An interlaboratory trial of the effects of reducing liquor to cloth ratio in the ISO 105-C08 test on repeatability and reproducibility

An international ring test has been carried out to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the ISO 105-C08 test, modified to employ a liquor to cloth ratio of 20;1 in place of the current specification of 50;1. The results, from ten laboratories located in six countries, indicate that no adverse consequences are to be expected from reducing the liquor ratio, with the statistical variability obtained being well within the norm for this type of wash fastness test. It is therefore recommended that the standard be modified to allow the test to be conducted at a range of liquor to cloth ratios. The work in this paper was initiated by the TCI/81 committee and is sponsored by the Society's Technical Coordination Committee.     

3M: a user modelling interface of an expert system for X-ray topographic image interpretation

This paper discusses user modelling techniques and presents the design and implementation of the 3M user modelling interface of INTEREX. INTEREX is an expert system for X-ray topographic image interpretation which assists its users in identifying and analysing a number of defects that can occur in high-quality crystals. 3M consists of a monitor, a model and a modifier. It is used to adapt the consultation route and the explanations provided by INTEREX to three categories of users. It demonstrates the use-of an implicit, individual, dynamic and long-term user model to enable an expert system to accommodate users with different levels of expertise.     

The radiological features of adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma

Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) results from a monoclonal expansion of T-cells infected with the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Six cases of ATLL, three males and three females all from the Caribbean and with a mean age of 55 years, have been reviewed retrospectively, illustrating the wide spectrum of radiological changes. One patient had extensive mediastinal adenopathy, hitherto an unrecorded finding in ATLL.     

Testing colour fading of cotton fabrics by activated oxygen bleach-ontaining detergent an interlaboratory trial

A single diagnostic wash test to identify coloured cotton fabrics susceptible to activated oxygen bleach was subjected to an interlaboratory trial (ring test). The results from the trial are described and a procedure developed for use as a British Standard is outlined.     

Trousseau's syndrome in association with ovarian carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The association of neoplastic disease and thromboembolic disorders was first recognized by Trousseau in 1865. Abnormalities of blood coagulation tests have been reported in the majority of patients with cancer, including ovarian carcinoma. However, Trousseau's syndrome has rarely been reported in women with ovarian carcinoma. METHODS: A literature search for cases of Trousseau's syndrome in association with ovarian carcinoma was performed using the MEDLINE database. Case notes of patients with ovarian carcinoma treated at St. George's Hospital were reviewed and cases of Trousseau's syndrome identified. RESULTS: We report a series of 4 cases of Trousseau's syndrome in association with ovarian carcinoma occurring over a 3- to 4-year period, and highlight the particular difficulties associated with the management of these thromboembolic effects. CONCLUSIONS: Trousseau's syndrome can impair quality of life in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma and enhanced anticoagulation regimens may be required for effective palliation.     

Reversal of endothelin-1 release by stimulation of endothelial alpha2-adrenoceptor contributes to cerebral vasorelaxation

Gastric MALT lymphoma usually develops from chronic gastritis, the vast majority of which (>90%) is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. We sequenced the third complementarity determining region (CDR3) of immunoglobulin heavy chain genes in 19 gastric MALT lymphoma clones to determine the pattern of variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) gene utilization during immunoglobulin gene rearrangement. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded sections and the rearranged CDR3 regions were amplified using a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (with primers complementary to the conserved framework-three segment of the variable region [FR3A] and J regions). The DNA used for cloning and sequencing was obtained after purification of monoclonal bands excised from polyacrylamide gels. The N-D-N region specific to each clone was compared with known germline D sequences. Similarly to that observed in normal and leukaemic B cells, our series of gastric MALT lymphomas showed apparent preferential utilization of genes from the DXP family. In two cases no similarity between the CDR3 nucleotide sequences of the neoplastic clones and the known germline D sequences could be found. In 10/19 analysed alleles the lymphoma B-cell clones appeared to contain two D gene segments (D-D recombination), a rare occurrence in normal individuals but one which has been described as a significant event in the determination of idiotype expression and antigen-binding affinity. Remarkably, despite the use of different D and J segments, the resultant amino acid sequences matched in two patients, suggesting the presence of a common selecting antigen. The observed pattern of D gene rearrangement suggests that MALT lymphoma B-cell clones have undergone antigen selection, which seems to indicate that the antigen stimulation plays a pivotal role in the development of the lymphoma.     

The MUSiC performance measurement method

. This paper reports a method for measuring usability in terms of task performance-achievement of frequent and critical task goals by particular users in a context simulating the work environment. The terms usability and quality in use are defined in international standards as the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction with which goals are achieved in a specific context of use. The performance measurement method gives measures which, in combination with measures of satisfaction, operationalize these definitions. User performance is specified and assessed by measures including task effectiveness (the quantity and quality of task performance) and User efficiency (effectiveness divided by tasktime). Measures are obtained with users performing tasks in a context of evaluation which matches the intended context of use. This can also reveal usability problems which may not become evident if the evaluator interacts with the user. The method is supported by tools which make it practical in commercial timescales. The method has been widely applied in industry, and can be adapted for use early in design, and to evaluate non-computer products and the performance of small work groups.     

Wafer-level photocatalytic water splitting on GaN nanowire arrays grown by molecular beam epitaxy

We report on the achievement of wafer-level photocatalytic overall water splitting on GaN nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy with the incorporation of Rh/Cr(2)O(3) core-shell nanostructures acting as cocatalysts, through which H(2) evolution is promoted by the noble metal core (Rh) while the water forming back reaction over Rh is effectively prevented by the Cr(2)O(3) shell O(2) diffusion barrier. The decomposition of pure water into H(2) and O(2) by GaN nanowires is confirmed to be a highly stable photocatalytic process, with the turnover number per unit time well exceeding the value of any previously reported GaN powder samples.     

Philosophy of forest insect control in Britain

It is concluded that, on economic grounds, prevention of infestation by amelioration of the site and improvement in the vigour of the trees is more likely to be practical than remedial spraying of infested trees.     

The sound of the wind that's blowing.

Discusses the need (a) for a better public understanding of the logic and intuitive character of science and (b) for a broader and more humane outlook from the scientific community. The concept of the ethical neutrality of science is rejected, and the extent of involvement of modern society with science and technology is outlined. Some consequences of political and social decisions which are based on inadequate comprehension of science and technology are described. Finally, measures are suggested to improve public understanding of science specific reforms; (both in the education of scientists and of students in general) are proposed. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)