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The effects of superalloy composition and Pt content on the high-temperature oxidation behavior of γ-γ' NiPtAl diffusion coatings were investigated over the temperature range of 1050-1150 °C. Simple NiPtAl diffusion coatings with 7 or 12 µm electroplated Pt thickness were evaluated in 1-h cycles in dry O for up to 2500 cycles on four superalloys: directionally solidified (DS) alloy 142, 1st generation single-crystal (SX) alloy 1483, and 2nd generation SX alloys X4 and N5. Coatings on high-Hf alloy 142 experienced severe internal oxidation of Hf at all temperatures. Coatings on ~5 at. % Ti alloy 1483 were protective at 1050 °C, but exhibited severe scale spallation at 1100 °C, with extensive formation of Ti- and Ni-rich oxides at the gas interface. Coatings with 7-µm Pt on X4 were extremely protective at 1100 °C, but failed rapidly at 1150 °C, which also was associated with the formation of Ti-rich oxides. Increasing the coating Pt content on X4 improved the 1150 °C oxidation behavior. Coatings on Ti-free N5 showed the best performance at 1150 °C, especially with 12-µm Pt. Although γ-γ' coatings can exhibit outstanding cyclic oxidation resistance with minimal Al depletion, they appear to be sensitive to substrate composition, as well as eventual Pt depletion due to interdiffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacotherapeutic agents that could facilitate extinction of cocaine cues would be useful in the treatment of cocaine addiction. We tested whether SR 21502, a selective dopamine (DA) D3 receptor antagonist, can facilitate extinction of cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats.Methods: In experiment 1, cocaine (10mg/kg) CPP was first established and then extinguished. During the extinction phase the rats were injected with SR 21502 and placed in the previously cocaine-paired compartment for four sessions and vehicle in the other compartment on four alternating sessions. The rats were then tested again for cocaine CPP. In experiment 2, different groups of rats were trained to associate SR 21502 with one compartment and saline with the other.Results: In experiment 1, the animals spent significantly more time in the cocaine-paired compartment after cocaine conditioning than they did before conditioning. Subsequently, the animals treated with SR 21502 during the extinction phase spent significantly less time in the cocaine-paired compartment than the vehicle group. In experiment 2, animals conditioned with SR 21502 preferred neither side of the CPP apparatus, indicating that SR 21502 produced no effects of its own.Conclusions: These findings suggest that treatment with SR 21502, a DA D3 receptor antagonist, in the presence of cocaine cues can facilitate extinction of cocaine CPP and further suggest that this compound might be an effective cocaine addiction treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new, cast austenitic stainless steel, CF8C-Plus (CF8C-P), has been developed for a wide range of high temperature applications, including diesel exhaust components, turbine casings and turbocharger housings. CF8C-P offers significant improvements in creep rupture life and creep rupture strength over standard CF8C steel. However, at higher temperatures and in aggressive environments such as those containing significant water vapor, an oxidation-resistant protective coating will be necessary to extend service life. The oxidation behavior of alloys CF8C and CF8C-P with various aluminide coatings were compared at 800 °C in air plus 10 vol% water vapor. Due to their affordability, slurry aluminides were the primary coating system of interest, although chemical vapor deposition and pack cementation coatings were also compared. Additionally, a preliminary study of the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior of aluminized CF8C-P was conducted at 800 °C. Each type of coating provided substantial improvements in oxidation behavior, with simple slurry aluminides exhibiting very good oxidation resistance after 3,000 h testing in water vapor. Preliminary LCF results indicated that thicker aluminide coatings degraded high temperature fatigue properties of CF8C-P, whereas thinner coatings did not. Results suggest that appropriately designed slurry aluminide coatings are a viable option for economical, long-term oxidation protection of austenitic stainless steels in water vapor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To familiarize primary care providers (PCPs) with the pathophysiological processes, diagnostic evaluation, and medical management of sickle hemoglobinopathies and their complications. Current standards of care, clinical research advances, and new treatment options will also be addressed to assist PCPs in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD). Data sources: Aselective search and review of the current literature on SCD and the authors' experience. Conclusions: Management of individuals with SCD is very complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach that includes the patient or parent, PCP, specialist, nurse, and social worker. More patients living with SCD are relying on PCPs in nonspecialty practices for comprehensive disease