bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematics and science teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding the teaching of language in content learning
Authors: Tan May
Published: June 2011

This article presents data from a study examining secondary mathematics teachers’ and science teachers’ implementation of a language of instruction policy in Malaysia, which made English the medium for mathematics and science instruction. It explores the beliefs of math, science and language teachers, and how these beliefs influence their pedagogical practices in content-based language instruction classrooms. The study uses a mixed-methods approach for data collection and data analysis. Data is analysed using perspectives from content-based language teaching (CBLT) and from research on mathematics and science instruction for English language learners (ELLs). The results indicate that teachers’ beliefs about their respective roles as only content teachers or only language teachers limit students’ language learning opportunities. Factors such as curricular requirements, exam pressure and time constraints also shape classroom interactions, and have implications for student learning as well. The findings reveal the lack of collaboration between content and language teachers, and the need for sustained professional development concerning content and language integration for both groups of teachers. This study extends work on content-based language teaching to the previously unexamined Malaysian context. Its findings contribute to the ongoing work of improving instructional practices in content-based classrooms to integrate and maximize content and language learning for English language learners.
Research on academic literacy development in sheltered instruction classrooms
Authors: Short Deborah J. , Echevarría Jana , Richards-Tutor Catherine
Published: June 2011

This article describes an extended program of research in sheltered instruction and the effects on the academic literacy development of English language learners. It also highlights the challenges of scaling up an instructional intervention. The intervention was the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) Model, an approach that teaches subject area curriculum to students learning through a second language using techniques that make the content material accessible and also help develop the students’ second language skills. Three successive studies looked at teacher change over time and student achievement on standardized assessments and researcher-developed measures. Results of the three studies reveal that students with teachers who were trained in the SIOP Model of sheltered instruction and implemented it with fidelity performed significantly better on assessments of academic language and literacy than students with teachers who were not trained in the model. The article offers guidance for strengthening professional development for teachers so the quality of instruction they deliver to English language learners improves and the students strengthen their English language and academic outcomes.
A pilot randomized controlled trial of DIR/Floortime™ parent training intervention for pre-school children with autistic spectrum disorders
Authors: Pajareya Kingkaew , Nopmaneejumruslers Kaewta
Published: June 2011

This pilot study was designed to test the efficacy of adding home-based Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR)/Floortime™ intervention to the routine care of preschool children with autistic spectrum disorder. Measures of functional emotional development and symptom severity were taken. It was found that after the parents added home-based DIR/Floortime™ intervention at an average of 15.2 hours/week for three months, the intervention group made significantly greater gains in all three measures employed in the study: Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS) (F = 5.1, p = .031), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (F = 2.1, p = .002), and the Functional Emotional Questionnaires (F = 6.8, p = .006). This study confirms the positive results obtained by a previous DIR pilot study (Solomon et al., 2007).
A comparison of the trait emotional intelligence profiles of individuals with and without Asperger syndrome
Authors: Petrides KV , Hudry Kristelle , Michalaria Georgia , Swami Viren , Sevdalis Nick
Published: June 2011

The extent to which the socioemotional impairments of Asperger syndrome (AS) might be extreme manifestations of individual differences within the general population remains under-explored. We compared the trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) profiles of 30 individuals with AS against the profiles of 43 group-matched controls using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue). Participants with AS scored significantly lower than controls on 12 of the 15 TEIQue facets (ηp2 = 0.09 to 0.49) as well as on all four factors and the global score of the construct (ηp2 = 0.07 to 0.41). There was a significant main effect of gender, with men generally scoring higher than women. Results are discussed from the perspective of trait EI theory, with emphasis on its implications for the socioemotional impairments associated with AS.
Too big to run? Analysing the impact of enlargement on the speed of EU decision-making
Authors: Hertz Robin , Leuffen Dirk
Published: June 2011

The article analyses how enlargements affect the speed of European Union (EU) decision-making. In line with rationalist theories of group choice, we argue that enlargements increase the costs of organizing decisions, i.e. transaction costs. Increasing transaction costs, in turn, slow down EU law-making. We test this theory by estimating Cox regression models that incorporate time-varying covariates on all directives, regulations and decisions submitted by the European Commission between 1976 and 2006. In contrast to previous analyses, we show that an increase in group size indeed slows down EU law-making.
Strategy as performative practice
Authors: Kornberger Martin , Clegg Stewart
Published: June 2011

This article focuses on the relation between strategy-as-practice and its power effects in the context of a strategy project ( Sustainable Sydney 2030) undertaken by the City of Sydney. The following three interrelated questions guided the enquiry: How is strategy practised? What knowledge is it based upon? And what are its power effects? Based on a detailed empirical analysis of the strategy-making process, the article charts how strategy rendered the city knowable and how performative effects of strategizing mobilized the public and legitimized outcomes of the process while silencing other voices. The article’s theoretical contribution is threefold: first, it shows that strategizing is performative, constituting its subjects and shaping its objects; second, that strategizing has to be understood as aesthetic performance whose power resides in the simultaneous representation of facts (traditionally the domain of science) and values (the realm of politics); third, and consequently, that strategy is a sociopolitical practice that aims at mobilizing people, marshalling political will and legitimizing decisions. The article concludes with reflections on five practical implications of the study.
Results With Viabahn-Assisted Subintimal Recanalization for TASC C and TASC D Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusive Disease
Authors: Schneider Joseph R. , Verta Michael J. , Alonzo Marc J. , Hahn David , Patel Nilesh H. , Kim Stanley
Published: June 2011

