bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tribological properties of AlSi10Mg/fly ash/graphite hybrid metal matrix composites
Authors: Venkat Prasat S. , Subramanian R. 
Published: August 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of fly ash and graphite particles as low cost reinforcing materials for improved wear resistance, enhanced mechanical properties and reduction in density of hybrid composites.

Design/methodology/approach
– The AlSi10Mg/fly ash/graphite (Al/FA/Gr) hybrid composite was synthesised by stir casting method. The dry sliding wear and friction behaviour of hybrid composites were studied using pin-on-disc machine by varying parameters like load and weight fraction of fly ash, and compared with the base metal alloy and aluminium-graphite composite. The tests were conducted with a constant sliding speed of 2 m/s and sliding distance of 2,400 m.

Findings
– The hybrid composites exhibit higher hardness, higher tensile strength and lower density when compared to unreinforced alloy and aluminium-graphite composite. The incorporation of fly ash and graphite particles as reinforcements caused a reduction in the wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF) of the hybrid composites. The improvement in the tribological characteristics occured due to the load carrying capacity of hard fly ash particles and the formation of a lubricating film of graphite between the sliding interfaces. The wear rates and COF of unreinforced aluminium alloy and composites increase with an increase in the applied normal load. The wear rates and COF of hybrid composites decrease with an increase in the fly ash content. 9 wt.% fly ash and 3 wt.% graphite reinforced hybrid composite exhibited the highest wear resistance and lowest COF at all applied loads. Abrasive wear and delamination were dominant in the mild wear regime of aluminium alloy and composites. Due to subsurface deformation and crack propagation, plate-like wear debris were generated during delamination wear. In the severe wear regime, the dominant wear mechanism was adhesive wear with formation of transfer layers.

Practical implications
– It is expected that these findings will contribute towards the development of lightweight and low cost aluminium products with improved tribological and mechanical properties.

Originality/value
– The wear and friction data have been made available in this article for the use of Al/FA/Gr hybrid composites in tribological applications.
Friction and wear behavior of the polyurethane composites modified by bishydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Wang Tingmei , Zhao Gai , Wang Qihua 
Published: August 2013

Purpose
– A series of polyurethane/bishydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane composites (PU/BTPDMS) were prepared. The effect of BTPDMS content on the tribological properties of the PU/BTPDMS composites was studied. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– The composites were prepared by a pre-polymer method. The properties were measured with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The friction and wear characteristic of the composites were examined with MRH-3 friction-abrasion testing machine. The worn surfaces of the composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Findings
– Experimental results indicated that the polyurethane modified with 7 percent BTPDMS had better tribological property than pure PU and other PU/BTPDMS composites in the present study. It exhibits lower coefficient of friction (COF) and lower wear rate value, especially under water lubrication.

Originality/value
– The polyurethane was synthesized by a pre-polymer method combination with chemical modification.
Brain development, mental health and addiction: a podcast series for undergraduate medical education
Authors: J. MacDonald Colla , Kellam Hugh , Peirce Catherine 
Published: August 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of developing the early brain and biological development and addictions podcast series for first and second year medical students. This paper also presents the findings from an evaluation of the introductory podcast in this series of 13 podcasts.

Design/methodology/approach
– Three focus groups were held with a total of 19 participants representing ten universities across Canada as well as one college and one foundation. Each focus group was audiotaped and then transcribed verbatim. The coding process consisted of grouping the common codes together to form themes based on the W(e)Learn framework.

Findings
– Findings suggested that most participants were enthusiastic regarding the potential of the podcast project not only for the intended audience but also for all medical students and residents as well as continuous healthcare education. However, findings also suggest that other participants were not as fervent about the potential of the program. Many participants provided suggestions for how to further improve the podcast. These suggestions have already been implemented into the program design in an attempt to meet end-users' needs and expectations.

Originality/value
– This research shares an innovative approach to supporting healthcare education in undergraduate education. Podcasting has become a cost-effective and convenient pedagogical tool for distributing educational information. Podcasts are effective teaching tools since listening is an active, engaging and creative process on interpreting content and creating meaning from auditory cues.
Game-based evacuation drill using real world edutainment
Authors: Mitsuhara Hiroyuki , Sumikawa Takahide , Miyashita Jun , Iwaka Kazuhisa , Kozuki Yasunori 
Published: August 2013

Purpose
– Traditional evacuation drill is monotonous. Therefore, evacuation drill should be diversified to get more people interested in disaster prevention. Our idea is game-based evacuation drill using real world edutainment (RWE). This paper aims at clarifying how RWE-based evacuation drill is realized.

Design/methodology/approach
– RWE provides experiential learning as the integration of edutainment and the real world. An RWE system works on a tablet PC and presents digital contents associated with learning scenes (e.g. real world locations) according to a branched storyline.

