bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Eulerian Diffusion Approach of Four-Way-Coupled Multiphase Systems
Authors: Groll R.
Published: April 2010

Volume-fraction weighted and Reynolds averaged momentum transport equations
are solved in an Euler/Euler approach to simulate numerically the turbulent, dispersed two-
phase °ow in a two-dimensional channel and a three-dimensional conic di®user °ow. Particular
attention is given to the modelling of turbulent di®usion and particle wall interaction, assuming
local equilibrium but introducing individual terms for particle/°uid drag interaction, particle
collisions and trajectory crossings. These in°uences have been quanti¯ed in terms of partial
viscosities, a restitution power and a turbulence structure parameter. Boussinesq approxima-
tions have been used for each phase and their interaction, whose formulation was provided in
the framework of the eddy-viscosity modelling concept.
Atomic Contribution to Valence Band Density of States in Gallium Oxide and Silicon Oxide Nano Layered Films
Authors: Takeuchi Toshio , Nishinaga Jiro , Kawaharazuka Atsushi , Horikoshi Yoshiji
Published: April 2010

High resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to investigate the spectra of nanolayered films. Amorphous gallium oxide (Ga2O3)-silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanolayered thin films are grown using ultrahigh vacuum radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering on sapphire substrates at room temperature. Films are layered with 15-angstrom Ga2O3 oxide and 75-angstrom SiO2 for a total of 10 layers. Referring to atomic core levels, atomic contribution to valence band density of states is experimentally nominated. This analytical technique has particular applicability to the evaluation of the density of states with atomic contributions.
Electroless Ni-P Composites with ZrO2: Preparation, Characterization, Thermal Treatment
Authors: Novakovic Jelica , Delagrammatikas M. , Vassiliou P. , Dervos C.T.
Published: April 2010

The study of composite electroless Ni-P coatings is pursued in order to obtain coatings on a metal substrate with advanced properties i.e. with high wear and corrosion resistance for particular engineering uses. Composite NiP-ZrO2 layers were prepared by simultaneous electroless co-deposition of Ni-P and ZrO2 on steel, from a reducing solution in which ZrO2 particles were kept in suspension by stirring. The particles load in the bath was 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 g/l. The deposits of 30 m in thickness, were characterized for structure, morphology and hardness by scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis as well as X-ray diffraction. It was found that the maximum ZrO2 particle incorporation attained was 7-10% of Zr. Vickers microhardness was measured for the plain deposit and found to be 720 HV and for the maximum zirconia content of 10%, 820 HV. After a vacuum heat treatment for 10 min, the microhardness of the composite is found to be 1500 HV. The electrochemical linear polarization measurements in a corrosive NaCl 3.5% solution shows at 2.0 g/l bath load favourable conditions for the formation of a defects free composite deposit could be created.
Characterization of Titanium Carbides Coatings Using X-Ray Microanalysis in Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Gheriani R. , Bensaha R. , Halimi Rachid
Published: April 2010

X-ray microanalysis was used in the qualitative and quantitative study of titanium carbides obtained by deposition of thin titanium films on steel substrates using reactive r. f. sputtering of a pure titanium target. The samples are subjected to high vacuum annealing at a temperatures between 200 and 1000°C for 60 min. The morphological analysis by SEM shows that all films exhibited a dense microstructure. The EDS pattern of X-ray microanalysis shows that the non treated samples mainly consist of titanium. The concentration of Ti decreases progressively with the annealing temperature therefore the carbon and iron concentrations increases, this is as result of atomic interdiffusion between the substrate and the thin film. In the highest temperatures of annealing we note the diffusion of the elements of substrate towards outside layers even for those having weak concentrations. The relationship between mechanical properties and the reaction is carried out by Vickers micro-hardness measurements.
Dispersion of Twin Inclined Fume Jets of Variable Temperature within a Crossflow
Authors: Radhouane Amina , Mahjoub Said Nejla , Mhiri Hatem , Le Palec Georges , Bournot Philippe
Published: April 2010