Objectives: Many investigators including TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) recommend against primary endovascular treatment for severe (TASC C and D) superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. Vein bypass is preferable but may not be appropriate due to comorbidities or lack of suitable vein. This study reviews our results with Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization (VASIR) for TASC C and D SFA atherosclerosis. Methods: In all, 13 males and 14 females, mean age 72 ± 11 years underwent 28 VASIR for severe (TASC C 8 of 28, TASC D 20 of 28, and 5 of 28 no continuous infrapopliteal runoff artery) SFA disease. Indications were claudication (14 of 28 limbs), ischemic rest pain (6 of 28), and tissue loss (8 of 28). Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization was chosen instead of bypass due to comorbidities or lack of vein. Patients received aspirin and, if not already taking warfarin, they also received clopidogrel. Patients were examined with Ankle-brachial Index (ABI) and duplex scan at 1 month, then every 3 months after VASIR. Results Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization was technically successful in all. Ankle-brachial Index averaged 0.47 ± 0.17 preprocedure, 0.89 ± 0.20 postprocedure, and increased by 0.15 or more in every case. Median follow-up is 20 months. There were 3 perioperative (<30 days) and 7 later failures including revision prior to any thrombosis. One patient required amputation. Four have died, 2 with patent grafts, none from causes related to VASIR, all more than 30 days post-VASIR. Estimated 1-year primary and secondary patency were 70% ± 11% and 73% ± 10%. Failure was not significantly associated with indications, comorbidities, or runoff status. There was a clear distinction between patients with early failure and the rest of the patients. None of the 8 patients with failure in the first 8 months after surgery has a patent graft. However, of 17 grafts primarily patent at 8 months, only 2 have failed (1 thrombosed and 1 required preemptive balloon angioplasty). There was a strong trend toward better patency with 6 and 7 mm diameter compared to 5 mm diameter stent grafts. Furthermore, although warfarin was not prescribed as part of the protocol, no patient taking warfarin before and who resumed warfarin after VASIR (n = 4) suffered failure. Conclusions: Despite significant early failures, we found VASIR to be durable in those who did not have early failure. Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization is an acceptable alternative to vein bypass in selected patients with severe SFA disease. Smaller arterial or stent graft diameter may be associated with poorer results. Warfarin may be valuable to reduce the risk of failure after VASIR.
Retrograde Supra-Aortic Stent Placement Combined With Open Carotid or Subclavian Artery Revascularization
Authors: Garg Nitin , Oderich Gustavo S. , Duncan Audra A. , Agarwal Gautam , Kalra Manju , Gloviczki Peter , Bower Thomas C.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: To review the outcomes of retrograde supra-aortic vessel stent (RSAS) placement combined with open carotid or subclavian artery revascularization. Methods: Retrospective review of all consecutive patients between 1995 and 2010, excluding transfemoral procedures or isolated retrograde stent placement. Results: There were 11 patients (9 females, mean age 65 years). Open revascularization included carotid endarterectomy in 6 patients, carotid-subclavian bypass in 3, and carotid-carotid bypass in 2 patients. There were no operative deaths or neurological events. All symptomatic patients improved. Over a mean follow-up of 24 months, One patient developed common carotid artery (CCA) in-stent dissection and symptomatic restenosis treated with subclavian-carotid bypass. Another 3 patients had asymptomatic restenosis of the carotid bifurcation but required no intervention. Conclusions: Retrograde stenting of the common carotid or innominate artery is a safe and effective method to provide inflow in selected patients with severe supra-aortic vessel disease who require concomitant open carotid or subclavian artery reconstructions.
Variations in Anatomy of the Popliteal Artery and Its Side Branches
Authors: Kropman Rogier H. J. , Kiela Geraldine , Moll Frans L. , de Vries Jean-Paul P. M.
Published: June 2011

Knowledge of anatomic variations of the popliteal artery is essential for the management of peripheral vascular disease and in orthopedic surgery. The aim of this study was to perform an overview of the literature describing variations of the popliteal artery. To identify relevant literature, we performed a systematic search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. We included 4 studies of anatomic dissections and 11 radiologic retrospective series, comprising 7671 limbs, and a variation in popliteal branching was seen in almost 10%. The 3 most frequent variations in branching are a high origin of the anterior tibial artery, the trifurcation of the anterior tibial artery, peroneal artery, and posterior tibial artery, and a hypoplastic or aplastic posterior tibial artery. Awareness of the terminal branching pattern of the popliteal artery before intervention enhances the planning for successful operations and may reduce the incidence of serious, unexpected arterial injury.
Utility of Ultrasound Versus Landmark-Guided Axillary Artery Cannulation for Hemodynamic Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Killu Keith , Oropello John M. , Manasia Anthony R. , Kohli-Seth Roopa , Bassily-Marcus Adel , Leibowitz Andrew B. , Benjamin Ernest
Published: June 2011

