain behaviour.
Visual analysis of solidification and δ–γ transformations in steels
Authors: Zhang X F , Komizo Y
Published: January 2013

The theory of solidification of steels and the kinetics of austenite to α-ferrite phase transformation were extensively studied; however, comparatively, little information is available concerning the kinetics of the δ-ferrite to austenite transformation due to the difficulty of making in situ observations. In the present study, a laser scanning confocal microscopy with an infrared image furnace was implemented with which the in situ observations at the high temperature of the dynamic behaviour of the δ/ γ grain nucleation and growth and interphase boundaries of the steels are made possible. The solidification mode of the carbon steel and the austenitic stainless steel during welding can be directly observed, and the definitive sequence of phase transformation that led to the final microstructure was detected in real time. Finally, new experimental results will be presented and compared with previous studies.
Thrombin generation and whole blood viscoelastic assays in the management of hemophilia: current state of art and future perspectives
Authors: Young Guy , Sørensen Benny , Dargaud Yesim , Negrier Claude , Brummel-Ziedins Kathleen , Key Nigel S.
Published: January 2013

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder that afflicts about 1 in 5000 males. Treatment relies upon replacement of the deficient factor, and response to treatment both in clinical research and practice is based upon subjective parameters such as pain and joint mobility. Existing laboratory assays quantify the amount of factor in plasma, which is useful diagnostically and prognostically. However, these assays are limited in their ability to fully evaluate the patient’s clot-forming capability. Newer assays, known as global assays, provide a far more detailed view of thrombin generation and clot formation and have been studied in hemophilia for about 10 years. They have the potential to offer a more objective measure of both the hemophilic phenotype as well as the response to treatment. In particular, in patients who develop inhibitors to deficient clotting factors and in whom bypassing agents are required for hemostasis, these assays offer the opportunity to determine the laboratory response to these interventions where traditional coagulation assays cannot. In this article we review the existing literature and discuss several controversial issues surrounding the assays. Last, a vision of future clinical uses of these assays is briefly described.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells induce defective LFA-1–directed T-cell motility by altering Rho GTPase signaling that is reversible with lenalidomide
Authors: Ramsay Alan G. , Evans Rachel , Kiaii Shahryar , Svensson Lena , Hogg Nancy , Gribben John G.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

CLL cells induce defects in T-cell LFA-1–mediated migration by altering Rho GTPase activation signaling, downregulating RhoA and Rac1, and upregulating Cdc42. Lenalidomide repairs these T-cell defects by restoring normal Rho GTPase activation signaling.
Anti–protamine-heparin antibodies: incidence, clinical relevance, and pathogenesis
Authors: Bakchoul Tamam , Zöllner Heike , Amiral Jean , Panzer Simon , Selleng Sixten , Kohlmann Thomas , Brandt Sven , Delcea Mihaela , Warkentin Theodore E. , Sachs Ulrich J. , Greinacher Andreas
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Immunization against protamine/heparin complexes was frequently observed in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Platelet-activating anti–protamine-heparin antibodies are a potential risk factor for early postoperative thrombosis and thrombocytopenia.
Steerable-filter based quantification of axonal populations at the developing optic chiasm reveal significant defects in Slit2 −/− as well as Slit1 −/− Slit2 −/− embryos
Authors: Down Matthew , Willshaw David A , Pratt Thomas , Price David J
Published: January 2013

Background

Previous studies have suggested that the axon guidance proteins Slit1 and Slit2 co-operate to establish the optic chiasm in its correct position at the ventral diencephalic midline. This is based on the observation that, although both Slit1 and Slit2 are expressed around the ventral midline, mice defective in either gene alone exhibit few or no axon guidance defects at the optic chiasm whereas embryos lacking both Slit1 and Slit2 develop a large additional chiasm anterior to the chiasm’s normal position. Here we used steerable-filters to quantify key properties of the population of axons at the chiasm in wild-type,Slit1−/−,Slit2−/−andSlit1−/−Slit2−/−embryos.

Results

We applied the steerable-filter algorithm successfully to images of embryonic retinal axons labelled from a single eye shortly after they have crossed the midline. We combined data from multiple embryos of the same genotype and made statistical comparisons of axonal distributions, orientations and curvatures between genotype groups. We compared data from the analysis of axons with data on the expression ofSlit1andSlit2.The results showed a misorientation and a corresponding anterior shift in the position of many axons at the chiasm of bothSlit2−/−andSlit1−/−Slit2−/−mutants. There were very few axon defects at the chiasm ofSlit1−/−mutants.

Conclusions

We found defects of the chiasms ofSlit1−/−Slit2−/−andSlit1−/−mutants similar to those reported previously. In addition, we discovered previously unreported defects resulting from loss of Slit2 alone. This indicates the value of a quantitative approach to complex pathway analysis and shows that Slit2 can act alone to control aspects of retinal axon routing across the ventral diencephalic midline.
A survey-based study of knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among health care staff
Authors: Smyth Wendy , Fielding Elaine , Beattie Elizabeth , Gardner Anne , Moyle Wendy , Franklin Sara , Hines Sonia , MacAndrew Margaret
Published: January 2013

Background

Continued aging of the population is expected to be accompanied by substantial increases in the number of people with dementia and in the number of health care staff required to care for them. Adequate knowledge about dementia among health care staff is important to the quality of care delivered to this vulnerable population. The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge about dementia across a range of health care staff in a regional health service district.

