bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination for Detecting Early Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Vascular Dementia in a German Population
Authors: Alexopoulos P. , Greim B. , Nadler K. , Martens U. , Krecklow B. , Domes G. , Herpertz S. , Kurz A.
Published: September 2006

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the German version of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) in identifying early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild vascular dementia (VaD) in comparison with the conventional Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The study refers to 50 patients with mild dementia of AD, 26 patients with mild dementia of vascular etiology and to 54 cognitively normal subjects. The ACE and MMSE were validated against an expert diagnosis based on a comprehensive diagnostic workup. Statistical analysis was performed using the receiver operator characteristics method. The optimal cut-off score for the ACE for detecting dementia in patients with early AD was 85/86, which had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 86%. The optimal cut-off for the ACE for the identification of dementia in patients with mild VaD was also 85/86 and it had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100%. The ĸ values imply a substantial agreement between the diagnoses made by the ACE and the MMSE. The German version of the ACE is a short and practical but accurate test battery for the identification of AD and VaD, assessing a broad range of cognitive functions and providing a wide profile of cognitive functions/dysfunctions.
The Microbiological and Clinical Effects of Combined Therapy according to Guidelines on the Treatment of Pulmonary Mycobacterium avium Complex Disease in Japan – Including a Follow-Up Study
Authors: Kobashi Yoshihiro , Matsushima Toshiharu
Published: September 2006

Background: The difficulty of treatment for pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in Japan. Objectives: To investigate the clinical and microbiological effects of treatment according to the guidelines proposed by the American Thoracic Society and the Japanese Society for Tuberculosis and prospective follow-up studies after the completion of treatment of patients with pulmonary MAC disease. Methods: Analysis of the microbiological effects with regard to sputum conversion rate and the sputum relapsing rate and the clinical effects with regard to clinical symptoms and radiological findings for patients with pulmonary MAC disease treated with a regimen consisting of rifampicin, ethambutol, streptomycin, and clarithromycin over 24 months and follow-up over 12 months. Results: Sixty-five patients with pulmonary MAC disease were enrolled in this trial. In 39 patients, negative sputum conversion was observed within 6 months after the initiation of this regimen, 16 relapsed, and 20 experienced clinical worsening within 1 year after the completion of treatment. Although retreatment with the same regimen or a regimen including new quinolones was carried out for these patients, we could not achieve negative sputum conversion and/or clinical improvement. Conclusions: We believe that the dose of clarithromycin for pulmonary MAC disease may be increased and recommend surgery for patients with a localized lesion at early-stage MAC disease to prevent a high rate of relapse.
Effects of Salmeterol in Patients with Persistent Asthma Receiving Inhaled Corticosteroid plus Theophylline
Authors: Inoue Hiromasa , Komori Masashi , Matsumoto Takafumi , Fukuyama Satoru , Matsumura Mikiko , Nakano Takako , Tsuda Miyuki , Matsumoto Koichiro , Kanaya Akiko , Moriwaki Atsushi , Aizawa Hisamichi , Yoshida Makoto , Nakanishi Yoichi
Published: September 2006

Background: Patients with severe asthma require multiple therapies to improve lung function and reduce symptoms. The use of long-acting inhaled β2-agonists plus theophylline in addition to high doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) for the treatment of severe asthma has not been extensively studied. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of salmeterol combined with high-dose ICSs plus theophylline in severe asthma. Methods: We undertook a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study to compare the effect of a single dose of inhaled salmeterol (50 µg) or a placebo in patients with severe asthma whose conditions were not being adequately controlled by therapies with high-dose ICSs plus oral theophylline with or without leukotriene receptor antagonists. Results: Twenty patients took part in the trial. Compared with the placebo, the inhalation of salmeterol significantly increased the FEV1. Even in the 9 patients treated with high-dose ICSs plus theophylline plus a leukotriene receptor antagonist, the FEV1 increased significantly more after salmeterol than after the placebo. Conclusion: Patients with severe asthma receiving high-dose ICSs plus theophylline may benefit from the addition of salmeterol.
War and the World Economy
Authors: Schneider Gerald , Troeger Vera E.
Published: September 2006

One of the perennial questions in the scientific study of war is how war affects the economy. The authors examine the influence that the political developments within three war regions had on global financial markets (CAC, Dow Jones, FTSE) from 1990 to 2000. They embed a rational expectation framework within commercial liberalism, a theoretical strand that tries to assess the interrelationship between war and economic exchanges. Time-series analyses account for the effects that the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, the first confrontation of a U.S.-led alliance against Iraq, and the wars fought in Ex-Yugoslavia exerted. Using daily stock market data, the authors show that the conflicts affected the interactions at the core financial markets in the Western world negatively, if they had any systematic influence at all. They argue that these results lend some support to the rational expectations version of commercial liberalism.
Beyond Rules: A Critique of the Liberal Human Rights Regime
Authors: Schick Kate
Published: September 2006

