bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity in the Pharmacological Treatment of Children With ADHD: Cognitive, Behavioral, and Social Functioning Differences
Authors: Graziano Paulo A. , Geffken Gary R. , Lall Ayesha S.
Published: May 2010

Objective: To investigate the extent to which children with ADHD in various medication statuses (i.e., medication naïve, pure stimulant, stimulant plus another medication, nonstimulants) varied on cognitive or academic, behavioral, and social functioning during a psychoeducational assessment battery. Method: Participants for this study consisted of 66 children (20 girls) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) ( DSM-IV) diagnosis of ADHD confirmed by a comprehensive clinical diagnostic assessment, including the use of a semistructured interview and Conners’ Parent Rating Scales. Standardized cognitive and academic measures along with parent report of medication status, behavioral, and social functioning were collected. Results: No differences were found among children in the various medication groups in terms of ADHD symptoms severity, academic performance, processing speed, verbal abilities, or perceptual reasoning skills. However, children in the medication-naïve group performed significantly better than the stimulant-plus-another-medication and nonstimulant groups in terms of overall cognitive abilities, working-memory skills, and social adaptability but had similar scores to children in the pure-stimulant group. Children in the pure-stimulant group also had marginally higher working-memory scores compared to children in the nonstimulant group but not compared to the stimulant-plus-another-medication group. The pure-stimulant group also had significantly lower externalizing and internalizing problems and higher social adaptability compared to the stimulant-plus-another-medication group but not compared to the medication-naïve or nonstimulant groups. Conclusion: Findings showed evidence for distinct cognitive, behavioral, and social profiles among children with ADHD who are proactively not on medication, as well as differences among children with ADHD who are on only one stimulant versus a nonstimulant or stimulant-plus-another-medication regimen.
A Randomized, Single-Blind, Substitution Study of OROS Methylphenidate (Concerta) in ADHD Adults Receiving Immediate Release Methylphenidate
Authors: Spencer Thomas J. , Mick Eric , Surman Craig B.H. , Hammerness Paul , Doyle Robert , Aleardi Megan , Kotarski Meghan , Williams Courtney G. , Biederman Joseph
Published: May 2010

Objective: The main aim of this study was to examine the efficacy, tolerability, and compliance of an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) in adults with ADHD receiving immediate-release methylphenidate (IR-MPH). Method: Participants were outpatient adults with ADHD who were stable on IR-MPH-administered TID. Participants were randomized (4:1) to equipotent doses of OROS-MPH or to continue IR-MPH and were assessed weekly for 6 weeks with the Adult ADHD Investigator System Symptom Report Scale (AISRS). Results: Randomization of 53 IR-MPH responders to IR- or OROS-MPH had no effect on AISRS score at endpoint (11.2 ± 6.9 vs. 10.7 ± 5.1, p = .8). Participants stabilized on IR-MPH and switched to OROS-MPH remained satisfied over 71% of the time. However, the IR-MPH group missed more doses (7.3 ± 6.8 vs. 3.3 ± 4.2, p = .02) than the OROS-MPH group. Conclusion: Findings showed that adults with ADHD can be successfully switched from an effective regimen of IR-MPH TID to once-daily OROS-MPH. Results also demonstrated better compliance with OROS-MPH than with IR-MPH treatment. (J. of Att. Dis. 2011; 15(4) 286-294)
Customer and Frontline Employee Influence on New Service Development Performance
Authors: Melton Horace L. , Hartline Michael D.
Published: May 2010

Service firms recognize the key role that product and process innovation play in building and sustaining competitive advantage in the marketplace. This empirical study tests a model of new service development (NSD) that enhances performance outcomes by prescribing specific roles for customers and frontline employees in the NSD process. Findings are based on in-depth managerial interviews and survey data collected from 160 organizations across a variety of service sectors. The results support hypotheses that customer and frontline employee participation in specific stages of the NSD process indirectly affects sales performance and project development efficiency outcomes. Positive effects are mediated by the new service success factors of service marketability and launch preparation. To produce successful new services, firms should involve customers in the design and development stages to help identify market opportunities, generate and evaluate new service ideas, define desired benefits and features of the potential service, and provide extensive feedback for product and market testing. Frontline employees are less effective than previously thought as a source of new service ideas. Firms should instead focus on incorporating those personnel in the full launch stage to effectively promote and deliver the new service.
Job Characteristics and the Creativity of Frontline Service Employees
Authors: Coelho Filipe , Augusto Mário
Published: May 2010