This paper deals with the interaction of twin elliptic jets with a cooler oncoming crossflow. The jet nozzles are placed tandem with the main flows, three diameters one from another and initially inclined with a 60° angle. The exploration of the resulting flowfield was carried out numerically by means of the finite volume method together with the RSM (Reynolds Stress Model) second order turbulent closure model and non uniform grid system that was particularly refined near the nozzles. After validation with reference to PIV (particle image velocimetry) experimental data, the model was upgraded by discharging a non reactive fume from the jet nozzles and introducing a variable temperature gradient between the interacting flows. We focused mainly in the present work on the determinant role of the temperature gradient on the dispersion of the discharged pollutants within the domain. Such a study is likely to optimize (control, reduce, eliminate, etc.) one of the most alarming nowadays’ environmental concern: the atmospheric pollution.
Numerical Determination of Intrinsic Diffusion in Fe-Cr-Al Systems
Authors: Wierzba Bartłomiej , Politano Olivier , Chevalier Sébastien , Danielewski Marek
Published: April 2010

The intrinsic diffusion coefficients in diffusion aluminide coatings based on Fe-30Cr were determined at 1000oC. The diffusion fluxes were given by the Nernst Planck formulae and the Darken method for multicomponent systems was applied. This paper summarizes some numerical results to determine the composition dependent diffusivities in Fe-Cr-Al systems. The method presented in this study to obtain average intrinsic diffusion coefficients is as an alternative to the Dayananda method. Our method based on empirical parameters allowed us to predict the concentration profile during the interdiffusion process.
Oxygen Diffusion and Electrical Conductivity Measurements in Uranium Dioxide
Authors: Garcia Philippe , Fraczkiewicz Mathieu , Davoisne C. , Carlot G. , Pasquet B. , Baldinozzi G. , Siméone D. , Petot C.
Published: April 2010

In this paper, we describe two experimental set-ups which enable the measurement of electrical properties and intrinsic diffusion coefficients in UO2. Electrical conductivity measurements are insured by a standard four point Kelvin-Bridge method. In parallel, the gas-solid isotopic exchange method is used to load the samples with 18O tracer atoms, the concentration profile of which are subsequently characterized using SIMS and chromatic confocal microscopy. An application of both types of measurements on a UO2 single crystal is given. The diffusion study was carried out at 750°C, and the electrical conductivity study was performed between 1000°C and 1300°C at oxygen potentials at which the material exhibits extrinsic behaviour. We show how a careful use of both measurements in conjunction can be an indication of the operative migration mechanism.
Reaction-Assisted Diffusion Bonding of Advanced Materials
Authors: Ramos Ana Sofia , Vieira Maria-Teresa Freire , Simões Sonia , Viana Filomena , Vieira Manuel F.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this work is to join -TiAl intermetallics to Ni based superalloys by solid state diffusion bonding. The surface of the -TiAl alloys and Ni superalloys to be joined was prepared by magnetron sputtering with a few microns thick Ni/Al reactive multilayer thin films with nanometric modulation periods. Sound joining without cracks or pores is achieved along the central region of the bond, especially at 800°C and when a 14 nm period Ni/Al film is used as filler material. During the diffusion bonding experiments interdiffusion and reaction inside the Ni/Al multilayer thin film and between the interlayer film and the base materials is promoted with the formation of intermetallic phases. The final reaction product in the multilayer films is the B2-NiAl intermetallic phase. The interfacial diffusion layers between the base materials and the multilayer films should correspond to: 3-NiTiAl and 4-Ni2TiAl phases from the -TiAl side; Ni-rich aluminide and -phase from the Inconel side. These intermetallic phases are responsible for the hardness increase observed on the diffusion layers.
Thermal Conductivity of Carbon Nanofibre-Polypropylene Composite Foams
Authors: Antunes Marcelo , Realinho Vera , Solórzano E. , Rodríguez-Pérez Miguel A. , de Saja Jose A. , Velasco Jose Ignacio
Published: April 2010

