bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface Oxidation of Steel Powder
Authors: Grinder O. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPowder metallurgical production of fully dense steel such as high‐speed steel, tool steel and stainless steel is of large industrial importance. The process route is as follows: melting – inert gas atomization – encapsulation – hot isostatic pressing and subsequently often also hot forming. Final products comprise near‐net‐shape components, billets and semi‐finished parts e.g. rods. The mechanical and functional properties of the PM steels are often superior to those of conventional manufactured steels over casting + forging with the same chemical composition. The properties of the PM‐steels are highly dependant on their oxide contents. There are three types of oxides in PM‐steels: exogenous and endogenous slag inclusions and oxides originating from surface oxidation of the atomized particles. The negative effect from the inclusions on the properties of the PM‐steels is dependant on their origin. The exogenous inclusions are normally highly detrimental while the endogenous inclusions are harmless. Surface oxides are harmful when present in larger amounts.A special experimental technique was developed to study surface oxidation of powders. Large emphasis was also focused on sampling to enable that the oxygen determination was representative of the bulk powder. The results thus obtained gave most important information on when and how the atomized powder was oxidized during the process. Furthermore, a new methodology was developed based on the experimental results. It is now used world‐wide for quality control of atomized steel powders. This method enables the distinction between exogenous + endogenous inclusions and surface oxides.
Interfacial Reaction between Refractory Materials and Metallurgical Slags containing Fluoride
Authors: Park J.H. , Suk M.O. , Jung I.‐H. , Guo M. , Blanpain B. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractInterfacial reaction between refractory materials such as zirconia, magnesia and doloma brick, and the metallurgical slags of the CaO‐SiO2‐MgO‐CaF2 system with varying CaF2 content were investigated at high temperatures using various methodologies with static and dynamic modes. To figure out the corrosion mechanism due to interfacial reaction with the slag, the slag characteristics were examined in terms of flow temperature and viscosity and the corroded interface of zirconia, magnesia and doloma refractories were analyzed by SEM‐EDS and EPMA. With an addition of CaF2, three different layers were formed at the interface between slag and zirconia refractory. Furthermore, the corrosion of zirconia refractory was found to be accelerated with an increase of CaF2 which facilitated the dissolution of intermediate compounds. The penetration of slag through the grain boundaries of MgO refractory is enhanced by increasing the content of CaF2 due to an increase in the fluidity of slag in the dynamic mode. On the other hand, in the static condition, a dense Ca2SiO4 layer is formed at the hot face of magnesia‐doloma refractory due to a reaction between silica in slag and lime in doloma, resulting in the protection of direct corrosion of refractory brick. However, the thickness of C2S layer decreases with increasing content of CaF2 due to an increase in fluidity of slag.
Carbothermal Solid State Reduction of Stable Metal Oxides
Authors: Ostrovski O. , Zhang G. , Kononov R. , Dewan M.A.R. , Li J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe paper considers carbothermal solid state reduction of manganese, titanium and aluminium oxides in argon, helium and hydrogen. The difference in reduction in helium and argon was reflected by different diffusion coefficients of gaseous reactants and products, which are much higher in helium than in argon. When carbothermal reduction took place in hydrogen, it was involved in the reduction process by reducing oxides to suboxides and forming methane.Manganese and titanium oxides were reduced to carbide Mn7C3 and oxycarbide Ti(OxC1‐x) correspondingly, while products of alumina reduction included carbide Al4C3 and vapours of Al and Al2O, which were re‐oxidised to Al4O4C outside the reactor and deposited in the lower temperature zone. Gas atmosphere had a profound effect on the extent and rate of reduction. This effect was different in reduction of different oxides. Reduction of manganese oxides was the fastest in hydrogen, and faster in helium than in argon. Reduction of titania in argon and helium proceeded with about the same rate and was much faster in hydrogen than in the inert atmospheres. The rate and extent of alumina reduction in hydrogen and helium were higher than in argon, although no significant difference was observed in alumina reduction in hydrogen and helium. This reflects differences in reduction mechanisms, which are discussed in the paper.
