bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data in Antarctic Science and Politics
Authors: Dean Katrina , Naylor Simon , Turchetti Simone , Siegert Martin
Published: August 2008

The internationalization of Antarctica as a continent for science with the Antarctic Treaty (1961) was heralded as bringing about international cooperation and the free exchange of data. However, both national rivalry and proprietorship of data, in varying degrees, remained integral to Antarctic science and politics throughout the 20th century. This paper considers two large field-surveys in Antarctica: first, an aerial photographic survey carried out by the Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition of 1946—8; and second, the Scott Polar Research Institute's radio-echo sounding survey of 1967—79. Both surveys involved geoscientific data but the context in which the investigations and the exchanges of their results took place changed. We argue that the issue of control of data remained paramount across both cases despite shifting international political contexts. The control of data on Antarctic territory, once framed in terms of geopolitics and negotiated between governments, became a matter of science policy and credit to be negotiated among scientific institutions. Whereas the Ronne data were of potential strategic value for reinforcing national territorial claims, the radio-echo sounding data contained information of potential economic and environmental value.
Inmate Harassment and Rape
Authors: Einat Tomer
Published: August 2008

Prisons deprive male inmates of heterosexual relationships and thus prevent them from asserting their masculinity via “traditional” means. Accordingly, many prisoners experience extreme emotional, psychological, and physical distress, which turns several of them to intimidation, aggression, and re-establishment of their sense of dominance through homosexual activities with coerced partners. This study, based on 760 hours of phenomenological semi-structured interviews undertaken in a random sample of 1.5% of the male prisoner population in Israel, analyzes the neglected issue of homosexual rape in Israeli prisons. The study finds that (a) sexual harassment or homosexual rapes rarely take place in Israeli prisons and (b) Israeli inmates view homosexual rape in prison as disgusting and disgraceful and conceptualize it in highly negative emotional terms.
Aging in Brazil
Authors: Bertoldo Benedetti Tânia R. , Gonçalves Lúcia Hisako , Petroski Edio , Nassar Silvia M. , Schwingel Andiara , Chodzko-Zajko Wojtek
Published: August 2008

This report describes the outcomes of an epidemiological study that examined the association among physical activity participation, household income, and the prevalence of chronic diseases among 875 older persons living in southern Brazil. At least one disease or chronic condition was reported by 71.1% of the older adults. The survey identified 59.3% of the older adults as more active. Physical activity levels were found to be independent predictors of disease status. Less active seniors were more than twice as likely to report the presence of disease than were their more active counterparts. In addition, socioeconomic status was found to be significantly related to physical activity participation, with lower income seniors less likely to be physically active. These findings underscore the value of physical activity interventions for preserving health and independence among older Brazilians. Special efforts should be made to design physical activity interventions that target low-income seniors.
Men Planning for Retirement
Authors: Phua Voon , McNally James W.
Published: August 2008

Using data from 69 in-depth interviews, the authors examine how men define financial planning and preretirement planning. The analyses show that younger men are less likely than older men to actively plan for retirement, and a clearer distinction is made between financial planning and preretirement planning. The results also show that the meanings of the two phrases overlap as one ages and that financial habits change over the life course. Understanding the changes over the life course would ensure that successful programs aim at securing financial security at older ages.
The Influence of Adolescent Mothers' Breastfeeding Confidence and Attitudes on Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration
Authors: Mossman Marion , Heaman Maureen , Dennis Cindy-Lee , Morris Margaret
Published: August 2008

A prospective correlational study was conducted to examine the influence of adolescent mothers' breastfeeding attitudes and confidence on breastfeeding initiation and duration. A convenience sample of 100 pregnant adolescents who were contemplating breastfeeding completed the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form (BSES-SF) and the Breastfeeding Attitude Questionnaire (BAQ). The BSES-SF was readministered during the first week postpartum to those adolescents who initiated breastfeeding (n = 84). Adolescents who were breastfeeding at the initial contact received a follow-up contact at 4 weeks postpartum. Comparisons were made between those adolescent mothers who initiated breastfeeding (n = 84) and those who did not (n = 16). Significantly more mothers with higher prenatal attitude scores initiated breastfeeding. Mothers with higher prenatal breastfeeding attitude scores and higher prenatal and postnatal confidence scores were more likely to continue breastfeeding to 4 weeks postpartum. Health professionals are encouraged to develop strategies to enhance breastfeeding attitudes and confidence among adolescent mothers. J Hum Lact. 24(3):268-277.
The Bacteriocin Nisin, an Effective Agent for the Treatment of Staphylococcal Mastitis During Lactation
Authors: Fernández Leonides , Delgado Susana , Herrero Helena , Maldonado Antonio , Rodríguez Juan M.
Published: August 2008

