bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of surface modified layers on fretting fatigue damage of biomedical titanium alloys
Authors: Vadiraj A. , Kamaraj M. , Mudali U. Kamachi , Nath A. K.
Published: September 2006

Fretting fatigue is a typical wear phenomena effecting from conjoint action of fretting and cyclic load under fixed contact pressure. The aim of the present work is to investigate the effect of surface modification processes such as plasma nitriding, ion implantation and laser nitriding in preventing fretting fatigue failures of Ti–6Al–4V and Ti–6Al–7Nb contact pairs. Surface modified contact pads and calibrated proof ring was used to apply contact pressure normal to the fatigue specimen. The surface modified layers and fretting fatigue damage is shown with optical and SEM micrographs. Friction coefficient between fretting contacts is continuously recorded to explain the sequence of damage during fretting process. Plasma nitrided pairs have performed better than all other processes with minimal damage and low friction (0·1). The facture of ion implanted pairs was similar to that of unmodified alloys. Laser nitrided pairs have shown premature failure owing to higher case depth.
X-ray tomography observation of crack propagation in nuclear graphite
Authors: Hodgkins A. , Marrow T. J. , Mummery P. , Marsden B. , Fok A.
Published: September 2006

X-ray microtomography has been used to investigate the mechanisms responsible for rising crack growth resistance with crack propagation (R curve behaviour) in polygranular nuclear graphite. Tomography can be used to observe changes in the crack shape with propagation, and a side grooved specimen has been developed to produce the planar straight fronted crack necessary for fracture toughness measurement. Crack bridging from frictional contact between the fracture surfaces is observed. A zone of reduced X-ray attenuation, attributed to microstructural damage, is also observed around the crack tip and in its wake. These are the first in situ observations of the mechanisms of the R curve behaviour in nuclear graphites.
Microstructure and properties of austempered ductile iron subjected to single and two step processing
Authors: Pereloma E. V. , Anderson C. S.
Published: September 2006

The predicted processing window has been used to select temperature–time parameters for austempering of a 3·39C–2·28Si–0·48Mn–0·13Mo–0·23Cu–0·05Ni–0·034Mg (wt-%) ductile iron. Comparison of a single step austempering with two step high–low temperature regime has been carried out. The results have shown that with increasing austempering temperature from 300 to 380°C, the morphology of ausferritic ferrite changes from lenticular or lath to feathery, accompanied by an increase in the volume fraction of high carbon retained austenite and carbon concentration in it. This microstructural evolution leads to an increase in ductility and impact energy, but a decrease in strength and hardness after high temperature treatment. All samples have satisfied the mechanical properties of ASTM 897M:1990. Two step high–low (380–340°C) temperature austempering produced microsturctures similar to those seen in high temperature single step processes but with significant time savings. The improvement in the mechanical properties was also achieved after 380–340°C two step processing.
Metastable surface modification processes for corrosion and oxidation control
Authors: Mukherjee D. , Khan A. A. , Kumar M. R. , Mukherjee S. , Alagappan A. N. , Nagarajan P. , Nesaraj A. S. , Ghosh S. , Muzhumathi S.
Published: September 2006

This technical note discusses recent advances in the field of high energy surface alloying with particular reference to their non-stoichiometric solid state interaction and their corrosion resistance behaviour by electrochemical techniques. High energy treated surfaces undergo solid state interaction like diffusion, unconventional miscibility, solid solubility and non-stoichiometric compositions which impose a certain degree of metastability on the surface, which alters the electrode surfaces significantly. By introducing a high degree of surface metastability, it is possible to create scope for the physical and chemical properties of the electrodes. This transition of the interface from the metastable state to a stable state is normally accompanied by the formation of a stress free stable thin adherent and protective surface oxide layer. All these aspects are discussed in the present paper in the context of their corrosion resistance industrial usage, in particular to chloroalkali industrial applications. A generalised mechanism of protection of these high energy treated surfaces, is proposed based on surface metastability induced on the surface, as a result of the non-stoichiometry of solid state processing and its electrochemical interactions.
Experimental XPS investigation of thermal decomposition of polypropylene
Authors: Hu P. , Jiang M. , Chen M. , Yang B. , Li H.P.
Published: September 2006

By testing the melt index (MI) and tensile strength, the ageing rate of polypropylene (PP) was analysed and compared. The appearance of the PP surface and the type of surface have been studied and analysed by SEM and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that at 120°C, the MI value increased gradually as the ageing time increased. This indicates that slow thermal decomposition had occurred and a short ageing period of 20 days did not affect the tensile strength of PP. This shows that the aging of PP is quite a long process and after 105 day aging, grooves emerged along certain directions on the PP surface as well as tiny cracks in a perpendicular direction. In the XPS experiments, the C1s spectroscopy of the original specimens includes three absorption peaks, C–C, C–O and C=O, which show light thermal aging that had happened in the raw materials while being stored and processed. After aging the C1s spectroscopy of specimens contained four peaks, C–C, C–O, C=O and O=C–O. Furthermore, the content of C–C had decreased while the relative content of the carbon in a high oxidation state (C–O, C=O and O=C–O) had increased. Therefore, O=C–O is a symbol of PP's thermal oxidated aging.
Validation of titanium corrosion impedance data using Kramers–Kronig relationships
Authors: Bastidas D. M. , Cano E.
Published: September 2006