Methods

Knowledge levels were investigated via the validated 30-item Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). All health service district staff with e-mail access were invited to participate in an online survey. Knowledge levels were compared across demographic categories, professional groups, and by whether the respondent had any professional or personal experience caring for someone with dementia. The effect of dementia-specific training or education on knowledge level was also evaluated.

Results

A diverse staff group (N = 360), in terms of age, professional group (nursing, medicine, allied health, support staff) and work setting from a regional health service in Queensland, Australia responded. Overall knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease was of a generally moderate level with significant differences being observed by professional group and whether the respondent had any professional or personal experience caring for someone with dementia. Knowledge was lower for some of the specific content domains of the ADKS, especially those that were more medically-oriented, such as ‘risk factors’ and ‘course of the disease.’ Knowledge was higher for those who had experienced dementia-specific training, such as attendance at a series of relevant workshops.

Conclusions

Specific deficits in dementia knowledge were identified among Australian health care staff, and the results suggest dementia-specific training might improve knowledge. As one piece of an overall plan to improve health care delivery to people with dementia, this research supports the role of introducing systematic dementia-specific education or training.
Comparative proteomic analysis implicates eEF2 as a novel target of PI3Kγ in the MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cell line
Authors: Niu Meizhi , Klingler-Hoffmann Manuela , Brazzatti Julie A , Forbes Briony , Akekawatchai Chareeporn , Hoffmann Peter , McColl Shaun R
Published: January 2013

Background

Cancer cell migration is fundamentally required for breast tumour invasion and metastasis. The insulin-like growth factor 1 tyrosine kinase receptor (IGF-1R) and the chemokine G-protein coupled receptor, CXCR4 have been shown to play an important role in breast cancer metastasis. Our previous study has shown that IGF-1R can transactivate CXCR4 via a physical association in the human MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cell line and that this plays a key role in IGF-I-induced migration of these cells. In the present study we used pharmacological inhibition and RNAi to identify PI3Kγ as an important migration signalling molecule downstream of receptor transactivation in MDA-MB-231 cells. To identify PI3Kγ-regulated proteins upon transactivation of CXCR4 by IGF-I, we undertook a comparative proteomics approach using 2-D- Fluorescence Difference Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE) and identified the proteins by mass spectrometry.

Results

These experiments identified eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) as a novel downstream target of PI3Kγ after activation of the IGF-1R-CXCR4 heterodimer by IGF-I. Further analysis demonstrated that eEF2 is phosphorylated in MDA-MB-231 cells in response to IGF-I and that this is dependent on PI3Kγ activity.

Conclusions

Our data imply a novel role for PI3Kγ in facilitating cell migration by regulating phosphorylation of eEF2.
CDK-associated Cullin 1 can promote cell proliferation and inhibit cisplatin-induced apoptosis in the AGS gastric cancer cell line
Authors: Zheng Qi , Zhao Ling-Yu , Kong Ying , Nan Ke-Jun , Yao Yu , Liao Zi-Jun
Published: January 2013

Background

Gastric cancer is a common and highly lethal malignancy in the world, but its pathogenesis remains elusive. In this study, we focus on the biological functions of CDK-associated Cullin1 (CAC1), a novel gene of the cullin family, in gastric cancer, which may help us to further understand the origin of this malignancy.

Methods

The AGS and MGC803 gastric cancer cell lines and the GES-1 gastric mucosa cell line were selected for study. At first, CAC1 expressions of those cell lines were examined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot examinations, then CAC1 small interfering RNA (CAC1-siRNA) were designed and transfected into the AGS cell line with a relatively high level of CAC1. Once CAC1 was silenced, a series of biological characteristics of AGS cells such as cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and expressions of apoptosis-related genes (P53, BCL2 and BAX) were determined by MTT, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively.

Results

CAC1 expression of AGS or MGC803 was much higher than that of GES-1. After CAC1 expression was effectively depressed by RNA interference in AGS cells, significant cell growth inhibition occurred. Furthermore, the proportion of cells treated with CAC1-siRNA increased in the G1 phase and decreased in the S phase, indicative of G1 cell cycle arrest. More importantly, the proportions of early/late apoptosis in AGS cells were enhanced with cis-diaminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin, CDDP) treatment, but to a higher extent with cisplatin plus CAC1-siRNA. Interestingly, BCL2 mRNA copies showed about a 30% decrease in the cisplatin group, but dropped by around 60% in the cisplatin plus CAC1-siRNA group. Conversely, the P53 mRNA expressions obtained nearly a two-fold increase in the cisplatin group, in addition to a five-fold increase in the cisplatin plus CAC1-siRNA group, and the BAX mRNA levels had almost a two- and four-fold augmentation, respectively. Meanwhile, P53, BAX and BCL2 showed the same alteration patterns in western blot examinations.

