Pure copper processed by extrusion preceded equal channel angular pressing

High purity copper (99.99%) was severely plastically deformed by miniaturized extrusion preceded ECAP at 200 °C. A partially recrystallized microstructure was detected by TEM observations due to the relative high processing temperature. Isochronal annealing was performed to investigate the material's behavior by measuring the development of Vickers microhardness. As copper is a metal with a relative low stacking fault energy, recovery does not occur readily and only recrystallization takes place.     

Tertiary fatty amides as diesel fuel substitutes

This paper presents experimental results regarding the impact of adding different tertiary amides of fatty acids to mineral diesel fuel; an assessment of the behaviour of these compounds as possible diesel fuel extenders is also included. Measurements of cetane number, cold flow properties (cloud point, pour point and CFPP), density, kinematic viscosity, flash point and distillation temperatures are reported, while initial experiments concerning the effects on particulate emissions are also described. Most of the examined tertiary fatty amides esters have very good performance and they can be easily prepared from fatty acids (biomass). Such compounds or their blends could be used as mineral diesel fuel or even fatty acid methylesters (FAME, biodiesel) substitutes or extenders. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the comparison of AI and DAI based planning techniques for automated manufacturing systems

AI and DAI based planning techniques, suitable for automated manufacturing systems are surveyed and compared. The relation of learning to planning is described and it is explained how learning may be used to improve planning. Several examples are presented. A complete reference list is provided.     

Dysregulation of Plasma miR-146a and miR-155 Expression Profile in Mycosis Fungoides Is Associated with rs2910164 and rs767649 Polymorphisms

Diagnosis of Mycosis Fungoides (MF) may be challenging, due to its polymorphic nature. The use of miRNAs as biomarkers to assist in diagnosis has been investigated, mainly in skin lesion biopsies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the plasma levels of miR-146a and miR-155 in MF patients and to investigate their association with SNPs of their genes. Plasma miRNAs were quantified by RT-qPCR. Genomic DNA was used for SNPs’ genotyping by Sanger sequencing. Plasma levels of miR-146a and miR-155 were significantly higher in patients vs. controls, in early MF patients vs. controls, and in advanced vs. early MF patients. Both miRNAs’ levels were significantly higher in stage IIB vs. early-stage patients. miR-155 plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with skin tumors or erythroderma. CC genotype (rs2910164 C>G) was significantly more frequent in healthy controls and associated with lower MF risk and lower miR-146a levels. The AA genotype (rs767649 T>A) was significantly more frequent in patients and correlated with increased MF risk and increased miR-155 levels. The combination of GG+AA was only detected in patients and was correlated with higher MF susceptibility. Increased mir-146a and mir-155 plasma levels in MF is an important finding to establish putative noninvasive biomarkers. The presence of SNPs is closely associated with miRs’ expression, and possibly with disease susceptibility.     

CD28null and Regulatory T Cells Are Substantially Disrupted in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Due to Diabetes Mellitus

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with alterations in T-cell immunity, including increased CD28null and reduced regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, whether immune disturbances are due to ESRD or primary disease is not yet clear. As diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of ESRD, we evaluated its impact on the immune profile of ESRD patients. Methods: CD28null, Tregs, and natural killer cells were initially analyzed by flow cytometry in 30 predialysis ESRD patients due to diabetes (DM), 30 non-DM (NDM), and 25 healthy controls. Measurements were repeated after 6 months on hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Results: The percentage of CD4 + CD28null cells, CD8 + CD28null cells, and Tregs showed significant differences in DM, NDM, and controls; mean rank 33.71 vs. 25.68 vs. 18.88, p = 0.006, 37.79 vs. 28.82 vs. 17.08, p = 0.008, and 20.79 vs. 26.12 vs. 41.33, p = 0.001, respectively. DM vs. NDM had increased CD4 + CD28null and CD8 + CD28null cells, 11.5% (1.5%–24%) vs. 4.1% (0–42.3%), p = 0.02 and 61.3% (24%–76%) vs. 43% (5.7%–85%), p = 0.04, respectively. After 6 months on HD but not CAPD, DM showed a significant further increase in CD4 + CD28null cells, from 30 (14–100) to 52.7 (15–203), p = 0.02; and CD8 + CD28null cells, from 137 (56–275) to 266 (103–456), p = 0.01. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus affects T-cell subtypes even at predialysis stage, though changes become more prominent after commencement on HD.     

Critical review of the e-loyalty literature: a purchase-centred framework

Over the last few years, the concept of online loyalty has been examined extensively in the literature, and it remains a topic of constant inquiry for both academics and marketing managers. The tremendous development of the Internet for both marketing and e-commerce settings, in conjunction with the growing desire of consumers to purchase online, has promoted two main outcomes: (a) increasing numbers of Business-to-Customer companies running businesses online and (b) the development of a variety of different e-loyalty research models. However, current research lacks a systematic review of the literature that provides a general conceptual framework on e-loyalty, which would help managers understand their customers better, take advantage of industry-related factors, and improve their service quality. The present study is an attempt to critically synthesize results from multiple empirical studies on e-loyalty. Our findings illustrate that 62 instruments for measuring e-loyalty–with two or more items—are currently in use, influenced predominantly by Zeithaml et al. (J. Marketing 60(2):31–46, 1996) and Oliver (Satisfaction: a behavioral perspective on the consumer. New York: McGraw Hill, 1997). Additionally, we propose a new general conceptual framework, which leads to e-loyalty dividing antecedents into prepurchase, during-purchase and after-purchase factors, based on the act of purchase. To conclude, a number of managerial implementations are suggested in order to help marketing managers increase their customers’ e-loyalty by making crucial changes in each purchase stage.