Objectives. To assess the utility of ultrasound-guided axillary artery catheterization compared with anatomical landmark technique catheterization in the intensive care unit. Design. Randomized controlled trial. Setting. University hospital surgical and neurosurgical intensive care unit. Patients. A total of 33 critically ill patients undergoing arterial line placement. Interventions. Axillary arterial line placement under ultrasound guidance or by using anatomical landmarks. Measurements and main results. Procedure duration, number of attempts (skin punctures), needle repositionings, and aborted procedures were compared. A total of 33 patients were randomly assigned to either the ultrasound group (n = 18) or the anatomical landmark group (n = 15). Aborted procedures were significantly greater in the landmark group (n = 4) than in the ultrasound group (n = 0); P = .019. Procedure duration (mean ± SD) in the ultrasound group was 7.01 ± 4.40 minutes compared with 9.29 ± 10.00 minutes in the landmark group; P = .360. A significant reduction in overall procedure duration for fellow operators (5.83 ± 3.64 minutes) versus resident operators (11.46 ± 9.41 minutes) was noted; P = .012. The number of attempts in the landmark group was 3.07 ± 2.96 compared with 2.44 ± 1.72 in the ultrasound group; P = .46. The number of needle repositionings was 4.06 ± 2.86 times per procedure in the ultrasound group, compared with 10.00 ± 13.45 in the landmark group; P = .077. Conclusion. Ultrasound-guided axillary arterial catheter placement increases the success rate of line placement with no significant decrease in the duration of the procedure and the number of needle punctures or repositionings.
Prolonged Transesophageal Echocardiography Use in the ICU
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Vijay , Nicolau Ramona , Ozcan Mehmet S. , Frazin Leon , Schwartz David E.
Published: June 2011

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has gained increasing popularity in the operating room and intensive care settings. The use of TEE can often times diagnose pathology that is missed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE); in addition, it can be used as a guide to continuously monitor a patient’s hemodynamics, along with observing the direct cardiac effects of fluid and vasopressor therapy. We present a case of acute fulminant hepatic failure in the ICU, where TEE allowed a rapid diagnosis. We performed prolonged TEE monitoring (72 hours) of the patient to monitor the patient’s response to therapeutic interventions. We also discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of prolonged TEE placement in the ICU. In addition, particular strategies to optimize the benefit and minimize the risk of this exciting, yet underutilized, technology are discussed.
Gainsharing in the ICU
Authors: Plumb P. Gregory , Leitman I. Michael , Factor Philip H. , Sivaprasad Latha , Bernard David S.
Published: June 2011

Background. Gainsharing is a pay-for-performance (P4P) program that provides incentives to attending physicians to reduce hospital costs while maintaining quality care. Hypothesis. Overall hospital costs decreased because of the gainsharing program during the past 4 years, while ICU costs increased over the same period because the incentives were given only to the discharging physician of record. Methods. Retrospective analysis was performed on the most frequent hospital and ICU admissions by All Patient Refined–Diagnosis Related Group (APR-DRG). A best practice norm was calculated by taking the mean hospital cost of the top 25 percentile. Savings opportunity (SO) was defined by subtracting the BPN from the actual cost. Gainsharing payments to the discharging physicians required meeting specific quality standards. Results. A total of 9034 patients were admitted to the ICU during the study period under this program. Among all APR-DRGs, total hospital costs decreased by $2.7 million (10%) for these specific admissions, mostly related to a shorter overall hospital stay. However, average ICU costs actually rose during the same period by $0.9 million (32%). The DRG with the greatest ICU SO was “tracheostomy with long-term mechanical ventilation” ($1.7 million). This group averaged $67 000 in ICU costs per patient but accounted for only 0.8% of the total number of admissions. There was also a savings opportunity for “septicemia” ($0.4 million, 2% of patients) and “small- and large-bowel surgery” ($0.4million, 1.5% of patients). Conclusions. The incentive to reduce costs was absent to physicians in the ICU, unlike the overall hospital, which experienced cost savings.
Contemporary Developments in the Pacemaker World
Authors: Shapiro William A. , Witherell Charles L.
Published: June 2011

ICU leaders need to be current with recent technological advances related to cardiac implantable electrical devices (CIEDs). This update will review the following 4 topics: (1) an update on contemporary technology for CIED companies headquartered in the United States, (2) unique features of one CIED company headquartered in Europe, (3) ICU considerations for patients with CIEDs for whom do not resuscitate orders are in place, and (4) evaluation of patients admitted to the ICU with incomplete medical information about a visible medical device that may be a CIED. This discussion will provide valuable information for the care of ICU patients with CIED.
Modelling and validation of a building-integrated dual-function solar collector
Authors: Ji J , Luo C-L , Chow T-T , Sun W , He W
Published: June 2011

