bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food writing and food cultures
Authors: Jones Steve , Taylor Ben
Published: February 2009

In spite of a growth in sociological and cultural analyses of food practices, little attention has been paid to food writing and cookery books. This article will seek to rectify this by analysing the work of Elizabeth David and Jane Grigson. We argue that their work not only belongs to a predominantly male tradition of gastronomic writing, but that it also seeks to salvage certain forms of female domesticity. While this represents a break with tradition, the particular force of David and Grigson’s work lies in its appeal to culinary authenticity. If the techniques of modern food production threaten the unique flavours of authentic foods, then David and Grigson turn initially to forms of continental cuisine, and then eventually to the traditions of English cuisine, as an antidote to the drive of modernity. We conclude that their response to the processes of modernity is thus an ambivalent one, and one which provides some useful insights into contemporary food concerns.
Denaturalizing the family
Authors: Belsey Catherine
Published: February 2009

Family values are not derived from nature, but have a history in western culture, beginning in the 16th century. The sources of this history are cultural documents of all kinds, including fiction. But documents are not transparent. In order to read them attentively as a basis for interpreting the past, we need to define a relationship between the interpreting subject, the object of knowledge, and language in its broadest sense. Cultural history is history at the level of the signifier.
Historicizing the American cultural turn
Authors: Cruz Jon D.
Published: February 2009

This article probes the historical significance of the black slave narratives, and particularly that of Frederick Douglass, in the USA. While a number of important narratives were published in the years surrounding the Civil War, only Douglass’s performed a modern interpretation of slave music as embedded culture. Like other narratives, Douglass opened up for the first time a black psychocultural interior; but Douglass’s narrative was also unique in that it paid attention to music in a manner that prefigured a sociology of music. The attention it and other narratives garnered, along with the burgeoning interest in black religious singing, helped constitute a prototype of ethnic and cultural studies.
What is this ‘black’ in Irish popular culture?
Authors: Carby Hazel V.
Published: February 2009

This article is an analysis of the racial signifiers in two contemporary popular shows, Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. It argues that we need to understand the history of transatlantic Irish and African American exchange in order to comprehend the popular appeal of Celtic revivalism.
Globalization in cultural studies
Authors: Denning Michael
Published: February 2009

Globalization has quickly become a ubiquitous term; it names a process, an epoch, a discourse, a promise, a threat, a way of looking at ‘the world’. It also names a new kind of ‘inter-discipline’, a new protocol of writing and teaching in the humanities and social science. The article charts the emergence of globalization in cultural studies: first, by sketching the lineaments of globalization discourse as it appears in three major anthologies of cultural studies of globalization; second, by arguing that the freedom from history implied by the idea of globalization always depends on a variety of implicit narratives about the past; and third, by speculating on the ways one might constitute the culture of the era of globalization.
The woman between
Authors: Geraghty Christine
Published: February 2009

British cinema has traditionally looked to Europe for heroines who are sexually freer than their British counterparts while British politics is marked by a deep ambivalence about what it means to be European. This paper looks at the crossover between sexuality and politics by examining three British films made when the boundaries of the Cold War were being literally and symbolically drawn. It suggests that the power of the European woman depends on the way she combines sexual experience with a tragic knowledge of the Second World War, a knowledge which enables her to understand emotionally the post-war realities which escape the Anglo-Saxon protagonist. The paper argues that, while much film theory focuses on the repression of sexuality, in these films it is politics which is repressed while sexual relations are brought to the fore. British/European political relations are thus figured in sexual encounters but remain unresolved and Britain’s ambivalent position on the fringes of Europe is confirmed.
Youth and the global popular
Authors: Dolby Nadine
Published: February 2009

Global popular culture is an increasingly significant site for the negotiation of identities. At Fernwood High School (a pseudonym), an urban, multiracial school in Durban, South Africa, the global popular is the fulcrum for the production of race and racial politics among students. Students' affective investments in popular culture become racialized, contextualized within the forces of contemporary South Africa, and intertwined with local racial and class dynamics. Using ethnographic examples based on a year-long case study, I demonstrate how popular culture is the ground for racial conflict, moments and spaces of racial connection, and the shifting of racial alhances. An analysis of popular culture's role in youths' identities can point to new formations and meanings of race, racial identities and racial relations.
Detailed and Succinct Self-Portraits of Addicts in Broadcast Stories
Authors: GREEN DAVID , KUPFERBERG IRIT
Published: February 2009

Narrative discourse offers a viable perspective on sociocultural, psychological and professional dimensions of the self. Following Labov's early definition of evaluation, current studies explore linguistic and paralinguistic evaluative devices which participants in discourse use to present and construct their self. Organizing metaphors are a global evaluative device often used in broadcast personal stories to summarize local lexical and syntactic repetition. These metaphors constitute succinct self-portraits which facilitate interpersonal communication in a speech situation which is limited in time, and lacking in kinesic cues and shared knowledge. The present psycholinguistic study further explores the functions of organizing metaphors in addicts' broadcast stories, a narrative subgenre which until now has not been studied. Qualitative data analysis shows that addicts use various evaluative devices and `conspiracies' of devices when they construct their detailed self-portraits. We also identified organizing metaphors which summarized the detailed narrative portrait, and constituted succinct versions of the addicted self.
Evaluation in childbirth narratives told by women and men
Authors: Page Ruth E.
Published: February 2009