In corrosion research the Kramers–Kronig (KK) test of impedance data is a highly valuable tool for data validation. Electrochemical cells in this field of research are often subject to instability and drift, whose conditions seriously and adversely affect the analysis of the impedance spectra. The present paper studies the applicability of KK relationships to assess the validity of real and imaginary corrosion impedance measurements for titanium in a Ringer's solution using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. Bode and Nyquist plots showed a capacitive behaviour with a high impedance modulus including two time constants. Two procedures were employed in the implementation of the KK integral relationships based on an equivalent circuit which satisfies KK relationships and an ohmic resistance shunted to the measured EIS data. The titanium's EIS data satisfied the KK relationships.
Wear behaviour of nanostructured and conventional 8 wt-%Y2O3–ZrO2 coatings against Si3N4 ball
Authors: Golozar M. A. , Mostaghimi J. , Coyle T.
Published: September 2006

The aim of the present paper is to investigate and compare the wear and tribological behaviour of two types of yttria–partially stabilised zirconia coatings, i.e.nanostructured and conventional zirconia. The coatings, 8 wt-%Y2O3–ZrO2, were produced using an air plasma spraying (APS) technique. Substrates used were made from AISI 304 stainless steel. To perform the wear tests, a pin on disc wear testing machine, using a 10 mm silicon nitride (Si3N4) ball as the pin, was employed. Coatings produced were characterised before and after being subjected to wear testing, using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. Regarding the wear tests, effects of various parameters, such as wear distance, substrate temperature, disc rotating speed (sliding velocity) and applied normal load, were investigated. Results obtained (weight loss, wear rate, coefficient of friction and worn surface microstructure) revealed that under the wear conditions applied, the nanostructured zirconia coating exhibited a better wear resistance and tribological properties than the conventional one. Also it was observed that the difference in wear resistance between both coatings tested is a function of wear testing parameters such as wear distance, substrate temperature, disc rotating speed and applied normal load.
Cladding with Stellite 6 + WC using a YAG laser robot system
Authors: Xu G. J. , Kutsuna M.
Published: September 2006

A Nd:YAG laser robot cladding system, which combines a 6-axis robot, powder supply equipment and special powder delivery nozzle has been used for a powder cladding process. The Stellite 6 + WC mixed powder were clad on to mild carbon steel plate (SM400B). The depth of penetration, cracking behaviour, microstructure, Vickers hardness and wear resistance were investigated. Vickers hardness and wear resistance were found to increase with WC volume fraction in the range of 0–90%. The microstructures of clad layer can be divided into hypoeutectic (0–40%WC) and hypereutectic (50–100%WC) regions.
PI3K regulates pleckstrin-2 in T-cell cytoskeletal reorganization
Authors: Bach Tami L. , Kerr Wesley T. , Wang Yanfeng , Bauman Eve Marie , Kine Purnima , Whiteman Eileen L. , Morgan Renell S. , Williamson Edward K. , Ostap E. Michael , Burkhardt Janis K. , Koretzky Gary A. , Birnbaum Morris J. , Abrams Charles S.
Published: September 2006

Pleckstrin-2 is composed of 2 pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and a disheveled–Egl-10–pleckstrin (DEP) domain. A lipid-binding assay revealed that pleckstrin-2 binds with greatest affinity to D3 and D5 phosphoinositides. Pleckstrin-2 expressed in Jurkat T cells bound to the cellular membrane and enhanced actin-dependent spreading only after stimulation of the T-cell antigen receptor or the integrin α4β1. A pleckstrin-2 variant containing point mutations in both PH domains failed to associate with the Jurkat membrane and had no effect on spreading under the same conditions. Although still membrane bound, a pleckstrin-2 variant containing point mutations in the DEP domain demonstrated a decreased ability to induce membrane ruffles and spread. Pleckstrin-2 also colocalized with actin at the immune synapse and integrin clusters via its PH domains. Although pleckstrin-2 can bind to purified D3 and D5 phosphoinositides, the intracellular membrane association of pleckstrin-2 and cell spreading are dependent on D3 phosphoinositides, because these effects were disrupted by pharmacologic inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Our results indicate that pleckstrin-2 uses its modular domains to bind to membrane-associated phosphatidylinositols generated by PI3K, whereby it coordinates with the actin cytoskeleton in lymphocyte spreading and immune synapse formation.
Prophylactic human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after induction therapy in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lehrnbecher Thomas , Zimmermann Martin , Reinhardt Dirk , Dworzak Michael , Stary Jan , Creutzig Ursula
Published: September 2006