This article critiques the liberalism that sustains human rights discourse as focused on rules to the detriment of focusing on the suffering of individuals. Too much human rights discourse has focused on the codification of human rights norms rather than the ways they are implemented and the failure to enforce them. International liberalism celebrates the advent of human rights whilst failing to confront the deeper structural dilemmas that the international political economic system generates. An engagement with critical theory leads to new ways of seeing human rights that might lead to alternative understandings of politics at the global level.
Friendship, Otherness, and Gadamer’s Politics of Solidarity
Authors: Walhof Darren R.
Published: September 2006

This article makes the political dimension of Gadamer’s thought more explicit by examining the interplay of three concepts in his work: solidarity, friendship, and the other. Focusing primarily on certain post- Truth and Method writings, I argue that Gadamer’s conception of solidarity has to do with historically contingent manifestations of bonds that reflect a civic life together of reciprocal co-perception. These bonds go beyond conscious recognition of observable similarities and differences and emerge from encounters among those who are, and remain, in important ways other to each other. I make this case through an analysis of Gadamer’s phenomenology of friendship and the crucial role of otherness in his accounts of both understanding and friendship. I suggest that Gadamer’s political thought gives us a way of conceptualizing solidarity and otherness without making the other same or leaving the other completely other.
Neuropathological and Genetic Findings in Autism: The Significance of a Putative Minicolumnopathy
Authors: Casanova Manuel F.
Published: September 2006

Autism is a condition manifested as abnormalities of relatedness, communication, range of interests, and repetitive behaviors. Despite alarming prevalence estimates and exhortations to research, little is known regarding its pathophysiology. Recent reports of a putative minicolumnopathy explain changes in brain size, gray/white matter ratios, and interareal connectivity. This article summarizes possible links between minicolumns and other topics—cortical modularity, age of onset, gliosis, and genetics—relevant to the pathophysiology of autism.
Victims of Intimate Partner Violence More Likely to Report Abuse From In-Laws
Authors: Raj Anita , Livramento Kaí N. , Santana M. Christina , Gupta Jhumka , Silverman Jay G.
Published: September 2006

The current study of South Asians in the United States was designed to assess quantitatively the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and emotional abuse by in-laws ( n = 169) and to qualitatively identify via in-depth interviews with battered women ( n = 23) forms of abuse perpetrated by in-laws. Quantitative findings demonstrate a significant relationship between IPV and abuse from in-laws (odds ratio = 5.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.5-21.5). Qualitative data demonstrate that abuse by in-laws includes emotional abuse (e.g., isolation, social and economic control, and domestic servitude), awareness or support of IPV, and direct physical abuse. Domestic violence interventions with South Asian women must consider abuse from in-laws and IPV experiences.
The Inequality of Victimization
Authors: Nilsson Anders , Estrada Felipe
Published: September 2006

Over the past decade, western societies have witnessed an increasing divergence in living standards of different social groups. This article examines whether increasing differences in living conditions are reflected in increasing inequality of victimization. Using data from Statistics Sweden's Surveys of Living Conditions (1984–2001) the study shows that exposure to crimes of theft and violence has followed different trends for poorly resourced and well-resourced groups respectively. The proportion experiencing victimization, first and foremost in the form of violence and threats but also to some extent in the form of residential burglaries, is significantly greater among the poor than among the rich. Furthermore, the difference between these two groups has become greater.
Street Gang Violence in Europe
Authors: Klein Malcolm W. , Weerman Frank M. , Thornberry Terence P.
Published: September 2006

Levels and descriptors of violence among European street gangs are summarized from studies reported primarily under the aegis of the Eurogang Program initiated in 1997 and continuing still. European gang violence is placed in the context of its American counterpart, of European non-gang youth violence, and of the definitional and structural components of the Eurogang Program. European gangs in over a dozen countries reveal a wide pattern of violent behaviour and levels of violence that are far greater than among non-gang youth, but largely less serious than in the USA. Some of these latter differences may be attributable to the recentness of the European gang development, the lower levels of firearms availability, and lower levels of gang territoriality in Europe.
Integrative Medicine Research in New Mexico: Lessons From the Published Literature
Authors: Shelley Brian
Published: September 2006

This review provides an in-depth examination of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) and/or integrative medicine (IM) research in New Mexico, where many unique cultural and traditional healing systems are still commonly used. A comprehensive search for all recent research studies relating to TCAM/IM in New Mexico was carried out by the author. The survey identified 14 research studies, both quantitative and qualitative, published from 1990 to 2004 that included subjects and data on New Mexico. The studies were grouped into the areas of traditional systems and beliefs, mind-body medicine, natural health products, and conventional providers and complementary and alternative medicine, and individual studies were summarized, with the author's commentary. The review confirms that patients in New Mexico from diverse cultures extensively use various forms of TCAM/IM, yet communication about this topic with conventional health care providers is not optimal. The results of this review will inform future education, research, and health care policy in New Mexico.
The Drive for Legitimation by Osteopathy and Chiropractic in Australia: Between Heterodoxy and Orthodoxy
Authors: Baer Hans A.
Published: September 2006