This article explores the characteristics of narratives told by women and men about the birth of children. The comparison focuses on the way speakers use evaluation devices to structure their experiences and to negotiate a relationship with their audience. Findings indicate that, while there are subtle contrasts between the narratives that suggest that male speakers emphasize informative meaning and women provoke an affectual response related to the disclosure of internalized expectations, there are significant macro-level similarities with both women and men making use of anecodotal structures. It is argued that understanding these similarities and dissimilarities in terms of gender difference alone is overly simplistic and that gender should be understood as interacting in complex ways with a range of further potential variables connected with context.
From problematic object to routine `add-on': dealing with e-mails in radio phone-ins
Authors: Thornborrow Joanna , Fitzgerald Richard
Published: February 2009

This article investigates the new phenomenon of e-mailed questions to a radio phone-in programme, BBC Radio 4's `Election Call'. Our interest in this phenomenon arose for several reasons. First, as a new form, e-mails were singled out at the beginning of each broadcast for special instructions to listeners, although there was evidence that as the series progressed, dealing with e-mail became more of a routine event in each subsequent programme. Second, on listening to the Election Call broadcasts, the sequential introduction of an e-mail question appeared to be problematic for the host (Peter Sissons). First mentions of e-mailed questions were often subject to a noticeable amount of disfluency and repair work, in contrast to the well-rehearsed and highly routine introduction of callers' questions. Third, we are interested in the function of e-mail questions in terms of how they are handled by the host and guest. Are they given the same status as a `call', and if not, where do the differences lie? In our analysis we show how the introduction of this new media form into a well-established context opens up new structural possibilities for both host as interviewer and politician as interviewee, in terms of how questions get framed, and how they get responded to.
A communicative conception of discourse
Authors: Charaudeau Patrick
Published: February 2009

This article sets out to define an approach to discourse that takes into account the characteristics of the phenomenon of social communication. First, the article examines different conceptions of discourse analysis such as `cognitive', `representational' and `communicational'. These distinctions are made using various criteria: definitions of the subject of analysis, the nature of the speaker, the corpus of data resulting from the discourse. This is followed by an examination of the types of competence that have to be satisfied by speakers if they are to produce a speech act: for example, `situational', `discursive', `semantic' and `semiolinguistic competence'. The article then analyses how speakers stage their discourse, i.e. their consideration of the constraints of the communicative situation and their use of `discursive strategies'. The article concludes by demonstrating the necessity of relating the `communicative situation' to the `positioning' of the speaker.
Analysis of an academic genre
Authors: Maingueneau Dominique
Published: February 2009

This article begins with some reflections on the notion of genre as used in discourse analysis and aims to make a distinction between two types of genre — conversational genres and instituted genres. Varying levels can be distinguished in the range of instituted genres: from genres deprived of any authorship to genres in which a single author partly defines the frame of the communicative event. However, this article deals mainly with a genre-based analysis of an instituted genre, a report on the thesis defence meeting ( soutenance de thèse), as practised in French academic institutions. This genre is interesting for discourse analysts, not only because it is closely linked to scientific research communities, but also because it implies an original configuration of authorship and triggers indirect interpretation strategies.
Constructing discussion tasks in university tutorials: shifting dynamics and identities
Authors: Benwell Bethan , Stokoe Elizabeth H.
Published: February 2009

This article examines task-setting sequences in university tutorial sessions. Classes from three higher education institutions were audio- and video-recorded. The resulting data, which included both tutor-led and peer group discussions, were transcribed and analysed using conversation analysis (CA). A number of themes emerged from our analysis. First, we found that the tutor's opening turns routinely followed a three-part sequence, the interpersonal and metadiscursive functions of which, we argue, are crucial components in the educative process. Second, we found that students displayed discursively their reluctance to engage in discussion activities and a resistance towards academic or intellectual identities. In contrast to findings from previous studies of tutor—student interaction, we found that interactional power was negotiated in complex and contradictory ways. This, in turn, may embody a range of complex social functions including attention to the `face' concerns of the group, category membership and orientation to broader cultural trends.
Moving beyond words: therapeutic discourse and ethical problematization
Authors: Hodges Ian
Published: February 2009