Carbon nanofibre-reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites containing from 5 to 20 wt.% of carbon nanofibres and a chemical blowing agent were melt-compounded and later foamed using compression-moulding. Alongside their foaming behaviour analysis and cellular characterization, foams showing an increasingly finer isometric cellular structure with increasing the amount of nanofibres, their thermal conductivity was determined using the Transient Plane Source Method (TPS). Contrarily to the electrical conductivity, which has previously been shown to rise with increasing the amount of carbon nanofibres [1], the addition of the nanofibres did not significantly alter the thermal conductivity of the PP foams, their value being mainly affected by the relative density, only slight differences being assessed for the higher expansion ratio PP-CNF foams.
Activation of Murine Macrophages via TLR2 and TLR4 Is Negatively Regulated by a Lyn/PI3K Module and Promoted by SHIP1
Authors: Keck Simone , Freudenberg Marina , Huber Michael
Published: April 2010

Src family kinases are involved in a plethora of aspects of cellular signaling. We demonstrate in this study that the Src family kinase Lyn negatively regulates TLR signaling in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMΦs) and in vivo. LPS-stimulated Lyn−/− BMMΦs produced significantly more IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-α/β compared with wild type (WT) BMMΦs, suggesting that Lyn is able to control both MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways downstream of TLR4. CD14 was not involved in this type of regulation. Moreover, Lyn attenuated proinflammatory cytokine production in BMMΦs in response to the TLR2 ligand FSL-1, but not to ligands for TLR3 (dsRNA) or TLR9 (CpG 1668). In agreement with these in vitro experiments, Lyn-deficient mice produced higher amounts of proinflammatory cytokines than did WT mice after i. v. injection of LPS or FSL-1. Although Lyn clearly acted as a negative regulator downstream of TLR4 and TLR2, it did not, different from what was proposed previously, prevent the induction of LPS tolerance. Stimulation with a low dose of LPS resulted in reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines after subsequent stimulation with a high dose of LPS in both WT and Lyn−/− BMMΦs, as well as in vivo. Mechanistically, Lyn interacted with PI3K; in correlation, PI3K inhibition resulted in increased LPS-triggered cytokine production. In this line, SHIP1−/− BMMΦs, exerting enhanced PI3K-pathway activation, produced fewer cytokines than did WT BMMΦs. The data suggest that the Lyn-mediated negative regulation of TLR signaling proceeds, at least in part, via PI3K.
The Small Heat Shock Protein 27 Is a Key Regulator of CD8+CD57+ Lymphocyte Survival
Authors: Wood Karen L. , Voss Oliver H. , Huang Qin , Parihar Arti , Mehta Neeraj , Batra Sanjay , Doseff Andrea I.
Published: April 2010

Differences in CD8+CD57− and CD8+CD57+ lymphocyte lifespan have been documented. Lower numbers and shorter lifespan are characteristic of CD8+CD57+ in normal individuals. However, CD8+CD57+ are expanded in certain disease states including T cell large granular leukemia and other hematologic malignancies. The mechanisms responsible for the differences in CD8+CD57− and CD8+CD57+ lifespan remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that the small heat shock protein (Hsp) 27 is a key regulator of CD8+CD57+ lymphocyte lifespan. We found that Hsp27 expression is significantly lower in CD8+CD57+ than in CD8+CD57− lymphocytes. In contrast, Hsp60 and Hsp70 are expressed at comparable levels. Unlike other antiapoptotic Bcl-2–like molecules, the expression of Hsp27 tightly correlates with CD8+CD57+ and CD8+CD57− lifespan. We demonstrate that Hsp27 overexpression in CD8+CD57+ lymphocytes to levels found normally in CD8+CD57− lymphocytes decreased apoptosis. Accordingly, silencing of Hsp27 in CD8+CD57− lymphocytes increased apoptosis. Collectively these results demonstrate that Hsp27 is a critical regulator of normal CD8+CD57+ lifespan supporting its use as a marker of lifespan in this lineage, and suggest a mechanism responsible for the decreased apoptosis and clonal expansion characteristic of certain disease states.
Coronary Artery Disease: A Study on the Joint Role of Birth Weight, Adenosine Deaminase, and Gender
Authors: Gloria-Bottini F. , Banci M. , Saccucci P. , Lucarini N. , Ianniello F. , Paradisi G. , Magrini A. , Bottini E.
Published: April 2010