Findings
– Story (branched storyline), indirect/direct competition, and augmented reality content provide multi-ending and flexible instructional support and are helpful for diversifying evacuation drill.

Research limitations/implications
– RWE-based evacuation drill could be accepted by more people, but a branched storyline should be carefully refined to achieve maximum effect.

Social implications
– RWE-based evacuation drill could open up diversification of disaster prevention education.

Originality/value
– The originality of this study is to integrate edutainment, the real world, and evacuation drill. In the long run, this study could be helpful to save lives when a natural catastrophe (e.g. large earthquake) occurs.
Targeted vs universal provision of support in high-risk communities: comparison of characteristics in two populations recruited to parenting interventions
Authors: Hutchings Judy , Griffith Nia , Bywater Tracey , Elen Williams Margiad , Baker-Henningham Helen 
Published: August 2013

Purpose– To compare the characteristics of parents and children recruited for two randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) of parenting support in disadvantaged communities in Wales in order to explore the effects of community-based vs individual-based targeting in early prevention.Design/methodology/approach– Parents from high-risk disadvantaged communities in Wales, where additional early intervention services were targeted as part of a Welsh Government early intervention strategy, were recruited to two RCTs of parenting interventions. In the first study parents of targeted three- and four-year-old children, who were screened, and deemed at risk of long-term problems, were recruited from Sure Start (SS) areas in Wales. In the second study parents of one- and two-year-old children living in disadvantaged Flying Start (FS) areas were recruited, with residence within the FS area being the only recruitment criterion.Findings– FS areas are more strategically targeted as communities with a greater percentage of families with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage and associated risk than SS areas. Families in the toddler parenting trial based in FS areas, recruited without any additional screening, were experiencing higher levels of socio-economic deprivation, mental health problems and parenting stress as well as other known risks to child outcomes than the general population. However, when compared with the individually targeted population recruited for the SS study, they were shown to be experiencing significantly lower levels of these and other risks factors for poor child outcomes than the sample recruited for the SS trial where recruitment was based on known child risk factors. The paper discusses these findings and explores the implications of targeting by geographical area (community level targeting) alone vs targeting individual families by known risk factors. The findings suggest that screening measures would identify children at greatest risk of poor outcomes and whose families might benefit from additional targeted services. Suggestions for possible screening measures are also made.Originality/value– This paper contributes to discussion about effective ways of allocating limited resources to best effect.
Parenting programmes: identification and referral
Authors: Khan Lorraine , Parsonage Michael , Rosa Brown Elena 
Published: August 2013