Eight women with clinical signs of staphylococcal mastitis were randomly divided in 2 groups. A solution of the bacteriocin nisin (6 µg/mL) was applied to the nipple and mammary areola of those assigned to the nisin group for 2 weeks, and a similar preparation devoid of nisin was applied to the control group. On day 0, staphylococcal counts in breast milk of the nisin and control groups were similar (5.04 ± 0.19 and 4.88 ± 0.21 log10 CFU/mL, respectively). However, on day 14, the mean in the nisin group (3.22 ± 0.43 log10 CFU/mL) was statistically lower than that of the control group (5.01 ± 0.21 log 10 CFU/mL). No clinical signs of mastitis were observed among the women of the nisin group on day 14, whereas they persisted throughout the study in the women of the control group. In conclusion, nisin seems to be an efficient alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of staphylococcal mastitis. J Hum Lact. 24(3):311-316.
Infant Feeding Intentions and Practices of HIV-Positive Mothers in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adejuyigbe Ebunoluwa , Orji Ernest , Onayade Adedeji , Makinde Niyi , Anyabolu Henry
Published: August 2008

It has been shown that infant feeding pattern affects mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This study reports the infant feeding practices of HIV-positive mothers in southwestern Nigeria. J Hum Lact. 24(3):303-310.
Application of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative to Neonatal Care: Suggestions by Swedish Mothers of Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Nyqvist Kerstin Hedberg , Kylberg Elisabeth
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study was to obtain suggestions from mothers of very preterm infants regarding modification of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Thirteen mothers were interviewed 2 to 6 months after their infants' discharge from the hospital. The interviews generated 13 steps, which partly agree with the BFHI steps. The new steps address respect for mothers' individual decisions about breastfeeding, education of staff in specific knowledge and skills, antenatal information about lactation in the event of preterm birth, skin-to-skin (kangaroo mother) care, breast milk expression, early introduction of breastfeeding, facilitation of mothers' 24-hour presence in the hospital, preference for mother's own milk, semi-demand feeding before transition to demand breastfeeding, special benefits of pacifier sucking, alternative strategies for reduction of supplementation, use of bottle-feeding when indicated, a family-centered and supportive physical environment, support of the father's presence, and early transfer of infants' care to parents. J Hum Lact. 24(3):252-262.
Eschatology and Statecraft in Paul Ramsey
Authors: Casey Shaun A.
Published: August 2008

This essay traces the historical development of the relationship between eschatology and statecraft in the thought of Paul Ramsey. At the outset of his career, as exemplified in Basic Christian Ethics, Ramsey outlined a position in which the Christian doctrine of eschatology could be construed as a source of positive theological warrants for engagement in politics. By the end of his career Ramsey's political realism had trumped this earlier theological position on eschatology such that eschatology was seen as a permanent limiting factor that restrained what he saw as Enlightenment stained utopian Christian political schemes.
Women's Care-Seeking Experiences After Referral for Postpartum Depression
Authors: Sword Wendy , Busser Dianne , Ganann Rebecca , McMillan Theresa , Swinton Marilyn
Published: August 2008

This qualitative descriptive study explored women's care-seeking experiences after referral for postpartum depression. Interviews with 18 participants revealed individual-, social network—, and health system—related factors that hindered and facilitated care seeking. Women's normalizing of symptoms, limited understanding of postpartum depression, waiting for symptom improvement, discomfort discussing mental health concerns, and fears deterred care seeking; symptom awareness and not feeling like oneself were facilitating influences. Family and friends sometimes hindered care seeking because they, too, normalized symptoms or had limited understanding of postpartum depression. Care seeking was facilitated when women encouraged a health professional visit or expressed worry and concern. Health system barriers included normalizing of symptoms, offering of unacceptable interventions, and disconnected care pathways. Care seeking was facilitated by having established and supportive relationships, outreach and follow-up, legitimization of postpartum depression, and timeliness of care. These findings can be used to guide clinical practice and service provision.
How Older Adults Combine Medical and Experiential Notions of Depression
Authors: Wittink Marsha N. , Dahlberg Britt , Biruk Crystal , Barg Frances K.
Published: August 2008

Past research has suggested that patients might not accept depression treatment in part because of differences between patient and doctor understandings of depression. In this article, we use a cultural models approach to explore how older adults incorporate clinical and experiential knowledge into their model of depression. We conducted semistructured interviews about depression with 19 patients aged 65 years and older who were identified by their physicians as depressed. We found that whereas older adults viewed as helpful the doctor's ability to identify symptoms and “put it all together” into a diagnosis, they felt that this viewpoint omitted important information about the etiology and feeling of depression grounded in embodied experience and social context. Our findings suggest that more emphasis on issues related to the etiology of depression, the effect of depression on social relationships, and emotions emanating from depression might lead to more acceptable depression treatments for older adults.
Smoking and Harm-Reduction Efforts Among Postpartum Women
Authors: Nichter Mimi , Nichter Mark , Adrian Shelly , Goldade Kate , Tesler Laura , Muramoto Myra
Published: August 2008