This article examines the drive for legitimation on the part of osteopathy and chiropractic in Australia. A brief history is presented of the development of these two manual medical systems down under, their respective drives for statutory registration and public funding of their training institutions (all of which are embedded in public universities), and their respective niches within the context of the Australian dominative medical system. Ironically, although osteopathy is politically strong in both the United States, where it has evolved in osteopathic medicine and a parallel medical system to biomedicine, and in Britain, where it remains primarily a manual medical system, chiropractic over time became politically stronger than osteopathy in Australia. The author argues that although chiropractic and osteopathy remain distinct and related systems in Australia, from the perspective of the Australian state, they essentially are one and the same.
EMDR in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Brown Susan , Shapiro Francine
Published: September 2006

Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) usually experience significant impairment in their ability to function. Impulsivity, affect instability, interpersonal difficulties, and identity problems are hallmark features of this disorder, frequently leading to suicidal and parasuicidal behaviors. Although BPD has traditionally been considered chronic and enduring, recent research has indicated that it can remit over time and that psychotherapy can accelerate this process. The etiology of BPD has been associated with childhood abuse and inadequate attachment. Given the significance of childhood abuse and trauma, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a recognized trauma therapy, may be a reasonable treatment option for BPD. The positive effects noted in the following case illustrate EMDR’s utility in the treatment of BPD and indicate that further controlled studies are warranted.
An Uneasy Alliance
Authors: Sudderth Lori K.
Published: September 2006

This study illuminates the conflicts that emerged in a collaboration between a feminist- oriented victim advocacy group and law enforcement personnel in a rural area. Observations and interviews conducted during an 18-month period document disagreements between participants and elucidate why these conflicts arose. Results suggest some potential strategies for overcoming barriers to collaboration between victim advocates and the police, including provisions for conflict resolution and practical/financial commitment to cross-training. Moreover, training should include discussions of philosophical and protocol differences between agencies, as well as structural barriers to leaving an abusive relationship in rural areas.
Preparation of zirconium pyrophosphate bonded silicon nitride porous ceramics
Authors: Chen F. , Shen Q. , Yan F. Q. , Zhang L. M.
Published: September 2006

A new method for preparing high bending strength porous silicon nitride ceramics with controlled porosity was developed using a pressureless sintering technique, using zirconium pyrophosphate as a binder. The fabrication process was described in detail and the sintering mechanism of porous ceramics was analysed by an X-ray diffraction method. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the porous Si3N4 ceramics were investigated, as a function of the content of ZrP2O7. The resultant porous silicon nitride ceramics sintered at low temperature (1000 and 1100°C) showed fine micropore structure and a high bending strength. Porous silicon nitride ceramics with porosity of 34–47%, a bending strength of 40–114 MPa and a Young's modulus of 20–50 GPa were obtained.
Fuzzy logic model for bending angle in laser forming
Authors: Shen H. , Shi Y. J. , Yao Z. Q. , Hu J.
Published: September 2006

Laser forming is a thermoelastoplastic and complicated process. Finite element model simulation is time consuming and the analytical model is cumbersome for computing the bending angle. A model for bending angle in laser forming is constructed using adaptive fuzzy logic called adaptive network fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The ANFIS model is trained with the published experiment data, in which the laser forming process parameters include thickness of the plate, laser power, laser beam diameter and scanning velocity. Trained ANFIS model is also tested on experiments not pertaining to previous training data. The performance of ANSIF model is optimised as a function of a type of membership function and number of membership functions. Optimised ANFIS model well predicts the results compared with the experiment data. Based on the established model, the analysis results of the process parameters show that a maximum bending angle can be achieved by choosing a reasonable laser beam diameter given other laser forming parameters.
Microstructure and wear characteristics of nickel based hardfacing alloys deposited by plasma transferred arc welding
Authors: Gurumoorthy K. , Kamaraj M. , Rao K. P. , Venugopal S.
Published: September 2006

In the present investigation, a nickel based hardfacing alloy (AWS NiCr–B) was deposited on an austenitic stainless steel substrate 316LN using the plasma transferred arc welding process. The deposit was characterised by hardness measurements, microstructural examination and sliding wear assessment. Identification of precipitates was carried out using X-ray diffraction and SEM/EDAX. These studies revealed the presence of chromium rich carbides and borides in a γ-Ni matrix. Down to a distance of 1 mm from the interface, the hardness of the deposit was found to be 52 HRC. The sliding wear behaviour of the hardfacing alloy was investigated in air in the room temperature to 550°C range, with a pin on disk configuration using a cylindrical pin with tip radius of 3 mm under loads of 30, 40 and 50 N. Wear experiments were conducted up to a sliding distance of 180 m at a sliding speed of 0·1 m s−1. The elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of the hardfaced deposits were evaluated by the ultrasonic method and these values were used for calculating initial Hertzian contact stress. The study showed that, while significant wear loss occurred at room temperature, there was practically no measurable weight loss at temperatures of 300 and 550°C. This could be attributed to the formation of an oxide layer at the surface during wear testing.
Effect of dynamic strain aging on fatigue crack growth behaviour of reactor pressure vessel steels
Authors: Huang J. Y. , Yeh J. J. , Kuo R. C. , Hwang J. R.
Published: September 2006