The operation of power within psychotherapeutic practice is explored in this article through an analysis of radio therapeutic discourse. A Foucauldian methodological approach is adopted where the operation of power is conceptualized in terms of practices concerning the constitution and regulation of the self and which employs the analytics of problematization and ethical self-formation. Ten complete calls were examined for the effect of therapeutic intervention on callers' accounts of their problems; two calls are reported in detail. It was found that through therapeutic problematization callers' worries were restructured so that the locus of concern was shifted towards the caller's relationship with themselves (that is towards an ethics orientation), in particular providing the means through which callers might regulate their own behaviour and normalize their future possible conduct. In this way callers were invited to account for themselves as both the target of and the responsible agent in their own cure. Thus power is linked with psychotherapeutic practice — in this setting — through the production of certain kinds of person with certain kinds of responsibilities. Finally, it is argued that here the psychotherapeutic process is more moral than `psychological' and that the ethical operation of therapeutic discourse is linked to our contemporary `therapeutic' moral order.
Introduction
Authors: Kronenfeld David B.
Published: February 2009

This essay addresses the power of formal analysis, and exemplifies some of the important issues that arise when we use formal analyses to address the substantive issues of kinship terminologies – and, through them, of category systems in general. These examples point to where a broad empirical understanding of kin terminologies can take us and indicate something of the potential import of kinship studies for our understanding of other cultural domains. The notions of ‘formal account’, ‘descriptive theory’ and ‘explanatory theory’ are considered, as is the role of explicitness and the question of what might constitute the (or an) ‘explanation’ of a terminology. The current status of kinship terminological analysis is evaluated.
Formal analysis of kinship terminologies and its relationship to what constitutes kinship
Authors: Read Dwight W.
Published: February 2009

The goal of this paper is to relate formal analysis of kinship terminologies to a better understanding of who, culturally, are defined as our kin. Part 1 of the paper begins with a brief discussion as to why neither of the two claims – (1) kinship terminologies, which primarily have to do with social categories and (2) kinship terminologies, which are based on classification of genealogically specified relationships traced through genitor and genetrix – is adequate as a basis for a formal analysis of a kinship terminology. A substantive problem with rewrite rule formalism is identified next. In Part 2 this problem is resolved when a kinship terminology is viewed from the perspective of a structured, symbolic system in which there is both a symbol calculus and a set of rules of instantiation giving the symbols empirical content. The symbol structure is linked to individuals via culturally specified instantiation of symbols. It is suggested that one’s kin are determined through the symbol structure and its instantiation.
Deep diversity versus constitutional patriotism
Authors: Fossum John Erik
Published: February 2009

In discussing Canada, many analysts argue that if the country is to be kept together, it is necessary to revise the standard liberal conception of citizenship. The essential problem currently facing Canada, they claim, is how diverse claims for difference can be accommodated. This article is intended to shed light on this debate by contrasting Charles Taylor's concept of ‘deep diversity’ with Jürgen Habermas's notion of ‘constitutional patriotism’. The purpose of the article is twofold. First, I seek to clarify the salience of the terms ‘deep diversity’ and ‘constitutional patriotism’, by locating each term in the relevant author's larger philosophical framework and by discussing their relevance to the case of Canada. Second, I use the two terms as the basis for a discussion of what precisely constitutes the nature of the problems facing Canada. Taylor and Habermas offer different diagnoses in this respect. The article concludes that Habermas's diagnosis is not only more positive but also points us in a different direction than Taylor in our search for solutions.
Clash of Civilizations or Clash of Religions
Authors: Fox Jonathan
Published: February 2009

Samuel Huntington's ‘clash of civilizations’ argument that in the future most conflicts will be between civilizations has been the source of considerable debate within international relations. Among the criticisms of this argument is the fact that there is a considerable overlap between Huntington's concept of civilizations and religion. In fact, only one of Huntington's eight civilizations has no obvious religious component. This raises the question of whether the concept of civilizations is really a surrogate for religion. Accordingly, this study examines the influence of both religion and Huntington's concept of civilizations on ethnic conflict using data from the Minorities at Risk Phase 3 dataset as well as data on religion and civilizations collected independently. The results show that while there is considerable overlap between religion and civilization, the two are not the same. Also, while it is not clear whether religious or civilizational differences have a greater impact on ethnic conflict, it is clear that neither are they its primary cause. These results cast serious doubt on the validity of Huntington's hypothesis, at least as far as it concerns ethnic conflict.
Skin Color and Latinos in the United States
Authors: Montalvo Frank F. , Codina G. Edward
Published: February 2009

The authors review the social and psychological consequences of Latino phenotypes, skin color and physical appearance, through empirical and ethnographic studies in the United States. They begin by analyzing the historical accounts of the caste system in colonial Mexico to understand the source of Mexican Americans' mestizo and non-racial approach to acculturation in America. Review of empirical studies with Mexican Americans indicated that phenotype was associated with life chances, acculturation and psychological well-being in individuals, but varied by gender and immigrant and non-immigrant status. The results were compared with the adaptive experience of Puerto Ricans, who with African-Spanish heritage accommodated to segregated America by separating into three communities based on phenotype. Reasons for these differences are discussed. Directions for future research in this neglected area are presented.
Nationalism, religion and the search for chosen traumas
Authors: Kinnvall Catarina
Published: February 2009