Conclusions

CAC1 can promote cell proliferation in the AGS gastric cancer cell line. Moreover, it can prevent AGS cells from experiencing cisplatin-induced apoptosis via modulating expressions of P53, BCL2 and BAX.
Well-integrated ZnO nanorod arrays on conductive textiles by electrochemical synthesis and their physical properties
Authors: Ko Yeong Hwan , Kim Myung Sub , Park Wook , Yu Jae Su
Published: January 2013

We reported well-integrated zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays (NRAs) on conductive textiles (CTs) and their structural and optical properties. The integrated ZnO NRAs were synthesized by cathodic electrochemical deposition on the ZnO seed layer-coated CT substrate in ultrasonic bath. The ZnO NRAs were regularly and densely grown as well as vertically aligned on the overall surface of CT substrate, in comparison with the grown ZnO NRAs without ZnO seed layer or ultrasonication. Additionally, their morphologies and sizes can be efficiently controlled by changing the external cathodic voltage between the ZnO seed-coated CT substrate and the counter electrode. At an external cathodic voltage of −2 V, the photoluminescence property of ZnO NRAs was optimized with good crystallinity and high density.
Biological and therapeutic effects of ortho-silicic acid and some ortho-silicic acid-releasing compounds: New perspectives for therapy
Authors: Jurkić Lela Munjas , Cepanec Ivica , Pavelić Sandra Kraljević , Pavelić Krešimir
Published: January 2013

Silicon (Si) is the most abundant element present in the Earth's crust besides oxygen. However, the exact biological roles of silicon remain unknown. Moreover, the ortho-silicic acid (H4SiO4), as a major form of bioavailable silicon for both humans and animals, has not been given adequate attention so far. Silicon has already been associated with bone mineralization, collagen synthesis, skin, hair and nails health atherosclerosis, Alzheimer disease, immune system enhancement, and with some other disorders or pharmacological effects. Beside the ortho-silicic acid and its stabilized formulations such as choline chloride-stabilized ortho-silicic acid and sodium or potassium silicates (e.g. M2SiO3; M= Na,K), the most important sources that release ortho-silicic acid as a bioavailable form of silicon are: colloidal silicic acid (hydrated silica gel), silica gel (amorphous silicon dioxide), and zeolites. Although all these compounds are characterized by substantial water insolubility, they release small, but significant, equilibrium concentration of ortho-silicic acid (H4SiO4) in contact with water and physiological fluids. Even though certain pharmacological effects of these compounds might be attributed to specific structural characteristics that result in profound adsorption and absorption properties, they all exhibit similar pharmacological profiles readily comparable to ortho-silicic acid effects. The most unusual ortho-silicic acid-releasing agents are certain types of zeolites, a class of aluminosilicates with well described ion(cation)-exchange properties. Numerous biological activities of some types of zeolites documented so far might probably be attributable to the ortho-silicic acid-releasing property. In this review, we therefore discuss biological and potential therapeutic effects of ortho-silicic acid and ortho-silicic acid -releasing silicon compounds as its major natural sources.
Copy number gain of MYCN gene is a recurrent genetic aberration and favorable prognostic factor in Chinese pediatric neuroblastoma patients
Authors: Wang Miao , Zhou Chunju , Cai Rongqin , Li Yong , Gong Liping
Published: January 2013

Background

Amplification of MYCN oncogene is an established marker indicating aggressive tumor progression of neuroblastoma (NBL). But copy number analyses of MYCN gene in ganglioneuroblastoma (GNBL) and ganglioneuroma(GN) is poorly described in the literature. In the study, we evaluated the copy number aberrations of MYCN gene in clinical samples of NBLs, GNBLs and GNs and analyzed their association with clinical outcome of the patients.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed MYCN gene and chromosome 2 aneusomy by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method in a total of 220 patients with NBL, GNBL and GN cases. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated by using SPSS 12.0 software.

Results

Of 220 patients, 178 (81.0%) were NBLs, 32 (14.5%) were GNBLs and 10 (4.5%) were GNs. MYCN gain is a recurrent genetic aberration of neuroblastic tumors (71.8%, 158/220), which was found in 129 NBLs (58.6%, 129/220), 25 GNBLs (11.4%, 25/220) and 4 GN cases (1.8%, 4/220). However, MYCN amplification was only present in 24 NBL tumors (13.5%, 24/178) and 1 GNBL case (3.1%, 1/32). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that MYCN amplification is significantly correlated with decreased overall survival in NBLs (P=0.017). Furthermore, a better prognosis trend was observed in patients with MYCN gain tumors compared with those with MYCN gene normal copy number tumors and MYCN amplification tumors (P=0.012).

Conclusions

In summary, the frequency of MYCN amplification in NBLs is high and is rarely observed in GNBLs and GNs, which suggest MYCN plays an important role in neuroblastic tumors differentiation. MYCN gain appeared to define a subgroup of NBLs with much better outcome and classification of MYCN gene copy number alteration as three groups (amplification, gain and normal) can provide a powerful prognostic indicator in NBLs.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/6417541528559124