The authors present findings from a qualitative study on postpartum smoking among low-income women ( N = 44) who had been smokers at the onset of pregnancy. Interview data collected after delivery at Months 1, 3, and 6 postpartum are discussed to explore contextual factors contributing to smoking abstinence, relapse, and harm-reduction practices. By 6 months postpartum, 10 women (23%) had completely quit, 21 women (48%) had reduced their smoking by 50% of their prepregnancy levels, and 7 women (16%) had reduced their smoking by one third of their prepregnancy levels. Thus, the majority of the women were engaging in significant harm-reduction efforts despite being entrenched in high-risk smoking environments where they were provided with few messages to quit. Many mothers were concerned about their moral identity as a smoker and expressed concerns that their child might initiate smoking at an early age. Future programs targeting this population should acknowledge women's harm-reduction efforts in environments where smoking is normative.
Coping With Troublesome Clients in Home Care
Authors: Leppänen Vesa
Published: August 2008

I describe methods used by home carers to cope with troublesome clients and analyze how the organizational context affects their use. Empirical data consist of participant observation and field interviews with 14 home carers in three municipalities in southern Sweden. Home carers might try to avoid working with troublesome clients, prepare themselves mentally before visiting them, try to withhold them psychologically, try to understand them and explain their behavior, try to change their behavior, and vent experiences with colleagues. Although some of these methods are practiced frontstage, in interactions with clients, others take place backstage, only involving staff. Their use is influenced both by properties of frontstage work, for instance, the intimate nature of many tasks and the experienced need to keep up a “good” relationship with clients, and by the organization of backstage work, for instance, the organization of staff meetings and supervisors' understanding of coping processes.
(Ad)ministering Love: Providing Family Foster Care to Infants With Prenatal Substance Exposure
Authors: Marcellus Lenora
Published: August 2008

A significant percentage of children in foster care in North America are younger than 1 year of age and are in foster care because of parental substance use and other social challenges. Infants might present with specific health and behavioral issues that are challenging to manage within the foster family home environment; foster families require specialized skills and knowledge to manage these issues. In this article, the author describes a constructivist grounded theory of the process of becoming and providing family foster caregiving in the context of caring for infants with prenatal alcohol and/or drug exposure. The basic social process of (ad)ministering love was identified. The author further describes the three phases of this process and the core concepts within each phase.
Medicaid Managed Care for Mental Health Services: The Survival of Safety Net Institutions in Rural Settings
Authors: Willging Cathleen E. , Waitzkin Howard , Nicdao Ethel
Published: August 2008

Few accounts document the rural context of mental health safety net institutions (SNIs), especially as they respond to changing public policies. Embedded in wider processes of welfare state restructuring, privatization has transformed state Medicaid systems nationwide. We carried out an ethnographic study in two rural, culturally distinct regions of New Mexico to assess the effects of Medicaid managed care (MMC) and the implications for future reform. After 160 interviews and participant observation at SNIs, we analyzed data through iterative coding procedures. SNIs responded to MMC by nonparticipation, partnering, downsizing, and tapping into alternative funding sources. Numerous barriers impaired access under MMC: service fragmentation, transportation, lack of cultural and linguistic competency, Medicaid enrollment, stigma, and immigration status. By privatizing Medicaid and contracting with for-profit managed care organizations, the state placed additional responsibilities on “disciplined” providers and clients. Managed care models might compromise the rural mental health safety net unless the serious gaps and limitations are addressed in existing services and funding.
Electronic Medical Records in Diabetes Consultations: Participants' Gaze as an Interactional Resource
Authors: Rhodes Penny , Small Neil , Rowley Emma , Langdon Mark , Ariss Steven , Wright John
Published: August 2008

Two routine consultations in primary care diabetes clinics are compared using extracts from video recordings of interactions between nurses and patients. The consultations were chosen to present different styles of interaction, in which the nurse's gaze was either primarily toward the computer screen or directed more toward the patient. Using conversation analysis, the ways in which nurses shift both gaze and body orientation between the computer screen and patient to influence the style, pace, content, and structure of the consultation were investigated. By examining the effects of different levels of engagement between the electronic medical record and the embodied patient in the consultation room, we argue for the need to consider the contingent nature of the interface of technology and the person in the consultation. Policy initiatives designed to deliver what is considered best-evidenced practice are modified in the micro context of the interactions of the consultation.
A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Findings on the Role of Spirituality and Religiosity Among Culturally Diverse Domestic Violence Survivors
Authors: Yick Alice G.
Published: August 2008

In this metasynthesis study, the author explores, extracts, and synthesizes themes from related qualitative studies on the role of spirituality and religiosity with culturally diverse domestic violence survivors. Using Noblit and Hare's metaethnographic strategy, the main themes and concepts from eight qualitative articles (six actual research studies, as three articles were written by the same author from the same data set) were reduced to nine themes. Themes include (a) strength and resilience, (b) tension stemming from religious definition of family, (c) tension stemming from religious definition of gender role expectations, (d) spiritual vacuum, (e) reconstruction, (f) recouping spirit and self, (g) new interpretations of submission, (h) forgiveness as healing, and (i) giving back. Implications for practitioners are discussed.
Trust in India and Sweden
Authors: Ahmed Ali M. , Salas Osvaldo
Published: August 2008