Purpose– Behavioural problems in childhood often lead to poor long-term outcomes, including increased risk of adult mental illness, unemployment, criminality and shorter life expectancy. Most parents of affected children ask for help, usually from teachers or general practitioners, but only a small minority go on to access well implemented evidence-based programmes of early intervention. A strong body of research demonstrates the effectiveness of these programmes, but much less is known about the practicalities of identification and referral which are among the key ingredients of good implementation.Design/methodology/approach– This paper adds to existing knowledge on these topics, drawing on a wider empirical study of the delivery of parenting programmes in this country, based on detailed case studies in four local areas and a national survey of parenting leads.Findings– Identification and referral is a complex process, requiring parents to acknowledge challenges in the management of a child's behaviour, overcome feelings of failure or stigma risking disclosure to professionals. It relies on professionals understanding the significance of what they see or hear, knowing where to refer families and having effective motivational skills to promote the willingness of parents to engage with programmes. Different perceptions of poor childhood behaviour delay access to appropriate help, particularly for those with severe problems. Referral pathways are often complex and not well understood by professionals in routine contact with families or working with high-risk groups.Originality/value– Although there is a strong body of research outlining what works to promote better outcomes for children with early behavioural difficulties, there is less detailed understanding of identification, help seeking and “real world” barriers preventing parents and children benefitting from effective parenting support.
Comparison of innate immune activation after prolonged feeding of milk fermented with three species of Lactobacilli
Authors: Kapila Rajeev , Sebastian Renjith , Varma D Vivek Phani , Sharma Rohit , Kapasiya Meena , Salingati Vamshi , Kapila Suman , Dang Ajay K. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThe present investigation aimed at identifying the abilities of three different species of probiotic lactobacilli to modulate cellular immune responses in mouse neutrophils and macrophages in vivo over a study period of 60 days. Neutrophil respiratory burst enzymes (cytochrome c reductase and MPO) showed remarkable increased activity (P ≤ 0.01) after consumption of milks fermented by different species of probiotics over 30 and 60 days of feeding trials. Enzyme activities (β‐galactosidase and β‐glucuronidase) and nitric oxide production also increased considerably (P ≤ 0.01) in macrophages, both in peritoneal fluid and in enriched cell cultures. The effects of enhanced enzyme activities were corroborated by simultaneous increases in the phagocytic activities of neutrophils and macrophages. The increases in cellular functions were invariably maximal during the first 30 days of study and were maintained, but did not increase, over the next 30 days. Further, Lactobacillus helveticus‐fed groups were most effective at modulating neutrophil functions whereas Lactobacillus paracasei‐fed groups were more potent at enhancing macrophage functions. Together, our results indicate that probiotics have strain specific effects on stimulating cellular functions while not causing excessive stimulation of the immune system over longer feeding periods, thereby resulting in maximum and stable health benefits.
Accuracy of a scoring system for the differential diagnosis of common gastric subepithelial tumors based on endoscopic ultrasonography
Authors: Seo Sung Woo , Hong Su Jin , Han Jae Pil , Choi Moon Han , Song Jeong‐Yeop , Kim Hee Kyung , Lee Tae Hee , Ko Bong Min , Cho Joo Young , Lee Joon Seong , Lee Moon Sung 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveWe aimed to validate a new scoring system for the differential diagnosis of gastric subepithelial tumors (SET) based on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) findings, and to determine its diagnostic yield for different gastric SET.MethodsData of patients with gastric SET treated with endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical resection from April 2001 to October 2012 at the Soonchunhyang University Hospital (Bucheon, Korea) were retrospectively reviewed. Four variables, including location, shape, layer of origin and echogenicity of the tumor on EUS were used to validate the new scoring system.ResultsAmong the 226 patients with gastric SET, 69 (30.5%) had gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), 68 (30.1%) had ectopic pancreas and 35 (15.5%) had leiomyoma. Most GIST were located at the fundus and body (79.7%), whereas most leiomyomas were found at the cardia (80.0%). Ectopic pancreas was mostly found at the antrum (88.2%). GIST were mainly irregular and round in shape, while ectopic pancreas and lipoma were oval and leiomyomas were irregularly shaped on EUS. With a score range of 0–1 for leiomyoma, 2–3 for GIST, 4–6 for ectopic pancreas and 7–8 for lipoma, the sensitivity and specificity of the scoring system were 75.8% and 85.4% for GIST, 84.6% and 73.1% for ectopic pancreas, 75.9% and 99.5% for leiomyoma and 91.7% and 96.7% for lipoma, respectively.ConclusionsThe new scoring system was simple and relatively useful for predicting the histology of gastric SET without acquiring tissues. Prospective studies with large sample sizes are needed in the future.
Optimisation of RNA interference‐mediated gene silencing in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Yang Jing , Han Zhao‐jun 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) holds great potential as a new measure for pest management. However, RNAi effectiveness varies greatly in insects from species to species. Insects in the order Lepidoptera are among the most difficult species for utilisation of RNAi‐based methods. In this study, we chose the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera as a target for optimising conditions for RNAi‐based gene silencing. We used the gene chitinase as the target since its effectiveness has been demonstrated in many other species previously. We found that the target location has little effect on the efficiency of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐induced gene silencing as long as it is located within the coding region. The size of the dsRNA must be above 25 bp. The most important factor for higher RNAi efficiency was the dosage of dsRNAs. No silencing effect was observed if dsRNA was less than 0.425 μg/day. A linear increase was observed when dsRNA concentrations increased from 0.425 μg to 10.625 μg/day. Saturation reached at 53.125 μg/day. It was the first report on the optimisation of RNAi conditions in terms of dsRNA target locations, target sizes and dsRNA dosages on the cotton bollworm, and we believe these results should provide a foundation for further research towards utilisation of RNAi‐based technologies for the management of this important insect pest.
S‐100 Protein‐Positive Mast Cells in Canine Paranal Sinus (Sinus paranalis)
Authors: Stefanov I. , Vodenicharov A. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to establish the immunocytochemical expression of S‐100 protein in mast cells, localized in the wall of dog's paranal sinus. Control serial sections were used for immunocytochemical detection of tryptase‐positive mast cells. It was observed that S‐100‐positive cells have the same morphology and localization as the tryptase‐positive mast cells, which indicated that S‐100‐positive cells are most probably mast cells with abilities as dendritic cells. In conclusion, for the first time, the current study gave evidence that mast cells in this organ possess one more function, such as dendritic cells.
Inpatient dermatology: Pattern of admissions and patients’ characteristics in an Australian hospital
Authors: Bale Jessica , Chee Paul 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo report the pattern of dermatology admissions and inpatient characteristics at a tertiary Australian hospital and compare the data with international studies.MethodsThe study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Clinical databases were searched retrospectively to include all inpatient admissions under dermatology from 1 January to 31 December 2011. The medical records were reviewed to gather data on age, sex, ethnicity, length of stay, referral and follow‐up source, diagnosis and other consultations obtained during the admission.ResultsIn all, 97 patients were admitted during the 12‐month period, of whom 44% were female and 56% male. The most frequent reasons for admission were dermatitis or eczema and ulcers. The average length of stay was 10 days, with a median of 5 days. A total of 80% of patients had a stay duration of 10 days or less, and 6% were in hospital for more than 30 days. The diagnosis that accounted for the longest length of stay was ulcers. A large proportion of patients required consultation from another medical specialty during their admission with 91 specialist consultations taking place for the study group.ConclusionsInpatient treatment plays a fundamental role in the management of complex and severe dermatological disease and comparison of these results to future studies in other dermatology units around Australia and internationally may be a valuable area of further work.
Treg Cells Are Negatively Correlated with Increased Memory B Cells in Pre‐eclampsia While Maintaining Suppressive Function on Autologous B‐Cell Proliferation
Authors: Zeng Bin , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Liu Ying , Liao Ai‐Hua 
Published: August 2013