This study investigates the main and interactive effects of job characteristics on the creativity of frontline service employees. Past research investigates the link between job complexity, an index measure of job characteristics, and employee creativity. This study follows a component-wise approach in studying the influence of each job characteristic on the creativity of employees. The approach overcomes a number of limitations such as the sole reliance on the intrinsic motivation rationale. In addition, we conduct this research in services, whereas past research has focused primarily on other settings. The study tests a model with 460 employees from a service setting and shows that consideration of the effects of each job characteristic has an explanatory power beyond that of job complexity. Furthermore, the results show that job characteristics interact with each other to affect creativity. Finally, the results also indicate that the component-wise approach is useful for managers for prioritizing efforts. In particular, the results indicate that to promote creative behaviors, service managers should consider increasing employee job autonomy, variety, feedback, and identity. However, the interactions between job characteristics also reveal that to build an environment that stimulates creative performance, it is important to find the right balance between job characteristics.
A comparison of three population-based optimization techniques for the design of composite sandwich materials
Authors: Hudson CW , Carruthers JJ , Robinson AM
Published: May 2010

Three population-based optimization techniques — particle swarm optimization, ant colony optimization, and simulated annealing — are applied to the multi-objective design of sandwich materials. The formulation of the algorithms is described, along with metrics for quantifying their performance. For the case study considered of a sandwich beam in bending, it is shown that the ant colony technique out-performs the other two algorithms with respect to identifying optimal geometries, materials, and lay-ups for a stiff sandwich in which low mass and low cost are the design objectives. The particle swarm and simulated annealing algorithms were found to have particular difficulties in handling the optimization of multi-ply oriented fiber-reinforced polymer facing laminates.
Sexual problems in 18-67-year-old Norwegians
Authors: Træen Bente , Stigum Hein
Published: May 2010

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the prevalence of sexual problems in Norway. Methods: The results are based on two samples from 2008, one of which was taken from 1671 web interviews in December among persons ranging from 18—67 years of age, and the other being a survey on sexual behaviour among a random sample of 12,000 Norwegians between the ages of 18 and 59, taken in April. Main outcome measures: The prevalence of sexual problems during the past 12 months. Results: Generalised linear model analyses showed that the highest expected prevalence of manifest problems was found in the following groups: reduced sexual desire problems in 60—67-year-old women with university education (52%); orgasm problems in 18—29-year-old women with less than university education (32%); genital pain in 18—29-year-old women with less than university education (19%); premature ejaculation problems in 18—29-year-old men with less than university education (27%); delayed ejaculation problems in men with less than university education (12%); erectile dysfunction in 60—67-year-old men (34%); and lubrication problems in 60—67-year-old women living in southeast Norway (29%). Sexual problems correlated negatively with sexual wellbeing. Conclusions: This research indicates that sexual problems represent a public health problem.
Alcohol drinking habits, alcohol dehydrogenase genotypes and risk of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Tolstrup Janne S. , Hansen Jane L. , Grønbæk Morten , Vogel Ulla , Tjønneland Anne , Joensen Albert Marni , Overvad Kim
Published: May 2010

Aims: The risk of myocardial infarction is lower among light-to-moderate drinkers compared with abstainers. Results from some previous studies, but not all, suggest that this association is modified by variations in genes coding for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). We aimed to test this hypothesis, including alcohol as both the amount of alcohol and the frequency of drinking. Methods: we conducted a nested case-cohort study within the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study, including 1,645 men (770 incident cases of acute coronary syndrome from 1993—1997 through 2004 and 875 randomly selected controls). Results: Higher alcohol intake (measured as amount or drinking frequency) was associated with lower risk of acute coronary syndrome; however, there was no evidence that these finding were modified by ADH1B or ADH1C genotypes. Conclusions: The importance of functional variation in alcohol dehydrogenase for the association between alcohol drinking habits and the risk of developing acute coronary syndrome, if any, is very limited.
Satisfaction and performance in patient selected goals after grip reconstruction in tetraplegia
Authors: Wangdell J. , Fridén J.
Published: May 2010

Reconstruction of grip in tetraplegia aims to improve upper extremity performance and control in daily life. We evaluated the effects of surgery and rehabilitation on performance and satisfaction of patient identified activity goals in 20 patients (22 arms) who had grip reconstructions for both finger and thumb flexion. Patients assessed an improvement in both performance and satisfaction after surgery in all groups of activities assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The mean improvement at 6 and 12 months was 3.5 points better than the 2.5 points before surgery. Before surgery 36% of the goals identified were impossible to perform. After surgery, 78% of these goals were possible. The largest improvement was observed in the basic activity of ‘eating’ but significant improvement was also noted in activities generally regarded as complex and not measured in standard ADL such as ‘doing housework’ and taking part in ‘leisure’.
Leadership in the Service of Hospitality
Authors: Brownell Judi
Published: May 2010

The definition of leadership has changed considerably in the past one hundred years, beginning with the “great man” concept and, more recently, focusing on “transformational leadership.” The next step in leadership evolution is servant leadership, in which the leader seeks to support and empower followers. The implications are considerable for the hospitality industry, since it is based on the concept of leadership through service. Hospitality educators could take steps to instill servant leadership principles in students to equip them for this increasingly relevant leadership style.
Time-Dependent Charging Current Study in Polyimide Film
Authors: Gaur Ramlal M. S. , Tiwari R.K.
Published: May 2010

