Synthesis of protective Mo-Si-B coatings in molten salts and their oxidation behavior in an air-water mixture

The formation of various phases during boronizing of silicided molybdenum substrates (MoSi2/Mo) was investigated. Boronizing treatments were conducted in molten salts under an inert gas atmosphere in the 700-1000 degrees C temperature range for 3-7 h. Depending on the process type (non-current or electrochemical) and molten salt temperature, the formation of different boride phases (MoB, Mo2B5, MoB2, MoB4) was observed. At the same time, substantial oxidation of the bulk molybdenum disilicide phase (MoSi2) to the Mo5Si3 phase was observed in non-current boronizing. The oxidation resistance of the coatings was investigated by the weight change in an air-water (2.3 vol.%) mixture at a temperature of 500 degrees C for a period up to 700 h. Results indicated that a two-phase microstructure consisting of the MoSi2, matrix phase with 12-15 wt.% of the MoB4 phase greatly improved the oxidation resistance of the molybdenum substrates. The weight gain rate observed was 6.5 center dot 10(-4) mg/cm(2) h. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus G Protein Conserved Domain Induces a Persistent and Protective Antibody Response in Rodents

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of severe upper and lower respiratory disease in infants and in the elderly. There are 2 main RSV subtypes A and B. A recombinant vaccine was designed based on the central domain of the RSV-A attachment G protein which we had previously named G2Na (aa130–230). Here we evaluated immunogenicity, persistence of antibody (Ab) response and protective efficacy induced in rodents by: (i) G2Na fused to DT (Diphtheria toxin) fragments in cotton rats. DT fusion did not potentiate neutralizing Ab responses against RSV-A or cross-reactivity to RSV-B. (ii) G2Nb (aa130–230 of the RSV-B G protein) either fused to, or admixed with G2Na. G2Nb did not induce RSV-B-reactive Ab responses. (iii) G2Na at low doses. Two injections of 3 µg G2Na in Alum were sufficient to induce protective immune responses in mouse lungs, preventing RSV-A and greatly reducing RSV-B infections. In cotton rats, G2Na-induced RSV-reactive Ab and protective immunity against RSV-A challenge that persisted for at least 24 weeks. (iv) injecting RSV primed mice with a single dose of G2Na/Alum or G2Na/PLGA [poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide]. Despite the presence of pre-existing RSV-specific Abs, these formulations effectively boosted anti-RSV Ab titres and increased Ab titres persisted for at least 21 weeks. Affinity maturation of these Abs increased from day 28 to day 148. These data indicate that G2Na has potential as a component of an RSV vaccine formulation.

Protective qualities of surface treatments for concrete

Surface treatments are used as part of either a maintenance programme or repair work. In both cases, they provide additional protection to the concrete by either arresting or reducing the penetration of aggressive substances from the environment, Numerous materials are available for this purpose and their inherent generic properties differ considerably. Quite often this poses difficulties to practising engineers when selecting a surface treatment for a specific situation, In this review an attempt is made to explain the protective aspects of various surface treatments so that their selection can be made easier, The basic aspects of surface treatments are discussed: function, classification and performance requirements.

Novel Protective Properties of IGFBP-3 Result in Enhanced Pericyte Ensheathment, Reduced Microglial Activation, Increased Microglial Apoptosis, and Neuronal Protection after Ischemic Retinal Injury

This study was conducted to determine the perivascular cell responses to increased endothelial cell expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in mouse retina. The contribution of bone marrow cells in the IGFBP-3-mediated response was examined using green fluorescent protein-positive (GFP(+)) adult chimeric mice subjected to laser-induced retinal vessel occlusion injury. Intravitreal injection of an endothelial-specific IGFBP-3-expressing plasmid resulted in increased differentiation of GF(P)+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into pericytes and astrocytes as determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Administration of IGFBP-3 plasmid to mouse pups that underwent the oxygen-induced retinopathy model resulted in increased pericyte ensheathment and reduced pericyte apoptosis in the developing retina. Increased IGFBP-3 expression reduced the number of activated microglial cells and decreased apoptosis of neuronal cells in the oxygen-induced retinopathy model. In summary, IGFBP-3 increased differentiation of GFP(+) HSCs into pericytes and astrocytes while increasing vascular ensheathment of pericytes and decreasing apoptosis of pericytes and retinal neurons. All of these cytoprotective effects exhibited by IGFBP-3 overexpression can result in a more stable retinal vascular bed. Thus, endothelial expression of IGFBP-3 may represent a physiologic response to injury and may represent a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ischemic vascular eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. (Am J Pathol 2011, 178:1517-1524; DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2010.12.031)