Children with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) have a high risk of infectious complications that might be reduced by prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). However, G-CSF could induce AML blast proliferation. The prospective randomized trial AML-BFM 98 investigated the impact of G-CSF on hematopoetic recovery and infectious complications (primary endpoints) and on outcome (secondary endpoint) in children (aged 0-18 years) with de novo AML. Patients with more than 5% blasts in day-15 bone marrow or with FAB M3 were not included. Between 1998 and 2003, 161 children with AML were randomized to receive G-CSF after inductions 1 and 2, whereas 156 patients were assigned to the control group. Time of neutropenia after inductions 1 and 2 was significantly shorter in the G-CSF group (23 vs 18 days and 16 vs 11 days; P = .02 and = .001, respectively). G-CSF did not decrease the incidence of febrile neutropenia (72 and 36 patients vs 78 and 37 patients, respectively), microbiologically documented infections (27 and 25 patients vs 36 and 19 patients, respectively) and infection-associated mortality (5 vs 2 patients). Both groups had similar 5-year event-free survival (EFS; 59% ± 4% vs 58% ± 4%). Since G-CSF does not influence the risk of infectious complications or outcome in children undergoing therapy for AML, one cannot advocate the routine use of G-CSF in this patient group.
Gefitinib monotherapy in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer: a large Western community implementation study
Authors: van Puijenbroek R. , Bosquée L. , Meert A-P. , Schallier D. , Goeminne J-C. , Tits G. , Collard P. , Nackaerts K. , Canon J-L. , Duplaquet F. , Galdermans D. , Germonpré P. , Azerad M-A. , Vandenhoven G. , De Greve J. , Vansteenkiste J.
Published: September 2006

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors represent a new treatment option for patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective study examined to what extent previous clinical trial experience matches large-scale Western community implementation of this treatment.

In the Belgian expanded access programme, the data from 513 patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC, not suitable for further chemotherapy and receiving oral gefitinib 250 mg·day-1until disease progression, death or unacceptable toxicity, were analysed.

The median (range) duration of gefitinib treatment was 2.3 months (0.0–32.7). Its use was predominantly in second- or third-line treatment. The overall response and disease control rates were 8.9 and 41.2%, respectively. In univariate analysis, response was more common in females and never-smokers. In multivariate analysis, female sex was the only significant predictive factor (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 0.329 (0.129–0.839)). Symptom improvement was reported in 108 patients of whom 32 (29.6%) had an objective response, 66 (61.1%) experienced disease stabilisation and 10 (9.3%) progressed. Gefitinib was well tolerated; only 7.8% of the patients reported grade 3 or 4 toxicity. The overall median survival was 4.7 months, with a 1-yr survival rate of 21%. Survival was strongly influenced by a better performance status (PS) (good PS: hazard ratio (HR) (95%CI) 0.110 (0.077–0.157)) and adenocarcinoma with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma features histology (HR (95%CI) 0.483 (0.279–0.834)).

In conclusion, the activity of gefitinib was confirmed in the present large Western community implementation study. Response, present in a small subgroup, led to a rewarding survival and could be predicted by sex only. Baseline performance status and adenocarcinoma with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma features histology were significant factors for survival.
Survey and analysis of microsatellites from transcript sequences in Phytophthora species: frequency, distribution, and potential as markers for the genus
Authors: Garnica Diana P , Pinzón Andrés M , Quesada-Ocampo Lina M , Bernal Adriana J , Barreto Emiliano , Grünwald Niklaus J , Restrepo Silvia
Published: September 2006

Background

Members of the genus Phytophthora are notorious pathogens with world-wide distribution. The most devastating species include P. infestans, P. ramorum and P. sojae. In order to develop molecular methods for routinely characterizing their populations and to gain a better insight into the organization and evolution of their genomes, we used an in silico approach to survey and compare simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in transcript sequences from these three species. We compared the occurrence, relative abundance, relative density and cross-species transferability of the SSRs in these oomycetes.

Results

The number of SSRs in oomycetes transcribed sequences is low and long SSRs are rare. The in silico transferability of SSRs among the Phytophthora species was analyzed for all sets generated, and primers were selected on the basis of similarity as possible candidates for transferability to other Phytophthora species. Sequences encoding putative pathogenicity factors from all three Phytophthora species were also surveyed for presence of SSRs. However, no correlation between gene function and SSR abundance was observed. The SSR survey results, and the primer pairs designed for all SSRs from the three species, were deposited in a public database.

Conclusion

In all cases the most common SSRs were trinucleotide repeat units with low repeat numbers. A proportion (7.5%) of primers could be transferred with 90% similarity between at least two species of Phytophthora. This information represents a valuable source of molecular markers for use in population genetics, genetic mapping and strain fingerprinting studies of oomycetes, and illustrates how genomic databases can be exploited to generate data-mining filters for SSRs before experimental validation.
ASCO/SSO Review of Current Role of Risk-Reducing Surgery in Common Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
Authors: Guillem José G. , Wood William C. , Moley Jeffrey F. , Berchuck Andrew , Karlan Beth Y. , Mutch David G. , Gagel Robert F. , Weitzel Jeffrey , Morrow Monica , Weber Barbara L. , Giardiello Francis , Rodriguez-Bigas Miguel A. , Church James , Gruber Stephen , Offit Kenneth
Published: September 2006