This article investigates charging current behavior of thermoplastic heat-resistant polyimide (PI) sample under electric fields from 25 to 200 kV/cm, at different temperatures. The charging current was recorded as a function of time in 25 µm PI thin film supplied by DuPont India Limited. The PI has different aromatic structures and various hinge-type groups in polymer macromolecules due to which, charging current was found to decay faster at shorter times whereas it shows slower decay at longer times. These characteristics agree with the Curie—Von Schweidner law. The charging current versus polarizing temperature curves at constant time is generally characterized by a broad peak. The appearance of this peak at certain charging conditions is correlated with the dipolar peak observed in thermally stimulated discharge current thermograms. The log Ic versus electric field curve suggests that electronic conduction has occurred due to the field assisted electron hopping.
Fatigue of extremely fine bainite
Authors: Peet M. J. , Hill P. , Rawson M. , Wood S. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H.
Published: May 2010

There is a novel steel invented in which the structure consists of extremely fine platelets of bainitic ferrite dispersed in a matrix of carbon enriched retained austenite. The resulting large density of interfaces makes the alloy very strong in its transformed condition. The authors report the first fatigue tests on this system, by measuring the life of parallel gauged samples tested using cyclic loading in tension, with maximum stresses in the range 1·2–1·6 GPa. A comparison of the results against published data indicates that the performance of the steel is consistent with the behaviour of other strong steels, in spite of the fact that it is produced using an air melting technique.
Mapping microstructure inhomogeneity using electron backscatter diffraction in 316L stainless steel subjected to hot plane strain compression tests
Authors: Sun L. , Thomas M. J. , Wynne B. P. , Palmiere E. J. , Mingard K. P. , Roebuck B.
Published: May 2010

The microstructure inhomogeneity in 316L stainless steel subjected to hot plane strain compression tests has been assessed using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Two variables were investigated: the effect of strain rate and the effect of friction at the tool/specimen interface. Tests were performed isothermally at 950°C at nominal equivalent tensile strain rates of 0·01 and 1 s−1. Low and high friction conditions have been simulated by applying both a glass based lubricant and a boron nitride spray respectively. Results suggest that friction causes a variation in microstructure from the surface to the midplane of the deformed specimen. Several methods used to quantify and represent this inhomogeneity are presented in the present paper. Electron backscatter diffraction measurement issues are discussed. A grain size mapping method using a two-dimensional moving average has been developed to overcome the difficulties associated with the visualisation of measurement results over large areas on EBSD maps. It has proved to be a powerful tool for the spatial statistics of large quantity data obtained by EBSD.
Dependence of accelerated creep rate on carbide particle distribution in martensite for 0·18C–11·5Cr–0·29V steel
Authors: Vodopivec F , Vojvodič-Tuma J , Šuštaršič B , Celin R , Jenko M
Published: May 2010

The number of carbide particles stringers at boundaries and subboundaries of martensite per unit of surface decreases with the third root of tempering time at 1073 K. The accelerated creep rate at 853 K depends on the number of stringers of carbide particles per unit of surface, and below an inflection point, the creep rate increases strongly. Equations relating for creep rate are discussed in terms of experimental creep rate, number of carbide particles stringers and average particles spacing.
Variable temperature laser light scattering microscopy studies on high purity 10–100 μm Ag and Ti metal particles
Authors: Prasad P B V , Shashikanth P B
Published: May 2010

Behaviour of 10–100 μm sized Ag and Ti metal particles was studied by employing laser light scattering microscopy while increasing the temperature at different rates. Differential area ω was defined as 2( Amax− Amin)/( Amax+ Amin), and its significance as strain variation response is established. The ω versus d T/d t curves of Ag and Ti were exponential in nature, with positive and negative slopes respectively. The role of smallness of the metal particles vis-à-vis defects was considered. Systematic variation of surface activity Sa with rate of heating is noticed. A plausible reasoning is offered to explain the experimental results qualitatively.
Effect of post-weld heat treatment on microstructure and properties of electron beam welded joint of Ti2AlNb/TC11
Authors: Tan L J , Yao Z K , Wang T , Guo H Z
Published: May 2010

The present paper reports the influence of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on microstructure and properties of electron beam welded dissimilar joint. Ti2AlNb and TC11 alloys were used to fabricate the joints. Three PWHTs were applied to the welded joints. The structures were analysed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results show that weld metal of the fusion zone is mainly composed of α2 and β phases. As the energy input increases under different PWHTs, the decomposition degree of metastable phases ( α′/ β) rises, but the tensile strength and impact toughness of the joint reduce. Under each condition, the tensile strength of the joint is higher than that of the TC11 base metal.
Influence of holding time on microstructure and shear strength of Mg–Al alloys joint diffusion bonded with Zn–5Al interlayer
Authors: Liu L M , Zhao L M , Wu Z H
Published: May 2010