This article proceeds from the argument that various forces of globalization have resulted in increased dislocation and uncertainty for many people in the world. Religion and nationalism, compared to most other identity constructions, are viewed as particularly relevant organizing principles at a time when modern society is making increasing demands on individuals. In comparison to much constructivist research, however, the article discusses the difficulties in understanding religious identity formation and nationhood without taking into consideration the sociopsychological aspects of category formation and the essentialization of the `other'. To clarify the discussion, an illustrative study of religious nationalism in India is made, with a particular focus on, and comparison of, Sikh and Hindu religious nationalism. I show how, in their search for `chosen traumas', similar processes of categorizing and demonizing the `other' have been prevalent in both the Sikh and Hindu cases. However, while Hindus were (and are) successful in fusing nationalist and religious concerns in their attempts to monopolize both sources of self and identity, Sikhs have been less successful in integrating the two.
University Students’ Satisfaction With, Interest in Improving, and Receptivity to Attending Programs Aimed at Health and Well-Being
Authors: Tucker Patricia , Irwin Jennifer D.
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate students’ (a) satisfaction with nine health constructs, (b) interest in improving these health areas, and (c) receptivity to participating in programming targeting these areas. The study sample is composed of 1,778 undergraduate students from a Canadian university. Students complete a five-page paper-and-pencil questionnaire assessing the above objectives along a 5-point Likert-type scale. Students are most satisfied with their social health and report their lowest satisfaction with physical activity (M = 3.16, SD = 1.09). Overall, students are most interested in enhancing their physical activity (M = 4.10, SD = 0.79), followed by both body image (M = 3.94, SD = 0.89) and dietary habits (M = 3.94, SD = 0.85), and are receptive to programs aimed at improving their level of physical activity (M = 3.62, SD = 0.98) and body image (M = 3.42, SD = 1.63). A preference for physical activity level and body image improvement among university students is revealed and should be considered of paramount importance by campus-based health promotion practitioners.
Reported speech as an element of argumentative newspaper discourse
Authors: Smirnova Alla Vitaljevna
Published: February 2009

The present article deals with reported speech as an element of argumentation in the newspaper discourse of Great Britain viewed in the unity of its syntactic and semantic characteristics and argumentative functions. Theoretically, the research is based on the dialogic understanding of quotations, the dialogue theory by Bakhtin and contemporary argumentation theory. The proposed integral approach to reported speech combining linguistics with logic and argumentation theory revealed the relations between purely linguistic (syntactic and semantic) characteristics of reported speech with its functioning in argumentative discourse of contemporary British press.
Thalidomide inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α production via down-regulation of MyD88 expression
Authors: Noman Abu Shadat M. , Koide Naoki , Hassan Ferdaus , I.-E-Khuda Imtiaz , Dagvadorj Jargalsaikhan , Tumurkhuu Gantsetseg , Islam Shamima , Naiki Yoshikazu , Yoshida Tomoaki , Yokochi Takashi
Published: February 2009

The effect of thalidomide on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production was studied by using RAW 264.7 murine macrophage-like cells. Thalidomide significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α production. Thalidomide prevented the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-KB by down-regulating phosphorylation of inhibitory KB factor (IKB), and IKB kinase (IKK)-α and IKK-β Moreover, thalidomide inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of AKT, p38 and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/JNK. The expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) protein and mRNA was markedly reduced in thalidomide-treated RAW 264.7 cells but there was no significant alteration in the expression of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) 1 and TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6 in the cells. Thalidomide did not affect the cell surface expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and CD14, suggesting the impairment of intracellular LPS signalling in thalidomide-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Thalidomide significantly inhibited the TNF-α production in response to palmitoyl-Cys(RS)-2,3-di(palmitoyloxy) propyl)-Ala-Gly-OH (Pam3Cys) as a MyD88-dependent TLR2 ligand. Therefore, it is suggested that thalidomide might impair LPS signalling via down-regulation of MyD88 protein and mRNA and inhibit LPS-induced TNF-α production. The putative mechanism of thalidomide-induced MyD88 down-regulation is discussed.
Kdo-(2 → 8)-Kdo-(2 → 4)-Kdo but not Kdo-(2 → 4)-Kdo-(2 → 4)-Kdo is an acceptor for transfer of L-glycero-α-D-manno-heptose by Escherichia coli heptosyltransferase I (WaaC)
Authors: Gronow Sabine , Lindner Buko , Brade Helmut , Müller-Loennies Sven
Published: February 2009