The authors test the proposition, put forward by Francis Fukuyama, that the higher the level of trust in a country the less corrupt, the more developed, and wealthier its economy will be. They study trust and voluntary cooperation using a one-shot and three-person public goods game experiment in India and Sweden. The results, in line with the proposition, show that the average contribution is significantly larger in Sweden, implying a higher level of trust and cooperation in Sweden than in India. This article provides further evidence on the relationship between trust and economic development. This study differs from previous ones in that it uses a multilateral game experiment to study trust and cooperation rather than a bilateral game experiment. Furthermore, it provides evidence from two countries not studied before in this context.
Child Weight Status and Young Adult Quality of Life: Is There a Reason for Concern?
Authors: Kihm Holly S.
Published: August 2008

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between child weight status and young adult quality of life. One hundred sixty‐four college students participated in the study. Students completed four questionnaires that were used to assess physical and psychosocial variables. Several statistical analyses, including correlations and hierarchal regression models, were employed to test the study's hypotheses. Results from the study showed that child weight status was negatively associated with adult quality of life, and child self‐concept was a mediating variable within the relationship. Recognizing the relationship between child weight status and young adult quality of life stresses the importance of addressing psychosocial concerns related to weight status during childhood in efforts to achieve a greater quality of life in adulthood.
Religion and the Daily Lives of LDS Families: An Ecological Perspective
Authors: Loser Rachel W. , Klein Shirley R. , Hill E. Jeffrey , Dollahite David C.
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this article is to explore in detail how religion and family religious rituals affect the day‐to‐day activities of individual and family life. It includes qualitative analysis of interviews with highly religious parents and children in 67 families that belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints. Findings suggest that for this sample, religion was more than an external influence; it was viewed as an integral part of one's individual, familial, structural, and social systems. This finding warrants a closer look at traditional human ecological theory which suggests that religion is primarily an external influence. A conceptual model illustrates how this sample experienced religious integration into their everyday life. Limitations and implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
When There Is More than One Answer Key: Cultural Theories of Postpartum Hemorrhage in Matlab, Bangladesh
Authors: Hruschka Daniel J. , Sibley Lynn M. , Kalim Nahid , Edmonds Joyce K.
Published: August 2008

Individuals can acquire cultural knowledge from many sources, including personal experience, informal learning, and schooling. Identifying these distinct source models and describing personal variation in their use present ongoing theoretical and methodological challenges. Three questions are of particular importance: (1) how to determine if there is more than one cultural model, (2) how to characterize the differences between models, and (3) how to assess the degree to which individuals draw from these different models. This article addresses these questions by analyzing the theories endorsed by women and their maternal care providers about the causes, signs, and treatments of postpartum hemorrhage in rural Bangladesh. Two cultural models are identified, each associated with traditional birth attendants or professionally trained “skilled” birth attendants. More broadly, the article discusses the statistical issues involved in determining the existence of multiple cultural models in a population.
After the Supreme Word
Authors: Unger Michael A.
Published: August 2008

In this article, I explore the role that “reception” of Supreme Court cases plays in attitude change. By reception, I mean that individuals must be exposed to and understand Court cases to be influenced by them. I conducted a quasi-experiment during June 2005 to test whether receiving McCreary v. ACLU and Van Orden v. Perry increases the probability of attitude change on public displays of the Ten Commandments. I also examine the relationships among receiving cases, preexisting beliefs, source credibility, and attitude change. I find that receiving McCreary is associated with less support for the unconstitutional Kentucky display. Also, the effect of receiving Van Orden is related to one's preexisting beliefs.
Flexor Hallucis Tendon Transfer With an Interference Screw for Chronic Achilles Tendinosis
Authors: Cottom James M. , Hyer Christopher F. , Berlet Gregory C. , Lee Thomas H.
Published: August 2008

Chronic disorders of the Achilles tendon are frequently treated by foot and ankle surgeons. A number of surgical techniques have been described for treating chronic degenerative Achilles tendinosis. This is the largest reported series evaluating a method of transferring the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon and securing it with an Arthrex interference screw into the calcaneus. Sixty-two patients with Achilles tendinosis underwent Achilles debridement and transfer of the FHL tendon for chronic conditions when greater than 50% of the tendon was involved. All 62 patients were followed for an average of 26.97 months. A modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively and demonstrated significant improvement. Because of the anatomical relationship of the FHL tendon to the Achilles tendon and the fact that both tendons act in the same phase, transfer of this tendon in chronic Achilles tendinosis or rupture is a reasonable option. The described technique is advantageous in that it is simple to perform and is less time-consuming than other reported methods. The authors have had no revisions to date.
Process analysis of MgO film on NdFeB magnet by sol–gel method
Authors: Li Q. , Zhang S. Y. , Wang J. P. , Gao H.
Published: August 2008