Diffusion bonding with an elaborate interlayer design is one of the most promising methods to join dissimilar metals, where the quality of joint relies on the processing parameters strictly. In the present study, the influence of holding time on the microstructure and shear strength of Mg/Al alloys joint diffusion bonded with an interlayer of Zn–5Al was focused on. According to the experimental data obtained from microstructure, components distribution, shear strength testing and fracture analysis, it is found that when fixing diffusion temperature at 365°C, the shorter holding time led to the formation of phase structure composed of soft Al rich solid solution particles dispersing on the MgZn2 base phase, which exhibits much better shear strength than the microstructures formed with longer holding time. For the case of 3 s holding time, the highest shear strength attained was up to 86·10 MPa.
Nickel aluminide coating produced on γ-TiAl alloy by high activity aluminising process
Authors: Mirzamohammadi S , Sabour Rouhaghdam A , Hadavi S M M , Aliofkhazraei M
Published: May 2010

Ni aluminide diffusion coatings on the surface of γ-TiAl alloy were produced by electroplating a Ni layer followed by a single step high activity aluminising carried out in Ar+H2 atmosphere with a mixture of Al, NH4Cl and Al2O3 powders at 1000°C for 5 h. The effect of initial thickness for Ni layer on microstructure of produced Ni aluminide coating was highlighted. The thickness of initial Ni layer was changed to 4–20 μm. In the case of the Ni layer with thickness of 4 μm, only a little amount of NiAl phase was formed in a TiAl3 matrix. However, the microstructure of coating, in the case of the Ni layer with thickness of 8 μm, consisted of an outer layer of two phases (NiAl+TiAl3), an intermediate layer of TiAl3 and an interdiffusion layer. For thicker initial Ni layers (16 and 20 μm), beside the latter coating microstructure, a continuous surface layer of NiAl phase was observed. Isothermal oxidation tests on these aluminide coatings reveal that the oxidation resistance of the aluminide coatings increases with increase in initial thickness of Ni layer.
Grain structure and texture in aluminium alloy AA5083 after equal angular channel extrusion, warm rolling and subsequent annealing
Authors: Jin H , Gallerneault M , Segal V M , Young P J , Lloyd D J
Published: May 2010

An aluminium alloy AA5083, having a submicrometre grain structure generated by equal angular channel extrusion, was rolled at ∼200°C to make flat sheets with 37·5 to 75% thickness reductions. The evolution of grain structure and texture upon warm rolling and subsequent annealing was studied by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction technique. It has been demonstrated that dynamic recovery occurs during the warm rolling, the submicrometre grain structure could be retained with low rolling reduction, but as the reduction increases it develops into a cell structure, and after subsequent annealing, an equiaxed fine grain structure of ∼5 μm mean size is obtained which is thermally stable at temperature as high as 500°C.
Comparison of single crystal Ni based superalloy repair by gas tungsten arc and electron beam processes
Authors: Churchman C , Bonifaz E A , Richards N L
Published: May 2010

A Ni based single crystal superalloy has been subjected to both gas tungsten arc (GTA) and electron beam (EB) welding, relative to gas turbine repair. Gas tungsten arc welding was used to simulate a blade tip repair, while the EB welds were carried out to simulate replacement of an airfoil. The GTA weld build-up was carried out using three filler metals, low strength alloy 625, FM-92 of intermediate strength and high strength alloy 738. Metallography showed that neither filler types resulted in any weld cracking; however, depending on the processing conditions, the EB welds either did not crack, cracked somewhat, or cracked extensively, but only in the weld metal. Also weld shape is considered as an important factor on the incidence of cracking. Orientation image microscopic analysis showed that cracking was not present in the weld of the GTA deposit, even though stray grains were present, whereas the EB weld cracked extensively, being associated with stray grain formation.
Identification of a PRMT5-dependent repressor complex linked to silencing of human fetal globin gene expression
Authors: Rank Gerhard , Cerruti Loretta , Simpson Richard J. , Moritz Robert L. , Jane Stephen M. , Zhao Quan
Published: May 2010

Defining the molecular mechanisms underpinning fetal (γ) globin gene silencing may provide strategies for reactivation of γ-gene expression, a major therapeutic objective in patients with β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). We have previously demonstrated that symmetric methylation of histone H4 Arginine 3 (H4R3me2s) by the protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 is required for recruitment of the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A to the γ-promoter, and subsequent DNA methylation and gene silencing. Here we show in an erythroid cell line, and in primary adult erythroid progenitors that PRMT5 induces additional repressive epigenetic marks at the γ-promoter through the assembly of a multiprotein repressor complex containing the histone modifying enzymes SUV4-20h1, casein kinase 2α (CK2α), and components of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylation complex. Expression of a mutant form of PRMT5 lacking methyltransferase activity or shRNA-mediated knockdown of SUV4-20h1 resulted in loss of complex binding to the γ-promoter, reversal of both histone and DNA repressive epigenetic marks, and increased γ-gene expression. The repressive H4K20me3 mark induced by SUV4-20h1 is enriched on the γ-promoter in erythroid progenitors from adult bone marrow compared with cord blood, suggesting developmental specificity. These studies define coordinated epigenetic events linked to fetal globin gene silencing, and provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of β-thalassemia and SCD.
Inflammasome activation in NADPH oxidase defective mononuclear phagocytes from patients with chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Meissner Felix , Seger Reinhard A. , Moshous Despina , Fischer Alain , Reichenbach Janine , Zychlinsky Arturo
Published: May 2010