Chasing “Shadows”: Discovering the Subtleties of Sestamibi Scans to Facilitate Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Neychev Vladimir K. , Kouniavsky Guennadi , Shiue Zita , Udall Don N. , Somervell Helina , Umbricht Christopher B. , Zeiger Martha A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundWith the advent of sestamibi scans, high‐resolution ultrasonography (US), and intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurements, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is considered the standard of care for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Preoperative imaging, however, can be negative more than 20% of the time.MethodsWe chose to examine one surgeon’s experience with patients who presented with PHPT and negative or indeterminate preoperative imaging from July 1993 to September 2009. A retrospective review of a parathyroid surgery database and patient records was conducted to collect the following information: patient age and sex; calcium and PTH levels; sestamibi and US results; and operative reports. Each sestamibi scan had been re‐reviewed preoperatively by the surgeon with a nuclear medicine physician. The study cohort included patients with negative or indeterminate sestamibi results and a negative or no US report in which the surgeon was able to identify a “shadow” or subtlety on sestamibi and plan an MIP.ResultsA total of 126 patients had a negative or indeterminate sestamibi scan and a negative or no US report. “Shadows” or subtleties were found in 18 of 44 (41%) of the cases with a negative sestamibi and in 62 of 82 (76%) of cases with an indeterminate sestamibi scan. For these 80 cases a MIP was planned. In all, 7 of 80 (9%) were converted to a bilateral exploration. The remaining 46 patients underwent a planned bilateral exploration. Cure rates were comparable: 99% in the study group compared to 97% in the group who underwent a planned or converted bilateral exploration.ConclusionsWith careful preoperative re‐review of a negative or indeterminate sestamibi scan and the identification of subtleties in patients with a negative preoperative US scan, a successful MIP can be performed 91% of the time with a 98% cure rate.
Vegetation coverage, species richness, and dune stability in the southern part of Gurbantünggüt Desert
Authors: Song Yuyang , Zhou Chaobin , Zhang Wenhui 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between vegetation coverage, species richness, and environmental factors, and also analyzed the relationship between vegetation coverage, species richness, and dune stability in different terrains, in the southern part of Gurbantünggüt Desert in China. The results showed that the order of vegetation coverage and species richness was greatest in middle areas, followed by the eastern areas, with the western areas being sparse. On a large scale, precipitation from April to June determined the amount of vegetation coverage. On a small scale, vegetation coverage was influenced by the type of terrain and the water and salt content in soils. Species richness of vegetation was determined by soil water and salt content on both the large and small scales. There were also remarkable differences in relative wind erosion among the different terrains and their order was: crest, slope, and inter‐dune in descending order. The correlations between wind erosion and vegetation coverage and species richness were influenced by the type of terrain. Furthermore, there were significant correlations between wind erosion and vegetation coverage and species richness in dune slopes and crests. There was, however, no significant correlation between wind erosion and vegetation coverage and species richness in inter‐dune sites. Vegetation coverage was the dominant factor influencing wind erosion in both slopes and crests. Species richness may have an impact on wind erosion through vegetation coverage in both slopes and crests. These results suggest that the effect of terrain type should be fully considered during the establishment of vegetation cover in the desert.
Predictors of Successful Outcomes in First Web Space Contracture Release
Authors: Masden Derek L. , Higgins James P. 
Published: September 2010

Background The success of a first web space contracture release is dependent on the individual parameters of thumb movement. Examining these parameters individually, it is possible to predict which components are important for providing successful outcomes. Methods We identified all patients who underwent a first web space contracture release over 7 years. Patients were examined for the following: radial abduction—abduction of the thumb in the plane of the hand; palmar abduction—abduction of the thumb 90° to the plane of the hand; and opposition—distance between first and fifth palmar digital crease. Measurements were compared between affected and unaffected hands, and correlations between components and patients' Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were determined. Results Thirty-nine patients underwent release of a first web space contracture; 11 agreed to participate. Opposition distance was significantly greater in the affected hand than in the unaffected hand. Grip strength was significantly lower in the affected hand. There were no significant differences in the radial or palmer abduction angles between hands. There was a moderate relationship between opposition distance and DASH score. There was no relationship between DASH and the other physical measurements. Conclusions It is possible to obtain normal radial and palmar abduction angles after first web space release; however, success is not dependent on these absolute angles of abduction. Success of a release is related to the amount of opposition obtained, and it is difficult to achieve equivalent opposition to the unaffected hand. Grip strength and opposition remain decreased following contracture release.
Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Se3 Nanostructures
Authors: Kadel K , Kumari Latha , Li WZ , Huang Jian Yu , Provencio Paula P 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) nanostructures were synthesized via solvothermal method. The crystallinity of the as-synthesized sample has been analyzed by X-ray diffraction, which shows the formation of rhombohedral Bi2Se3. Electron microscopy examination indicates that the Bi2Se3 nanoparticles have hexagonal flake-like shape. The effect of the synthesis temperature on the morphology of the Bi2Se3 nanostructures has also been investigated. It is found that the particle size increases with the synthesis temperature. Thermoelectric properties of the Bi2Se3 nanostructures were also measured, and the maximum value of dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) of 0.096 was obtained at 523 K.
Evaluating Esters Derived from Mustard Oil (Sinapis alba) as Potential Diesel Additives
Authors: Issariyakul Titipong , Dalai Ajay K. , Desai Prabhat 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBiodiesel was produced from mustard oil utilizing transesterification with methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol to evaluate the characteristics of mustard biodiesel as an additive to regular diesel. Mustard oil was transesterified with alcohol at 6:1 alcohol to oil molar ratio, using KOH as a catalyst at 1 wt%. The maximum ester content achieved by this method was only 66%. Distillation was then used to purify the ester, raising the ester content to 99.8%. Alternatively, mustard oil methyl ester (MME) can be mixed with esters derived from canola oil or soybean oil to achieve an ASTM quality biodiesel. Biodiesel derived from mustard showed great potential as lubricity additive for regular diesel fuel. With an addition of 1% MME, lubricity of diesel fuel was improved by 43.7%. It is also found that methyl ester is the best lubricity additive among all esters (methyl‐, ethyl‐, propyl‐, and butyl‐ester). MME can be used at −16 °C without freezing whereas monounsaturated compounds (oleic, eicosenoic, and erucic esters) largely present in esters derived from mustard oil can tolerate −42 to −58 °C. Monounsaturated esters derived from higher alcohols such as butyl alcohol demonstrated a superior low temperature tolerance (−58 °C) as compared to that derived from lower alcohol such as methyl alcohol (−42 °C).
Determinants of sleep patterns in healthy Japanese 5‐year‐old children
Authors: Iwata Sachiko , Iwata Osuke , Iemura Akiko , Iwasaki Mizue , Matsuishi Toyojiro 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundEarly childhood is an important period for the development of sleep patterns; studies of sleep patterns in young preschool children may help elucidate the mechanism of associated mental/physical conditions and later sleep problems.Aim and methodsThe aim of this study was to investigate intrinsic and extrinsic independent variables associated with sleep patterns in preschool children using actigraphy. Forty‐eight 5‐year‐old children from two types of nurseries, which accommodate children with (Type A) or without (Type B) in‐home caregivers, were invited to undergo a 7‐day actigraphic sleep study.ResultsCompared with weekdays, both sleep onset time and sleep end time were later on weekends (28 and 17 min later in average, respectively). On weekdays, cultural lessons were associated with a later sleep onset time (22 min later); female gender, sports lessons and fixed bathing times were related with an earlier sleep end time (17, 21 and 17 min earlier, respectively); sports lessons were also associated with higher sleep efficiency (3.7% higher). During weekends, unfixed bedtimes and daytime naps were related with a later sleep onset time (73 and 54 min later, respectively); male gender, Type A nursery and daytime naps were associated with a later sleep end time (33, 37 and 34 min later, respectively); sports lessons were associated with higher sleep efficiency (3.6% higher).ConclusionsOur current findings suggested that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as gender, child care, lifestyle and after‐nursery lessons, influence the establishment of sleep patterns in young preschool children. Further investigation of these independent variables may help establish a strategy for predicting and preventing sleep disorders later in life.