A novel building-integrated solar thermal system known as building-integrated dual-function solar collector is proposed. The system has two independent operating modes: passive space heating mode and water heating mode, and it uses the following criteria to select the operating mode that during cold days such as winter days it works in passive space heating mode, but in warm seasons such as summer it works in the water heating mode. A testing system was established, and it performed in thermosiphon water heating mode for water heating. Two dynamic numerical models were, respectively, presented for the two operating modes of the testing system. The experimental data on the testing system were used to validate the two models. The results show that the numerical model for the system in the thermosiphon water heating mode can give a fairly good prediction and the model for the system in the space heating mode also gives a good prediction.
Certain investigations in enhancing power yield from wind farms
Authors: Jerome J , Mayurappriyan P S , Shanmugam K N
Published: June 2011

India has moved up to the fourth position globally, following Germany, Spain, and USA with an installed capacity of 11 806.69 MW at the end of March 2010. India has some special requirements. The penalty for low power factor is severe, but European designs do not have provision for compensation to this level. In Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board has introduced the penalty only in the late 1990s. Since most of the wind turbine generators are being imported from European countries and as the principals have failed to understand the problem and provide solution, most of the Indian subsidiaries have approached third parties. A wide range of reactive power compensation schemes are available today. The cheapest and easiest solution preferred was to add more contactors and more capacitor steps. This will reduce the reactive power consumption but results in other problems. There is no systematic study to evaluate losses and scope for improving productivity. This article is an attempt to make realistic evaluation of wind farms provided with different systems in Tamil Nadu, India. To enhance the power yield from the wind farms, several methodologies are proposed.
An experimental investigation in a diesel engine using carbon nanotubes blended water–diesel emulsion fuel
Authors: Basha J Sadhik , Anand R B
Published: June 2011

An experimental investigation is carried out to establish the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of a diesel engine using carbon nanotubes (CNT) blended water–diesel emulsion fuels. The investigation is carried out in three phases using an experimental set-up consisting of a single-cylinder diesel engine coupled with an electrical loading device, an AVL Di-gas analyser, an AVL smoke meter, and a data-acquisition system comprising a Kistler piezoelectric pressure transducer and a crank angle encoder: using neat diesel in the first phase, water–diesel emulsion fuel in the second phase, and CNT blended water–diesel emulsion fuels in the third phase. The water–diesel emulsion fuel is prepared in the proportion of 5 per cent water, 93 per cent diesel, and 2 per cent surfactants (Span 80 and Tween 80) by volume with a hydrophilic–lipophilic balance of 8. The CNT are blended with the water–diesel emulsion fuel in the mass fractions of 25 and 50 ppm with the aid of a mechanical homogenizer and an ultrasonicator. Subsequently, the stability characteristics of CNT blended water–diesel emulsion fuels are analysed under static conditions. All the experiments are conducted at a constant speed of 1500 r/min and the results revealed a considerable enhancement in the brake thermal efficiency and substantial reduction in the harmful pollutants due to the incorporation of CNT in the water–diesel emulsion fuel.
Effect of blade geometry on the aerodynamic loads produced by vertical-axis wind turbines
Authors: Scheurich F , Fletcher T M , Brown R E
Published: June 2011

Accurate aerodynamic modelling of vertical-axis wind turbines poses a significant challenge. The rotation of the turbine induces large variations in the angle of attack of its blades that can manifest as dynamic stall. In addition, interactions between the blades of the turbine and the wake that they produce can result in impulsive changes to the aerodynamic loading. The Vorticity Transport Model has been used to simulate the aerodynamic performance and wake dynamics of three different vertical-axis wind turbine configurations. It is known that vertical-axis turbines with either straight or curved blades deliver torque to their shaft that fluctuates at the blade passage frequency of the rotor. In contrast, a turbine with helically twisted blades delivers a relatively steady torque to the shaft. In this article, the interactions between helically twisted blades and the vortices within their wake are shown to result in localized perturbations to the aerodynamic loading on the rotor that can disrupt the otherwise relatively smooth power output that is predicted by simplistic aerodynamic tools that do not model the wake to sufficient fidelity. Furthermore, vertical-axis wind turbines with curved blades are shown to be somewhat more susceptible to local dynamic stall than turbines with straight blades.
The combustion of n-butanol/diesel fuel blends and its cyclic variability in a direct injection diesel engine
Authors: Rakopoulos C D , Rakopoulos D C , Giakoumis E G , Kyritsis D C
Published: June 2011