Although the etiology of solid cancers is multifactorial, with environmental and genetic factors playing a variable role, a significant portion of the burden of cancer is accounted for by a heritable component. Increasingly, the heritable component of cancer predispositions has been linked to mutations in specific genes, and clinical interventions have been formulated for mutation carriers within affected families. The primary interventions for mutations carriers for highly penetrant syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasias, familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes are primarily surgical. For that reason, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) have undertaken an educational effort within the oncology community. A joint ASCO/SSO Task Force was charged with presenting an educational symposium on the surgical management of hereditary cancer syndromes at the annual ASCO and SSO meetings, resulting in an educational position article on this topic. Both the content of the symposium and the article were developed as a consensus statement by the Task Force, with the intent of summarizing the current standard of care. This article is divided into four sections addressing breast, colorectal, ovarian and endometrial cancers, and multiple endocrine neoplasia. For each, a brief introduction on the genetics and natural history of the disease is provided, followed by a detailed description of modern surgical approaches, including a description of the clinical and genetic indications and timing of prophylactic surgery, and the efficacy of prophylactic surgery when known. Although a number of recent reviews have addressed the role of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility, including the richly illustrated Cancer Genetics and Cancer Predisposition Testing curriculum by the ASCO Cancer Genetics Working Group (available through http://www.asco.org ), this article focuses on the issues surrounding the why, how, and when of surgical prophylaxis for inherited forms of cancer. This is a complex process, which requires a clear understanding of the natural history of the disease and variance of penetrance, a realistic appreciation of the potential benefit and risk of a risk-reducing procedure in a potentially otherwise healthy individual, the long-term sequelae of such surgical intervention, as well as the individual patient and family's perception of surgical risk and anticipated benefit.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Captures the Biology of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: Esserman Laura J. , Kumar Anjali S. , Herrera Alex F. , Leung Jessica , Au Alfred , Chen Yunn-Yi , Moore Dan H. , Chen Daniel F. , Hellawell Jennifer , Wolverton Dulcy , Hwang E. Shelley , Hylton Nola M.
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool for characterizing invasive breast cancer but has proven to be more challenging in the setting of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We investigated whether MRI features of DCIS reflect differences in biology and pathology.

Patients and Methods

Forty five of 100 patients with biopsy-proven DCIS who underwent MRI and had sufficient tissue to be characterized by pathologic (nuclear grade, presence of comedo necrosis, size, and density of disease) and immunohistochemical (IHC) findings (proliferation, Ki67; angiogenesis, CD34; and inflammation, CD68). Pathology and MRI features (enhancement patterns, distribution, size, and density) were analyzed using pairwise and canonical correlations.

Results

Histopathologic and IHC variables correlated with MRI features (r = 0.73). The correlation was largely due to size, density (by either MRI or pathology), and inflammation (P < .05). Most small focal masses were estrogen receptor-positive. MRI enhancement patterns that were clumped were more likely than heterogeneous patterns to be high-grade lesions. Homogenous lesions were large, high grade, and rich in macrophages. Presence of comedo necrosis and size could be distinguished on MRI (P < .05). MRI was most likely to over-represent the size of less dense, diffuse DCIS lesions.

Conclusion

The heterogeneous presentation of DCIS on MRI reflects underlying histopathologic differences.
Do Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer Treatment Really Want More Aggressive Treatment?
Authors: van Tol-Geerdink Julia J. , Stalmeier Peep F.M. , van Lin Emile N.J.T. , Schimmel Eric C. , Huizenga Henk , van Daal Wim A.J. , Leer Jan-Willem
Published: September 2006

Purpose

Examine whether patients with prostate cancer choose the more aggressive of two radiotherapeutic options, whether this choice is reasoned, and what the determinants of the choice are.

Patients and Methods

One hundred fifty patients with primary prostate cancer (T1-3N0M0) were informed by means of a decision aid of two treatment options: radiotherapy with 70 Gy versus 74 Gy. The latter treatment is associated with more cure and more toxicity. The patients were asked whether they wanted to choose, and if so which treatment they preferred. They also assigned importance weights to the probability of various outcomes, such as survival, cure and adverse effects. Patients who wanted to choose their own treatment (n = 119) are described here.

Results

The majority of these patients (75%) chose the lower radiation dose. Their choice was highly consistent (P ≤ .001), with the importance weights assigned to the probability of survival, cure (odds ratio [OR] = 6.7 and 6.9) and late GI and genitourinary adverse effects (OR = 0.1 and 0.2). The lower dose was chosen more often by the older patients, low-risk patients, patients without hormone treatment, and patients with a low anxiety or depression score.

Conclusion

Most patients with localized prostate cancer prefer the lower radiation dose. Our findings indicate that many patients attach more weight to specific quality-of-life aspects (eg, GI toxicity) than to improving survival. Treatment preferences of patients with localized prostate cancer can and should be involved in radiotherapy decision making.
Prognostic Significance of Nuclear Receptor Coactivator-3 Overexpression in Primary Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Rangel Javier , Torabian Sima , Shaikh Ladan , Nosrati Mehdi , Baehner Frederick L. , Haqq Chris , Leong Stanley P.L. , Miller James R. , Sagebiel Richard W. , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed
Published: September 2006

Purpose

To assess the prognostic significance of nuclear receptor coactivator-3 (NCOA3) overexpression in primary cutaneous melanoma.