High sugar consumption and poor nutrient intake among drug addicts in Oslo, Norway
Authors: Sæland M. , Haugen M. , Eriksen F.-L. , Wandel M. , Smehaugen A. , Böhmer T. , Oshaug A. 
Published: September 2010

Poor dietary habits among drug addicts represent health hazards. However, very few studies have focused on dietary intake as an independent health risk factor in relation to this group. The objective of the present study was to examine the dietary habits of drug addicts living on the fringes of an affluent society. The study focused on food access, food preferences, intake of energy and nutrients, and related nutrient blood concentrations. The respondent group consisted of 123 male and seventy-two female drug addicts, who participated in a cross-sectional study that included a 24 h dietary recall, blood samples, anthropometrical measurements and a semi-structured interview concerning food access and preferences. Daily energy intake varied from 0 to 37 MJ. Food received from charitable sources and friends/family had a higher nutrient density than food bought by the respondents. Added sugar accounted for 30 % of the energy intake, which was mirrored in biomarkers. Sugar and sugar-sweetened food items were preferred by 61 % of the respondents. Of the respondents, 32 % had a TAG concentration above the reference values, while 35 % had a cholesterol concentration beneath the reference values. An elevated serum Cu concentration indicated inflammation among the respondents. Further research on problems related to the diets of drug addicts should focus on dietary habits and aim to uncover connections that may reinforce inebriation and addiction.
A new thrombospondin-related anonymous protein homologue inNeospora caninum(NcMIC2-like1)
Authors: PEREIRA L. M. , CANDIDO-SILVA J. A. , DE VRIES E. , YATSUDA A. P. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYNeospora caninumis an Apicomplexan protozoan that has the dog as a definitive host and cattle (among other animals) as intermediate hosts. It causes encephalopathy in dogs and abortion in cows, with significant loss in worldwide livestock. As any Apicomplexan, the parasite invades the cells using proteins contained in the phylum-specific organelles, like the micronemes, rhoptries and dense granules. The aim of this study was the characterization of a homologue (denominated NcMIC2-like1) ofN. caninumthrombospondin-related anonymous protein (NcMIC2), a micronemal protein previously shown to be involved in the attachment and connection with the intracellular motor responsible for the active process of invasion. A polyclonal antiserum raised against the recombinant NcMIC2-like1 functional core (thrombospondin and integrin domains) recognized the native form of NcMIC2-like1, inhibited thein vitroinvasion process and localized NcMIC2-like1 at the apical complex of the parasite by confocal immunofluorescence, indicating its micronemal localization. The new molecule, NcMIC2-like1, has features that differentiates it from NcMIC2 in a substantial way to be considered a homologue†.
Parasites of the shore crab Carcinus maenas (L.): implications for reproductive potential and invasion success
Authors: ZETLMEISL C. , HERMANN J. , PETNEY T. , GLENNER H. , GRIFFITHS C. , TARASCHEWSKI H. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThe European shore crab, Carcinus maenas, is one of the most successful marine invasive species. Its success has been in part attributed to the loss of parasites, rekindling an interest in host-parasite interactions and impacts on host fitness in this crab. In the present study, we investigated C. maenas populations from Europe, South Africa and Australia for parasites, and assessed their impact on the fitness of male crabs. For the shore crab, testes weight along with success in mating competition is traded off against other life-history traits. We therefore used this parameter as an indicator both for reproductive fitness and a possible resource trade-off in response to parasite infestation. In the native range, crabs infested with Sacculina carcini showed significantly lower testes weight than uninfected crabs. However, helminth parasites did not generally cause reduced testes weights. Crab populations from South Africa and Australia were either parasitized at very low prevalences, or were completely parasite free. However, no population level effect of this parasite release was reflected in testes weight. These findings do not support a severe fitness impact of helminth parasites on C. maenas, which questions the role of parasites on its population dynamics, both in the native area and for invasive success.