The present paper is a report on sol–gel synthesis of crystalline magnesium oxide on NdFeB magnet, using nonalkoxide precursor chemicals and additive of collodion as template. The decomposition of the precursor and subsequent formation of MgO film on NdFeB magnet was simulated by flow chart which is confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and theoretical calculation. X-ray diffraction analysis pointes out that the phases present at 350°C is periclase MgO and the crystallite size of MgO grows as the heat treatment temperature increases. The formation process of MgO is verified by FTIR. The component of film on the NdFeB magnet is mainly magnesium oxide, which is also well crystallised and transparent. The corrosion tests indicate that the film is anticorrosion for NdFeB magnet.
Feasibility of ceramic coating to guard stainless steels against intergranular corrosion
Authors: Ghosh S. , Roychowdhury S. , Kain V. , Sharma B. P. , Padmanabhan P. V. A. , Ray K. K.
Published: August 2008

The aim of this study is to examine the corrosion behaviour of yttria stabilised zirconia (YSZ) coated 304LN stainless steel, with or without bond coat, in order to assess the potential of the coatings to protect stainless steels against intergranular corrosion (IGC). The coatings have been prepared by plasma spraying technique, and their effectiveness in providing corrosion resistance has been examined by carrying out double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation test, anodic polarisation studies and boiling nitric acid tests. Characterisations of the steel, the coating and the interfaces, supplement the primary corrosion tests. The effectiveness of the coatings has been mainly assessed using the nature of spalling of the coated material subjected to boiling nitric acid tests, and the results have been discussed using the porosity in the coatings and their nature of the interfaces. It can be inferred from the obtained results that the developed plasma sprayed YSZ coatings, with or without bond coat, are unable to act as protective environmental barrier to prevent IGC of the stainless steel substrate primarily due to inappropriate plasma spray processing which leads to considerable amount of interconnected porosity. However, these results provide some interesting guidelines to develop corrosion resistant ceramic coatings.
Mechanical and tribological characterisation of nanostructured Ti/TiB2 multilayer films
Authors: Chu K. , Shen Y. G.
Published: August 2008

Ti/TiB2 nanomultilayer thin films with different bilayer thicknesses λ were deposited onto unheated Si(100) wafers (for mechanical analyses) and AISI M42 tool steels (for tribological measurements) by unbalanced dc magnetron sputtering. The effects of different λ values on mechanical and tribological properties were investigated. These films were characterised and analysed in terms of their hardness by microindentation measurements, their surface root mean square roughness by AFM, their stress by an optical interference method, and their friction and wear behaviors by Rockwell-C testing, nano-/micro-scratch testing, dynamic impact testing and pin on disc tribometer. It was found that the mechanical and tribological properties of multilayer films (typically 1˙58±0˙10 µm in thickness) were closely related to λ (varied from 1˙1 to 9˙8 nm). For the best multilayer film with λ51˙9 nm, a maximum hardness of ∼32˙5 GPa was achieved and the best cohesive and adhesive strength was evidenced in terms of critical load values of L C1 (∼26 N) and L C2 (∼62 N). Moreover, by dynamic impact testing this multilayer film could endure impact cycles up to 4 × 105 without adhesive failure. However, when the λ was further decreased to 1˙1 nm, the hardness, cohesive and adhesive strength were decreased due to a high level of intermixing and lack of a layered structure. It was also found that the nanoscratch test under single pass and constant load conditions showed that the frictional coefficients decreased with λ and increased with normal load due to the ploughing effect. The enhanced hardness in the multilayer films with small λ values improved the wear resistance and lowered the frictional coefficients. These adhesive properties and wear performance are also discussed on the basis of mechanical properties and wear mechanisms.
Effect of slurry concentration, abrasive particle size and velocity on wear behaviour of nickel based (Colmonoy) plasma transferred arc hardfaced surface
Authors: Ramachandran C. S. , Balasubramanian V. , Varahamoorthy R. , Babu S.
Published: August 2008

Wear by slurry abrasion occurs in extruders, slurry pumps and pipes carrying slurry of minerals and ores in mineral processing industries. The wear life of components used under slurry abrasion conditions is governed by process parameters, properties of abrasive particles in slurry and material properties. In this paper, the effect of operating variables such as abrasive particle size, slurry concentration, speed of rotation and slurry bath temperature on abrasive slurry wear behaviour of nickel based alloy (Colmonoy) surface produced by PTA hardfacing process has been analysed in detail. From this investigation, it is found that the wear resistance of Colmonoy hardfaced surface is two times better than the substrate (carbon steel).
Effect of experimental parameters on erosive abrasive wear behaviour of cobalt based (stellite) plasma transferred arc hardfaced surface
Authors: Ramachandran C. S. , Balasubramanian V. , Varahamoorthy R. , Babu S.
Published: August 2008