Fatigue tests under constant amplitude load were conducted on compact tension specimens of SA533B3 steels with four levels of sulphur content at different temperatures. A modified capacitance type crack opening displacement (COD) gauge was shown to be suitable for fatigue crack length measurement at high temperatures. Test results obtained with different measurement techniques show good consistency. The observation that the Young's moduli measured at a strain rate of 4 × 10−3 s−1 for the SA533B3 steels at 150 and 300°C do not decrease with increasing temperature seems to be related to the presence of dynamic strain aging. The fatigue crack growth rates at 150 and 300°C are about two and half times slower than those tested at 400°C because dynamic strain aging prevails at 150 and 300°C. Fractographic examination results suggest that inclusions embedded in secondary cracks enhanced the fatigue crack initiation rather than the fatigue crack growth.
High velocity compaction compared with conventional compaction
Authors: Sethi G. , Hauck E. , German R. M.
Published: September 2006

Compaction to full density is a means to deliver performance and precision without the distortion associated with sintering densification. High strain rate compaction using shock waves has been demonstrated as one means to attain full density in the green state. In the present study, variations in the compaction pressure are used to determine the conditions for attaining full density and these conditions are compared between high velocity and traditional die compaction technologies. A diminishing effect of compaction pressure on densification was observed. At the same compaction pressure the green density and hardness were lower using high velocity compaction. Sound velocity measurements in the powder show high velocity compaction did not generate a shock wave. Therefore, under subcritical compaction velocity conditions there is a higher green density from conventional compaction when compared using the same peak pressure.
Mechanical alloying process and mechanical properties of Cu–SiCp composite
Authors: Gan K. K. , Gu M. Y.
Published: September 2006

A composite of copper powder and SiC particle reinforcement was prepared by mechanical ball milling and subsequent sintering. Proper choice of processing parameters ensured a homogenous distribution of SiC particles in the copper matrix. Microstructure, powder morphology and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated as a function of milling time. With increasing milling time, the dentritic copper powder became flattened, which subsequently became spherical shaped. Mechanical properties of the composites change with the distribution of SiC.
Preparation and characterisation of nanostructural TiO2–Er2O3 binary oxides with high surface area derived from particulate sol–gel route
Authors: Mohammadi M. R. , Ghorbani M. , Fray D. J.
Published: September 2006

Nanostructured and nanoporous TiO2–Er2O3 films and powders with various TiO2 : Er2O3 molar ratios and high specific surface area (SSA) have been prepared by a new straightforward particulate sol–gel route. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that erbium oxide formed in the range 50–100 mol.-%Er2O3, whereas erbium dititanate formed in the range 25–100 mol.-%Er2O3. Oxygen deficient titania phases (TiO2−x), such as Ti7O13 and Ti2O3, were observed for TiO2 : Er2O3=25 : 75 (molar ratio) system annealed at 800°C. It was observed that Er2O3 retarded anatase to rutile transformation. Furthermore, TEM analysis also showed that Er2O3 hindered the crystallisation and crystal growth of powders. Specific surface area of powders measured by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis was enhanced by introducing Er2O3. TiO2 : Er2O3=25 : 75 (molar ratio) system annealed at 500°C produced the smallest crystallite size (1·2 nm), the smallest grain size (17 nm), the highest SSA (174 m2 g−1) and the highest roughness. TiO2 : Er2O3=50 : 50 (molar ratio) system annealed at 800°C showed the smallest crystallite size (4·3 nm), the highest SSA (44 m2 g−1), the highest roughness with 32 nm average grain size. One of the smallest crystallite sizes and one of the highest SSA reported in the literature are obtained, and they can be used in many applications in areas from optical electronics to gas sensors.
Tensile properties of partially austenitised and austempered ductile irons with dual matrix structures
Authors: Kilicli V. , Erdogan M.
Published: September 2006