management. Implications for practice: Newborn screening detects new cases of SCD annually. The median life expectancy has more than doubled for individuals with sickle cell anemia. Healthcare providers are now in an era of increased routine screening, assessment, and management of chronic complications from this illness not previously seen in the care of adults with SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many health-care professionals have a great deal of experience at providing chronic wound care but continue to struggle with the challenge of managing exudate. Although healthy exudate promotes wound healing, excessive exudate is not only a sign that something may be wrong with the wound, but can also have a significant impact on the individual affected. This supplement aims to clarify the principles of exudate assessment and management. It will outline the characteristics and function of exudate in the acute and chronic wound while highlighting the essential elements of identification and management of wound exudate. This will include the impact of excessive or prolonged exudation and the correlation of this to maceration, excoriation, infection and fragile skin. Management strategies to prevent skin damage will be discussed including the use of emollients and active fluid management using wound management products. In addition, the potential impact of excessive exudate on the quality of the individual's life will be highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAlcohol is commonly considered to be associated with persistence of common mental disorder (CMD; anxiety/depression). However no community-based longitudinal studies have investigated the direction of causality.MethodWe examined the association between alcohol consumption and recovery from CMD using data on 706 community-based subjects with CMD who were followed for 18 months. Alcohol consumption at baseline was defined as hazardous drinking [Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) 8], binge drinking (defined as six or more units of alcohol on one occasion, approximately two to three pints of commercially sold beer) and dependence.ResultsWhen compared with a non-binge-drinking group, non-recovery at follow-up was associated with binge drinking on at least a monthly basis at baseline, although the confidence interval (CI) included unity [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.47, 95% CI 0.89?2.45]. There was also weak evidence that alcohol dependence was associated with non-recovery (adjusted OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.67?2.81). There was little evidence to support hazardous drinking as a risk factor for non-recovery (adjusted OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.67?1.88).ConclusionsBinge drinking may be a potential risk factor for non-recovery from CMD, although the possibility of no effect cannot be excluded. Larger studies are required to refute or confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates the QuickBeam radar simulator of the CloudSat.

Silicon nitride ceramic vanes coated with chemical vapor-deposited (CVD) mullite, CVD alumina, and plasma-sprayed tantalum oxide were exposed to field tests in an industrial gas turbine engine. Results varied due to expected non-uniformities in the CVD coating microstructures, but dense CVD mullite/alumina showed excellent stability and protective capacity after 1148 h of engine testing. Surfaces without CVD coatings experienced massive intragranular subsurface oxidation and/or rapid recession of the ceramic substrate due to volatilization of silica species formed by oxidation. These results suggest that thin (<5 μm), dense, high-purity CVD mullite and CVD alumina are viable components for an environmental barrier coating system to protect structural ceramics in combustion environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rhizosphere is the site of intense interactions between plant, bacterial, and fungal partners. In plant-bacterial interactions, signal molecules exuded by the plant affect both primary initiation and subsequent behavior of the bacteria in complex beneficial associations such as biocontrol. However, despite this general acceptance that plant-root exudates have an effect on the resident bacterial populations, very little is still known about the influence of these signals on bacterial gene expression and the roles of genes found to have altered expression in plant-microbial interactions. Analysis of the rhizospheric communities incorporating both established techniques, and recently developed “omic technologies” can now facilitate investigations into the molecular basis underpinning the establishment of beneficial plant-microbial interactomes in the rhizosphere. The understanding of these signaling processes, and the functions they regulate, is fundamental to understanding the basis of beneficial microbial–plant interactions, to overcoming existing limitations, and to designing improved strategies for the development of novel Pseudomonas biocontrol strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sx1TV2/16C is a mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line in which one copy of theSox1gene, an early neuroectodermal marker, has