An inverse relationship between birth weight and coronary artery diseases is well documented but it remains unclear which exposure in early life might underlie such association. Recently it has been reported an association between adenosine deaminase genetic polymorphism and coronary artery diseases. Gender differences in the degree of this association have been also observed. These observations prompted us to study the possible joint effects of BW, ADA, and gender on the susceptibility to coronary artery diseases. 222 subjects admitted to hospital for nonfatal coronary artery diseases, and 762 healthy consecutive newborns were studied. ADA genotypes were determined by DNA analysis. A highly significant complex relationship has emerged among ADA, birth weight, and gender concerning their role on susceptibility to coronary artery diseases in adult life. Odds ratio analysis suggests that low birth weight is more important in females than in males. ADA∗2 allele appears protective in males, while in females such effect is obscured by birth weight.
Generalizations of the Wedderburn number: Parameterizing upwelling in stratified lakes
Authors: Shintani Tetsuya , de la Fuente Alberto , de la Fuente Alberto , Niño Yarko , Imberger Jörg
Published: April 2010

The effect of lake geometry on wind‐induced upwelling, in a two‐layer stratified lake with a variable bottom slope and generic planar shape is investigated. (1) The traditional linearized classification parameter for upwelling, the Wedderburn number, is extended to include finite amplitude effects in a rectangular basin; this extension is important when the Wedderburn number is < ~3. (2) The Wedderburn number is generalized to incorporate the influence of a bottom slope and a variable‐width basin for both the linear (large Wedderburn number) and nonlinear (small Wedderburn number) assumptions. Laboratory and numerical experiments of a two‐layer stratification were performed and used to validate these extensions. (3) Both extensions are combined to derive a methodology to estimate the interface displacement in real lakes where both geometry effects may act together, and this methodology is used to discuss the response of the thermocline to the onset of wind in Lake Como and Mundaring Weir reservoir. In most cases, symmetry of the basin geometry along the fetch is the key characteristic that defines tilting of the interface for real lakes. Asymmetries in terms of bottom slopes induce shortening or stretching of the effective internal fetch, while a larger excursion of the interface results in narrower upwind areas of the lake due to horizontal redistribution of displaced water volumes. This paper gives the correct definition of the length scales to define the Wedderburn number for any stratified basin.
Serving ELLs With Limited or Interrupted Education: Intervention That Works
Authors: DECAPUA ANDREA , MARSHALL HELAINE W.
Published: April 2010

This article reports on the results of a 5‐month intervention in one high school class of English language learners (ELLs) with limited or interrupted formal education using an instructional model developed by the authors. These students are a challenging group for educators, especially at the high school level because they must master content knowledge and develop English language and literacy in a relatively short amount of time. Furthermore, they must also learn how to participate effectively in U. S. schools, institutions with their own culture and culturally based assumptions. The two research questions of this study were: How could the implementation of the instructional model assist this subpopulation of ELLs in the development of literacy and academic thinking? Would the implementation of the model improve the engagement and participation of these students? Findings indicate that through the implementation of this instructional model, the teacher in this study was able to facilitate students' transition to the U.S. educational system. Classroom observations and analysis of student work revealed that students were participating more actively in their learning and had developed increased facility with both print and academic‐style thinking.
The Uniqueness of EFL Teachers: Perceptions of Japanese Learners
Authors: LEE JOSEPH J.
Published: April 2010