Early steps in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) involve the transfer of 3-deoxy-α-D-manno-oct-2-ulopyranosonic acid (Kdo) to lipid A. Whereas Kdo transferases (WaaA) of Escherichia coli generate a (2 → 4)-linked Kdo disaccharide, Chlamydiae contain tri- or tetra-functional WaaA generating oligosaccharides with (2 → 8)- and (2 → 4)-linkages between Kdo. It has been suggested that the transfer of L-glycero-α-D-manno-heptose (Hep) to Kdo by an E. coli WaaC may not be possible in the presence of (2 → 8)-linked Kdo. E. coli double-mutants deficient in heptosyltransferases I (waaC) and II (waaF) and expressing waaA of Chlamydiae instead of their own, make Chlamydia-type Kdo oligosaccharides which are attached to an E. coli lipid A. Using such strains expressing waaA of Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Chlamydophila psittaci, or Chlamydia trachomatis, we have studied the effect of E. coli waaC gene expression on LPS structure. Structural analyses revealed the formation of two novel oligosaccharides Hep-(1 → 5)[Kdo-(2 → 4)]-Kdo and Hep-(1 → 5)[Kdo-(2 → 8)-Kdo-(2 → 4)]-Kdo showing that Hep is transferred in the presence of (2 → 8)-linked Kdo. Surprisingly, the transfer of Hep onto Kdo-(2 → 4)-Kdo-(2 → 4)-Kdo did not occur, despite the fact that Hep-(1 → 5)[Kdo-(2 → 4)-Kdo-(2 → 4)]-Kdo is found in nature as a partial structure of E. coli LPS. The premature end of the biosynthesis and incorporation of Hep into the LPS indicated that WaaC had access to the substrate before Kdo transfer was completed. We have observed differences between WaaA of C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci which indicate mechanistic differences between these Kdo transferases.
Involvement of TLR2 in innate response to Bacillus anthracis infection
Authors: Weiss Shay , Levy Haim , Fisher Morly , Kobiler David , Altboum Zeev
Published: February 2009

The involvement of TLR2 receptor in the innate response to infection with Bacillus anthracis was investigated. We studied the response to virulent or attenuated Vollum strains in either in vitro assays using macrophage cultures, or in an in vivo model comparing the sensitivity of Syrian hamster cells (expressing normal TLR2) to Chinese hamster cells (lacking functional TLR2) to infection by the various B. anthracis strains. Phagocytosis experiments with murine cell cultures or primary macrophages from both hamster strains, using virulent or attenuated Tox+Cap -, Tox-Cap+ or Tox-Cap- spores indicated that the secretion of TNF-α was induced by all the bacterial spores and purified spore antigens. In contrast, capsular antigens induce secretion of TNF-α only by Syrian hamster macrophages indicating the involvement of a functional TLR2 in macrophage activation. Challenge experiments with both hamster strains by intranasal spore inoculation, indicated that, while both strains are equally sensitive to infection with the virulent strain, the Chinese hamster demonstrated a higher sensitivity to infection with the toxinogenic or encapsulated strains. In conclusion, our findings imply that TLR2 has an important role in the attempt of the innate immunity to control B. anthracis infection, although TNF-α secretion was found to be mediated by both TLR2-dependent and TLR2-independent pathways.
Angular distortion of fillet welded T joint using low transformation temperature welding wire
Authors: Mikami Y. , Morikage Y. , Mochizuki M. , Toyoda M.
Published: February 2009

A newly developed low transformation temperature welding wire, of which the transformation start temperature is lower than that of conventional welding wires, was applied to fabrication of fillet welded T joints. The welding angular distortion and the temperature profile of the weld metal were continuously measured during the welding process. The angular distortion of the fabricated T joint was reduced when the weld metal reached the martensitic transformation start temperature. The residual angular distortion was less with the low transformation temperature welding wire than that with the conventional welding wires. The welding distortion of T joints was calculated by a numerical simulation with consideration of the effect of phase transformation under weld thermal cycles. The welding distortion was reproduced with high accuracy in the numerical simulation. Results of the numerical simulation also determined that there was a direct correspondence between the transformation expansion of the weld metal and the angular distortion.
Characterisation of solidification cracking in pulsed Nd:YAG laser welding of 2024 aluminium alloy
Authors: Sheikhi M. , Malek Ghaini F. , Torkamany M. J. , Sabbaghzadeh J.
Published: February 2009

Aluminium alloy AA2024 is one of the most susceptible alloys to solidification cracking. The influence of Nd:YAG laser welding parameters on cracking severity of AA 2024 alloy was studied. Welding was performed in two modes: single spot welding and overlap spot welding. In single spot welding mode, the formation of columnar zone increases cracking severity in the fusion zone. In overlap spot welding mode, the solidification cracks were characterised as: cracks propagated from previous spot, cracks initiated from the fusion line with the previous spot, and cracks initiated from the fusion line with the base metal. It was established that in comparison there is very limited tendency for initiation of new cracks from the fusion line with the weld metal of a previous spot.
Non-isothermal thermomechanical metallurgical model and its application to welding simulations
Authors: Schenk T. , Richardson I. M. , Kraska M. , Ohnimus S.
Published: February 2009