been targeted with a neomycin (G418) selection cassette. A combination of directed differentiation with retinoic acid and G418 selection results in an enriched neural stem cell population that can be further differentiated into neurons. After 6–7 days post-plating (D6–7PP) most neurons readily fired tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive action potentials due to the expression of TTX-sensitive Na+ and tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive K+ channels. Neurons reached their maximal cell capacitance after D6–7PP; however, ion channel expression continued until at least D21PP. The percentage of cells receiving spontaneous synaptic currents (s.s.c.) increased with days in culture until 100% of cells received a synaptic input by D20PP. Spontaneous synaptic currents were reduced in amplitude and frequency by TTX, or upon exposure to a Ca2+-free, 2.5 mmMg2+ saline. S.s.c. of rapid decay time constants were preferentially blocked by the nonNMDA glutamatergic receptor antagonists CNQX or NBQX. Ca2+ levels within ES cell-derived neurons increased in response to glutamate receptor agonistsl-glutamate, AMPA,N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and kainic acid and to acetylcholine, ATP and dopamine. ES cell-derived neurons also generated cationic and Cl–-selective currents in response to NMDA and glycine or GABA, respectively. It was concluded that ES-derived neurons fire action potentials, receive excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input and respond to various neurotransmitters in a manner akin to primary central neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This care study describes the application of an evidence-based approach to the care of an infant with a sacral haemangioma. It explores four key aspects of management: specific therapeutic modalities; local wound management; pain management; and management of infection. Clinical governance and evidence-based practice are now important elements of care delivery in the NHS (Department of Health (DoH), 1997). Current evidence relating to haemangiomas and wound management is critically appraised and applied to an individual patient within the primary care setting. The appropriateness of theories and models of nursing are considered in relation to holistic assessment. Recent evidence regarding the management of pain at dressing change (Moffatt et al, 2002) and its relevance to haemangiomas are highlighted. Reflective practice is an integral part of experiential learning and the development of practical knowledge (Ghaye, 2000). Reflective practice and critical analysis have facilitated the provision of high-quality care and allowed a deeper and clearer understanding of both practice and theory, and their relationship within clinical practice. It is concluded that reflective practice aids the delivery of high-quality care at a personal, professional and practice development level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apical membrane antigen I (AMA-l) is a promising vaccine candidate for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Antibodies against AMA-1 of P. falciparum (PfAMA-1) interrupt merozoite invasion into RBCs. Initially localized within the apical complex, PfAMA-1 is proteolytically processed and redistributed circumferentially on merozoites at about the time of their release and invasion into RBCs. An 83-kDa precursor form of PfAMA-1 is processed to 66-kDa and then to 48- and 44-kDa products. We show that, even at low concentrations, IgG antibodies against correctly folded recombinant PfAMA-1 cross-linked and trapped the 52-, 48-, and 44-kDa proteolytic products on merozoites. These products are normally shed into the culture medium. At higher concentrations antibodies inhibited invasion into RBCs and caused a reduction in the amount of 44- and 48-kDa products, both on merozoites and in the culture medium. A corresponding increase also occurred in the amount of the 66- and 52-kDa forms detected on the merozoites. These antibodies also prevented circumferential redistribution of AMA-1. In contrast, monovalent invasion-inhibitory Fab fragments caused accumulation of 66- and 52-kDa forms, with no cross-linking, trapping, or prevention of redistribution. Antibodies at Iow concentrations can be used as trapping agents for intermediate and soluble forms of AMA-1 and are useful for studying proteolytic processing of AMA-1. With this technique, it was confirmed that protease inhibitor chymostatin and Ca[SUP2+] chelators can inhibit the breakdown of the 66-kDa form. We propose that antibodies to AMA-1 capable of inhibiting erythrocyte invasion act by disrupting proteolytic processing of AMA-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia and the antiphospholipid syndrome-disorders known to contribute to both arterial and venous thrombosis. In both of these conditions and RVO, platelet activation occurs. Aspirin, not warfarin, is the most effective antithrombotic agent in RVO and, taken together, these observations suggest an important role for platelets in this common ocular thrombotic condition. Platelet glycoprotein Ia/IIa (GpIa/IIa) is an adhesion molecule mediating platelet-collagen interactions and is key to the