In the present study, an unalloyed ductile iron containing Fe–3·50C–2·63Si–0·318Mn–0.047Mg (wt-%) were intercritically austenitised (partially austenitised) in two phase region α+ γ at various temperatures of 795, 805, 815 and 830°C for 20 min and then quenched into salt bath held at austempering temperature of 365°C for various times to obtain different ausferrite volume fractions (AFVFs). Results showed that dual matrix structure containing proeutectoid ferrite, new ferrite (also called epitaxial ferrite) and ausferrite (bainitic ferrite+high carbon austenite, which is retained or stabilised austenite) has been developed. Within each of the austempered series in α+ γ temperature range, new ferrite volume fraction increased with increasing intercritical austenitising temperature (ICAT). Although, transforming percentage of new ferrite from parent austenite present at ICAT increased with decreasing ICAT. Some specimens were also conventionally austempered from 900°C for comparison. The new ferrite was absent in these samples. The volume fraction of proeutectoid ferrite, new ferrite and ausferrite can be controlled to determine the strength and ductility. Austempered specimens in α+ γ temperature range exhibited much greater ductility than conventionally austempered ones. The tensile strength increased while ductility decreased with increasing AFVF. On the other hand, the ductility increased with increasing proeutectoid ferrite and new ferrite volume fractions at the expense of strength. The specimen with ∼47·2%AFVF exhibited the best combination of high strength and ductility. The strength and ductility of this material is much higher than that of ferritic grades. Its strength is at the same level as while ductility almost more than four times higher than that of pearlitic grades. Meanwhile, the specimen with ∼ 75%AFVF exhibited the best combination of high strength and ductility compared with those of pearlitic grades. The strength of this material is much higher and its ductility is almost more than two times higher than that of pearlitic grades yet slightly lower than that of ferritic grades. This material also meets the requirements for the strength of quenched and tempered grades and its ductility is higher than that of this grade.
Integral and layered mechanical properties of friction stir welded joints of 2014 aluminium alloy
Authors: Lin S. B. , Zhao Y. H. , Wu L.
Published: September 2006

Eight millimetre thick 2014-T6 Al alloy has been successfully friction stir welded. The experimental results showed that the weld tensile strength differs at different welding parameters. The maximum ultimate tensile strength, which equals to 78% that of base metal, was obtained at a rotating speed of 400 rev min−1 and welding speed of 100 mm min−1. For a specific welded joint, different region of the joint has different tensile strength, which depends on the microstructure variation and microhardness distribution. This is attributed to different thermomechanical actions on different regions of the joints. For the joint with three layers and without defects, the mechanical properties of middle layer are the weakest while the upper layer is the strongest. For the joints with crack or void defect, the position of the defect will be the source of fracture.
Sulphur segregation and precipitation in HAZ of boiler steel thick section welds
Authors: Chappuis A. Ghazanchyan , Davis C. L.
Published: September 2006

Stress relief cracking can occur in weld heat affected zones (HAZ) after post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) and periods of service at elevated temperatures. Stress relief cracking is generally believed to occur by sulphur induced decohesion ahead of a growing sharp crack. The impurity segregation behaviour in a microalloyed steel, typical of that used in the construction of a power station boiler where intermittent cracks were observed along the weld fusion boundaries, has been assessed. In particular the type and amount of segregation in the coarse grained HAZ (CGHAZ) before and after PWHT has been determined. It was found that significant sulphur segregation occurred during the CGHAZ thermal cycle resulting in elemental sulphur on the prior austenite grain boundaries. Following PWHT some desegregation of sulphur, coupled with the formation of sulphides and carbides on the prior austenite grain boundaries, was observed; in addition, significant phosphorus segregation to the prior austenite grain boundaries and grain boundary precipitate/matrix interfaces was seen.
Continuum damage mechanics modelling based on simulations of microstructural evolution kinetics
Authors: Yin Y. F. , Faulkner R. G.
Published: September 2006

Continuum creep damage mechanics modelling of creep has been combined with the recently developed Monte Carlo simulations of precipitation kinetics in power plant ferritic steels. The precipitation simulation has been validated by applying it to a 9 wt-%Cr ferritic steel, P92 and using the microstructural data published in the literature. The microstructural evolution results of precipitation kinetics simulation are used in the continuum creep damage mechanics model to calculate the damage evolution instead of the model equations developed for specific creep damage. This approach has been applied to P92 to study the effects of different creep damage mechanisms on the creep behaviour. Reasonable agreement with experimental creep rupture data and creep curves has been obtained. The new approach shows promise to provide a useful tool for both new alloy development and component life prediction.
Effect of processing on microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of twin roll cast 5754 sheet
Authors: Birol Y.
Published: September 2006

Weight reduction in passenger cars improves fuel economy, performance, safety and reduces emissions. Aluminium currently offers the greatest potential for cost effective weight savings in automotive body structures owing to its ability to reduce vehicle's weight without a loss in performance. The major barrier to the widespread use of Al in high volume automotive applications has been its high cost. This makes the implementation of the twin roll casting (TRC) technology in the manufacture of Al sheet very attractive. It has recently been shown that TRC Al–Mg sheet can be a suitable substitution for its direct chill (DC) cast counterpart. The present paper reports the results of an investigation undertaken to evaluate the microstructure, texture and properties of 1·0 mm thick O temper 5754 sheet manufactured by TRC technology for inner panel applications. The response of TRC 5754 alloy to different down stream processing cycles were investigated.
Commentaries on ‘Entrainment defects’ by J. Campbell
Authors: Knott John
Published: September 2006