Building on the work of Borg (2006), this article reports on a study of Japanese English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' perceptions of some of the unique characteristics of EFL teachers that distinguish them from teachers of other subjects. The data were collected by means of a questionnaire to which 163 college‐level EFL students in Japan responded. Their responses were analyzed to identify the characteristics that are exclusive to the province of EFL teachers. The results of the study indicate that these learners perceive EFL teachers to be unique along four central dimensions: the complex nature of the subject matter, the content of teaching, teaching approach, and teacher personality. The findings also suggest that the particularity of the socio‐cultural and educational context may ultimately influence how EFL teachers and their work are conceptualized by learners in crucial ways. I conclude by arguing that if language teacher education is to provide a more nuanced explanation of the uniqueness of EFL teachers and teaching that may be meaningful and relevant to teachers and students working within particular contexts, the voices of all stakeholders involved in EFL education need to be included in the dialogue on what it means to be an EFL teacher.
Risk factors associated with renal lithiasis during uricosuric treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with Gout
Authors: Perez‐Ruiz Fernando , Hernandez‐Baldizon Samuel , Herrero‐Beites Ana M. , Gonzalez‐Gay Miguel A.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To find factors associated with the development of renal colic during uricosuric therapy.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort followup study of patients with gout and no previous history of kidney stones who had been treated with uricosurics. Clearance of creatinine and urate, 24‐hour urinary uric acid (UA), undissociated urinary UA concentration, 24‐hour undissociated urinary UA, and pH and urine sediment were obtained. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with renal colic as the outcome. The rate of renal colic was compared with that of control patients receiving allopurinol who had no previous history of renal stones.

Results

We analyzed a 784 patient‐year exposure from 216 patients: 206 with renal underexcretion of UA and 10 with normal excretion. There were 21 clinical events. Two variables showed increased risk hazard for developing lithiasis: clearance of UA at baseline and undissociated urinary UA concentration during followup. When only patients with underexcretion of UA were included in the analysis, undissociated urinary UA during followup remained the only statistically significant variable. Patients who showed an undissociated UA concentration <20 mg/dl did not show an increase in the rate of lithiasis or events compared with patients receiving allopurinol.

Conclusion

Clearance of UA at baseline may be useful for selecting patients suitable for uricosuric treatment. The estimation of the concentration of undissociated urinary UA is useful for evaluating the risk of lithiasis during followup.
New insights on mass transfer kinetics in chromatography
Authors: Gritti Fabrice , Guiochon Georges
Published: April 2010

The mass transfer kinetics of thiourea, phenol, ethylbenzene, propylbenzene, butylbenzene, and amylbenzene were studied on a Gemini‐C18 (5 μm, 110 A˚, 375 m2/g) column (150 mm × 4.6 mm) eluted with methanol/water solutions (100, 90, and 20% v/v). Each of the successive steps of the mass transfer of these solutes (axial diffusion, eddy dispersion, film mass transfer resistance, and transparticle mass transfer resistance) was unambiguously measured, using a combination of the peak parking method, the total pore blocking method, and moment analysis, in a wide range of reduced linear velocities. The results obtained offer new insights on the mass transfer kinetics in chromatographic columns. They show first that the eddy dispersion A‐term is strongly correlated with the particle porosity. The complex, anastomosed transcolumn flow pattern causes extra band broadening. This transcolumn effect was found to be markedly smaller with porous particles than with nonporous particles of the same size. Second, the film mass transfer coefficient of retained compounds is smaller for porous than for nonporous particles, a result consistent with concentration gradients being steeper at the wall of solid particles than across the entrance surface of pores. The external mass transfer coefficient decreases with increasing fraction of the surface area of the particles that is open to pores, e.g., with increasing particle porosity. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Probability bounds analysis for nonlinear dynamic process models
Authors: Enszer Joshua A. , Lin Youdong , Ferson Scott , Corliss George F. , Stadtherr Mark A.
Published: April 2010

Dynamic process models frequently involve uncertain parameters and inputs. Propagating these uncertainties rigorously through a mathematical model to determine their effect on system states and outputs is a challenging problem. In this work, we describe a new approach, based on the use of Taylor model methods, for the rigorous propagation of uncertainties through nonlinear systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). We concentrate on uncertainties whose distribution is not known precisely, but can be bounded by a probability box (p‐box), and show how to use p‐boxes in the context of Taylor models. This allows us to obtain p‐box representations of the uncertainties in the state variable outputs of a nonlinear ODE model. Examples having two to three uncertain parameters or initial states and focused on reaction process dynamics are used to demonstrate the potential of this approach. Using this method, rigorous probability bounds can be determined at a computational cost that is significantly less than that required by Monte Carlo analysis. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Adjustable QSPRs for prediction of properties of long‐chain substances
Authors: Paster Inga , Shacham Mordechai , Brauner Neima
Published: April 2010