initiation of thrombosis. Recently, the cellular density of this molecule was shown to be determined by two silent, linked polymorphisms (C807T/G873A) within the GpIa/IIa gene. There is evidence that some of the resulting genotypes are associated with thrombo-embolic disease. This study therefore aimed to establish the prevalence of the GpIa/IIa polymorphisms and the three commonest hereditary thrombophilic disorders (prothrombin gene G20210A (PT) mutation, Factor V Leiden (FVL), and the thermolabile methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase C677T (MTHFR) mutation) in patients with RVO and normal controls. The GpIa/IIa polymorphisms and thrombophilic abnormalities were all identified using the polymerase chain reaction.Our results show that the frequency of the GpIa/IIa polymorphisms was similar in our normal control population to previously published series. Patients with RVO, however, had only a 10% (4/40) frequency of the lowest risk subtype (CC/GG) compared to 37.5% (15/40) in the control group-P 0.0039. The incidence of the PT, FVL, and MTHFR thrombophilic mutations was not different between the two groups, but interestingly none of the 7/40 RVO cases with a PT, FVL, or MTHFR mutation had the low-risk GpIa/IIa genotype while all but one of the controls did-P`0.05. Thus, 17.5% of RVO patients harboured more than one prothrombotic abnormality. The principal difference between the RVO and control group was the very high incidence of the intermediate-risk GpIa/IIa subtype (CT/GA)-82.5 vs 50%, P`0.05.These results suggest a major role for GpIa/IIa polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of RVO.Eye (2003) 17, 772-777. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6700452 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a target grating is flashed into a larger, surrounding grating, its contrast is perceived to be lower when both gratings are oriented collinearly rather than orthogonally. This effect can be used to dissociate the perceived contrast from the physical contrast of a target grating. We recorded the transient electric potentials and magnetic fields evoked by flashed target gratings and compared them with psychophysical judgments of perceived contrast. Both early (100 ms) and late (150 ms) transients were reduced in amplitude when targets were flashed into a collinear rather than orthogonal surround, thus paralleling the reduction in perceived contrast. Although targets in orthogonal backgrounds required 40% lower physical contrast to match the perceived contrast of collinear targets, the amplitudes of electrophysiological transients of matching stimuli were almost identical. Thus the responses correlated better with perceived than with physical target contrast. This holds especially for the late transient response. Source localization indicated that the transients in question may originate in primary visual cortex. Our results therefore identify the activity of primary visual cortex as one possible neural correlate of perceived contrast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the phase formation and stability in reactively sputter deposited yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings. Use of x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy; Formation of the oriented tetragonal and cubic zirconia structures; Transformation of the tetragonal to monoclinic phase.

Highlights Transition to electrified transportation demands advanced power electronic components with the capability to improve range, reliability, and cost of ownership to accelerate mass market adoption. Thus, improvement in the current designs, manufacturing processes, materials, and components capable of providing reliable and efficient operation at higher temperatures play important roles in meeting future needs. To address these challenges, this article focuses on novel dielectric materials designed to reduce the volume of the most important and bulky component of a power electronic system, a capacitor. A new composite dielectric material was developed by integrating the positive attributes of both polymer and ceramic capacitors to overcome the challenges of state‐of‐the‐art dielectric materials. The developed composite properties have been evaluated and showed promising results, achieving a dielectric constant of 250 at 100 Hz, 25°C, unseen in current literature. Additionally, these materials can function at high temperatures (>150°C) with good breakdown strength, providing promising working conditions for capacitors, especially in electric vehicle applications. Dielectric composites were synthesized from calcium copper titanate and polyimide. A dispersive agent showed promise in achieving a homogenous, stable mixture. Composites were prepared using tape casting. A dielectric constant of 250 was achieved at 100 Hz, 25°C. At elevated temperature, the dielectric constant increased to over 700%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the molecular characterization of the B' regulatory subunit gene family of Arabidopsis protein phosphatase 2A. Mechanism in controlling the variety of plant processes; Amplification of intron using the polymerase chain reaction; Illustration on the alteration of auxin transport in plants.