An experimental study is conducted to evaluate the effects of using blends of diesel fuel with n-butanol (normal butanol) up to 24 per cent (by volume), which is a promising fuel that can be produced from biomass (bio-butanol), on the combustion behaviour of a standard, high-speed, direct injection (DI), ‘Hydra’ diesel engine located at the authors’ laboratory. Combustion chamber and fuel injection pressure diagrams are obtained at four different loads using a developed, high-speed, data acquisition, and processing system. A heat release analysis of the experimentally obtained cylinder pressure diagrams is developed and used. Plots of histories in the combustion chamber of the gross heat release rate and other related parameters reveal some interesting features, which shed light on the combustion mechanism when using these blends. These results, combined with the differing physical and chemical properties of the n-butanol against those for the diesel fuel, aid the correct interpretation of the observed engine behaviour performance based on and emissions. Moreover, given the concern for the rather low cetane number of the n-butanol that may promote cyclic (combustion) variability, its strength is also examined as reflected in the pressure indicator diagrams, by analysing for the maximum pressure and its rate, dynamic injection timing and ignition delay, by using stochastic analysis for averages, standard deviations, probability density functions, autocorrelation, power spectra, and cross-correlation coefficients.
Performance measurements on a Pelton turbine model
Authors: Stamatelos F G , Anagnostopoulos J S , Papantonis D E
Published: June 2011

Pelton hydraulic turbines are impulse-type turbomachines commonly used in hydroelectric plants with medium-to-high water head and in various energy recovery applications. The aim of the present work is to provide detailed performance measurements on a Pelton turbine model, along with the design and geometrical dimensions of its runner/buckets and injectors. Such a complete set of data would be useful for further development and evaluation of numerical modelling tools of the complex unsteady free-surface flow developed in the turbine, and is missing from the literature. The two-nozzle Pelton model was designed using standard guidelines and was fully constructed in the Laboratory of Hydraulic Turbomachines, NTUA. The measurements include the net water head and flowrate, the injector characteristic curves, and the torque and rotation speed of the runner, from which the corresponding overall efficiency and shaft power are computed. The model was tested with one injector (upper or lower) and with both injectors in operation, using either constant or variable rotation speed mode. The comparative results were satisfactory and in line with the theory, verifying similarity and repeatability, and allowing for an estimation of mechanical losses. The measurements covered the entire operation range of the turbine, in order to draw complete hillcharts for various operation modes.
RANS–URANS in axial compressor, a design methodology
Authors: Montomoli F , Hodson H P , Lapworth L
Published: June 2011

Turbomachinery flows are inherently unsteady. Until now during the design process, unsteadiness has been neglected, with resort merely to steady numerical simulations. Despite the assumption involved, the results obtained with steady simulations have been used with success. One of the questions arising in recent years is can unsteady simulations be used to improve the design of turbomachines?

In this work the numerical simulation of a multi-stage axial compressor is carried out. Comparison of Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) calculation shows that the unsteadiness affects pressure losses and the prediction of stall limit. The unsteady inflow due to the wake passing mainly modifies the losses and whirl angle near the endwalls.

The computational cost of the fully unsteady compared with a steady simulation is about four times in terms of mesh dimension and two orders of magnitude as number of iterations. A mixed RANS–URANS solution has been proposed to give the designer the possibility to simulate an unsteady stage embedded in a steady-state simulation. This method has been applied to the simulation of a four-stage axial compressor rig. The mixed RANS–URANS approach has been developed using sliding and mixing planes as interface conditions. The rotor–stator interaction has been captured physically while reducing the computational time and mesh size.
Economic and environmental evaluation of selected advanced power generation technologies
Authors: Kotowicz J , Skorek-Osikowska A , Bartela Ł
Published: June 2011

In this article, the economic and ecological benefits of selected advanced technologies for electricity production based on coal and natural gas are evaluated. Among the analysed technologies are integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) systems, supercritical coal-fired power plants, multi-fuel hybrid cycles, and natural gas combined cycles. In addition, as a complement to coal technologies, CO2 capture and storage installations are adopted. The main indicators evaluated are the unit carbon dioxide emission and the break-even price of electricity. The analysis took into account, among other factors, the existing support mechanisms for ecological technologies, primarily in the form of the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme.

The analysis shows that the systems integrated with CO2 capture can be competitive compared to systems without capture. Especially interesting in this context are IGCC systems integrated with carbon capture installations. The results are, however, affected by many factors, such as the fuel price, operational reliability, and auxiliary power need. The influence of these factors is evaluated in this article both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Systematic review of treatments for Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis using the SCORTEN score as a tool for evaluating mortality
Authors: Roujeau Jean-Claude , Bastuji-Garin Sylvie
Published: June 2011