In the February 2006 issue of MST (pp. 127–143) we published an invited Materials perspective by John Campbell, in which he puts the case for entrainment defects, predominantly entrained oxide films, as a powerful and economical means of explaining and interpreting the mechanical and corrosion properties of cast metals. Perspectives offer the author the opportunity for informed speculation and to advance a personal view of the development of a field. The importance and broad sweep of Professor Campbell's thesis led the Editorial Board to seek commentaries on his ‘perspective’ from authorities in the casting and related communities. Contributions by P. R. Beeley, J. R. Griffiths, N. R. Green and C. J. Newton appear below, followed by a response from J. Campbell. We should welcome further contributions to this discussion, which all parties have found a useful and interesting exercise.
Comparative study on sigma phase precipitation of three types of stainless steels: Austenitic, superferritic and duplex
Authors: Villanueva D. M. E. , Junior F. C. P. , Plaut R. L. , Padilha A. F.
Published: September 2006

The present work studies, in a comparative manner, the sigma phase precipitation of three stainless steels: austenitic type 316L (17Cr–12Ni–2·5Mo, wt-%), superferritic type DIN W. Nr. 1·4575 (Nb–28Cr–4Ni–2Mo, wt-%) and duplex type DIN W. Nr. 1·4462 or UNS S31803 (22Cr–5·5Ni–3Mo–0·14N, wt-%). In austenitic stainless steel, the formation of sigma phase occurred both at austenite grain boundaries and inside delta ferrite islands. In superferritic stainless steel, sigma phase occurred both at grain boundaries and in the grain interior. In the ferrites, both in the duplex and in the austenitic steel, sigma phase formation occurred by eutectoid reaction ferrite→sigma + austenite. The tendency towards precipitation of the sigma phase in the three types of steel investigated can be placed in the following sequence: duplex>superferritic>austenitic.
Phase equilibria in Sn rich corner of Cu–Ni–Sn system
Authors: Snugovsky L. , Snugovsky P. , Perovic D. D. , Rutter J. W.
Published: September 2006

Using the ‘solidification path’ technique, the liquidus projection of Sn rich corner of the Cu–Ni–Sn phase diagram was determined. Two quasi-peritectic reactions were found, which are related to the Cu–Sn and Ni–Sn binary eutectic reactions in this part of the system. The existence of a ternary Cu–Ni–Sn phase was confirmed. This phase was found to participate in both quasi-peritectic reactions.
A survey of plasma facing materials for fusion power plants
Authors: Cottrell G. A.
Published: September 2006

A future fusion power plant will confine very hot ionised gas or ‘plasma’ containing the hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium in a toroidal magnetic chamber (or ‘tokamak'). The energy from the resulting fusion reactions will be released as energetic α particles and neutrons. The solid material lining of the inner wall of the chamber (the plasma facing material or ‘armour') will be exposed to fluxes of particles and radiation and this armour must shield the outer mechanical structures from plasma damage. At the surface of the armour, the physical processes are complex and there will be an interchange of particles between solid and plasma. Where ions strike surfaces, they are implanted and sputtered atoms and neutrals are released into the plasma. Therefore armour and plasma form a coupled system. Projecting from current experimental knowledge, this survey gives a perspective of the conditions and behaviour of three leading candidate plasma facing materials (carbon, beryllium and tungsten) in a power plant.
A review of advances in processing and metallurgy of titanium alloys
Authors: Jackson M. , Dring K.
Published: September 2006

Titanium and its alloys exhibit excellent mechanical properties, unrivalled corrosion resistance and outstanding biocompatibility; however, annual global titanium production is dwarfed by commodity metals. This is in part due to the current primary production method (Kroll process), which requires a complex and discontinuous reduction route in addition to several costly downstream processing steps to convert titanium sponge to usable product forms. Alternative extraction processes are reviewed in the present paper with emphasis on the electrochemical reduction routes, such as the Fray–Farthing–Chen (FFC) Cambridge process. Improvements in thermomechanical processing including the use of modelling are briefly examined. Alloy development is also discussed with particular regard to superelastic and shape memory alloys.
Compressive creep resistance of Mg–14Li–Al–MgO/Mg2Si composites
Authors: Wei X. W. , Zu X. T. , Fu H. , Zhou W. L.
Published: September 2006

Compressive creep tests have been carried out on Mg–14Li–Al–MgO/Mg2Si composites containing about 0, 5, 10 and 15 vol.-%MgO/Mg2Si particulates in the temperature range of 100–190°C and under different pressures in the range of 40–70 MPa. The results reveal that the creep resistance of the particulate composites is increased with increasing content of MgO/Mg2Si particulate. After the addition of SiO2, considerable improvement of creep resistance can be achieved in Mg–14Li–Al–MgO/Mg2Si composites. The creep data for these composites could be correlated using an empirical equation ϵ´s = Aσnexp ( −Q/RT) where n is 7·38–9·42 and Q is about 109·9–135·2 kJ mol−1. The compressive creep rate is controlled by the diffusion of Li and the dislocation climb based on the results of the present study.
Rapid measurement of photocatalytic oxidation of poly(vinyl chloride) by in situ FTIR spectrometry of evolved CO2
Authors: Jin C. Q. , Christensen P. A. , Egerton T. A. , White J. R.
Published: September 2006