This paper presents a thermomechanical metallurgical macroscopic model for steels. The model is based on an existing model that is extended for non-isothermal behaviour in combination with phase transformations. The model and its numerical implementation in ABAQUS are described using vector notation for stress and strain tensors. Model parameters are presented for the dual phase steel DP600 and the structural steel S355. For DP600, thermomechanical model parameters, i.e. hardening and strain rate dependency, have been obtained by fitting temperature and strain rate dependent tensile tests. A metallurgical model was implemented using data obtained from phase field models for the austenite growth and continuous cooling transition diagrams for phase transformations from austenite to low temperature phases. The model is applied to welding simulations of DP600 overlap joints and S355 T joints. The final distortion is compared to experiments and it is shown that the model presented is able to reproduce the experimental results very well.
Measurement of residual stresses in austenitic stainless steel weld joints using ultrasonic technique
Authors: Palanichamy P. , Vasudevan M. , Jayakumar T.
Published: February 2009

A methodology has been developed using a non-destructive ultrasonic technique for measuring surface/subsurface residual stresses in 7 mm thick AISI type 316LN stainless steel weld joints made by activated tungsten inert gas and multipass tungsten inert gas welding processes. Measurement of residual stresses using an ultrasonic technique is based on the effect of stresses on the propagation velocity of elastic waves. Critically refracted longitudinal L CR wave mode was employed and accurate transit time measurements were made across the weld joints. Quantitative values of the longitudinal residual stresses across the weld joints were estimated from the measured transit times and predetermined value of acoustoelastic constant for AISI type 316LN stainless steel. The nature of the residual stress profiles and their variations across the two types of weld joints were compared and interpreted.
Intelligent alloy design: Engineering single crystals superalloys amenable for manufacture
Authors: Tin S.
Published: February 2009

The solidification characteristics of high refractory content nickel based superalloy single crystals have been studied over a wide range of composition. To assess the influence of composition on distribution coefficients, quantitative segregation mapping experiments have been conducted on as cast single crystals. Additionally, differential thermal analysis was utilised to measure the composition dependence of liquidus, solidus and γ′ solvus temperatures. Over the range of composition characteristic of the most advanced commercial single crystal alloys, synergistic interactions existing between select constituent elements were found to mitigate the severity of Re and W segregation during dendritic solidification. Minor additions of carbon, in the range of 0·05–0·15 wt-%, were also found to reduce the degree of Re and W segregation during solidification. In both instances, controlling the extent of Re and W segregation during solidification was shown to strongly influence the tendency of the alloy to form macroscopic grain defects, such as freckles, during unidirectional solidification. Moreover, precipitation of primary carbides within the mushy zone during solidification was also found to impact the solidification characteristics of the alloy. The implications of these alloying approaches for developing novel, high refractory content, single crystal superalloys compositions that are amenable for manufacturing are discussed.
Novel experimentation techniques to study damage accumulation and microstructural instability during creep of super alloy single crystals at high temperatures (>1000°C)
Authors: Eggeler G.
Published: February 2009

The objective of the present work is to demonstrate that it is well worth the effort to develop novel experimentation techniques to study creep in Ni base super alloy single crystals above 1000°C. A miniature tensile creep specimen and a double shear creep specimen have been developed. These are useful in high temperature technology because they can be directly taken out from cast turbine blades (miniature tensile creep specimens) and provide multiaxial creep data (double shear creep specimens). Most importantly, these new techniques can be used to increase the level of microstructural understanding of creep. Thus miniature tensile creep experiments can be used to demonstrate that <100> directions parallel to, and perpendicular to, the solidification direction differ in creep rupture behaviour. This is related to the presence of cast micropores which align along primary dendrites. The double shear creep specimens, on the other hand, help in understanding the influence of stress multiaxiality on rafting, the directional coarsening of the γ′ phase. In a macroscopic crystallographic shear system of type <110> {110}, rafting occurs at 45° to the shear direction and is governed by the maximum principal stress.
Fatigue crack growth mechanisms in superalloys: Overview
Authors: Reed P. A. S.
Published: February 2009

Fatigue studies on disc and blade nickel based superalloys by the author and co-workers are reviewed. Crack initiation in single crystal turbine blade alloys is dominated by interdendritic porosity with oxidation processes affecting initiation position. Lifetime trends can be modelled using a multipart Paris type lifing approach. Orientation, loading state, temperature and environment determine stage I/II crack growth mechanisms and the resulting crack path and should be considered in lifing. Mechanistic insights on how complex stress states, subsurface failures and different temperatures/environments affect fatigue processes can thus improve turbine blade lifing, and direct alloy development programmes. In polycrystalline disc alloys cracks at high temperature may initiate at oxidised subsurface carbides or porosity. Grain size controls cycle and time dependent crack growth: the benefits of increased grain size in resisting grain boundary attack mechanisms predominate over those of γ′ distribution variation. Optimising grain boundary character and distribution should yield the best alloy design strategy for high temperature fatigue performance in turbine discs.
γ′ rafting in single crystal blade alloys: A simulation study
Authors: Zhou N. , Shen C. , Sarosi P. M. , Mills M. J. , Pollock T. , Wang Y.
Published: February 2009