Participation of inositol trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors inBufo arenarumoocyte activation
Authors: Ajmat M.T. , Bonilla F. , Zelarayán L. , Bühler M.I. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryCalcium is considered the most important second messenger at fertilization. Transient release from intracellular stores is modulated through both agonist-gated channels, IP3Rs and RyRs, which can be found individually or together depending on the oocyte species. Using the four commonly used compounds (thimerosal, caffeine, heparin and ruthenium red), we investigated the existence and interdependence of both IP3Rs and RyRs in matureBufo arenarumoocytes. We found that caffeine, a well known specific RyRs agonist, was able to trigger oocyte activation in a dose-dependent manner. Microinjection of 10 mM caffeine showed 100% of oocytes exhibiting characteristic morphological criteria of egg activation. Ruthenium red, the specific RyR blocker, was able to inhibit oocyte activation induced either by sperm or caffeine. Our present findings provide the first reported evidence of the existence of RyR in frogs. We further explored the relationship between IP3Rs and RyRs inB. arenarumoocytes by exposing them to the agonists of one class after injecting a blocker of the other class of receptor. We found that thimerosal overcame the inhibitory effect of RyR on oocyte activation, indicating that IP3Rs function as independent receptors. In contrast, previous injection of heparin delayed caffeine-induced calcium release, revealing a relative dependence of RyRs on functional IP3Rs, probably through a CICR mechanism. Both receptors play a role in Ca2+release mechanisms although their relative contribution to the activation process is unclear.
Participation of MAPK, PKA and PP2A in the regulation of MPF activity inBufo arenarumoocytes
Authors: Toranzo G. Sánchez , Bonilla F. , Bühler M.C. Gramajo , Bühler M.I. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe objectives of the present paper were to study the involvement and possible interactions of both cAMP-PKA and protein phosphatases inBufo arenarumoocyte maturation and to determine if these pathways are independent or not of the MAP kinase (MAPK) cascade. Our results indicated that the inhibition of PKA by treatment with H-89, an inhibitor of the catalytic subunit of PKA, was capable of inducing GVBD in a dose-dependent manner by a pathway in which Cdc25 phosphatase but not the MAPK cascade is involved. The injection of 50 nl of H-89 10 μM produced GVBD percentages similar to those obtained with treatment with progesterone. In addition, the assays with okadaic acid (OA), a PP2A inhibitor, significantly enhanced the percentage of oocytes that resumed meiosis by a signal transducing pathway in which the activation of the MEK–MAPK pathway is necessary, but in which Cdc25 phosphatase was not involved. Treatment with H-89, was able to overcome the inhibitory effect of PKA on GVBD; however, the inhibition of Cdc25 activity with NaVO3was able to overcome the induction of GVBD by H-89. Although the connections between PKA and other signalling molecules that regulate oocytes maturation are still unclear, our results suggest that phosphatase Cdc25 may be the direct substrate of PKA. InXenopusoocytes it was proposed that PP2A, a major Ser/Thr phosphatase present, is a negative regulator of Cdc2 activation. However, inBufo arenarumoocytes, inhibition of Cdc25 with NaVO3did not inhibit OA-induced maturation, suggesting that the target of PP2A was not the Cdc25 phosphatase. MAPK activation has been reported to be essential inXenopusoocytes GVBD. InB. arenarumoocytes we demonstrated that the inhibition of MAPK by PD 98059 prevented the activation of MPF induced by OA, suggesting that the activation of the MAPK cascade produced an inhibition of Myt1 and, in consequence, the activation of MPF without participation of the Cdc25 phosphatase. Our results suggest that in incompetent oocytes ofB. arenarumtwo signal transduction pathways may be involved in the control of MPF activation: (1) the inhibition of phosphatase 2A that through the MEK–MAPK pathway regulates the activity of the Myt1; and (2) the inhibition of AMPc–PKA, which affects the activity of the Cdc25 phosphatase.