ProblemThe objective of this study was to determine the simultaneous changes and the correlation between circulating regulatory T (Tregs) and B‐cell subsets in normal pregnancy (NP) and pre‐eclampsia (PE). Meanwhile, the regulatory function of Tregs on B‐cell proliferation was evaluated in vitro.Method of studyA total of 32 PE and 40 NP women matched for age, gestational age, and parity were included. Using flow cytometry, the percentages of peripheral blood Tregs and B‐cell subsets were determined. Moreover, the regulatory function of Tregs on autologous B‐cell proliferation in PE and NP was investigated in vitro by flow cytometry and analyzed by modfit software.ResultsThe proportions (%) of CD4+ Foxp3+ (P < 0.001) and CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ (P < 0.01) cells within total CD4+ T cells were significantly decreased in PE as compared to those of NP. However, no difference was found in CD4+ CD25+ cells in CD4+ T cell population. CD19+ CD27+ (P < 0.05) and CD19+ CD27+ IgD+ (P < 0.01) B cells within CD19+ B cells (%) in PE were higher than those of NP. Negative correlations between the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ in CD4+ T cells and that of CD19+ CD27+ (r = −0.384, P < 0.05) and CD19+ CD27+ IgD+ (r = −0.402, P < 0.05) in CD19+ B cells were present in PE but not in NP. Furthermore, the in vitro study demonstrated a significant increase in B‐cell proliferation in PE as compared to NP. Tregs in PE were able to suppress the proliferation and precursor frequency of autologous B cells (P < 0.05 each).ConclusionThe study indicates that a negative correlation between Tregs and memory B cells is present in women with PE, characterized by a systemic decrease in Tregs and an increase in memory B cells. Although the quantitative deficit of Tregs is present in PE, the Tregs still have a suppressive role in autologous B‐cell proliferation.
Molecular alterations of Ras‐Raf‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐Akt signaling pathways in colorectal cancers from a tertiary hospital at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Yip Wai Kien , Choo Chee Wei , Leong Vincent Ching‐Shian , Leong Pooi Pooi , Jabar Mohd Faisal , Seow Heng Fong 
Published: August 2013

Molecular alterations in KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and PTEN have been implicated in designing targeted therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study aimed to determine the status of these molecular alterations in Malaysian CRCs as such data are not available in the literature. We investigated the mutations of KRAS, BRAF, and PTEN, the gene amplification of PIK3CA, and the protein expression of PTEN and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit (p110α) by direct DNA sequencing, quantitative real‐time PCR, and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in 49 CRC samples. The frequency of KRAS (codons 12, 13, and 61), BRAF (V600E), and PTEN mutations, and PIK3CA amplification was 25.0% (11/44), 2.3% (1/43), 0.0% (0/43), and 76.7% (33/43), respectively. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated loss of PTEN protein in 54.5% (24/44) of CRCs and no significant difference in PI3K p110α expression between CRCs and the adjacent normal colonic mucosa (p = 0.380). PIK3CA amplification was not associated with PI3K p110α expression level, but associated with male cases (100% of male cases vs 56% of female cases harbored amplified PIK3CA, p = 0.002). PI3K p110α expression was significantly higher (p = 0.041) in poorly/moderately differentiated carcinoma compared with well‐differentiated carcinoma. KRAS mutation, PIK3CA amplification, PTEN loss, and PI3K p110α expression did not correlate with Akt phosphorylation or Ki‐67 expression. KRAS mutation, PIK3CA amplification, and PTEN loss were not mutually exclusive. This is the first report on CRC in Malaysia showing comparable frequency of KRAS mutation and PTEN loss, lower BRAF mutation rate, higher PIK3CA amplification frequency, and rare PTEN mutation, as compared with published reports.