An anthrax subunit vaccine candidate based on protective regions of Bacillus anthracis protective antigen and lethal factor

Studies have confirmed the key role of Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (PA) in the US and UK human anthrax vaccines. However, given the tripartite nature of the toxin, other components, including lethal factor (LF), are also likely to contribute to protection. We examined the antibody and T cell responses to PA and LF in human volunteers immunized with the UK anthrax vaccine (AVP). Individual LF domains were assessed for immunogenicity in mice when given alone or with PA. Based on the results obtained, a novel fusion protein comprising D1 of LF and the host cell-binding domain of PA (D4) was assessed for protective efficacy. Murine protection studies demonstrated that both full-length LF and D1 of LF conferred complete protection against a lethal intraperitoneal challenge with B. anthracis STI spores. Subsequent studies with the LFD1-PAD4 fusion protein showed a similar level of protection. LF is immunogenic in humans and is likely to contribute to the protection stimulated by AVP. A single vaccine comprising protective regions from LF and PA would simplify production and confer a broader spectrum of protection than that seen with PA alone.

The Protective Role of Group Identity: Sectarian Antisocial Behavior and Adolescent Emotion Problems

The protective role of strength of group identity was examined for youth in a context of protracted political conflict. Participants included 814 adolescents (M_age = 13.61, SD = 1.99 at Time 1) participating in a longitudinal study in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Utilizing hierarchical linear modeling, the results show that the effect of exposure to sectarian antisocial behaviors has a stronger effect on youth emotion problems for older adolescents. The results also show that youth with higher strength of group identity reported fewer emotion problems in the face of sectarian antisocial behavior but that this buffering effect is stronger for Protestants compared to Catholics. Implications are discussed for understanding the role of social identity in postaccord societies.

Pellino3 ubiquitinates RIP2 and mediates Nod2-induced signaling and protective effects in colitis

Mutations that result in loss of function of Nod2, an intracellular receptor for bacterial peptidoglycan, are associated with Crohn's disease. Here we found that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Pellino3 was an important mediator in the Nod2 signaling pathway. Pellino3-deficient mice had less induction of cytokines after engagement of Nod2 and had exacerbated disease in various experimental models of colitis. Furthermore, expression of Pellino3 was lower in the colons of patients with Crohn's disease. Pellino3 directly bound to the kinase RIP2 and catalyzed its ubiquitination. Loss of Pellino3 led to attenuation of Nod2-induced ubiquitination of RIP2 and less activation of the transcription factor NF-?B and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Our findings identify RIP2 as a substrate for Pellino3 and Pellino3 as an important mediator in the Nod2 pathway and regulator of intestinal inflammation. © 2013 Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Clothing and Colonialism: The Dungiven costume and the fashioning of early modern identities

The entanglement of identity and personal attire in colonial settings is explored through consideration of a tattered set of clothes from late sixteenth-early seventeenth-century Ireland incorporating elements of Irish, English, and Scots fashion. Reconsideration of the clothing, recovered from a bog, provides a rare opportunity to explore the physical manifestations of processes of hybridity and mimesis, as well as the pragmatic accommodations of impoverishment and displacement in colonial settings. In addition to considering the role of material culture in colonial identity formation and negotiation, examination of what has become known as the Dungiven costume also speaks to the ongoing legacy of early modern colonial encounters, as the cultural associations of the garments, and by extension their past wearer(s), continue to be subjected to the politically charged nature of identity politics in contemporary Northern Ireland.

Patient preferences for dental clinical attire: a cross-sectional survey in a dental hospital

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This cross sectional descriptive study was designed to survey patient opinion towards dental clinical attire, name badges and commonly used cross-infection control measures.

METHOD: Patients attending a dental hospital for a consultation appointment were asked to complete a questionnaire accompanied by photographs of models portraying a range of clinical attire. A representative sample of patients completed 188 questionnaires over a four week period.

RESULTS: The study found that the majority of patients felt clinical attire was important and that they preferred dental professionals to wear name badges. The majority of patients also preferred dentists to use both safety glasses and face masks. When asked to indicate which clinical attire was most appropriate for a consultant/specialist to wear, the overwhelming opinion was that of smart dress accompanied with a white coat. In addition, most respondents wished their dentist to wear a traditional white, dental tunic.

CONCLUDING REMARKS: It is hoped that this study will be informative for the dental team and that the results will be taken into consideration when considering appropriate clinical attire in accordance with patient opinions.