Epidermal necrolysis, whether involving limited, that is, Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), or large, that is, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), areas of the skin surface, is associated with high mortality. A specific prognosis score (SCORTEN) accurately predicts mortality. Management of SJS and TEN mainly relies on supportive care but several treatments have been proposed, particularly corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), to block the progression of the disease. The aim of this study was a pooled analysis of published series addressing the question of treatment efficacy by comparing the mortality observed to the mortality predicted by the SCORTEN score. A literature search was carried out through PubMed from January 2001 to December 2009. It found 47 original series including at least 10 patients. Among these, 13 containing a clear description of treatment(s) and an evaluation of SCORTEN score were analyzed allowing the calculation of a mortality ratio (MR) for each series and a pooled MR with 95% confidence interval (CI) for each treatment. The analyzed series comprised a total of 439 patients. Supportive care was used only in 199 patients with a pooled MR of 0.89 (CI 0.67–1.16, p = 0.43), corticosteroids were administered to 78 patients with a pooled MR of 0.92 (CI 0.53–1.48, p = 0.84), and IVIG in 162 with a pooled MR of 0.82 (CI 0.58–1.12, p = 0.23). In conclusion, even though this analysis had some limitations, it strongly suggested that neither corticosteroids nor IVIG provide any important reduction in the risk of dying from SJS and TEN.
Effect of initial crystalline morphology on properties of polypropylene cast films
Authors: Tabatabaei Seyed H , Ajji Abdellah
Published: June 2011

Three polypropylene cast films of different initial morphologies (only spherulitic structure, coexisting rows of lamellae and spherulites, and lamellar structure) were prepared by extrusion followed by stretching using a chill roll. The effects of the original morphology on the orientation, mechanical responses, tear resistance, and oxygen permeability were investigated. The crystallinity and crystal size distribution of the films were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The orientation of crystalline and amorphous phases were measured using wide angle X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform—infrared. The precursor film with the lamellar morphology showed much larger crystallinity, crystalline alignment, Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and tensile toughness along the machine direction, but smaller barrier to oxygen compared to the precursors with the only spherulitic structure and coexisting rows of lamellae and spherulites. The obtained results were discussed in terms of the miocrostructure of the precursor films.
Effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties of alloy 909
Authors: Covarrubias O , Elizarrarás O , Colás R
Published: June 2011

Alloy 909 is a Ni–Fe–Co alloy that exhibits a low coefficient of thermal expansion and high strength at elevated temperatures. These characteristics are suitable for demanding high temperature uses such as turbine components for aerospace and energy generation. The mechanical properties are achieved by heat treatment (solution and aging) that affects the microstructural characteristics such as grain size and precipitation of intergranular and transgranular particles. This work summarises the results of trials conducted to determine the conditions that assure the desired mechanical properties in high temperature ring rolled pieces. Results of tensile, hardness and stress rupture tests are complemented by microstructural analyses. These studies allowed for establishing a robust method for the manufacture of rings; no degradation of the product, either metallurgical or due to properties, has been reported after the method was implemented.
Microstructure and dynamic strain aging phenomena in two structural steels
Authors: Gupta C , Chakravartty J K , Banerjee S
Published: June 2011

Two steels with bainitic and martensitic microstructures have been investigated with respect to the changes occurring in their uniaxial tensile properties in the temperature regime where they display dynamic strain aging (DSA) behaviour. The variations in yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, ductility and strain rate sensitivity in the case of martensitic steel have been found to vary in an embrittling manner as compared with those observed in the case of the bainitic steel within the DSA temperature regime. An attempt has been made to provide an insight into the difference in manifestations of DSA on the uniaxial behaviour of the two steels.
Effect of carbon on hot deformation behaviour and microstructural evolution of near-α titanium alloy Ti–5·6Al–4·8Sn–2Zr–1Mo–0·35Si–0·7Nd
Authors: Zhang S Z , Liu G F , Chen L Q , Qiu J X , Li H H , Xie G M
Published: June 2011

The hot deformation behaviour and microstructural evolution of a near- α titanium alloy (Ti–5·6Al–4·8Sn–2Zr–1Mo–0·35Si–0·7Nd) containing 0·06C or 0·3C with bimodal or Widmanstätten starting microstructures were investigated using isothermal compression test at strain rates of 0·01–10 s−1 in the α+ β or β regions. In the α+ β region, both alloys exhibited continuous flow softening. The globularisation of transformed β structure or the recrystallisation of globular α phase took place, which was more remarkable in the 0·3C alloy. In the β region, both alloys exhibited steady-state flow behaviour. Dynamic recrystallisation of the β phase occurred in the 0·06C alloy, while was absent in the 0·3C alloy. Due to the solution hardening of carbon atoms for the phases and the pinning effect of the carbides on grain boundary, the apparent activation energies of the 0·3C alloy are higher than those of the 0·06C alloy in the corresponding α+ β or β phase regions.
Mechanical properties of thermally sprayed Fe based coatings
Authors: Röttger A , Weber S , Theisen W , Rajasekeran B , Vassen R
Published: June 2011