Material damage caused by the attack of particles entrained in a fluid system impacting on a surface at a high speed is called ‘erosive abrasive wear’. Carbon steels are the most common ones used in the fabrication and construction of boilers and furnaces. Typical erosive abrasive wear situations encountered in boilers are caused by the impact of hard particles such as ash and clinker entrained in flue gases. These situations can lead to serious damage. Engineering components encountering erosive abrasive wear conditions during operation can be improved by hardfacing with a wear resistant material. In this paper an attempt has been made to analyse in detail the effects of different experimental parameters such as specimen temperature, standoff distance, orifice diameter, air pressure and abrasive particle size on the erosive abrasive wear behaviour of cobalt based alloy (stellite) surface produced by plasma transferred arc hardfacing process. It is found that air pressure caused a predominant effect on the wear rate of a hardfaced surface, compared to other variables. Both experimental and statistical investigations show that the wear resistance of the cobalt based alloy (stellite) surface is four times better than that of the substrate (carbon steel).
Evaluation of hillock-like deposition behaviour of HVOF thermal spray coatings using rotary shutter procedure
Authors: Hsiao W. T. , Liao W. H. , Su C. Y. , Leu M. S.
Published: August 2008

Evaluation of hillock-like deposition behaviour of WC/Co coatings was performed using a rotary shutter procedure coupled with 100 passes of high velocity oxy fuel thermal spraying. During the spraying procedure, a DPV 2000 in situ diagnostic instrument was used to monitor the temperature and velocity of inflight particles. The microstructure of the coatings was analysed using an optical microscope to monitor the porosity and thickness distributions at various positions of the hillock-like coatings. A 7·1% porosity was observed at the centre of the hillock-like coatings, and a 10% porosity was observed at the edge, each at a spraying distance of 200 mm. The centre area of hillock-like coatings exhibited almost a 30% decrease in porosity compared to the edge area. The results indicate a higher quality structure at the centre area of the hillock-like coatings.
Immunoassay for human serum hepcidin
Authors: Ganz Tomas , Olbina Gordana , Girelli Domenico , Nemeth Elizabeta , Westerman Mark
Published: August 2008

We developed and validated the first serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for hepcidin, the principal iron-regulatory hormone that has been very difficult to measure. In healthy volunteers, the 5% to 95% range of hepcidin concentrations was 29 to 254 ng/mL in men (n = 65) and 17 to 286 ng/mL in women (n = 49), with median concentrations 112 versus 65 (P < .001). The lower limit of detection was 5 ng/mL. Serum hepcidin concentrations in 24 healthy subjects correlated well with their urinary hepcidin (r = 0.82). Serum hepcidin appropriately correlated with serum ferritin (r = 0.63), reflecting the regulation of both proteins by iron stores. Healthy volunteers showed a diurnal increase of serum hepcidin at noon and 8 pm compared with 8 am, and a transient rise of serum hepcidin in response to iron ingestion. Expected alterations in hepcidin levels were observed in a variety of clinical conditions associated with iron disturbances. Serum hepcidin concentrations were undetectable or low in patients with iron deficiency anemia (ferritin < 10 ng/mL), iron-depleted HFE hemochromatosis, and juvenile hemochromatosis. Serum hepcidin concentrations were high in patients with inflammation (C-reactive protein > 10 mg/dL), multiple myeloma, or chronic kidney disease. The new serum hepcidin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay yields accurate and reproducible measurements that appropriately reflect physiologic, pathologic, and genetic influences, and is informative about the etiology of iron disorders.
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein deficiency in B cells results in impaired peripheral homeostasis
Authors: Meyer-Bahlburg Almut , Becker-Herman Shirly , Humblet-Baron Stephanie , Khim Socheath , Weber Michele , Bouma Gerben , Thrasher Adrian J. , Batista Facundo D. , Rawlings David J.
Published: August 2008

To more precisely identify the B-cell phenotype in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), we used 3 distinct murine in vivo models to define the cell intrinsic requirements for WAS protein (WASp) in central versus peripheral B-cell development. Whereas WASp is dispensable for early bone marrow B-cell development, WASp deficiency results in a marked reduction in each of the major mature peripheral B-cell subsets, exerting the greatest impact on marginal zone and B1a B cells. Using in vivo bromodeoxyuridine labeling and in vitro functional assays, we show that these deficits reflect altered peripheral homeostasis, partially resulting from an impairment in integrin function, rather than a developmental defect. Consistent with these observations, we also show that: (1) WASp expression levels increase with cell maturity, peaking in those subsets exhibiting the greatest sensitivity to WASp deficiency; (2) WASp+ murine B cells exhibit a marked selective advantage beginning at the late transitional B-cell stage; and (3) a similar in vivo selective advantage is manifest by mature WASp+ human B cells. Together, our data provide a better understanding of the clinical phenotype of WAS and suggest that gene therapy might be a useful approach to rescue altered B-cell homeostasis in this disease.
The role of Dickkopf-1 in bone development, homeostasis, and disease
Authors: Pinzone Joseph J. , Hall Brett M. , Thudi Nanda K. , Vonau Martin , Qiang Ya-Wei , Rosol Thomas J. , Shaughnessy John D.
Published: August 2008