The development of quantitative structure property relationships (QSPRs) with good extrapolation capabilities for high carbon number (nC) substances in homologous series is considered. Based on the available experimental data, molecular descriptors collinear with a particular property are identified. Among these, the ones whose behavior at the limit nC → ∞ is similar to the properties behavior, are eventually used for prediction. A linear QSPR in terms of the selected descriptor with an optional additional correction term which exponentially decays with nC can be developed. The confidence level in the property prediction can be adjusted to the quantity, precision, and reliability of the available data. The proposed method has been tested by developing QSPRs for predicting TC and PC for several homologous series and Tm for the n‐alkane series. In all cases, the QSPRs developed represent the available experimental data satisfactorily and converge to theoretically accepted values for nC → ∞. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Importance of sample intraparticle diffusivity in investigations of the mass transfer mechanism in liquid chromatography
Authors: Gritti Fabrice , Guiochon Georges
Published: April 2010

The effective diffusivity of a nonretained (thiourea) and of a strongly retained (phenol) compounds were measured with the peak parking method in two different columns (both 150 × 4.6 mm) packed with two types of porous particles having different mesopore sizes [5 μm Jupiter‐C18, 320 Å and Luna(2)‐C18, 100 Å]. The eluent was a methanol–water mixture (10/90 v/v) and the temperature 294 K. The effective diffusivity data acquired were used to determine the intraparticle diffusivity, Dp, based on two different diffusion models. The first one assumes that the diffusion fluxes across the particles and in the interparticle volume are additive (parallel diffusion model). The second model was rigorously derived on the basis of the effective medium theory of diffusion (diffusion model) in a binary composite medium (particles + interparticle volume). In both models, it was assumed that the rate of equilibrium between the liquid and the solid phases was infinitely faster than the rate of axial diffusion along the column at zero flow rate. Both models provide physically meaningful intraparticle diffusivity coefficients that take into account the average mesopore size of the particles, their specific surface area, and the retention factor of the analyte. Although the actual effective intraparticle diffusivity remains unknown, these result confirm that the mass transfer resistance due to diffusion through the porous particles has almost negligible effects in reversed phase liquid chromatography due to the importance of surface diffusion. Combining the results of the peak parking method with the h data measured at high linear velocities allows the unambiguous measurement of the film mass transfer and the surface diffusion coefficients. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Quantum chemical studies on the simultaneous interaction of thiophene and pyridine with ionic liquid
Authors: Anantharaj R. , Banerjee Tamal
Published: April 2010

The simultaneous interaction of thiophene and pyridine with different ionic liquids:1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate([BPYRO][BF4]),1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium hexafluoro‐phosphate ([BPYRO][PF6]), 1‐butyl‐4‐methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([BPY][BF4]), 1‐butyl‐4‐methylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate ([BPY][PF6]) and 1‐benzyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BeMIM][BF4]) were investigated using quantum chemical calculations. A three‐tier approach comprising of partial charges, interaction energies and sigma profile generation using conductor‐like screening model for real solvents (COSMO‐RS) was chosen to study the systems. A quantitative attempt based on the CH‐π interaction in ionic liquid; thiophene–pyridine complexes gave the interaction energies of ILs in the order: [BPY][BF4] > [BPYRO][PF6] > [BeMIM][BF4] > [BPY][PF6] > [BPYRO][BF4]. An inverse relation was observed between the activity coefficient at infinite dilution predicted via COSMO‐RS–based model and interaction energies. The dominance of CH‐π interaction was evident from the sigma profiles of ionic liquid together with thiophene and pyridine. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Normal ranges of angiogenesis regulatory proteins in human platelets
Authors: Peterson Jon E. , Zurakowski David , Italiano Joseph E. , Michel Lea V. , Fox Lucius , Klement Giannoula L. , Folkman Judah
Published: April 2010