An additional coating against wear or corrosion on component parts is required for many applications. These coatings protect the substrate material against external influences, thus increasing the economic lifetime of the component. Coating processes such as build-up welding and thermal spraying are well established and commonly used. The thermal spray process, in particular, permits deposition of metals, ceramics, or cermets materials to produce near net shape coatings on complex surface geometries. However, commonly used coating materials suffer from high raw material costs, thus decreasing the cost effectiveness of the coating process. Fe based materials are low priced and possess noteworthy mechanical properties; they thus provide the possibility of substituting the expensive Ni and Co based materials commonly used for thermal spray processes. In this work, 2 mm thick high velocity oxyfuel sprayed Fe based coatings in the as sprayed and thermally sprayed and hot isostatic pressed condition were investigated with respect to their mechanical and wear properties. Additionally, the fracture surface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy to characterise the fracture behaviour. It could be demonstrated that the substrate and the heat treatment have the greatest impact on the shear strength of thermally sprayed cold work tool steel. It is shown that the substrate materials as well as the heat treatment are promoting diffusion processes across the interface between the coating and the substrate. Hence, a material integrated bond is formed. The microstructures of the thermally sprayed coatings become more important regarding the mechanisms of failure of the four point bending tests. The material strength is influenced by quenching and tempering and the specimen deflection is influenced by diffusion reactions induced by hot isostatic pressing treatment. The thermally sprayed coatings in the as sprayed condition feature the highest wear resistance due to their hardness.
Mechanical performance of extruded Ti–46Al–5Nb–1W titanium aluminide
Authors: Wisbey A , Singh H , Lucas K , Brooks J
Published: June 2011

Titanium aluminide alloys offer considerable promise for use in high temperature applications, such as gas turbines. In this study an extruded Ti–46Al–5Nb–1W alloy has been examined, in terms of its tensile and creep behaviour. A reasonably fine and uniform microstructure was found in this bar product. This gave excellent properties, with tensile strengths up to ∼950 MPa at room temperature, along with 1 elongation. These properties were accompanied by a very good creep behaviour, with low primary strains at the lower stresses and very low secondary creep rates. Comparison of the creep properties of this titanium aluminide alloy with other similar compositions and some typical nickel alloys shows that it is significantly superior to first generation titanium aluminides but also nickel alloys, such as IN718 and Udimet 720Li. However, the strain controlled fatigue performance of the titanium aluminide alloy was significantly poorer than these same wrought nickel alloys.
Precipitation, microstructure and mechanical properties of low nickel maraging steel
Authors: Sha W , Li Q , Wilson E A
Published: June 2011

A maraging steel with a composition of Fe–12·94Ni–1·61Al–1·01Mo–0·23Nb (wt-) was investigated. Optical, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis were employed to study the microstructure of the steel after different aging periods at temperatures of 450–600°C. Hardness and Charpy impact toughness of the steel were measured. The study of microstructure and mechanical properties showed that nanosized precipitates were formed homogeneously during the aging process, which resulted in high hardness. As the aging time is prolonged, precipitates grow and hardness increases. Fractography of the as forged steel has shown mixed ductile and brittle fracture and has indicated that the steel has good toughness. Relationships among heat treatment, microstructure and mechanical properties are discussed. Further experiments using tensile testing and impact testing for aged steel were carried out.
Determination of optimal location to monitor temperature in low pressure die casting process
Authors: Shi X M , Maijer D , Dumont G A
Published: June 2011

Controlling and eliminating defects, such as macroporosity, in castings is a continuing challenge that manufacturers must continually address. Since the encapsulation of liquid regions by a solid shell and subsequent formation of macroporosity cannot be detected during casting, the die temperature, which is routinely measured, has been used as an indirect indicator of this defect. A finite element model has been developed to predict the evolution of temperature as well as the volume of encapsulated liquid in a casting with a high propensity to form macroporosity. The boundary conditions in the model were iteratively adjusted until the temperature predictions matched the experimental data for a variety of operational conditions. A model based methodology has been developed to analyse the correlation between the die temperature and the encapsulated liquid volume. This methodology is employed to assess the suitability of different in-cycle die temperatures for use as indicators of macroporosity formation, and to help determine the optimal location to monitor temperature for the purpose of minimising macroporosity.
Austenite grain growth prediction coupling with drag and pinning effects in low carbon Nb microalloyed steels
Authors: Fu L M , Wang H R , Wang W , Shan A D
Published: June 2011

A metallurgical model has been developed to predict the austenite grain growth in Nb microalloyed steels. The mutual effects of Nb(CN) particle pinning and Nb solute drag on grain growth kinetics are studied. The particle dissolution, the undissolved particle coarsening and the changes in Nb solute in solution during reheating or isothermal heat treatment process are taken into account in the model. It is shown that, besides the pinning exerted by the NbC precipitates, the solute drag of Nb in solid solution plays an important role in the inhibition of austenite grain growth in Nb microalloyed steels. The Nb solute drag effect on grain growth decreases with increasing temperature because the grain boundary can gradually break away from the solute atmosphere in the higher velocity region at high temperature. The mean austenite grain size sluggishly increases with temperature in the low temperature region, while it significantly increases in the relative high temperature region. The predicted austenite grain size concerning the combined effect of Nb drag and Nb(CN) pinning is in good agreement with the experimental results from the literature.
Presuming Too Far ‘above his very base and low degree’?: Thomas Cromwell’s Use of Textiles in his Schemes for Social and Political Success (1527–1540)
Authors: Isaac Veronica
Published: June 2011