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited disorder characterized by recurrent infections and deregulated inflammatory responses. CGD is caused by mutations in subunits of the NADPH oxidase, an enzyme that generates reactive oxygen species in phagocytes. To elucidate the contribution of the proinflammatory protease caspase-1 to aberrant inflammatory reactions in CGD, we analyzed cells isolated from patients with defects in the phagocyte oxidase subunits p22phox, p47phox or gp91phox. We report that mononuclear phagocytes from CGD patients activated caspase-1 and produced biologically active interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in response to danger signals. Notably, caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion from CGD monocytes was elevated in asymptomatic patients and strongly increased in patients with noninfectious inflammatory conditions. Treatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist reduced IL-1 production in monocytes ex vivo and during medical therapy. Our results identify phagocyte oxidase defective monocytes as a source of elevated IL-1 and provide a potential therapeutic option to ameliorate inflammatory conditions associated with CGD.
HAT: Hypergeometric Analysis of Tiling-arrays with application to promoter-GeneChip data
Authors: Taskesen Erdogan , Beekman Renee , de Ridder Jeroen , Wouters Bas J , Peeters Justine K , Touw Ivo P , Reinders Marcel JT , Delwel Ruud
Published: May 2010

Background

Tiling-arrays are applicable to multiple types of biological research questions. Due to its advantages (high sensitivity, resolution, unbiased), the technology is often employed in genome-wide investigations. A major challenge in the analysis of tiling-array data is to define regions-of-interest, i.e., contiguous probes with increased signal intensity (as a result of hybridization of labeled DNA) in a region. Currently, no standard criteria are available to define these regions-of-interest as there is no single probe intensity cut-off level, different regions-of-interest can contain various numbers of probes, and can vary in genomic width. Furthermore, the chromosomal distance between neighboring probes can vary across the genome among different arrays.

Results

We have developed Hypergeometric Analysis of Tiling-arrays (HAT), and first evaluated its performance for tiling-array datasets from a Chromatin Immunoprecipitation study on chip (ChIP-on-chip) for the identification of genome-wide DNA binding profiles of transcription factor Cebpa (used for method comparison). Using this assay, we can refine the detection of regions-of-interest by illustrating that regions detected by HAT are more highly enriched for expected motifs in comparison with an alternative detection method (MAT). Subsequently, data from a retroviral insertional mutagenesis screen were used to examine the performance of HAT among different applications of tiling-array datasets. In both studies, detected regions-of-interest have been validated with (q)PCR.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that HAT has increased specificity for analysis of tiling-array data in comparison with the alternative method, and that it accurately detects regions-of-interest in two different applications of tiling-arrays. HAT has several advantages over previous methods: i) as there is no single cut-off level for probe-intensity, HAT can detect regions-of-interest at various thresholds, ii) it can detect regions-of-interest of any size, iii) it is independent of probe-resolution across the genome, and across tiling-array platforms and iv) it employs a single user defined parameter: the significance level. Regions-of-interest are detected by computing the hypergeometric-probability, while controlling the Family Wise Error. Furthermore, the method does not require experimental replicates, common regions-of-interest are indicated, a sequence-of-interest can be examined for every detected region-of-interest, and flanking genes can be reported.
Measurement of nicotine withdrawal symptoms: linguistic validation of the Wisconsin Smoking Withdrawal Scale (WSWS) in Malay
Authors: Awaisu Ahmed , Samsudin Sulastri , Amir Nur A , Omar Che G , Hashim Mohd I , Mohamad Mohamed H Nik , Shafie Asrul A , Hassali Mohamed A
Published: May 2010

Background

The purpose of the linguistic validation of the Wisconsin Smoking Withdrawal Scale (WSWS) was to produce a translated version in Malay language which was "conceptually equivalent" to the original U.S. English version for use in clinical practice and research.

Methods

A seven-member translation committee conducted the translation process using the following methodology: production of two independent forward translations; comparison and reconciliation of the translations; backward translation of the first reconciled version; comparison of the original WSWS and the backward version leading to the production of the second reconciled version; pilot testing and review of the translation, and finalization.