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is central to bone development and homeostasis in adulthood and its deregulation is associated with bone pathologies. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a soluble inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling required for embryonic head development, regulates Wnt signaling by binding to the Wnt coreceptor lipoprotein-related protein-5 (LRP5)/Arrow. LRP5 mutations causing high bone mass syndromes disrupt DKK1-mediated regulation of LRP5. Forced overexpression of Dkk1 in osteoblasts causes osteopenia, disruption of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche, and defects in HSC function. Dkk1 also inhibits fracture repair. Studies suggest that DKK1 activation in osteoblasts is the underlying cause of glucocorticoid- and estrogen deficiency–mediated osteoporosis, and at least partially underlies the teratogenic effects of thalidomide on limb development. DKK1 induces proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in vitro and may play a role in the development of high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas derived from MSC and osteosarcomas. DKK1 has been implicated in causing erosive arthritis, the osteolytic phenotypes of multiple myeloma and metastatic breast cancer, and osteoblastic metastases of prostate cancer. Preclinical studies have shown that neutralizing DKK1/Dkk1 and/or enhancing Wnt/β-catenin signaling may prove effective in treating bone pathologies. Here, we review the rapidly growing body of literature defining a pivotal role for DKK1 in bone health and disease.
Methylation Linear Discriminant Analysis (MLDA) for identifying differentially methylated CpG islands
Authors: Dai Wei , Teodoridis Jens M , Graham Janet , Zeller Constanze , Huang Tim HM , Yan Pearlly , Vass J Keith , Brown Robert , Paul Jim
Published: August 2008

Background

Hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands is strongly correlated to transcriptional gene silencing and epigenetic maintenance of the silenced state. As well as its role in tumor development, CpG island methylation contributes to the acquisition of resistance to chemotherapy. Differential Methylation Hybridisation (DMH) is one technique used for genome-wide DNA methylation analysis. The study of such microarray data sets should ideally account for the specific biological features of DNA methylation and the non-symmetrical distribution of the ratios of unmethylated and methylated sequences hybridised on the array. We have therefore developed a novel algorithm tailored to this type of data, Methylation Linear Discriminant Analysis (MLDA).

Results

MLDA was programmed in R (version 2.7.0) and the package is available at CRAN [1]. This approach utilizes linear regression models of non-normalised hybridisation data to define methylation status. Log-transformed signal intensities of unmethylated controls on the microarray are used as a reference. The signal intensities of DNA samples digested with methylation sensitive restriction enzymes and mock digested are then transformed to the likelihood of a locus being methylated using this reference. We tested the ability of MLDA to identify loci differentially methylated as analysed by DMH between cisplatin sensitive and resistant ovarian cancer cell lines. MLDA identified 115 differentially methylated loci and 23 out of 26 of these loci have been independently validated by Methylation Specific PCR and/or bisulphite pyrosequencing.

Conclusion

MLDA has advantages for analyzing methylation data from CpG island microarrays, since there is a clear rational for the definition of methylation status, it uses DMH data without between-group normalisation and is less influenced by cross-hybridisation of loci. The MLDA algorithm successfully identified differentially methylated loci between two classes of samples analysed by DMH using CpG island microarrays.
Methionine synthase A2756G polymorphism may predict ulcerative colitis and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T pancolitis, in Central China
Authors: Chen Min , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Xia Bing , Guéant-Rodriguez Rosa-Maria , Bronowicki Jean-Pierre , Bigard Marc-André , Guéant Jean-Louis
Published: August 2008

Background

The association of genetic polymorphisms related to metabolism of homocysteine with inflammatory bowel disease has been evidenced in Crohn disease and remains an open question in ulcerative colitis. We evaluated the association of the polymorphisms of MTHFR, MTR, MTRR and TCN2 genes with ulcerative colitis in Central China.

Methods

168 patients were genotyped for these polymorphisms and compared to 219 matched controls.

Results

Methionine synthase 2756G allele frequency was higher in ulcerative colitis than in controls 0.15 (95% C.I. 0.11–0.19) vs 0.09 (95% C.I. 0.07 – 0.12), (P = 0.0137) and predicted ulcerative colitis risk in logistic regression, with an Odds ratio at 1.8 (95% C.I. 1.15–2.84). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677TT genotype was 2.7-fold more prevalent in individuals with pancolitis than in those with left colitis or proctitis, with respective percentages of 27.3 (95% C.I.16.4–42.0) and 10.5 (95% C.I. 6.3–17.1) (P = 0.0123). The carriage of 677TT or 677CT/1298AC genotypes of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase was more frequent in cases with pancolitis than in subjects with left colitis or proctitis (P = 0.0048), with an Odds ratio adjusted by age and sex at 3.3 (95% C.I. 1.4–7.9), P = 0.0084) in logistic regression.