The isothermal- and cyclic-oxidation behavior ofthermal barrier coating (TBC) systems consisting ofvacuum plasma-sprayed (VPS) Ni-22Cr-10Al-1Y (wt.%) bondcoatings and air plasma-sprayed (APS)Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) top coatings (onsingle-crystal superalloys) was investigated. Themicrostructures, flaw contents, and fracture behavior ofthe Al2O3 scales formed duringoxidation testing at 1150°C were characterized (by analysis of coating andscale fracture surfaces and metallographic crosssections). Significant localized fracture and bucklingof the Al2O3 scales that formedalong the bond-coat-top-coat interfaces were observed after cyclic oxidationof TBCs. However, substantial amounts of localized scaledamage did not induce rapid TBC failure. Decohesion ofthe columnar alumina scales on the rough bond-coat surfaces occurred by both internalAl2O3 fracture (parallel to themetal surface) and oxide-metal delamination. There weremicrostructural indications ofAl2O3 scale crack healing bysintering into planar arrays of voids. Alumina scales that formed onconvex NiCrAlY surfaces (with radii of 50 μm or less)often contained significant amounts of internal voids(along grain boundaries) after cyclic oxidation, whereas scales formed by isothermal oxidationcontained few visible voids. Accelerated void growth inAl2O3 scales on the irregularNiCrAlY surfaces appeared to be creep-related and wasattributed to the synergistic effects of geometric and thermalstresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of bacterial pneumonia as a cause of the acute chest syndrome in adult patients with sickle cell disease based on bronchoscopically obtained lower airway cultures and to describe the clinical, laboratory, and roentgenographic features of the acute chest syndrome in a series composed entirely of adult patients with sickle cell disease.Patients and Methods: We reviewed the hospital records from 19 episodes (18 patients) of acute chest syndrome in adult patients with sickle cell disease (greater than or equal to 19 years of age) who had undergone flexible bronchoscopy to obtain lower airway cultures between January 1979 and July 1987. We also recorded patients' clinical, laboratory, and roentgenographic characteristics.Results: Pneumonia was diagnosed in four of 19 episodes (21%) of acute chest syndrome based on quantitative cultures obtained at bronchoscopy. The pneumonia was caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in two patients and mixed aerobic and anaerobic organisms in the other two patients. Forty-four of 45 blood cultures were negative, and one grew Staphylococcus epidermidis, which was considered a contaminant. Chest roentgenograms revealed lower lobe involvement in 17 episodes (90%) and bilateral infiltrates in six (32%). Pleural effusions occurred in seven episodes (37%), and pleural fluid samples obtained from five of these revealed sterile exudates.Conclusion: The results of this retrospective study suggest that bacterial pneumonia is an uncommon cause of acute chest syndrome in adult patients with sickle cell disease. These results are consistent with previous retrospective studies using noninvasive techniques to diagnose pneumonia. Nevertheless, there appeared to be no reliable noninvasive variables that could accurately differentiate between patients with and without pneumonia and, consequently, we recommend empiric antibiotic therapy in addition to usual supportive care of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I discuss a patient whose shadow became his rival, or as Jung put it, 'The shadow is lived'. I describe the beginning of a process of the assimilation of shadow contents, whereby the rupture between ego and shadow can no longer be maintained. I also discuss how it is primarily through the mutual experience and analysis of archetypal images that the unconscious contents become more integrated. In my clinical illustrations I also explore the relationship between my patient's fight with his shadow and his experiences of childhood shame. I consider how fear expressed through a panic attack may open a royal door to the unconscious, and the way in which its mediation through empathy and analysis can lead to unconscious infantile contents becoming more accessible. In addition, I show how, once some of the fear had subsided, it became possible for play to enter into the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accident and emergency (A&E) departments and minor injury units (MIUs) are faced with a wide variety of acute traumatic wounds on a daily basis. Yet despite the existence of a county-wide tissue viability policy, guideline and formulary in Worcestershire, there had been no attempt to standardize treatment for traumatic wounds in the county. This article describes the process of developing a guideline for acute traumatic wound care by a wide multidisciplinary team. It identifies key points that may be considered when developing similar guidelines, including planning, leadership, communication and the motivation to finish the project. Development of guidelines is advocated as a means not only of