University of New South Wales

About: University of New South Wales is a education organization based out in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 51197 authors who have published 153634 publications receiving 4880608 citations. The organization is also known as: UNSW & UNSW Australia.

Elastic/Plastic Indentation Damage in Ceramics: The Median/Radial Crack System

Abstract: A theory for describing the evolution of the median/radial crack system in the far field of sharp-indenter contacts is developed. Analysis is based on a model in which the complex elastic/plastic field beneath the indenter is resolved into elastic and residual components. The elastic component, being reversible, assumes a secondary role in the fracture process: although it does enhance downward (median) extension during the loading half-cycle, it suppresses surface (radial) extension to the extent that significant growth continues during unloading. The residual component accordingly provides the primary driving force for the crack configuration in the final stages of evolution, where the crack tends to near-half-penny geometry. On the hypothesis that the origin of the irreversible field lies in the accommodation of an expanding plastic hardness impression by the surrounding elastic matrix, the ensuing fracture mechanics relations for equilibrium crack growth are found to involve the ratio hardness-to-modulus as well as toughness. Observations of crack evolution in soda-lime glass provide a suitable calibration of indentation coefficients in these relations. The calibrated equations are then demonstrated to be capable of predicting the widely variable median and radial growth characteristics observed in other ceramic materials. The theory is shown to have a vital bearing on important practical areas of ceramics evaluation, including toughness and strength.

IL28B is associated with response to chronic hepatitis C interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects 3% of the world's population. Treatment of chronic HCV consists of a combination of PEGylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN-alpha) and ribavirin (RBV). To identify genetic variants associated with HCV treatment response, we conducted a genome-wide association study of sustained virological response (SVR) to PEG-IFN-alpha/RBV combination therapy in 293 Australian individuals with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C, with validation in an independent replication cohort consisting of 555 individuals. We report an association to SVR within the gene region encoding interleukin 28B (IL28B, also called IFNlambda3; rs8099917 combined P = 9.25 x 10(-9), OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.57-2.52). IL28B contributes to viral resistance and is known to be upregulated by interferons and by RNA virus infection. These data suggest that host genetics may be useful for the prediction of drug response, and they also support the investigation of the role of IL28B in the treatment of HCV and in other diseases treated with IFN-alpha.

A 'scoping review' of qualitative literature about engagement with HIV care in Indonesia.

Abstract: Background The Indonesian response to HIV has been informed largely by quantitative evidence. This review examines what is known about the Indonesian HIV care cascade from published qualitative research. Methods: A ‘scoping review’ method was used to synthesise and interpret the findings of 17 eligible peer-reviewed publications. Results: Qualitative findings are reported in relation to two themes. Factors influencing successful engagement include a lack of HIV-related knowledge among clients, fear of stigma or lack of privacy/confidentiality at services, limited accessibility and affordability, and poor linkages between services. Factors affecting the broader response include a failure to adapt programs to specific socio-cultural settings, political issues in the distribution of donor funding, distrust and poor communication between service users and providers, the need for cultural privacy in particular community settings, and systemic experiences of gendered stigmatisation. Conclusions: Enhancing understanding of the Indonesian context would benefit from future qualitative research on HIV care in urban settings, describing the experiences of the most at-risk populations, and examining the role of clinics and providers in delivering HIV care in an increasingly decentralised health system.