Platelets sequester angiogenesis regulatory proteins early in tumor growth, which suggests a new avenue for monitoring disease. To date, there are no clinically relevant reference ranges for markers of early angiogenesis. We introduce a new ELISA‐based method for accurate and reproducible measurement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), platelet factor 4 (PF4), thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), fibroblast growth factor, basic (bFGF), and endostatin in platelets. To facilitate clinical applicability, the platelet levels in isolated samples were determined utilizing a new actin ELISA method. Platelets from healthy donors at single and repetitive time points were used for the assessment of normal ranges of these proteins. The physiological levels in platelets were: VEGF (0.74 ± 0.37 pg/106 platelets); PDGF (23 ± 6 pg/106); PF4 (12 ± 5 ng/106); TSP‐1 (31 ± 12 ng/106); bFGF (0.44 ± 0.15 pg/106); and endostatin (5.6 ± 3.0 pg/106). There was an excellent correlation (R2 = 0.7) between the platelet levels calculated with the actin ELISA and complete blood count. The levels of the platelets were higher than those in platelet‐poor plasma by factors of: VEGF (215‐fold); PDGF (914‐fold); PF‐4 (516‐fold); TSP‐1 (813‐fold); and bFGF (17‐fold). The endostatin levels were nearly equivalent. The biovariability of the platelet proteins in eight healthy subjects over a 5‐week period was found to be minimal. We describe accurate and direct measurements of the concentrations of VEGF, bFGF, PDGF, TSP‐1, endostatin, and PF4 in platelets of healthy human subjects. In contrast to the highly variable levels in plasma and serum, the platelet‐derived measurements were accurate and reproducible with minimal biovariability. Am. J. Hematol., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of characteristics from White‐ and Black‐Americans with venous thromboembolism: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Heit John A. , Beckman Michele G. , Bockenstedt Paula L. , Grant Althea M. , Key Nigel S. , Kulkarni Roshni , Manco‐Johnson Marilyn J. , Moll Stephan , Ortel Thomas L. , Philipp Claire S.
Published: April 2010

When compared with Whites, Black‐Americans may have a 40% higher incidence venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence. However, whether other VTE characteristics and risk factors vary by race is uncertain. To compare demographic and baseline characteristics among White‐ and Black‐Americans with VTE, we used data prospectively collected from consecutive consenting adults enrolled in seven Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Thrombosis and Hemostasis Centers from August 2003 to March 2009. These characteristics were compared among Whites (n = 2002) and Blacks (n = 395) with objectively diagnosed VTE, both overall, and by age and gender. When compared with Whites, Blacks had a significantly higher proportion with pulmonary embolism (PE), including idiopathic PE among Black women, and a significantly higher proportion of Blacks were women. Blacks had a significantly higher mean BMI and a significantly lower proportion with recent surgery, trauma or infection, family history of VTE, and documented thrombophilia (solely from reduced factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A prevalence). Conversely, Blacks had a significantly higher proportion with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease and dialysis, HIV, and sickle cell disease. When compared with White women, Black women had a significantly lower proportion with recent oral contraceptive use or hormone therapy. We conclude that Whites and Blacks differ significantly regarding demographic and baseline characteristics that may be risk factors for VTE. The prevalence of transient VTE risk factors and idiopathic VTE among Blacks appears to be lower and higher, respectively, suggesting that heritability may be important in the etiology of VTE among Black‐Americans. Am. J.
Hematol. 85:467–471, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular characterization of sickle cell anemia in the Northern Brazilian state of Pará
Authors: De Lemos Cardoso Greice , Guerreiro João Farias
Published: April 2010