The CO2 generated by UV irradiation of unplasticised PVC pigmented with TiO2 was monitored by in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. CO2 was evolved immediately irradiation began (although no HCl was detected) and when irradiation ceased CO2 evolution fell significantly. A comparison of photogeneration of CO2 from unpigmented and pigmented PVC demonstrated that, although a heavily coated TiO2 (R5) did not increase the rate of CO2 formation, lightly coated TiO2 (R3) photocatalysed PVC oxidation to CO2. As expected for a photocatalytic process, the photogeneration of CO2 increased with increased TiO2 loading. The convenience of the FTIR method allowed the increased rate of oxidation with increasing partial pressure of oxygen, or increasing humidity, to be demonstrated. It was also shown that the rate of photocatalytic oxidation varied as the square root of UV intensity. This dependence would result if recombination of UV generated charge carriers controls the rate of photocatalysis.
Evolution of microstructure of nickel base superalloy at high temperatures
Authors: Safari J. , Nategh S. , McLean M.
Published: September 2006

The evolution of primary and secondary γ′ precipitates in the high γ′ volume fraction Rene 80 Ni based superalloy has been examined during aging at elevated temperatures for periods up to 1750 h. While the increase in average dimension of particles followed the cube rate Lifshitz, Slypzof and Wagner (LSW) law, r3t – r30= Kt, there were significant discrepancies between the experimental and theoretical particle size distributions (PSDs) and inconsistency with the kinetic constants associated with the two populations of particles. These differences are attributed to the influence of elastic coherency strains which have not been considered in conventional capillarity driven coarsening models. During thermal exposure at 871°C, coalescence of primary cuboidal γ′ was predominant in early stages of aging, while the microstructure was relatively stable at longer aging times. The stability of the microstructure at longer aging times is attributed to the formation of the network of closely spaced dislocations at the γ/ γ′ interface which would cause the loss of internal misfit stresses associated with the growth. Secondary spheroidal γ′ particles were initially coarsened and their volume fraction gradually decreased until they completely dissolved after 500 h at 871°C or 1 h at 982°C.
Hematopoietic stem cell–engrafted NOD/SCID/IL2Rγnull mice develop human lymphoid systems and induce long-lasting HIV-1 infection with specific humoral immune responses
Authors: Watanabe Satoru , Terashima Kazuo , Ohta Shinrai , Horibata Shigeo , Yajima Misako , Shiozawa Yoko , Dewan M. Zahidunnabi , Yu Zhong , Ito Mamoru , Morio Tomohiro , Shimizu Norio , Honda Mitsuo , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: September 2006

Critical to the development of an effective HIV/AIDS model is the production of an animal model that reproduces long-lasting active replication of HIV-1 followed by elicitation of virus-specific immune responses. In this study, we constructed humanized nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID)/interleukin-2 receptor γ-chain knockout (IL2Rγnull) (hNOG) mice by transplanting human cord blood–derived hematopoietic stem cells that eventually developed into human B cells, T cells, and other monocytes/macrophages and 4 dendritic cells associated with the generation of lymphoid follicle–like structures in lymphoid tissues. Expressions of CXCR4 and CCR5 antigens were recognized on CD4+ cells in peripheral blood, the spleen, and bone marrow, while CCR5 was not detected on thymic CD4+ T cells. The hNOG mice showed marked, long-lasting viremia after infection with both CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 isolates for more than the 40 days examined, with R5 virus–infected animals showing high levels of HIV-DNA copies in the spleen and bone marrow, and X4 virus–infected animals showing high levels of HIV-DNA copies in the thymus and spleen. Furthermore, we detected both anti–HIV-1 Env gp120– and Gag p24–specific antibodies in animals showing a high rate of viral infection. Thus, the hNOG mice mirror human systemic HIV infection by developing specific antibodies, suggesting that they may have potential as an HIV/AIDS animal model for the study of HIV pathogenesis and immune responses.
A role for IL-1 receptor antagonist or other cytokines in the acute therapeutic effects of IVIg?
Authors: Crow Andrew R. , Song Seng , Semple John W. , Freedman John , Lazarus Alan H.
Published: September 2006

The exact mechanism of action of IVIg in the amelioration of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is still unclear. Studies have suggested that IVIg may function through the regulation of cytokines, including interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), an inhibitor of phagocytosis. Using a mouse model relevant to ITP, we confirm an increase in mouse serum levels of IL-1Ra after exposure to IVIg, yet a recombinant IL-1Ra did not ameliorate thrombocytopenia. IVIg has also been shown to affect the expression of other regulatory cytokines. We have also recently established that IVIg specifically targets activating FcγRs on CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) as its primary mechanism of action in the amelioration of murine ITP. Herein, we show that IVIg functions therapeutically in mice lacking specific cytokines or their receptors that can potentially affect DC/macrophage function (IL-1 receptor, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12β, TNF-α, IFN-γ receptor, MIP-1α). This suggests that while IVIg may mediate the release of a variety of cytokines, the cytokines tested do not directly participate in the mechanism of IVIg action.
Quantile regression with monotonicity restrictions using P-splines and the L1-norm
Authors: Bollaerts Kaatje , Eilers Paul HC , Aerts Marc
Published: September 2006