Patients and Methods

NCOA3 expression was assessed using immunohistochemical analysis of a melanoma tissue microarray (TMA) containing primary melanomas from 343 patients with defined histology and follow-up. The impact of the presence or absence of various prognostic factors on relapse-free survival (RFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) of melanoma patients was assessed using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. The impact of presence or absence of various factors on sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis was assessed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Increasing degree of NCOA3 expression was significantly predictive of SLN metastasis (P = .013) and the mean number of SLN metastases (P = .031). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significant association between NCOA3 overexpression and reduced RFS (P = .021) and DSS (P = .030). Logistic regression analysis revealed increasing degree of NCOA3 expression to be an independent predictor of SLN status (P = .017). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed the independent impact of NCOA3 expression on RFS (P = .0095) and DSS (P = .021). NCOA3 was the most powerful factor predicting DSS, outperforming tumor thickness and ulceration.

Conclusion

These results identify NCOA3 as a novel, independent marker of melanoma outcome, with a significant impact on SLN metastasis, RFS, and DSS.
Characterization of the Porous Structure of HPLC Packings Based on Di(p-Acrylic Phenyl)Sulphone and DVB
Authors: Gawdzik B. , Majewski W. , Jabłońska-Pikus T. , Osypiuk J. , Charmas W. , Podkościelna B.
Published: September 2006

Studies of the porous structure of the polymeric microspheres synthesized from di( p-acrylic phenyl)sulphone (DAS), ( p-hydroxyphenyl- p-acrylic phenyl)sulphone (HAS) and divinylbenzene (DVB) are presented. The porous structure was characterized by the nitrogen adsorption method, inverse exclusion chromatography and atomic force microscopy. To describe the tendency of the microspheres to swell, the swelling propensities and the swellability coefficient were also determined.

The results show that both polymers studied can be used as packing materials in chromatography. Their porous structures are relatively stable since they are characterized by a high degree of crosslinking. In addition, the polymer ASP–OH containing reactive hydroxyl functional groups provides a convenient starting material for chemical modifications.
Phosphoric Acid and Steam as Activation Agents for Carbonized Porous Polymer Surfaces
Authors: Sobiesiak M. , Gawdzik B. , Puziy A.M. , Poddubnaya O.I.
Published: September 2006

Carbon sorbents derived from the copolymer of 4,4′-bis(maleimidodiphenyl)methane and divinylbenzene are described. The influence of phosphoric acid treatment and the type of carrier gas used in the carbonization process were studied. Solid-phase extraction experiments were conducted to determine their impact on the sorption properties of these new sorbents. The recoveries and breakthrough volumes for phenolic compounds preconcentrated from water were studied.
Protein Adsorption by Basal Plane Graphite Surfaces: Molecular Images and Nano-Structured Films
Authors: Orasanu-Gourlay A. , Bradley R.H.
Published: September 2006

The adsorp0tion of human serum albumin (HSA) and human plasma fibronectin (Fn) from solutions in the respective concentration ranges 1–20 μg/ml and 0.1–10 μg/ml by highly orientated pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces was investigated using atomic force microscopy. Adsorption from solutions of relatively low concentrations (HSA, 1 μg/ml; Fn, 0.1 μg/ml) allowed individual adsorbed protein molecules to be imaged.

HSA appeared to take one of two forms (N or F) depending upon the adsorption energy and site, whilst Fn appeared to be adsorbed in the coiled, bent form. AFM analysis of films obtained by adsorption from solutions of higher protein concentrations, which were dried slowly over a, period of 24 h, indicated the formation of network structures with the surface coverage increasing with solution concentration. The precise structure, which was very similar for both proteins, appeared to result from dewetting of the hydrophobic HOPG by the protein solution. A grainy structure resulted when films were dried rapidly. In this case, evaporation occurred before dewetting and protein molecules became isolated in even clusters.

The XPS nitrogen 1s signal from adsorbed protein was found to increase as the level of adsorbed protein increased, i.e. as a function of the concentration of the protein solution. Water contact angles decreased from 90° for HOPG to 60° after protein adsorption and then increased slightly to 70° as the level of adsorbed protein increased. Plots of the surface nitrogen concentration (atom %) versus the protein solution concentration were type I in the Brunauer, Deming, Deming and Teller isotherm classification. A linear fit was obtained when these data were plotted in the form of the Langmuir equation which resulted in a monolayer equivalent value of Nm = 3.3 atom % protein nitrogen. The main mechanism of adsorption appeared to be dispersion- or hydrophobic-dominated, although electrostatic repulsions between polar surface oxygen groups and the negatively charged HSA may also occur.
Fast cloning inverted repeats for RNA interference
Authors: Bao Sujin , Cagan Ross
Published: September 2006