improving and standardizing care to patients, but as a means of fostering multiprofessional team building and improved communication between health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidation-induced degradation of structural materials employed as exhaust valves within internal combustion engines (ICEs) will be a relevant life-limiting mechanism, in addition to creep and mechanical fatigue, due to ever-increasing severity of operating temperatures and pressures. Ni–Cr-based alloys, which form external chromia-based scales at the relevant operating temperatures are being considered as suitable candidate materials. Thermal cycling of these alloys in water vapor-containing atmospheres, such as those present during hydrocarbon fuel combustion within ICEs, can considerably influence their oxidation behavior. In this study, the role of typical alloying additions such as Mn, Si, Al and Ti on the cyclic oxidation behavior of model NiCr–X (X = Mn,Si,Al,Ti) alloys exposed in dry air and air + 10% H 2 O at 800 ∘ C and 950 ∘ C was investigated. Combined additions of Mn and Si reduced scaling rates compared to binary Ni–22Cr alloys. The presence of water vapor possibly suppressed formation of NiMnCr spinel and thereby the Cr depletion in the alloy. Combined Al and Ti additions mainly resulted in accelerated oxidation kinetics due to the Ti doping of chromia scales. More porous external scales were observed in water vapor leading to a much deeper depth of nitridation in the Ni–22Cr–Al–Ti alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air plasma sprayed (APS) flash coatings on high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) bond coatings are well known to extend the lifetime of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Recent work compared flash coatings of NiCoCrAlY and NiCoCrAlYHfSi applied to both rods and disk substrates of alloy 247. For rod specimens, 100h cycles were used at 1100°C in wet air. Both flash coatings significantly improved the lifetime compared to HVOF-only and vacuum plasma spray (VPS)-only MCrAlY bond coatings with no statistical difference between the two flash coatings. For disk specimens tested in 1h cycles at 1100°C in wet air, the NiCoCrAlY flash coating significantly outperformed an HVOF-only NiCoCrAlYHfSi bond coating and a NiCoCrAlYHfSi flash coating. The flash coatings formed a mixed oxide-metal zone that appeared to inhibit crack formation and therefore extend lifetime. In addition to the flash coating increasing the bond coating roughness, the underlying HVOF layer acted as a source of Al for this intermixed zone and prevented the oxide from penetrating deeper into the bond coating. The lower Y+Hf content in the Y-only flash coating appeared to minimize oxidation in the flash layer, thereby increasing the benefit compared to a NiCoCrAlYHfSi flash coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A 13‐year‐old Missouri Fox Trotter gelding of chestnut colour was referred for a 6‐week history of blepharospasm and epiphora of the left eye. Due to the presence of irregular corneal masses, superficial keratectomy was performed along with adjunctive strontium‐90 beta irradiation and subsequent topical mitomycin C chemotherapy. A diagnosis of poorly melanised malignant melanoma was made based on histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. There has been no recurrence of the neoplasm over 10 months of follow‐up. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of a primary corneal melanocytic neoplasm in a horse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the benefit of ~ 50-µm-thick air-plasma-sprayed (APS) 'flash' bond coatings, NiCoCrAlYHfSi high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) bond coatings were deposited on alloy 247 disk substrates with APS yttria-stabilized zirconia topcoatings. Using 1-h cycles at 1100 °C in air with 10% H2O and HVOF-only bond coatings as a baseline, APS flash coatings extended the average coating lifetime by > 10% using NiCoCrAlYHfSi and > 70% using NiCoCrAlY powder. Coatings were characterized after 0, 100 and 300 cycles and after failure. Residual stress in the thermally grown alumina scale was mapped every 100 cycles using photo-stimulated luminescence piezospectroscopy. The flash coating created an interlocked metal–alumina layer that appeared to inhibit critical crack formation, and the underlying HVOF layer prevented further internal oxidation and appeared to supply the APS flash coating with Al. The addition of Hf and Y to the flash coating increased internal oxidation and accelerated Al consumption, thereby reducing the benefit of the flash coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sf9 and Sf21 cell lines derived from ovarian tissues of the wide-host-range phytophagous lepidopteran Spodoptera frugiperda are widely used for research and commercial-scale production of recombinant proteins. These cell lines are chronically infected with a rhabdovirus (Sf-RV) that does not cause any overt cytopathic effects. We demonstrate that wild populations of S. frugiperda in the eastern United States and Caribbean are infected with