To assess α+‐thalassemia deletion alleles, β‐thalassemia mutations and haplotypes linked to the HBB*S cluster in a sample of 130 unrelated sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients (55% female) from Belém, Pará State, for their possible effects on the patients' survival. ‐α3.7, ‐α42, ‐α20.5, and –MED α+‐thalassemia deletion alleles were investigated using multiplex gap‐PCR method. Characterization of β‐thalassemia mutations was made by direct genomic sequencing of the β‐globin gene amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Haplotypes were determined by analysis of six polymorphic restriction sites [(1) XmnI‐5′γG, (2) HindIII‐γG, (3) HindIII‐γA, (4) HincII‐ψβ, (5) HincII‐3′ψβ, and (6) HinfI‐5′β] followed by restriction digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis. Twenty‐one patients (16%) presented ‐α3.7 thalassemia. Sixteen of those (76%) were heterozygous (‐α3.7/αα) and 5 (24%) were homozygous (‐α3.7/‐α3.7). ‐α4.2, ‐α20.5 and –MED deletions were not found. Nine cases of sickle cell‐β thalassemia were found and four different β‐thal mutations were identified: β+ −88 (C>T), 3.8%; β+ codon 24 (T > A), 1.5%; β+ IVSI‐110 (G > A), 0.7% and β (IVSI‐1 (G > A), 0.7%. No differences according to age were observed in ‐α3.7 deletion, β‐thalassemia and HHB*S haplotypes distribution. Our results suggest that although α‐ and β‐thalassemia and βS haplotypes may have modulating effect on clinical expression and hematological parameters of SCA, these genetic variables probably have little influence on the subjects' survival. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 22:573–577, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The need for data harmonization—a response to Boden and Ozonoff
Authors: Oleinick Arthur , Zaidman Brian
Published: April 2010

Boden and Ozonoff's undercount estimates in their recent Commentary rely on three assumptions for which no quantitative literature references are provided. Alternatively, we show that findings in both studies and published data indicate lower upper‐bound estimates for the undercount range. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:854–855, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Management practices and risk of occupational blood exposure in U.S. paramedics: Needlesticks
Authors: Leiss Jack K.
Published: April 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to present risk estimates for needlestick in U.S. paramedics and estimated risk ratios for selected management practices.

Methods

A mail survey was conducted among a national sample of U.S. paramedics in 2002–2003.

Results

The adjusted response rate was 55% (n = 2,664). The overall 12‐month risk of needlestick was 6.7% (95% confidence interval, 5.4–7.9). Risk ratios for provision of safety‐engineered medical devices and two supervisory behaviors that emphasized safe work practices ranged from 2.5 to 3.2. The protective effect of working in an environment that included both of the supervisory behaviors was greater than the protective effect of always being provided with safety devices. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the risk ratio estimates were unlikely to be inflated by nonresponse bias.

Conclusions

These results suggest that greater provision of safety devices and interventions aimed at management practices that promote worker safety could substantially reduce the risk of needlestick among U.S. paramedics. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:866–874, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
17p13.1 microdeletion involving the TP53 gene in a boy presenting with mental retardation but no tumor
Authors: Schluth‐Bolard Caroline , Sanlaville Damien , Labalme Audrey , Till Marianne , Morin Isabelle , Touraine Renaud , Edery Patrick
Published: April 2010

We report on the diagnosis of a 17p13.1 deletion in a 10‐year‐old boy. The patient presented with mild developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, joint hyperlaxity, pes planus, hypermetropia, hearing loss, and achromic patches following the Blaschko's lines on the right part of the thorax. Chromosome R‐banding was normal. Array CGH using a 244 K oligonucleotide array showed a homogeneous de novo 17p13.1 microdeletion of 400 kb involving TP53 and 25 other genes, including genes involved in brain function (EFNB3, FXR2). To our knowledge, six patients presenting with a constitutional 17p13.1 microdeletion involving the TP53 gene have been reported. We discuss the phenotype of this microdeletion and the genetic counseling issues, especially regarding the risk of cancer associated with the deletion of the TP53 gene. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Family communication about genetic risk information: Particular issues for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Plumridge Gillian , Metcalfe Alison , Coad Jane , Gill Paramjit
Published: April 2010

Open family communication about genetic conditions and associated risk is important to children's identity, coping and decision making. