bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Accelerated Intergranular Corrosion Tests and Pitting Corrosion Tests to Detect Sensitization and Susceptibility to Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking in High Temperature Water of Duplex 308 Stainless Steel
Authors: Devine T. M. , Drummond B. J.
Published: June 2011

The ability of various intergranular corrosion and pitting corrosion tests to detect sensitization and intergranular stress corrosion cracking susceptibility in high temperature water of duplex 308 stainless steel was evaluated. The duplex alloy contained 10 v/o ferrite and had a specific austenite-ferrite interfacial area of 930 cm2/cm3. The intergranular corrosion resistance of the alloy following 30 different aging treatments was determined in boiling acidified CU-CUSO4 solution (A262E), boiling 65% HNO3 (A262C), and by an electrolytic etch test in 10% oxalic acid (A262A). The pitting corrosion resistance was evaluated by potentiodynamic and galvanostatic tests in 0.1 N HCl at room temperature. The results of all five tests were compared to the results of slow extension rate stress corrosion cracking tests conducted at 550 F in high purity water containing 8 ppm dissolved oxygen. The microstructural features responsible for the corrosion in each test were determined. The A262E test was found to attack the chromium depleted zones in the material. The A262C test preferentially corroded the chromium depleted zones but also dissolved, albeit to a much less extent, the chromium rich phases such as M23C6. The A262A test primarily attacked chromium rich phases. Pitting corrosion was confined to the chromium depleted zones. The results of the A262E test and the galvanostatic pitting test agreed quite closely with the results of the stress corrosion cracking test. There was considerable scatter in the weight loss measurements obtained in the A262C test. The latter could detect the presence of a severely sensitized microstructure but was incapable of distinguishing between mildly sensitized and unsensitized materials. Although pitting was largely confined to the chromium depleted boundaries, unless the sample was severely sensitized, there was considerable scatter in the measured values of the pitting potential. This precluded the use of the latter as a parameter to characterize the degree of sensitization. The A262A test results exhibited the least correlation with the results of the stress corrosion cracking tests. Since the A262A test attacks chromium rich phases such as M23C6, samples which were aged long enough to intergranularly precipitate M23C6 but not long enough to produce chromium depleted zones of sufficient width or contiguity, nevertheless were severely corroded in the A262A test. And samples which were aged long enough to replenish the chromium depleted zones still failed the A262A test because of the continued presence of the chromium rich grain boundary carbides. These tests were also conducted on samples of sensitized and unsensitized austenitic 308 stainless steel. The results were consistent with the findings of the duplex alloy tests.
Adsorption of Organic Phosphonates on Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate Crystals
Authors: Gill Jasbir S. , Nancollas George H.
Published: June 2011

14C labeled ethylenediaminetetra (methylene phosphonic acid) and triethylenediaminetetra (methylene phosphonic acid) have been used to study their adsorption on calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals radiometrically under different conditions. Kinetics of crystal growth of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals was studied both in solution and on heated metal surface. The growth of gypsum has been shown to follow an equation second order in supersaturation. The heterogeneity of surface sites is responsible for crystal habit modification in the presence of impurities. Blocking of the active growth sites by the inhibitors results in inhibiting the scale formation.
A Controlled Composition Study of Calcium Carbonate Crystal Growth: The Influence of Scale Inhibitors
Authors: Nancollas George H. , Kazmierczak Thomas F. , Schuttringer Eric
Published: June 2011

The precipitation of calcium carbonate is of considerable importance in a wide variety of scale forming situations since carbonate concentrations in the environment are usually quite appreciable. As a first-formed solid phase, calcium carbonate may induce the growth of other scale minerals on its surface. Since the solubility of calcium carbonate polymorphs decreases with increasing temperature, the problem is also aggravated by the relatively high ambient temperatures in many processes. This paper describes a new highly reproducible, seeded crystal growth method in which the activity of ion species is automatically maintained constant during the crystal growth reaction so that the kinetics can be studied over a wide range of supersaturation. The rate of calcite growth, over a 30X range of ionic strength, is proportional to the square of the relative supersaturation ([{Ca2+}{CO32−}]1/2−Kso1/2)2 expressed in terms of the activities of the ionic species. The rate is directly proportional to the seed concentration over a 3X range of the latter. The constant composition method has also been used to investigate the mineralization rate of a rotating disc of calcite (∼ 1 cm2 area) having very well defined hydrodynamic parameters. The rate of reaction (per m seed surface) is in striking agreement with that obtained using seed crystals (typically 500 cm2) despite the large difference in available growth sites. The evidence points to a surface controlled crystallization mechanism. Traces of orthophosphate and typical phosphonate scale inhibitors markedly inhibit the rate of calcium carbonate scale formation. Even with the sustained driving force provided by the constant composition method, a concentration of 9.1×10−8 M hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid completely inhibits the crystallization of calcite for more than 100 hours. The effectiveness of this scale inhibitor is clearly due to adsorption at active growth sites on the developing crystal surfaces.
Stress Corrosion Cracking of Depleted Uranium Alloys in Moist Salt Ladened Air
Authors: Hasson D. F. , Joyce J. A. , Crowe C. R.
Published: June 2011

Stress corrosion cracking (SCO in selected depleted uranium alloys in salt ladened moist air environments has been studied by cantilever beam testing. Crack growth kinetics were monitored during the test using a computer data acquisition system. Continuous measurements of crack growth with time showed discontinuous crack growth with increasing KI. Threshold stress intensity values for stress corrosion cracking KISCC, were found to be 24.4 MPa - m½ and 15.6 MPa - m½ for U-3/4 Ti and DU-3/4 Quintalloys, respectively. Values for U-2 Mo in two heat treated conditions were slightly less than the U-3/4 Ti threshold. Data is presented in a “safe zone” plot of flaw size vs applied stress. Fractographic investigation by scanning electron microscopy revealed mixed fracture modes with both transgranular and intergranular fracture occurring.
Corrosion Product Formation in Simulated Energy Systems
Authors: Fabis P. , Brown C. , Rockett T. , Heidersbach R.
Published: June 2011

Two commercial iron-chromium alloys (AISI 446 and AISI 502) were exposed to elevated temperature hydrogen sulfide and chloride environments. Scale formation was studied using infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy as the principle analysis methods. The scales formed are discussed in terms of temperature of formation, duration of exposure, and alloy composition. Comparisons are made to scales formed on pure iron and chromium in the same environments.
Corrosion Phenomena for Iron Covered with a Cellulose Nitrate Coating
Authors: Ritter J. J. , Rodriguez M. J.
Published: June 2011

The corrosion of metals protected by organic coatings is an incompletely understood phenomenon. Recent investigations by an in situ ellipsometric-electrochemical technique combined with microanalytical studies have provided new insights into the destructive processes. Events such as the roughening of the metal surface, chloride ion accumulation, and the thickening of the surface oxide have been detected under the coating and are interpreted in terms of the chemistry which develops between the microenvironment and the substrate.
Slow Strain Rate Stress Corrosion Cracking under Multiaxial Deformation Conditions: Technique and Application to Admiralty Brass
Authors: Blanchard W. K. , Koss D. A. , Heldt L. A.
Published: June 2011

A set of straightforward experimental techniques are described for the examination of slow strain rate stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of sheet deforming under nearly all multiaxial deformation conditions which result in sheet thinning. Based on the local fracture strain as a failure criterion, the results contrast the stress corrosion susceptibility in uniaxial tension with those in both plane strain and balanced biaxial tension. As an application of the technique, preliminary results are presented describing the slow strain rate SCC of admiralty brass in an aqueous 0.1 M CuSO4 solution at open circuit potential. These results indicate that the loss of ductility associated with the SCC of the brass increases as the stress state changes from uniaxial toward balanced biaxial tension.
Athletes Are Different: Factors That Differentiate Biofeedback/Neurofeedback for Sport Versus Clinical Practice
Authors: Wilson Vietta , Peper Erik
Published: June 2011

Biofeedback and neurofeedback training procedures are often different for athletes than for clinical patients. Athletes come to improve performance whereas patients come to reduce symptoms. This article outlines factors that distinguish work with athletes from work with clinical patients. The differences in training include the purpose of training, the nature of the participant in training, session design, and covert factors underlying the training. Unlike clients, athletes often do intensive transfer of learning training, between 2 and 6 hours of daily sport practice across days, weeks, and months. Although biofeedback and neurofeedback are important factors for enhancing peak performance, there are many covert and overt factors producing performance success such as motivation, intensity of training, “A-ha” experiences, experimental expectancy, behavioral consequences, and mastery learning. The training process with athletes is illustrated through a case example of a young tennis player who mastered control of his anger.
Global Initiatives Position BCIA as an International Resource for Biofeedback Certification and Training Standards
Authors: Ewing Aubrey K , Shaffer Fred , Crawford Judy
Published: June 2011

The mission of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) is to certify individuals who meet education and training standards in biofeedback and progressively recertify those who advance their knowledge through continuing education. In strategic recognition of the growing international interest in biofeedback research and practice, BCIA has launched a number of programs in support of worldwide biofeedback certification and global standards for training and education. This article discusses BCIA's international efforts in support of its mission.
Biofeedback Reaction-Time Training: Toward Olympic Gold
Authors: Harvey Richard H , Beauchamp Marla K , Saab Marc , Beauchamp Pierre
Published: June 2011

As part of a larger training program, applying a new biofeedback protocol for improving reaction time (RT) performance among elite speed skaters at the Canadian Speedskating National Training Center in Montreal, Canada, provided an advantage at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, allowing athletes to assert themselves and claim the best starting position during the event. Each athlete participated in a twice-weekly biofeedback RT training for 5 weeks, for a total of 600 RT practice trials, simulating speed-skating activities such as reacting to commands of “go to the start,” “ready,” and the sound of a signal from a gun to start. There was an overall improvement in RT performance from the beginning to the end of the 5-week period, with the largest improvement occurring between Weeks 4 and 5 of the training, F(1, 9)  =  679.2, p  =  .001. The results suggest that biofeedback protocols will become an essential part of a winning strategy for future interventions in speed skater training.
Letting Go of Performance Anxiety and Optimizing Musical Performance in a Case of Traumatic Loss
Authors: Leddick Katherine H
Published: June 2011

The article introduces a model integrating psychoanalytic psychotherapy with neurofeedback, in a case of performance anxiety in a professional musician. The author uses a neurofeedback approach that is comprehensive and adaptive, emphasizing a renormalizing of brainwaves, rather than producing specific states or shifts in particular bandwidths in the EEG. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is used to address the musician's history of traumatic loss. The case is outlined, and improvements are described in terms of optimized musical performance and improved coping under pressure.
Helping Musicians Achieve Peak Performance with Surface Electromyography/Video
Authors: Riley Kathleen
Published: June 2011

For musicians, performance problems often go unnoticed at first and have several different starting points. Regardless of the starting point, the “problem” manifests physiologically as tension. It is useful for therapists, doctors, and other specialists to see clients perform. Corrections need to be made to their physical, mental, and emotional approach to performance. Retraining with surface electromyography biofeedback and video helps identify elevations in muscle tension and incorrect body alignment. Feedback-assisted retraining helps to bring about self-awareness and the skills to reduce tension and achieve optimal performance.
Effecting Peak Athletic Performance with Neurofeedback, Interactive Metronome®, and EMDR: A Case Study
Authors: Silverman Sanford J
Published: June 2011

This case study chronicles the application and effects of a customized combination of therapies, including neurofeedback, Interactive Metronome® (IM), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) created to help a professional athlete improve his brain function and performance. Brian, a 28-year-old professional baseball player, sought help for difficulty maintaining focus and concentration while playing baseball. He felt his challenges impeded his athletic performance, and he wanted to perform at the highest possible level during the upcoming spring training season. Brian's history combined with the results of a QEEG brain map led to a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder–Inattentive Type. The individualized treatment program for Brian included neurofeedback to lower theta activity and increase beta, IM to improve coordination and timing, and EMDR to address his feelings of anger and lack of self-confidence. At the conclusion of his training, Brian described feeling “clear-headed” and was able to focus his mind when needed. His timing and coordination improved, and he showed a positive attitude about playing baseball and felt confident that he would perform well at spring training.
Virtual Reality–Assisted Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback as a Strategy to Improve Golf Performance: A Case Study
Authors: Lagos Leah , Vaschillo Evgeny , Vaschillo Bronya , Lehrer Paul , Bates Marsha , Pandina Robert
Published: June 2011

Growing evidence suggests that Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback (BFB) may improve sport performance by helping athletes cope with the stress of competition. This study sought to identify whether HRV BFB procedure impacted psychological, physiological, and sport performance of a collegiate golfer. This individual volunteered to participate in 10 weeks of HRV BFB training according to the protocol developed by Leher, Vaschillo, and Vaschillo (2000). During the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth weeks of the study, the golfer and lead author met at a virtual reality golf center to practice skills for breathing at resonance frequency during golf performance. Golf performance and HR were recorded during nine holes of virtual reality golf before and after 10 weeks of HRV BFB training. Self-report questionnaires were administered also before and after HRV BFB training to measure symptoms of anxiety, stress, and sensation seeking. Physiological measures, including HRV and respiration rate, were recorded in the lab during the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth weeks of the study. Reduction in symptoms of anxiety, stress, and sensation seeking and increases in total HRV, low-frequency HRV, and amplitude of oscillation at .1 Hz and improved sport performance were observed. This effect became stronger across 10 weeks of HRV BFB training. A larger-scale study was conducted and is in the process of analysis to confirm these findings.
Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Complicating Influenza A Infection in a Young Child
Authors: Peters Timothy R. , Hammon Dudley E. , Jarrah Rima J. , Palavecino Elizabeth L. , Blakeney Elizabeth S. , Poehling Katherine A.
Published: June 2011

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a potentially lethal but rare complication of influenza infection. We report a case of TSS and influenza A infection in a 5-year-old boy without respiratory symptoms, in whom tracheal aspirate bacterial culture grew a toxin-producing strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterial culture of the upper respiratory tract should be considered in patients with influenza-associated toxic shock syndrome.
Expression of Phosphatase Regenerating Liver-1 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated with Metastasis
Authors: Liu Yuqiong , Lou Xi , Guo Ke , Lei Jun-Yi , Li Huixiang
Published: June 2011

Expression of PRL-1 protein was examined with immunohistochemistry in 60 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with matched lymph node metastasis (n=40) and 6 cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Its association with ESCC metastasis was also explored. The results showed that PRL-1 protein was more frequently expressed in ESCC with metastasis (31/40, 77.5%) than in ESCC without metastasis (10/20, 50%,P=.031) and more in metastatic ESCC (39/40, 97.5%) than primary ESCC (68.3%,P=.003). PRL-1 protein expression significantly correlated with the stage of ESCC, 79.4% (27/34) in stage III ESCC and 33.3% (1/3) in stage 1 ESCC (P=.003). PRL-1 protein was characteristically expressed in the nuclei, in addition to the cytoplasm, of 3 out of 4 (66.7%) poorly differentiated esophageal adenocarcinoma. These findings suggest that PRL-1 may serve as the potential biomarker to predict the metastasis of ESCC and a better biomarker than PRL-3 in the differential diagnosis of poorly differentiated ESCC.
Effect of Margin Design and Processing Steps on Marginal Adaptation of Captek Restorations
Authors: Shih Amy , Flinton Robert , Vaidyanathan Jayalakshmi , Vaidyanathan Tritala
Published: June 2011

This study examined the effect of four margin designs on marginal adaptation of Captek crowns during selected processing steps. Twenty-four Captek crowns were fabricated, six each of four margin designs: shoulder (Group A), chamfer (Group B), chamfer with bevel (Group C), and shoulder with bevel (Group D). Marginal discrepancies between crowns and matching dies were measured at selected points for each sample at the coping stage (Stage 1), following porcelain application (Stage 2) and cementation (Stage 3). Digital imaging methods were used to measure marginal gap. The results indicate decreasing trend of margin gap as a function of margin design in the order A>B>C>D. Between processing steps, the trend was in the order Stage 3 < Stage 1 < Stage 2. Porcelain firing had no significant effect on marginal adaptation, but cementation decreased the marginal gap. Generally, the margin gap in Captek restorations were in all cases less than the reported acceptable range of margin gaps for ceramometal restorations. These results are clinically favorable outcomes and may be associated with the ductility and burnishability of matrix phase in Captek metal coping margins.
Factor VII activating protease
Authors: Etscheid M. , Kanse S. M.
Published: June 2011

Factor VII activating protease (FSAP) is a circulating serine protease with high homology to fibrinolytic enzymes. A role in the regulation of coagulation and fibrinolysis is suspected based on in vitro studies demonstrating activation of FVII or pro-urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). However, considering the paucity of any studies in animal models or any correlative studies in humans the role of FSAP in haemostasis remains unclear. In relation to vascular remodeling processes or inflammation it has been convincingly shown that FSAP interacts with growth factors as well as protease activated receptors (PAR). Against this sparse background there are a plethora of studies which have investigated the linkage of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the FSAP gene (HABP2) to various diseases. The G534E SNP of FSAP is associated with a low proteolytic activity due to an amino acid exchange in the protease domain. This and other SNPs have been linked to carotid stenosis, stroke as well as thrombosis in the elderly and plaque calcification. These SNP analyses indicate an important role for FSAP in the regulation of the haemostasis system as well as fibroproliferative inflammatory processes.
Computational study of heat transfer in a bubbling fluidized bed with a horizontal tube
Authors: Hou Q. F. , Zhou Z. Y. , Yu A. B.
Published: June 2011

A combined approach of discrete particle simulation and computational fluid dynamics is used to study the heat transfer in a fluidized bed with a horizontal tube. The approach is first validated through the good agreement between the predicted distribution and magnitude of local heat transfer coefficient with those measured. Then, the effects of inlet fluid superficial velocity, tube temperature and main particle properties such as particle thermal conductivity and Young's modulus are investigated and explained mechanistically. The relative importance of various heat transfer mechanisms is analyzed. The convection is found to be an important heat transfer mode for all the studied conditions. A large convective heat flux corresponds to a large local porosity around the tube, and a large conductive heat flux corresponds to a large number of particle contacts with the tube. The heat transfer is enhanced by the increase of particle thermal conductivity while it is little affected by Young's modulus. Radiative heat transfer becomes increasingly important as the tube temperature is increased. The results are useful for temperature control and structural design of fluidized beds. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Methotrexate and misoprostol teratogenicity: Further expansion of the clinical manifestations
Authors: Kozma Chahira , Ramasethu Jayashree
Published: June 2011

We describe a boy who was exposed to misoprostol and methotrexate in the first trimester of gestation as a result of a failed medical abortion. He presented with severe growth retardation, skull defects, proptotic eyes, cleft palate, and severe micrognathia. There were bilateral defects of the upper and lower extremities, missing and hypoplastic ribs, and undescended testicles. He had clinical features of pulmonary hypoplasia with severe persistent pulmonary hypertension and remained ventilator‐dependent until he expired. An autopsy revealed brain anomalies consistent with arrhinencephaly. Methotrexate is frequently used in conjunction with misoprostol to induce medical abortion, an off‐label use as abortifacient. Both of these medications are well‐established teratogens and have an X classification during pregnancy. Data from eight patients who were exposed to both medications in the first trimester indicate a significant teratogenic risk to the developing fetus. Reported anomalies include growth retardation, absence or hypoplasia of the frontal bones, craniosynostosis, large fontanelle, ocular hypertelorism, short palpebral fissures, wide nasal bridge, malformed and low‐set ears, and micrognathia. Skeletal anomalies are frequent consisting of syndactyly, mesomelic shortening of the forearms, missing ribs, dislocated hips, and talipes equinovarus. The findings in our case are consistent with the pattern of abnormalities that have been reported in the literature. In addition, our patient had severe pulmonary hypoplasia and arrhinencephaly, anomalies that have not been described previously. This case adds to the documentation of the teratogenic effects of methotrexate and misoprostol on the developing fetus. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genomic characterization of prenatally detected chromosomal structural abnormalities using oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Li Peining , Pomianowski Pawel , DiMaio Miriam S. , Florio Joanne R. , Rossi Michael R. , Xiang Bixia , Xu Fang , Yang Hui , Geng Qian , Xie Jiansheng , Mahoney Maurice J.
Published: June 2011

Detection of chromosomal structural abnormalities using conventional cytogenetic methods poses a challenge for prenatal genetic counseling due to unpredictable clinical outcomes and risk of recurrence. Of the 1,726 prenatal cases in a 3‐year period, we performed oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on 11 cases detected with various structural chromosomal abnormalities. In nine cases, genomic aberrations and gene contents involving a 3p distal deletion, a marker chromosome from chromosome 4, a derivative chromosome 5 from a 5p/7q translocation, a de novo distal 6q deletion, a recombinant chromosome 8 comprised of an 8p duplication and an 8q deletion, an extra derivative chromosome 9 from an 8p/9q translocation, mosaicism for chromosome 12q with added material of initially unknown origin, an unbalanced 13q/15q rearrangement, and a distal 18q duplication and deletion were delineated. An absence of pathogenic copy number changes was noted in one case with a de novo 11q/14q translocation and in another with a familial insertion of 21q into a 19q. Genomic characterization of the structural abnormalities aided in the prediction of clinical outcomes. These results demonstrated the value of aCGH analysis in prenatal cases with subtle or complex chromosomal rearrangements. Furthermore, a retrospective analysis of clinical indications of our prenatal cases showed that approximately 20% of them had abnormal ultrasound findings and should be considered as high risk pregnancies for a combined chromosome and aCGH analysis. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: Progress in diagnostics and research towards treatment
Authors: Uitto Jouni , Bercovitch Lionel , Terry Sharon F. , Terry Patrick F.
Published: June 2011

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a prototypic heritable disorder with ectopic mineralization, manifests with characteristic skin findings, ocular involvement, and cardiovascular problems. The classic forms of PXE are due to loss‐of‐function mutations in the ABCC6 gene, which encodes ABCC6, a putative transmembrane efflux transporter expressed primarily in the liver. While considerable progress has recently been made in understanding the molecular genetics and pathomechanisms of PXE, no effective or specific treatment is currently available for this disorder. PXE International, the premiere patient advocacy organization, organized a workshop in November 2010 to assess the current state of diagnostics and research to develop an agenda towards treatment of PXE. This overview summarizes the progress in PXE research, with emphasis on molecular therapies for this, currently intractable, disorder. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adults with congenital heart disease: Patients' knowledge and concerns about inheritance
Authors: van Engelen Klaartje , Baars Marieke JH , van Rongen Lotte T , van der Velde Enno T , Mulder Barbara JM , Smets Ellen MA
Published: June 2011

With recent advances in medical and surgical management, most patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive to reproductive age. Current guidelines recommend counseling about inheritance and transmission of CHD to offspring. We evaluated whether adult CHD patients recalled having received information about the inheritance of their CHD, patients' knowledge about inheritance and their concerns in this regard. A questionnaire was sent to 486 non‐syndromic CHD patients aged 20–45 years. We received 332 useful questionnaires (response rate 68%). One‐third (33%) of patients recalled receiving information about inheritance of CHD from their cardiologist, and 13% had consulted a clinical geneticist. Eight percent of patients who were considering having children estimated the recurrence risk for their own offspring to be 1% or lower, whereas one‐fourth (25%) estimated it to be higher than 10%. According to our classification, 44% estimated the recurrence risk in a correct range of magnitude. Additional information about inheritance of CHD was desired by 41% of patients. Forty‐two percent of patients considering having children reported concerns about transmitting CHD to offspring. We conclude that a substantial proportion of adult CHD patients lacks knowledge and desires more information about inheritance, indicating a need for better patient education. Current guidelines and/or their implementation do not seem to meet the needs of these patients. A dedicated program of counseling for adults with CHD has to be developed to optimize knowledge and satisfaction with information provision and to reduce or manage concerns regarding inheritance of CHD. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A loss of function mutation in the COL9A2 gene causes autosomal recessive Stickler syndrome
Authors: Baker Stuart , Booth Carol , Fillman Corrine , Shapiro Michael , Blair Michael P. , Hyland James C. , Ala‐Kokko Leena
Published: June 2011

Stickler syndrome is characterized by ocular, auditory, skeletal, and orofacial abnormalities. We describe a family with autosomal recessive Stickler syndrome. The main clinical findings consisted of high myopia, vitreoretinal degeneration, retinal detachment, hearing loss, and short stature. Affected family members were found to have a homozygous loss‐of‐function mutation in COL9A2, c.843_c.846 + 4del8. A family with autosomal recessive Stickler syndrome was previously described and found to have a homozygous loss‐of‐function mutation in COL9A1. COL9A1, COL9A2, and COL9A3 code for collagen IX. All three collagen IX α chains, α1, α2, and α3, are needed for formation of functional collagen IX molecule. In dogs, two causative loci have been identified in autosomal recessive oculoskeletal dysplasia. This dysplasia resembles Stickler syndrome. Recently, homozygous loss‐of‐function mutations in COL9A2 and COL9A3 were found to co‐segregate with the loci. Together the data from the present study and the previous studies suggest that loss‐of‐function mutations in any of the collagen IX genes can cause autosomal recessive Stickler syndrome. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flexible and conservative features of social systems in tufted capuchin monkeys: comparing the socioecology ofSapajus libidinosusandSapajus nigritus
Authors: Izar Patrícia , Verderane Michele P. , Peternelli‐dos‐Santos Lucas , Mendonça‐Furtado Olívia , Presotto Andréa , Tokuda Marcos , Visalberghi Elisabetta , Fragaszy Dorothy
Published: June 2011

Socioecological models assume that primates adapt their social behavior to ecological conditions, and predict that food availability and distribution, predation risk and risk of infanticide by males affect patterns of social organization, social structure and mating system of primates. However, adaptability and variation of social behavior may be constrained by conservative adaptations and by phylogenetic inertia. The comparative study of closely related species can help to identify the relative contribution of ecological and of genetic determinants to primate social systems. We compared ecological features and social behavior of two species of the genusSapajus,S. nigritusin Carlos Botelho State Park, an area of Atlantic Forest in São Paulo state, andS. libidinosusin Fazenda Boa Vista, a semi‐arid habitat in Piauí state, Brazil.S. libidinosusperceived higher predation risk and fed on clumped, high quality, and usurpable resources (fruits) all year round, whereasS. nigritusperceived lower predation risk and relied on evenly distributed, low‐quality food sources (leaves) during periods of fruit shortage. As predicted by socioecology models,S. libidinosusfemales were philopatric and established linear and stable dominance hierarchies, coalitions, and grooming relationships.S. nigritusfemales competed less often, and could transfer between groups, which might explain the lack of coalitions and grooming bonds among them. Both populations presented similar group size and composition and the same polygynous mating system. The species differed from each other in accordance with differences in the characteristics of their main food sources, as predicted by socioecological models, suggesting that phylogenetic inertia does not constrain social relationships established among femaleSapajus. The similarity in mating systems indicates that this element of the social system is not affected by ecological variables and thus, is a more conservative behavioral feature of the genusSapajus. Am. J. Primatol. 74:315–331, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of SiO2 and Al2O3 nanofillers on polyethylene properties
Authors: Panaitescu Denis , Ciuprina Florin , Iorga Michaela , Frone Adriana , Radovici Constantin , Ghiurea Marius , Sever Serban , Plesa Ilona
Published: June 2011

Polymers filled with inorganic nanoparticles have become interesting materials as dielectrics because of their improved mechanical and electrical properties compared with the unfilled polymers and with polymer microcomposites. These improvements are mainly due to the large surface area of nanoparticles and new polymer–nanofiller interface characteristics. In the present work, polyethylene nanocomposites with SiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles were prepared by melt mixing. Mechanical and electrical properties of these composites were determined and morphological aspects were revealed by scanning electron microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. The effect of nanostructure and the importance of nanofiller dispersion were analyzed in connection with mechanical and electrical properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Accelerated weathering of pectin/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends studied by spectroscopic methods
Authors: Kaczmarek Halina , Da¸browska Aldona , Vuković‐Kwiatkowska Irena
Published: June 2011

The blends of pectin (PEC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) at different components ratios were prepared by mixing in water. Thin polymeric films of PEC/PVA blends and pure polymers were obtained by casting method. All samples were then artificially aged using Suntest apparatus (Atlas) up to 780 h. The changes in chemical structure during sample ageing have been monitored by infrared and ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectroscopies. The first stage of weathering (up to ∼ 300 h) was very slow and alteration of chemical structure was negligible in all samples. Prolonged ageing (>300 h) caused more significant degradation processes. FTIR spectra exhibited the highest changes in hydroxyl and carbonyl band ranges indicating the efficient photooxidation of macromolecules. The mechanisms of the observed processes have been discussed. It was found that PVA undergoes faster photoxidative degradation than pectin aged at the same conditions. The PEC/PVA blends exhibited the improved resistance to weathering comparing with both polymers aged individually. Mutual stabilization effect can be explained by intermolecular interactions between PEC and PVA confirmed by spectroscopic methods. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Robust adaptive tracking control of distributed delay systems with actuator and communication failures
Authors: Jin Xiaozheng , Yang Guanghong , Peng Li
Published: June 2011

This paper is concerned with the robust adaptive fault‐tolerant tracking control problem for a class of distributed delay systems against faulted and perturbed actuators and communications. As all the faults on actuators and communications, network delays in control and communication channels, and perturbations in communications and exogenous disturbances are unknown, some adaptation schemes are developed to adjust controller parameters in real‐time for constructing a class of distributed compensation controllers based on the delayed signals. Then, according to the information from the adaptive mechanism, the effect of each actuator and communication fault, network delay, channel perturbation and exogenous disturbance can be eliminated completely by using the proposed distributed adaptive‐state feedback controllers. Furthermore, asymptotic tracking results of the distributed closed‐loop systems can be achieved based on Lyapunov stability theory. An example is provided to further illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed direct adaptive design technique.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Luminescence in Li2Sr2Al2PO4F9:Dy3+ ‐ a novel nanophosphor
Authors: Shinde K. N. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: June 2011

Earlier research has revealed numerous advantages of the wet chemical method in reaction acceleration, yield improvement, enhanced photoluminescence properties and the evolution of new material phases. In the present study the novel nanophosphor Li2Sr2Al2PO4F9:Dy3+ was synthesized by a one‐step wet chemical method. Formation of single‐phase compounds was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and characterized by photoluminescence (PL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The average diameter of the particles was calculated from the TEM image as ca. 20 nm. The synthesized nanophosphor exhibited intense blue and yellow emissions at 482 and 575 nm, respectively, owing to the Dy3+ ion, by Hg‐free excitation at 387 nm, i.e. solid‐state lighting excitation. The results obtained showed that phosphors have the potential for applications in the lamp industry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acceleration of neuronal precursors differentiation induced by substrate nanotopography
Authors: Migliorini Elisa , Grenci Gianluca , Ban Jelena , Pozzato Alessandro , Tormen Massimo , Lazzarino Marco , Torre Vincent , Ruaro Maria Elisabetta
Published: June 2011

Embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation in specific cell lineages is a major issue in cell biology particularly in regenerative medicine. Differentiation is usually achieved by using biochemical factors and it is not clear whether mechanical properties of the substrate over which cells are grown can affect proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, we produced patterns in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) consisting of groove and pillar arrays of sub‐micrometric lateral resolution as substrates for cell cultures. We analyzed the effect of different nanostructures on differentiation of ES‐derived neuronal precursors into neuronal lineage without adding biochemical factors. Neuronal precursors adhered on PDMS more effectively than on glass coverslips. We demonstrated that neuronal yield was enhanced by increasing pillars height from 35 to 400 nm. On higher pillar neuronal differentiation reaches ∼80% 96 h after plating and the largest differentiation enhancement of pillars over flat PDMS was observed during the first 6 h of culture. We conclude that PDMS nanopillars accelerate and increase neuronal differentiation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2736–2746. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrophilic interaction chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric analysis of anastrozole in human plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Ji Hye Young , Sohn Ji‐Hong , Lee Hye Suk
Published: June 2011

A hydrophilic interaction chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric method was developed for determination of anastrozole in human plasma. Anastrozole and irbesartan (internal standard) were extracted from human plasma with a mixture of dichloromethane and methyl tert‐butyl ether (30:70, v/v). Analysis of the analytes was performed on a Luna HILIC column with the mobile phase of acetonitrile–10 m m ammonium formate (95:5, v/v) and detected by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in the selected reaction monitoring mode. The standard curve was linear (r2 = 0.9992) over the concentration range of 0.10–50.0 ng/mL using 200 μL of plasma sample. The coefficient of variation and relative error for intra‐ and inter‐assay at four QC levels were 1.2–10.0% and −7.2–3.2%, respectively. The present method was applied successfully to the pharmacokinetic study of anastrozole after oral administration of 1 mg anastrozole tablet to healthy male volunteers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing education in electronic sciences using virtual laboratories developed with effective practices
Authors: Garcia I. A. , Pacheco C. L. , Garcia J. N.
Published: June 2011

The aim of a Virtual Lab project is to provide students access via the Internet to various experiments in those Universities where the infrastructure resources are poor. Moreover, a Virtual Lab is based on a distance education concept due to the fact that certain students may be interested in studying even at places which are far away from University eliminating the necessity to be there in person. However, methodologies used in the development of this kind of educational applications have too many problems: a lack of common theoretical frameworks which can be used by anyone in the project, and excessive formality in both technical and pedagogical factors. So, considering these factors, the introduction of “effective practices” within an alternative methodology to develop this kind of software is proposed. The applications of the Virtual Lab have been tested with the students enrolled at Technological University of the Mixtec Region and the initial educational results of the implementation of the DCLab software are presented. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:283–296, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.20554
Microstructured Mixers and Hydrocyclons for Multiphase Contacting and Separation
Authors: Rodermund Kathrin , Grünewald Marcus , Schael Frank , Herbstritt Frank , Heck Joachim
Published: June 2011

Die Kontaktierung und Trennung nicht mischbarer Fluide ist bei chemischen Synthesen sowohl im eigentlichen Reaktionsschritt als auch bei der Aufarbeitung von großer Bedeutung. Mikrostrukturierte Bauteile sind dabei aufgrund ihres Potenzials, kurze Stofftransportwege bei gleichzeitig großen spezifischen Oberflächen zu ermöglichen, von besondererm Interesse. Während Apparate für einphasigen Betrieb bereits umfassend untersucht sind, stehen systematische Untersuchungen von mikrostrukturierten Dispergier‐ und Trennapparaten noch am Anfang. Die Eignung ausgewählter Mikromischer und Hydrozyklone für Anwendungen im Bereich der Mehrphasensysteme wird diskutiert.
A Microstructured, Flexible and Modular Device for Desorption: The High Efficiency Contactor
Authors: Dercks Benedikt , Zecirovic Rebeka , Ruffert Gerhard , Grün Marcus P. , Grünewald Marcus
Published: June 2011

Das Prinzip eines Mikrosiebkontaktors als Trennapparat wurde zunächst im Labormaßstab umgesetzt und die Effizienz anhand von Strippversuchen experimentell untersucht. Im nächsten Schritt erfolgte ein Scale‐up des Labormoduls zu einem Stack mit gesteigerter Kapazität. Die Möglichkeiten des Numbering‐up durch das Stapeln mehrerer Siebe in dem Apparat und der seriellen Verschaltung mehrerer Apparate wurden experimentell gezeigt.
Pricing barrier and American options under the SABR model on the graphics processing unit
Authors: Tian Yu , Zhu Zili , Klebaner Fima C. , Hamza Kais
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we presented our study on using the graphics processing unit (GPU) to accelerate the computation in pricing financial options. We first introduced the GPU programming and the SABR stochastic volatility model. We then discussed pricing options with quasi Monte Carlo techniques under the SABR model. In particular, we focused on pricing barrier options by quasi Monte Carlo and conditional probability correction methods and on pricing American options by the least squares Monte Carlo method. We then presented our GPU‐based implementation for pricing barrier options and hybrid CPU–GPU implementation for pricing American options. In addition, we described techniques for efficient use of GPU memory. We provided details of implementing these GPU numerical schemes for pricing options and compared performances of the GPU programs with their CPU counterparts. We found that GPU‐based computing schemes can achieve 134 times speedup for pricing barrier options, while maintaining satisfactory pricing accuracy. For pricing American options, we also reported that when the least squares Monte Carlo method is used, special techniques can be devised to use less GPU memory, resulting in 22 times speedup, instead of the original 10 times speedup. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon Monoxide Oxidation on Pt Single Crystal Electrodes: Understanding the Catalysis for Low Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: García Gonzalo , Koper Marc T. M.
Published: June 2011

Herein the general concepts of fuel cells are discussed, with special attention to low temperature fuel cells working in alkaline media. Alkaline low temperature fuel cells could well be one of the energy sources in the next future. This technology has the potential to provide power to portable devices, transportation and stationary sectors. With the aim to solve the principal catalytic problems at the anode of low temperature fuel cells, a fundamental study of the mechanism and kinetics of carbon monoxide as well as water dissociation on stepped platinum surfaces in alkaline medium is discussed and compared with those in acidic media. Furthermore, cations involved as promoters for catalytic surface reactions are also considered. Therefore, the aim of the present work is not only to provide the new fundamental advances in the electrocatalysis field, but also to understand the reactions occurring at fuel cell catalysts, which may help to improve the fabrication of novel electrodes in order to enhance the performance and to decrease the cost of low temperature fuel cells.
Alterations of sex‐typical microanatomy: Prenatal stress modifies the structure of medial preoptic area neurons in rats
Authors: Gerecke Kim M. , Kishore Rehka , Jasnow Aaron , Quadros‐Menella Princy , Parker Susan , Kozub Frederick J. , Lambert Kelly G. , Kinsley Craig Howard
Published: June 2011

Prenatal stress disrupts normal sexual differentiation and behavior with concomitant alterations in brain development; however, its effects on the cytoarchitecture of neurons in the sexually dimorphic medial preoptic area (mPOA) of the hypothalamus is not known. Morphometric analysis of the mPOA of adult rats showed sex differences as neurons from control females had significantly greater numbers of basal dendritic branches and cumulative basal dendritic length as compared to control male neurons. Prenatal stress significantly altered these sexual dimorphisms, as prenatally stressed (P‐S) males had increased measures of cell body area, perimeter, cumulative basal dendritic length, and branch point numbers as compared to control males. Prenatal stress also altered the cytoarchitecture in the female mPOA neurons as P‐S female neurons had significantly greater measures for primary dendritic branch number and a trend towards significance for several additional measures as compared to control females. Therefore, there are significant effects of both sex and prenatal stress on neuronal architecture in the mPOA that may help to explain the well‐documented alterations in reproductive behaviors observed in P‐S animals. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 54:16–27, 2012.