Conclusion

Methionine synthase and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase are genes of vitamin B12 and folate cellular metabolism associated respectively with risk and extent of ulcerative colitis, at least in Central China. This finding may open new insights, particularly for the potential interest in treating patients carrying the 677TT MTHFR genetic trait and a deficit in folate.
Zoledronic acid increases docetaxel cytotoxicity through pMEK and Mcl-1 inhibition in a hormone-sensitive prostate carcinoma cell line
Authors: Fabbri Francesco , Brigliadori Giovanni , Carloni Silvia , Ulivi Paola , Vannini Ivan , Tesei Anna , Silvestrini Rosella , Amadori Dino , Zoli Wainer
Published: August 2008

Background

In prostate cancer, the identification of drug combinations that could reduce the tumor cell population and rapidly eradicate hormone-resistant cells potentially present would be a remarkable breakthrough in the treatment of this disease.

Methods

The study was performed on a hormone-sensitive prostate cancer cell line (LNCaP) grown in normal or hormone-deprived charcoal-stripped (c.s.) medium. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by SRB assay and Annexin-V/TUNEL assays, respectively. Activated caspase-3, p21, pMEK and MCL-1 expression levels were detected by western blotting.

Results

The simultaneous exposure of zoledronic acid [100 μM] and docetaxel [0.01 μM] for 1 h followed by treatment with zoledronic acid for 72, 96 or 120 h produced a high synergistic interaction (R index = 5.1) with a strong decrease in cell viability. This cytotoxic effect was associated with a high induction of apoptosis in both LNCaP and in c.s. LNCaP cells. The induction of apoptosis was paralleled by a decrease in pMEK and Mcl-1 expression.

Conclusion

The zoledronic acid-docetaxel combination produced a highly significant synergistic effect on the LNCaP cell line grown in normal or hormone-deprived medium, the principal molecular mechanisms involved being apoptosis and decreased pMEK and Mcl-1 expression. This experimentally derived schedule would seem to prevent the selection and amplification of hormone-resistant cell clones and could thus be potentially used alongside standard androgen deprivation therapy in the management of hormone-sensitive prostate carcinoma.
P2x7 deficiency suppresses development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Sharp Anthony J , Polak Paul E , Simonini Vittoria , Lin Shao X , Richardson Jill C , Bongarzone Ernesto R , Feinstein Douglas L
Published: August 2008

Background

The purinergic receptor P2x7 is expressed on myeloid cells as well as on CNS glial cells, and P2x7 activation has been shown to increase both glial and T-cell activation. These properties suggest a role in the development of autoimmune disease including multiple sclerosis.

Methods

The animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide residues 35–55 was induced in wildtype C57BL6 mice and in P2x7 deficient mice ('P2x7 mice') that were backcrossed to C57BL6 mice. Disease progression was monitored by appearance of clinical signs, immunocytochemical staining to assess brain inflammation and neuronal damage, and by measurement of Tcell cytokine production.

Results

The incidence of EAE disease in P2x7 mice was reduced 4-fold compared to the wildtype mice; however the P2x7 mice that became ill had similar days of onset and clinical scores as the wildtype mice. Splenic T-cells isolated from P2x7 null mice produced greater IFNγ and IL-17 (from 3 to 12 fold greater levels) than wildtype cells, however cytokine production from P2x7 derived cells was not increased by a selective P2x7 agonist as was cytokine production from wildtype cells. Although infiltrating cells were detected in brains of both the P2x7 and wildtype mice, astroglial activation and axonal damage was reduced versus wildtype mice, and the distribution of astroglial activation was markedly distinct in the two strains. In contrast, microglial activation was similar in the two strains.

Conclusion

P2x7 deficiency resulted in compensatory changes leading to increased T-cell cytokine production, and activated T-cells were detected in the brains of P2x7 null mice with no clinical signs. However, the greatly reduced incidence of disease suggests that an initiating event is absent in these mice, and points to a role for astroglial P2x7 in development of EAE disease.
Natural variation of HIV-1 group M integrase: Implications for a new class of antiretroviral inhibitors
Authors: Rhee Soo-Yon , Liu Tommy F , Kiuchi Mark , Zioni Rafael , Gifford Robert J , Holmes Susan P , Shafer Robert W
Published: August 2008

HIV-1 integrase is the third enzymatic target of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. However, few data have been published on the distribution of naturally occurring amino acid variation in this enzyme. We therefore characterized the distribution of integrase variants among more than 1,800 published group M HIV-1 isolates from more than 1,500 integrase inhibitor (INI)-naïve individuals. Polymorphism rates equal or above 0.5% were found for 34% of the central core domain positions, 42% of the C-terminal domain positions, and 50% of the N-terminal domain positions. Among 727 ARV-naïve individuals in whom the completepolgene was sequenced, integrase displayed significantly decreased inter- and intra-subtype diversity and a lower Shannon's entropy than protease or RT. All primary INI-resistance mutations with the exception of E157Q – which was present in 1.1% of sequences – were nonpolymorphic. Several accessory INI-resistance mutations including L74M, T97A, V151I, G163R, and S230N were also polymorphic with polymorphism rates ranging between 0.5% to 2.0%.