Quantile regression is an alternative to OLS regression. In quantile regression, the sum of absolute deviations or the L1-norm is minimized, whereas the sum of squared deviations or the L2-norm is minimized in OLS regression. Quantile regression has the advantage over OLS-regression of being more robust to outlying observations. Furthermore, quantile regression provides information complementing the information provided by OLS-regression. In this study, a non-parametric approach to quantile regression is presented, which constrains the estimated-quantile function to be monotone increasing. In particular, P-splines with an additional asymmetric penalty enforcing monotonicity are used within an L1-framework. This can be translated into a linear programming problem, which will be solved using an interior point algorithm. As an illustration, the presented approach will be applied to estimate quantile growth curves and quantile antibody levels as a function of age.
Prognostic Significance of T-Cell or Cytotoxic Molecules Phenotype in Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Clinicopathologic Study
Authors: Asano Naoko , Oshiro Aya , Matsuo Keitaro , Kagami Yoshitoyo , Ishida Fumihiro , Suzuki Ritsuro , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Shimoyama Yoshie , Tamaru Jun-Ichi , Yoshino Tadashi , Kitamura Kunio , Fukutani Hisashi , Morishima Yasuo , Nakamura Shigeo
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (CHL) is characterized by Hodgkin’s and Reed-Sternberg (H-RS) cells, most of which are derived from germinal-center B cells. Nevertheless, one or more markers for T cells and follicular dendritic cells (FDC) may be expressed in a minority of H-RS cells in some CHL patients, although the clinical significance of this remains controversial. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between phenotypic expression and clinical outcome in CHL.

Patients and Methods

Participants were 324 consecutive CHL patients, comprising 132 patients with nodular sclerosis (NS), 35 patients with NS grade 2 (NS2), and 157 patients with mixed cellularity (MC). We evaluated the presenting features and prognosis of patients on categorization into four phenotypically defined groups: B-cell (CD20+ and/or CD79a+; n = 63), T-cell and/or cytotoxic molecules (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RO+, TIA-1+, and/or granzyme B+; n = 27), FDC (CD21+ without B-cell marker; n = 22), and null-cell types (n = 212). Other potential prognostic factors were examined.

Results

The T-cell and/or cytotoxic molecules group showed a significantly poorer prognosis than the other three groups (P < .0001). This finding was seen consistently in multivariate analyses. Morphologic subtyping (NS/NS2/MC) and Epstein-Barr virus positivity were not identified as independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion

The presence of T-cell and/or cytotoxic antigens in H-RS cells may represent a poor prognostic factor in CHL, even if their expression is not regarded as lineage specific. Examination of T-cell and/or cytotoxic molecules phenotype in CHL patients is recommended as a routine pathologic practice.
Problems with Reclassification of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Production and Action Disorders
Authors: Cohen Pinchas
Published: September 2006

Context: Recent developments in the IGF field have raised questions on whether this is the right time to redefine IGF deficiency.

Objective: In this controversy, arguments are made against the need for redefining IGF deficiency at this moment, suggesting instead to wait for further clinical developments.

Case: Although a number of rare case reports of IGF deficiency with precise molecular etiologies have been described, the vast majority of the cases remain clinically defined and without a genetic diagnosis.

Interventions: Because IGF products are now available for clinical use in IGF-deficient patients, we are still using GH stimulation and static IGF levels as our only clinical diagnostic and classification tools.

Positions: We need to develop additional clinical tools, side by side with molecular tools, for the diagnosis and subclassification of IGF deficiency. Chief among these are the IGF-generation test for identification of GH-insensitive patients and genetic panels of polymorphic changes in relevant genes.

Conclusions: Until further progress is made in the clinical classification of IGF deficiency, we should not change the current classification, and, when we do, it should be the responsibility of the relevant societies in the field to conduct a consensus statement on the topic first.
Intermittent pneumatic compression and deep vein thrombosis prevention in postoperative patients
Authors: Urbankova J , Quiroz R , Goldhaber S Z
Published: September 2006

High incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) makes prophylaxis, screening and treatment extremely important. Both pharmacological and mechanical techniques can be used to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Mechanical methods have been studied much less intensively than pharmacological options. The principal mechanical methods of prophylaxis are graduated compression stockings and intemittent pneumatic compression devices. We conducted a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices in the preventon of DVT in post-surgical patients. The results of this analysis indicate that IPC devices reduced the risk of DVT by 60% when compared with patients with no mechanical or pharmacological prophylaxis. Contemporary randomized trials should be undertaken to test the utility of IPC in medcal patients as well as combined pharmacological plus IPC prophylaxis in both medical patients.