The article will examine the textiles and dress purchased and worn by Thomas Cromwell (c. 1485–1540). Focusing on the period between 1527 and 1540 (parameters shaped by the dates of the surviving primary documents), it investigates the extent to which Cromwell’s relationship with textiles and dress reflects his ambition for, and eventual achievement of, social and political advancement.
Women’s Dress in Sixteenth-Century Sweden
Authors: Andersson Eva I.
Published: June 2011

This essay presents an overview of women’s fashions in sixteenth-century Sweden, which at the time included present-day Finland. Aristocratic fashions and the manners of dress of the people are considered, using documentary, visual and material sources from the period such as sumptuary laws, inventories, church paintings, portraits, woodcuts and surviving garments.
From Caterpillar to Butterfly and Back: A Waistcoat of the French Revolution
Authors: Chrisman-Campbell Kimberly
Published: June 2011

This paper analyses the construction, colour and enigmatic embroidered motifs of an extremely rare Revolutionary-era waistcoat or gilet, recently acquired by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Though the garment’s provenance is unknown, it must have belonged to a noble convert to the Revolutionary cause; through his clothing, he declared his allegiance to the political and sartorial ideology of the Revolution. The gilet provides a snapshot of a man and a nation in the midst of a metamorphosis.
How It All Began: A Life in Textile Conservation
Authors: Finch Karen
Published: June 2011

In this paper Karen Finch describes her early life in Denmark and how she became interested in textile conservation. Her career as a textile conservator and teacher culminated in the foundation of the Textile Conservation Centre at Hampton Court Palace in 1975.
Selective List of Recent Dress Exhibitions
Authors: Stewart Imogen
Published: June 2011

This list includes temporary exhibitions mounted in UK museums and galleries during 2010. Each display contained at least some items of dress or dress fabrics, fashion plates or fashion photography.
A critical role for SHP2 in STAT5 activation and growth factor–mediated proliferation, survival, and differentiation of human CD34+ cells
Authors: Li Liang , Modi Hardik , McDonald Tinisha , Rossi John , Yee Jiing-Kuan , Bhatia Ravi
Published: June 2011

SHP2, a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine phosphatase encoded by the PTPN11 gene, plays a critical role in developmental hematopoiesis in the mouse, and gain-of-function mutations of SHP2 are associated with hematopoietic malignancies. However, the role of SHP2 in adult hematopoiesis has not been addressed in previous studies. In addition, the role of SHP2 in human hematopoiesis has not been described. These questions are of considerable importance given the interest in development of SHP2 inhibitors for cancer treatment. We used shRNA-mediated inhibition of SHP2 expression to investigate the function of SHP2 in growth factor (GF) signaling in normal human CD34+ cells. SHP2 knockdown resulted in markedly reduced proliferation and survival of cells cultured with GF, and reduced colony-forming cell growth. Cells expressing gain-of-function SHP2 mutations demonstrated increased dependency on SHP2 expression for survival compared with cells expressing wild-type SHP2. SHP2 knockdown was associated with significantly reduced myeloid and erythroid differentiation with retention of CD34+ progenitors with enhanced proliferative capacity. Inhibition of SHP2 expression initially enhanced and later inhibited STAT5 phosphorylation and reduced expression of the antiapoptotic genes MCL1 and BCLXL. These results indicate an important role for SHP2 in STAT5 activation and GF-mediated proliferation, survival, and differentiation of human progenitor cells.
Notch1 inhibition targets the leukemia-initiating cells in a Tal1/Lmo2 mouse model of T-ALL
Authors: Tatarek Jessica , Cullion Kathleen , Ashworth Todd , Gerstein Rachel , Aster Jon C. , Kelliher Michelle A.
Published: June 2011

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy largely caused by aberrant activation of the TAL1/SCL, LMO1/2, and NOTCH1 oncogenes. Approximately 30% of T-ALL patients relapse, and evidence is emerging that relapse may result from a failure to eliminate leukemia-initiating cells (LICs). Thymic expression of the Tal1 and Lmo2 oncogenes in mice results in rapid development of T-ALL; and similar to T-ALL patients, more than half the leukemic mice develop spontaneous mutations in Notch1. Using this mouse model, we demonstrate that mouse T-ALLs are immunophenotypically and functionally heterogeneous with approximately 1 of 10 000 leukemic cells capable of initiating disease on transplantation. Our preleukemic studies reveal expansion of Notch-active double-negative thymic progenitors, and we find the leukemic DN3 population enriched in disease potential. To examine the role of Notch1 in LIC function, we measured LIC activity in leukemic mice treated with vehicle or with a γ-secretase inhibitor. In 4 of 5 leukemias examined, Notch inhibition significantly reduced or eliminated LICs and extended survival. Remarkably, in 2 mice, γ-secretase inhibitor treatment reduced LIC frequency below the limits of detection of this assay, and all transplanted mice failed to develop disease. These data support the continued development of Notch1 therapeutics as antileukemia agents.