genetically diverse strains of Sf-RV and that this virus is also capable of infecting cells of Spodoptera exigua, Heliothis subflexa, and Bombyx mori. Feeding studies demonstrated the ability of S. frugiperda larvae to deposit Sf-RV onto human-consumed vegetables during feeding. Although no evidence for replication in two species of plant cells was detected, subcellular localization studies demonstrated that the Sf-RV nucleocapsid was targeted to plasmodesmata, while two forms of the accessory protein were differentiated on the basis of their ability to localize to nuclei. Collectively, the results from this study suggest that environmental exposure of humans to Sf-RV is likely to be commonplace and frequent, but its inability to replicate in plant or human cells suggests that there is no substantial risk to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several factors are being investigated that affect the performance of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) for use in land-based gas turbines where coatings are mainly thermally sprayed. This study examined high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF), air plasma-sprayed (APS), and vacuum plasma-sprayed (VPS) MCrAlYHfSi bond coatings with APS YSZ top coatings at 900-1100 °C. For superalloy 247 substrates and VPS coatings tested in 1 h cycles at 1100 °C, removing 0.6 wt %Si had no effect on average lifetime in 1 h cycles at 1100 °C, but adding 0.3%Ti had a negative effect. Rod specimens were coated with APS, HVOF, and HVOF with an outer APS layer bond coating and tested in 100 h cycles in air + 10%H2O at 1100 °C. With an HVOF bond coating, initial results indicate that 12.5 mm diameter rod specimens have much shorter 100 h cycle lifetimes than disk specimens. Much longer lifetimes were obtained when the bond coating had an inner HVOF layer and outer APS layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appropriate selection of anti-microbial dressings has become an increasing challenge within clinical practice with an increasing array of dressing availability. A major area of growth has been in dressings containing silver. This article will discuss the rationale for use of silver dressings in the context of wound bed preparation, and offers guidance on their selection and appropriate use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of pressure-relieving mattresses to achieve positive clinical outcomes for patients and financial considerations for organizations is a challenge for health-care staff. This article reports on an audit undertaken within a primary care trust to determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of the Softform® Premier Active mattress. Preliminary results have been previously published (Stephen-Haynes, 2009) and are presented here in full. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the aetiology of pressure ulcers, the clinical and financial cost of pressure ulcer prevention and the need for pressure reducing equipment. The role of Dry floatation in pressure ulcer prevention and management is explored. How Dry floatation technology works is discussed and its use within clinical practice is highlighted. The evidence to support Dry floatation is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This product focus considers the characteristics and application of Atrauman®, a non-adherent dressing, in relation to the different aspects of wound healing. Atrauman® has many characteristics that make it an ideal dressing choice in a number of clinical scenarios, including: pain free removal; promotion of healthy granulation tissue; cost effectiveness and versatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debridement of wounds is a key aspect of wound healing. There are a number of different methods of wound debridement which the practitioner can opt for. A full wound and patient assessment is integral to ensure good clinical outcomes. This article addresses the different methods of debridement. It incorporates the TIME acronym and the wound-healing continuum as a tool that practitioners can use in their daily practice. Methods include larval therapy, sharp debridement, surgical intervention and topical applications. Debridement can also be achieve by using chemical methods such as codexomer iodine and related products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the practical implementation of the NICE (2005) guideline on pressure ulcer prevention by those that the guideline was created for, including: service managers, commissioners, clinical governance and education leads, patients/carers and both the specialist and non-specialist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article outlines the principle areas for consideration form the NICE (2005) guideline for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. All key areas are included and recommendations made for their implementation into clinical practice. A conclusion is made that pressure ulcer prevention is a key indicator of quality care and that all professionals have a responsibility for its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]