A phase field model is developed to simulate γ′ rafting in single crystal Ni–Al under the influence of external stress. Lattice and modulus mismatch between the γ and γ′ phases and γ channel plasticity are considered simultaneously in the model. To increase the computational efficiency, an average plastic strain is introduced to describe the channel plasticity based on experimental observation of dislocation density. With the elastic moduli of both phases and their lattice misfit at the aging temperature from direct experimental measurement, and thermodynamic and mobility data from available databases as inputs, the simulation results show that the type of rafting is determined by channel plasticity while modulus mismatch between the precipitate and the matrix affects only the kinetics of the rafting process. The model can be used to quickly estimate the type of rafting and, more importantly, the time when rafts fully develop.
Oxidation resistant Ru containing Ni base single crystal superalloys
Authors: Kawagishi K. , Sato A. , Harada H. , Yeh A.-C. , Koizumi Y. , Kobayashi T.
Published: February 2009

Oxidation resistant fourth and fifth generation Ni base superalloys were developed. The fourth generation superalloys TMS-138A were modified by increasing the content of Al and Cr and deceasing Mo. Designed alloys were cast as single crystal and examined in cyclic and isothermal exposures at 1100°C and creep rupture test. Under high temperature/low stress condition, 0·5 wt-% of Al addition was effective to improve the oxidation resistance but degrade creep property. Cr addition and Mo and W reduction were effective to improve the oxidation resistance and display creep property almost equal to the original TMS-138A. The fourth generation superalloy TMS-138 and fifth generation superalloy TMS-173 were also modified. By adding Cr and removing Mo and W, their oxidation resistances were dramatically improved. Thus it was found that it is possible to improve the oxidation resistance of Ru containing SC superalloys with keeping the high temperature strength by the increase in Cr and decrease in Mo and W.
Comparative responses of welded joints to surface mechanical attrition treatment and shot peening
Authors: Li D. , Chen H. N. , Xu H.
Published: February 2009

Responses of welded joint of carbon steel to surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) and shot peening (SP) were investigated. Experimental evidences showed that the microstructure of treated surface in the welded joint by means of SMAT was characterised by nanometre grains of about 13·6 nm in size and that of SP was characterised by highly dense dislocation configuration. The similar microhardness profiles with different peak values in the top surface were observed for three typical zones of welded joints processed by SMAT and SP. Compared with as welded specimens, SMAT and SP processes have improved the fatigue strength by as much as 61 and 36·3% respectively based on fatigue life 2×106 cycles. The observed enhanced fatigue behaviours of the welded joint processed by SMAT and SP should be attributed to the combined influences of compressive residual stress, work hardening, nanostructure and elimination of microdiscontinuities in the vicinity of welded joints.
From being to becoming: reflections on the enduring popularity of Kazantzakis
Authors: Tziovas Dimitris
Published: February 2009

In this article, Kazantzakis’ popularity over the years is briefly reviewed and it is argued that the two dominant approaches to his work, which could be described as ethnographic and philosophical-theological, respectively, correspond to the antithesis between being and becoming. The question addressed here is whether we can read his fiction in a new way, and pass from the ontology of being to the contingency of becoming, following the example of the process theologians who brought him closer to postmodernism.
Patterns of microRNA expression characterize stages of human B-cell differentiation
Authors: Zhang Jenny , Jima Dereje D. , Jacobs Cassandra , Fischer Randy , Gottwein Eva , Huang Grace , Lugar Patricia L. , Lagoo Anand S. , Rizzieri David A. , Friedman Daphne R. , Weinberg J. Brice , Lipsky Peter E. , Dave Sandeep S.
Published: February 2009

Mature B-cell differentiation provides an important mechanism for the acquisition of adaptive immunity. Malignancies derived from mature B cells constitute the majority of leukemias and lymphomas. These malignancies often maintain the characteristics of the normal B cells that they are derived from, a feature that is frequently used in their diagnosis. The role of microRNAs in mature B cells is largely unknown. Through concomitant microRNA and mRNA profiling, we demonstrate a potential regulatory role for microRNAs at every stage of the mature B-cell differentiation process. In addition, we have experimentally identified a direct role for the microRNA regulation of key transcription factors in B-cell differentiation: LMO2 and PRDM1 (Blimp1). We also profiled the microRNA of B-cell tumors derived from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We found that, in contrast to many other malignancies, common B-cell malignancies do not down-regulate microRNA expression. Although these tumors could be distinguished from each other with use of microRNA expression, each tumor type maintained the expression of the lineage-specific microRNAs. Expression of these lineage-specific microRNAs could correctly predict the lineage of B-cell malignancies in more than 95% of the cases. Thus, our data demonstrate that microRNAs may be important in maintaining the mature B-cell phenotype in normal and malignant B cells.
Skewing of X-inactivation ratios in blood cells of aging women is confirmed by independent methodologies
Authors: Busque Lambert , Paquette Yves , Provost Sylvie , Roy Denis-Claude , Levine Ross L. , Mollica Luigina , Gary Gilliland D.
Published: February 2009