Results

Linguistic and conceptual issues arose during the process of translating the instrument, particularly pertaining to the title, instructions, and some of the items of the scale. In addition, the researchers had to find culturally acceptable equivalents for some terms and idiomatic phrases. Notable among these include expressions such as "irritability", "feeling upbeat", and "nibbling on snacks", which had to be replaced by culturally acceptable expressions. During cognitive debriefing and clinician's review processes, the Malay translated version of WSWS was found to be easily comprehensible, clear, and appropriate for the smoking withdrawal symptoms intended to be measured.

Conclusions

We applied a rigorous translation method to ensure conceptual equivalence and acceptability of WSWS in Malay prior to its utilization in research and clinical practice. However, to complete the cultural adaptation process, future psychometric validation is planned to be conducted among Malay speakers.
Preform optimization for reduction of forging force using a combination of neural network and genetic algorithm
Authors: Sedighi M , Hadi M
Published: May 2010

In this article, preform optimization in closed-die forging has been studied. The main objective of the optimization process is to reduce forging force by changing the preform shape as a variable parameter. In this respect, a combination of neural network and genetic algorithms has been employed. The finite volume method (FVM) is used as a simulation tool for the forging process. Simulation results have been used in a neural network analysis and a genetic algorithm to optimize the forging force. The neural network was used in several stages for modelling the system. The optimization process contains three stages. In stage 1 the preform shape is obtained by open die forging. Stage 2 is used for closed-die forging process to obtain the forging force. Stage 3 is for the filling of the die cavity. The geometrical parametric design process was used to accelerate the operation. An aeronautical forging component has been selected as a case study. The final results showed a negligible discrepancy of 0.3 per cent for forging force between neural network and direct simulation results. The optimization results prove that a reduction of forging force equal to 50 per cent can be achieved in comparison with an initial preform with 10 per cent extra volume.
Optimum surface roughness prediction in face milling X20Cr13 using particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Razfar M R , Asadnia M , Haghshenas M , Farahnakian M
Published: May 2010

This paper presents an approach to the determination of the optimal cutting parameters to create minimum surface roughness levels in the face milling of X20Cr13 stainless steel. The proposed approach is to use a particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based neural network to create a predictive model for the surface roughness level that is based on experimental data collected on X20Cr13. The optimization problem is then solved using a PSO-based neural network for optimization system (PSONNOS). A good agreement is observed between the predicted surface roughness values and those obtained in experimental measurements performed using the predicted optimal machine settings. The PSONNOS is compared to the genetic algorithm optimized neural network system (GONNS).
Forces, wear modes, and mechanisms in bandsawing steel workpieces
Authors: Sarwar M , Persson M , Hellbergh H , Haider J
Published: May 2010

Bandsawing is an important primary operation in a variety of industries, particularly steel suppliers who need to cut-off raw material for secondary processes. Bandsawing is a competitive method of cutting to size as it achieves a low kerf width, high metal removal rates, and good surface finish. One specific feature of the bandsaw metal-cutting operation is that the depth of cut per cutting edge is small (5–50 μm). Under conditions of low depth of cut and restricted chip formation, metal is removed by a complex combination of fragmented chips, ploughing, and some continuous conventional chips. The process of bandsawing is scientifically evaluated by measuring forces and associated parameters. Wear modes and mechanisms are also monitored, characterized, and their validity discussed.
Modelling for fabrication of microelectrodes by localized electrochemical deposition for micro-electrodischarge machining
Authors: Habib M A , Shaleh T , Rahman M
Published: May 2010

This paper presents the theoretical modelling and experimental investigation on the effect of different localized electrochemical deposition (LECD) parameters for fabricating a variety of microstructures. In order to estimate the rate of the deposition and the condition of the deposited structure, a set of mathematical relations is developed with the help of Faraday's laws of electrolysis and the Butler–Volmer equation. Mathematical simulation results are validated by experimental results. In this experimental process copper was deposited on the cathode surface. The variation in structure of the deposited electrode is achieved by changing the shape of a non-conductive mask. This mask is fabricated by an on-machine micromilling process and it is kept in contact with the cathode surface. The whole system is immersed in an acidified copper sulphate plating solution. This study gives a clear indication of the optimized operating range for the LECD process in order to fabricate high aspect ratio microstructures. Futhermore, the performance of the LECD electrode is evaluated by the fabrication of microholes on high-melting-point material such as a stainless steel workpiece.
Dynamic softening behaviour of AZ80 magnesium alloy during upsetting at different temperatures and strain rates
Authors: Zheng Q G , Ying T , Jie Z
Published: May 2010