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can induce post-transcriptional gene silencing in a wide variety of organisms. Commonly, inverted repeats are used to produce dsRNA to silence genes of interest. However, cloning inverted repeats still remains a rate-limiting step for widely applying this technique. Here we describe a pGEM-T-based vector, pGEM-WIZ, designed to produce inverted repeats for any Drosophila gene. pGEM-WIZ has a high efficiency in assembling inverted repeats and the repeats in this vector are stable in regular Escherichia coli strains. Furthermore, we have developed a method for rapid selection of clones with an inverted repeat based on size and relative copy number of the vector with or without an insert. This method further eases the cloning process. The inverted repeat cassette assembled in pGEM-WIZ can be easily transferred to commonly available expression vectors suitable for stably expressing inverted repeats in vitro and in vivo.
SEEING SOUND:The Study of Speech and the Accurate Grafing of Speech Vibration.
Authors: Goldstein Max A.
Published: September 2006

(Original Communications arc received with the understanding that they are contributed exclusively to The Laryngoscope.)
Orbital fractures
Authors: Ausband John R.
Published: September 2006

Fractures of the orbital area have been described. Illustrative cases with their X‐rays have been shown to demonstrate some methods of treatment of these fractures. The incidence, symptoms, treatment and complications have been noted. No attempt has been made to search the literature for comparative methods of treatment. Originality is not claimed for the methods presented here.
The ear in osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Stoller Fredric M.
Published: September 2006

A review of the pertinent historical, clinical, pathological and otologic features of osteogenesis imperfecta is presented. A study of the genetic aspects of the Van der Hoeve Syndrome supports the view that the disease results from one gene or gene complex with wide variations in expressivity. A case history and family pedigree as well as the treatment for the deafness are discussed.
Vital staining of the cochlea in guinea pigs: A preliminary report
Authors: Duvall A. J. , Tonndorf A. J.
Published: September 2006

This method of investigation enables one to visualize the cochlea more easily as a three‐dimensional structure, which is difficult to do from conventional cross sections.

The use of living animals and vital stains minimizes experimental artifacts resulting in structural distortions for which histological preparations are noted.

In the course of these experiments, one structural peculiarity was found which, to our knowledge, has not been noted before: the inner hair cells (at least within the region of the fourth and fifth turn of the guinea pig), are slightly slanted toward the cochlear apex; furthermore, in the region of the Hensen's cells, Methylene blue produced intensely stained and irregularly shaped “blobs” with medially extending feather‐like appendages. These are located at some distance from each other. If these bodies are selected Hensen's cells (as they appear to be), it is not understood at this time why some take Methylene blue intensely, while their neighbors do not.
Laryngeal problems in singers
Authors: Baker Daniel C.
Published: September 2006

It is important for the laryngologist to be familiar with all of the vocal cord disturbances that may develop in the singer.

It is possible to recognize danger signals in the larynx of the person who is misusing his voice. Proper advice may save the patient many heartaches, as well as useless expense.

Particular attention should be directed to the singer who suffers from recurrent submucosal hemorrhage of the same vocal cord. Careful observation for a prominent blood vessel on the surface or the edge of the involved cord should be made, and if present, it should be removed.
Pharmaceutical Prescribing for Children
Authors: Fleming Pádraig , Palmer Nikolaus OA
Published: September 2006

This paper is the sixth in a series on the prescribing of medicines for children by dentists working in primary care. It deals with the dental management and prescribing of medicines for the immunocompromised child. It differs from previous papers in the series in that, apart from the prescription of medicaments such as fluoride supplements and chlorhexidine mouth-washes, most medication for this group of children is prescribed by specialists working in secondary care rather than by primary dental care practitioners.
EWTD compliance – towards 2009
Authors: Lowry John , Cripps Jo
Published: September 2006

By 2009 doctors in training will have to reduce their working hours to 48 per week. One strategic health authority estimates that they will lose 8,000 junior doctor hours per week. How will the service manage? What effects will the reduction in hours have on training? This article gives an overview of current developments in negotiations on the European Working Time Directive (ETWD) and urges readers to start planning for 2009 implementation now. The newly launched College web area on the EWTD (http://www.rcseng.ac.uk/service_delivery/ewtd/) provides more information and updates.
The five deaneries pilot: a prototype for recruitment and selection into surgery
Authors: Hermans Louisa
Published: September 2006

In early 2006 a cluster group of deaneries piloted a model for recruitment and selection into surgery into specialty training level 1 (ST1) from foundation year 2 (F2) or equivalent, which, subject to refinements, will contribute to the work being undertaken by the Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (COPMeD) to provide a national process for August 2007.
Finite Element Simulation of Dynamic Crack Propagation for Complex Geometries Without Remeshing
Authors: Biglari FR , Rezaeinasab A , Nikbin K , Sattarifar I
Published: September 2006