Nonrandom X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), also known as skewing, has been documented in the blood cells of a significant proportion of normal aging women by the use of methylation-based assays at the polymorphic human androgen receptor locus (HUMARA). Recent data obtained with a new transcription-based XCI determination method, termed suppressive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has shed controversy over the validity of XCI ratio results obtained with HUMARA. To resolve this disparity, we analyzed XCI in polymorphonuclear leukocytes of a large cohort of women aged 43 to 100 years with the use of HUMARA (n = 100), a TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay (n = 90), and the suppressive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (n = 67). The 3 methods yielded similar skewing incidences (42%, 38%, and 40%, respectively), and highly concordant XCI ratios. This confirms that the skewing of XCI ratio seen in blood cells of aging women is a bona fide and robust biologic phenomenon.
In vitroculture and somatic cell nuclear transfer affect imprinting of SNRPN gene in pre- and post-implantation stages of development in cattle
Authors: Suzuki Joao , Therrien Jacinthe , Filion France , Lefebvre Rejean , Goff Alan K , Smith Lawrence C
Published: February 2009

Background

Embryo in vitro manipulations during early development are thought to increase mortality by altering the epigenetic regulation of some imprinted genes. Using a bovine interspecies model with a single nucleotide polymorphism, we assessed the imprinting status of the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN) gene in bovine embryos produced by artificial insemination (AI), in vitro culture (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and correlated allelic expression with the DNA methylation patterns of a differentially methylated region (DMR) located on the SNRPN promoter.

Results

In the AI group, SNRPN maternal expression is silenced at day 17 and 40 of development and a third of the alleles analyzed are methylated in the DMR. In the IVF group, maternal transcripts were identified at day 17 but methylation levels were similar to the AI group. However, day-40 fetuses in the IVF group showed significantly less methylation when compared to the AI group and SNRPN expression was mostly paternal in all fetal tissues studied, except in placenta. Finally, the SCNT group presented severe loss of DMR methylation in both day-17 embryos and 40 fetuses and biallelic expression was observed in all stages and tissues analyzed.

Conclusion

Together these results suggest that artificial reproductive techniques, such as prolonged in vitro culture and SCNT, lead to abnormal reprogramming of imprinting of SNRPN gene by altering methylation levels at this locus.
Generation and analysis of expressed sequence tags from six developing xylem libraries in Pinus radiata D. Don
Authors: Li Xinguo , Wu Harry X , Dillon Shannon K , Southerton Simon G
Published: February 2009

Background

Wood is a major renewable natural resource for the timber, fibre and bioenergy industry. Pinus radiata D. Don is the most important commercial plantation tree species in Australia and several other countries; however, genomic resources for this species are very limited in public databases. Our primary objective was to sequence a large number of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from genes involved in wood formation in radiata pine.

Results

Six developing xylem cDNA libraries were constructed from earlywood and latewood tissues sampled at juvenile (7 yrs), transition (11 yrs) and mature (30 yrs) ages, respectively. These xylem tissues represent six typical development stages in a rotation period of radiata pine. A total of 6,389 high quality ESTs were collected from 5,952 cDNA clones. Assembly of 5,952 ESTs from 5' end sequences generated 3,304 unigenes including 952 contigs and 2,352 singletons. About 97.0% of the 5,952 ESTs and 96.1% of the unigenes have matches in the UniProt and TIGR databases. Of the 3,174 unigenes with matches, 42.9% were not assigned GO (Gene Ontology) terms and their functions are unknown or unclassified. More than half (52.1%) of the 5,952 ESTs have matches in the Pfam database and represent 772 known protein families. About 18.0% of the 5,952 ESTs matched cell wall related genes in the MAIZEWALL database, representing all 18 categories, 91 of all 174 families and possibly 557 genes. Fifteen cell wall-related genes are ranked in the 30 most abundant genes, including CesA, tubulin, AGP, SAMS, actin, laccase, CCoAMT, MetE, phytocyanin, pectate lyase, cellulase, SuSy, expansin, chitinase and UDP-glucose dehydrogenase. Based on the PlantTFDB database 41 of the 64 transcription factor families in the poplar genome were identified as being involved in radiata pine wood formation. Comparative analysis of GO term abundance revealed a distinct transcriptome in juvenile earlywood formation compared to other stages of wood development.

Conclusion

The first large scale genomic resource in radiata pine was generated from six developing xylem cDNA libraries. Cell wall-related genes and transcription factors were identified. Juvenile earlywood has a distinct transcriptome, which is likely to contribute to the undesirable properties of juvenile wood in radiata pine. The publicly available resource of radiata pine will also be valuable for gene function studies and comparative genomics in forest trees.