In order to evaluate the dynamic softening characteristics of casting AZ80 magnesium alloy, isothermal upsetting experiments with a height reduction of 60 per cent were performed at temperatures 523, 573, 623, and 673 K, at strain rates of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 s−1 on thermal physics simulator Gleeble 1500. The flow behaviour of the applied stress as a function of strain, strain rate, and temperature exhibited a more pronounced effect of temperature than strain rate, and a typical softening characteristic. A Fields–Backofen constitutive equation was introduced to describe this behaviour, while the flow stress calculated could not provide a fit to the measured stress–strain relationship at the dynamic softening stage. Based on the relationships established between yield stress and recrystallization grain refinement under different strain rates and temperatures, the softening behaviour was illustrated. An amended mathematical model containing an item s was introduced to characterize the dynamic recrystallization softening behaviour. Compared with the Fields–Backofen equation, the resulting flow curves calculated by the amended model offered a better representation during the softening stage.
Effects of temperature and grain refinement on the closed-die forging of a micro gear
Authors: Chang C C , Kuo W L
Published: May 2010

Temperature and grain size are important factors for material flow behaviour and die filling in metal-forming processes. Their impacts are even greater in micro metal forming when the process is scaled from conventional down to micro dimensions because so-called size effects cause inhomogeneous material characteristics, leading to inaccuracy of shape and scatter of product properties. This study investigates the effects of temperature and grain refinement on the closed-die forging of a micro copper gear with a module of 0.4 mm, 12 teeth, and an integral shaft. A micro forging system equipped with heating devices was developed for conducting the experiments at elevated temperature. Moreover, equal-channel angular extrusion and heat treatments were applied to control the mean grain size of the copper in a range between 4 and 46 μm. The experimental results show that the increase of forming temperature and the grain refinement can improve material flow behaviour, resulting in better filling of tooth cavities, more uniform hardness distributions, and smoother tooth profiles.
Wet adhesion for a miniature mobile intra-abdominal device based on biomimetic principles
Authors: Taylor G W , Neville A , Jayne D G , Roshan R , Liskiewicz T , Morina A , Gaskell P H
Published: May 2010

An assessment of adhesion between the peritoneum and various micro/ nanopatterned polymer surfaces is presented as a key step in the design of a miniature intra-abdominal device for use in minimally invasive surgery practices. Of particular interest is the gathering of necessary information concerning understanding and quantifying the forces required to enable such a device to adhere to, move over, or detach and reattach to surface tissue without any damage to the latter. A micro-tribometer apparatus is used for this purpose, and results show that the adhesion force generated between the polymer and peritoneum does not scale linearly with nominal contact area. It is found that a non-optimized polymer surface patterned with a homogeneous micro-pillar structure, having an area of 113 mm2, when in contact with the peritoneum, is able to generate an adhesive force of 70 mN; six to eight such pads would in principle be capable of supporting a device/payload weighing 40–50 g. A discussion is provided of the mechanism(s) by which the adhesion is achieved and how the findings may impact on the eventual design and subsequent manufacture of a working intracorporeal device.
A structural study of an innovative steel—concrete track structure
Authors: Bezin Y , Farrington D
Published: May 2010

This article presents a study carried out during the European project INNOTRACK on the structural behaviour of an innovative slab track system based on a two-layer steel—concrete structure. The design of the track system was proposed at the start of the project and refined during its course, partially based on the numerical analysis of the vehicle—track system interaction and its comparison with typical ballasted track. Two main types of rail pad, fastening and baseplate systems, were investigated: one for main lines and the other for heavy industrial settings covering the full range of potential support stiffness requirements. The effect of various underframe pads between the steel frame and the supporting ground layer was also investigated to look at the effect on the load distribution over the supporting layers and bending moments induced within the structure.
Automated In-Vitro Testing of Orthopaedic Implants: A Case Study in Shoulder Joint Replacement
Authors: Geary C , O'Donnell G E , Jones E , FitzPatrick D , Birkinshaw C
Published: May 2010

This investigation presents the design and preliminary validation of a single station simulator with biaxial motion and loading designed to mimic the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint during arm abduction in the scapular plane. Although the design of the glenoid holder allows the glenoid component to translate in all three axes, it is primarily loaded axially, which brings it into contact with the oscillating humeral head, but is also loaded superiorly to simulate common subluxation of the humeral head. Simulating arm abduction in the scapular plane simplifies component alignment and removes the need for anterior—posterior loading, thereby creating a stable joint without the need to simulate capsular constraints. In this more physiologically accurate simulator design, the load and motion profiles influence the contact kinematics, but the wear path is ultimately determined by the conformity and constraint designed into the bearing couple. The wear data are determined and correlated with clinically retrieved glenoid components, as well as previously reported in-vitro studies, thus verifying use of the simulator in testing alternative materials and designs. The key design features, as well as the improvements proposed through this study, can be incorporated into the design of test fixtures for any other orthopaedic implant such as the hip, knee, spine, elbow, and finger.
Electrochemical Instrumentation of a Hip Simulator: A New Tool for Assessing the Role of Corrosion in Metal-On-Metal Hip Joints
Authors: Yan Y , Neville A , Dowson D , Williams S , Fisher J
Published: May 2010

Polyethylene wear debris induced osteolysis has triggered investigations to find alternative material combinations to the well-established metal-on-polyethylene hip implants. Owing to some early successful clinical cases, metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements have been attracting more and more interest. There is, however, considerable concern about the propensity of MoM hip replacements to release metal ions and fine, nanometre-scale metallic wear debris. The long-term effect from released metal ions and wear particles is still not clear.