Simulation of the crack growth for complex geometries is presented in this paper. Determination of the crack propagation direction under mixed mode conditions is one of the most important parameters in fracture mechanics. There are several criteria that have been developed to predict crack growth and its direction using linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), many of which have recently been incorporated into finite element codes. These criteria are commonly adopted in the prediction of crack propagation in simple geometries and in straight crack paths. In more complex geometries, a more accurate determination of the crack propagation path, using remeshing methods can be employed. However, the remeshing technique usually suffers from the loss of strain energy density that can occur at the tip of the crack during the interpolation of field solutions. In this research work, the crack growth simulation is presented which allows for crack path deviation without the use of remeshing of the model. This method deals with a nonstraight crack growth path, is based on a node releasing technique and appropriate fracture criteria. The maximum principal stress and maximum strain energy release rate criteria is used in this paper exclusively. The results of simulation have been compared with experimental results as well as with numerical works of others that have been found in the recently published literature.
Policing and Performing Liberal Individuality in Anthony Trollope's The Warden
Authors: EARLE BO
Published: September 2006

In this essay I argue that Anthony Trollope's The Warden (1855) anticipates and problematizes Trollope's oft-cited representativeness of the Victorian period generally, and Victorian liberalism in particular. As JŸrgen Habermas has shown, Victorian liberalism should be construed less in terms of its promotion of pluralism than in terms of an"ambivalence" as to its practical implications. Correspondingly, The Warden offers a performative exemplification of Victorian liberalism that is instructive precisely because it paradoxically refuses definitively to represent it. The instruction I would draw from this paradox relates to the moral "pinch" that Septimus Harding, the novel's protagonist,feels as a result of his aspiration to "be right" as opposed to being "proved" right. This paradox disrupts the reader's reflexive inclination to read Harding's emancipation in traditionally Romantic terms. Just as Harding was "awoken" from the self-induced oblivion of a hegemonic morality, so too the reader is awoken from the self-induced oblivion of the disciplinary conventions of Victorian literary experience that D. A. Miller and David Lloyd critique. Thus the novel can be said to embody Victorian liberalism precisely to the extent that it illuminates the question of such embodiment as open, as a practical problem confronting and animating Victorian society. Hence Trollope makes Harding's imaginary cello-playing the medium or 'embodiment' of his"awakening": the pursuit of "right being" is a matter of "testing" the boundaries of political action and aesthetic imagination alike.
"Some Things Which Could Never Have Happened": Fiction, Identification, and "Benito Cereno"
Authors: TOAL CATHERINE
Published: September 2006

Observing that Herman Melville's most significant fictional addition to his source text for "Benito Cereno" (the San Dominick's skeleton figurehead) reverses the terms of a trope used in the "Agatha" letter to Nathaniel Hawthorne of 13 August 1852, this article proposes that the skeleton's role in the tale converts a perhaps frustrated attempt at professional identification with Hawthorne-detectable in the scheme of semi-collaboration broached by the letter-into a dismantling of the foundations of American identification,and of the identificatory lures involved in the processes of fiction-making and fiction-reading. Although there has been considerable focus on the narrative'smanipulation of identification (particularly the snare of Delano's perspective), critics have not provided an account of the ways in which its total fictional structure, organized around the skeleton figurehead, systematically alters the meaning of its white protagonists'-and its readers'-potential affiliations. My essay attributes critical reluctance to offer such an account to the persistence of a nineteenth-century faith in the autonomous value of "sympathy" as a political resource, and to a neglect, evident in more recent,historicist analyses, of the political work that fictional artifice performs. It traces the functions and implications of "Benito Cereno"'s skeleton through an exploration of the tale's reception history, showing this history to be comprised of a series of identificatory maneuvers which in seeking to complete or add "flesh" to the fiction, are parodied or compromised by its immanent "unbuilding" of plot and narrative teleology.
Prenatal programming of the female reproductive neuroendocrine system by androgens
Authors: Robinson Jane
Published: September 2006

It has been clear for several decades that the areas of the brain that control reproductive function are sexually dimorphic and that the ‘programming actions’ of the male gonadal steroids are responsible for sex-specific release of the gonadotrophins from the pituitary gland. The administration of exogenous steroids to fetal/neonatal animals has pinpointed windows of time in an animals’ development when the reproductive neuroendocrine axis is responsive to the organisational influences of androgens. These ‘critical’ periods for sexual differentiation of the brain are trait- and species-specific. The neural network regulating the activity of the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones is vital to the control of reproductive function. It appears that early exposure to androgens does not influence the migratory pathway of the GnRH neurone from the olfactory placode or the size of the population of neurones that colonise the postnatal hypothalamus. However, androgens do influence the number and the nature of connections that these neurones make with other neural phenotypes. Gonadal steroid hormones play key roles in the regulation of GnRH release acting largely via steroid-sensitive intermediary neurones that impinge on the GnRH cells. Certain populations of hormonally responsive neurones have been identified that are sexually dimorphic and project from hypothalamic areas known to be involved in the regulation of GnRH release. These neurones are excellent candidates for the programming actions of male hormones in the reproductive neuroendocrine axis of the developing female.
Leydig cell function in mice lacking connexin43
Authors: Kahiri Caroline N , Khalil M Wahid , Tekpetey Francis , Kidder Gerald M
Published: September 2006

Connexin43 (Cx43) is the most abundantly expressed member of the connexin (gap junction protein) family and the only one so far identified in mouse Leydig cell gap junctions. Mice lacking Cx43 were used to investigate its role in testicular androgen production and regulation. Testes from term fetuses were grafted under the kidney capsules of castrated adult males. After 3 weeks, serum from host mice was analyzed for androgens. In order to test their response to stimulation, the grafted testes were incubated in vitro with varying concentrations of LH and their androgen end products analyzed. Incubation with radiolabeled progesterone was followed by high performance liquid chromatography to quantify the androgen-intermediate metabolites. Radiolabeled testosterone in the presence of NADPH was used to determine the activity of testosterone-metabolizing enzymes 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD), 5α-reductase (5αR), and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α HSD). Serum androgen levels did not differ between hosts carrying wild-type versus null mutant grafts although Cx43-deficient testes had more 17βHSD and 5αR activity than wild-type controls. Furthermore, the genotype of grafted testes did not influence LH-stimulated androgen production in vitro. These results indicate that the steroidogenic function of Leydig cells is not compromised by the absence of Cx43, perhaps because other gap junction proteins are present. Dye transfer experiments demonstrated that Cx43-deficient Leydig cells retain intercellular coupling, indicating that Cx43 is not the only protein contributing to their gap junctions. Thus, despite their prominence in Leydig cells, Cx43 gap junctions are not essential for androgen production.
Effects of selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase pathways in follicle rupture and ovulation in the rat
Authors: Gaytán M , Bellido C , Morales C , Sánchez-Criado J E , Gaytán F
Published: September 2006

Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, either non-selective or selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, consistently impairs ovulation, indicating the essential role of COX-2/prostaglandins in the ovulatory process. Indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of both COX-1 and COX-2, induced several ovulatory alterations, consisting of a decrease in the number of oocytes effectively ovulated, trapping of oocytes inside the luteinized follicle, as well as abnormal follicle rupture at the basolateral sides, with release of the oocyte and follicular fluid to the interstitium. Yet, the precise role of prostaglandins in ovulation and whether some of the ovulatory defects induced by indomethacin are due to interference with additional components of the ovulatory cascade, beyond prostaglandin synthesis, are not completely understood. We have used gonadotrophin-primed immature rats to analyse whether, compared to indomethacin, selective inhibition of COX-2, with or without concomitant inhibition of COX-1, or selective inhibition of the lipooxygenase (LOX) pathway, induce similar ovulatory alterations. Immature rats (27 days of age) were injected PMSG (10 IU), and 48 h later hCG (10 IU) subcutaneously, and different anti-inflammatory drugs. Animals were killed at 21 h after hCG injection. Rats treated with the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS398 (10 mg/kg body weight, (bw)) showed alterations in follicle rupture as those treated with indomethacin (0.5 mg/rat), albeit affecting a lower number of follicles, irrespective of the concomitant inhibition of COX-1 with the selective inhibitor SC560 (10 mg/kg bw). Rats treated with the LOX inhibitor NDGA (300 mg/kg bw) did not show ovulatory alterations. These data indicate that the characteristic alterations of follicle rupture induced by indomethacin, are also induced by selective COX-2 inhibitors, strengthening the contention that prostaglandins play a crucial role in the spatial targeting of follicle rupture at the apex.
Latin Revived: Source‐Based Vocabulary Lessons Courtesy of Harry Potter
Authors: Nilsen Alleen Pace , Nilsen Don L.F.
Published: September 2006

Teachers can build on students' familiarity with and respect for the Harry Potter books to create source‐based vocabulary lessons. The idea is to work with the Latin roots that J.K. Rowling uses to create original names for places, people, and magical charms and then to extend students' knowledge through exploration of additional English words based on the same roots.

Besides being an efficient way to teach vocabulary words in a meaningful context, the approach helps students see that when new words are needed, they are often based on old, familiar words. It also trains students to look for metaphorical and other associations while developing confidence in their ability to make “intelligent guesses” about words they do not know. Various Latin roots are discussed, along with many words derived from them. Teachers can focus in a day's lesson on one root and several derivatives whose meanings will reinforce one another.
Resistance, Struggle, and the Adolescent Reader
Authors: Lenters Kimberly
Published: September 2006

An important research paradigm applied to the study of adolescent resistance to reading—listening to student voice—has yielded rich information regarding adolescent literacy practices, adolescent agency, and adolescent identity as components of resistance to reading. Instructional perspectives of teachers and researchers also serve to shed light on the phenomenon and provide insight on better understanding the interplay between adolescent resistance to reading and struggle with literacy acquisition.

For some teachers, the “problem” with adolescent readers and resistance to reading lies outside their sphere of responsibility or influence; however, adolescent and researcher voices provide a somewhat different perspective. Understanding and addressing the disjuncture becomes particularly important when addressing the instructional needs of struggling adolescent readers: Readers who resist reading risk becoming readers who struggle, and those who already struggle with reading miss important opportunities for improvement through interaction with text. Instructional implications aimed at addressing resistance to in‐school reading are also presented.