To date, all the work on hip simulators focused on assessing mass losses damage has been referred to as ‘wear’. However, it is known in the field of tribocorrosion that mechanical removal of the passive layer on Co—Cr alloys can significantly enhance corrosion activity. In total joint replacements, it is possible that corrosion plays a significant role. However, no one has ever tried to extract, on a hip simulator, what proportion of the damage is due to mechanical processes and the corrosion processes. This paper describes the first instrumentation of an integrated hip joint simulator to provide in-situ electrochemical measurements in real time. The open circuit potential results are reported to assess the corrosion regime in the absence and presence of movement at the bearing surfaces. The importance of these measurements is that the real damage mechanisms can be assessed as a function of the operating cycle.
A Biomechanical Evaluation of Orthopaedic Implants for Hip Fractures by Finite Element Analysis and In-Vitro Tests
Authors: Eberle S , Gerber C , von Oldenburg G , Högel F , Augat P
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a reinforced gamma nail for the fixation of subtrochanteric fractures would experience less stress during loading compared with a common gamma nail. The issue of whether the use of the stronger implant would result in more stress shielding in the surrounding bone was also addressed.

A finite element analysis (FEA) of a synthetic bone was employed to calculate the stress distribution in implant and bone for two fracture types (AO 31-A3.1 and AO 31-A3.3). The FEA was validated by mechanical tests on six synthetic femurs. To test the hypothesis in vitro, mechanical tests on six pairs of fresh-frozen human femurs were conducted. The femurs were supplied with a common or a reinforced gamma nail in a cross-over study design. Strains were measured on the nail shaft to quantify the loading of the nail.

The FEA resulted in 3—51 per cent lower stresses for the reinforced gamma nail. No increase in stress shielding could be observed. In the in-vitro tests, the reinforced gamma nail experienced less strain during loading ( p < 0.016). The study demonstrated the benefit of a reinforced gamma nail in subtrochanteric fractures. It experienced less stress but did not result in more stress shielding.
CORSEN, a new software dedicated to microscope-based 3D distance measurements: mRNA–mitochondria distance, from single-cell to population analyses
Authors: Jourdren Laurent , Delaveau Thierry , Marquenet Emelie , Jacq Claude , Garcia Mathilde
Published: May 2010

Recent improvements in microscopy technology allow detection of single molecules of RNA, but tools for large-scale automatic analyses of particle distributions are lacking. An increasing number of imaging studies emphasize the importance of mRNA localization in the definition of cell territory or the biogenesis of cell compartments. CORSEN is a new tool dedicated to three-dimensional (3D) distance measurements from imaging experiments especially developed to access the minimal distance between RNA molecules and cellular compartment markers. CORSEN includes a 3D segmentation algorithm allowing the extraction and the characterization of the cellular objects to be processed—surface determination, aggregate decomposition—for minimal distance calculations. CORSEN's main contribution lies in exploratory statistical analysis, cell population characterization, and high-throughput assays that are made possible by the implementation of a batch process analysis. We highlighted CORSEN's utility for the study of relative positions of mRNA molecules and mitochondria: CORSEN clearly discriminates mRNA localized to the vicinity of mitochondria from those that are translated on free cytoplasmic polysomes. Moreover, it quantifies the cell-to-cell variations of mRNA localization and emphasizes the necessity for statistical approaches. This method can be extended to assess the evolution of the distance between specific mRNAs and other cellular structures in different cellular contexts. CORSEN was designed for the biologist community with the concern to provide an easy-to-use and highly flexible tool that can be applied for diverse distance quantification issues.
Nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of the La motif-containing protein Sro9 might link its nuclear and cytoplasmic functions
Authors: Röther Susanne , Burkert Cornelia , Brünger Katharina M. , Mayer Andreas , Kieser Anja , Sträßer Katja
Published: May 2010

Diverse steps in gene expression are tightly coupled. Curiously, the La-motif-containing protein Sro9 has been shown to play a role in transcription and translation. Here, we show that Sro9 interacts with nuclear and cytoplasmic protein complexes involved in gene expression. In addition, Sro9 shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm and is exported from the nucleus in an mRNA export-dependent manner. Importantly, Sro9 is recruited to transcribed genes. However, whole genome expression analysis shows that loss of Sro9 function does not greatly change the level of specific transcripts indicating that Sro9 does not markedly affect their synthesis and/or stability. Taken together, Sro9 might bind to the mRNP already during transcription and accompany the mature mRNP to the cytoplasm where it modulates translation of the mRNA.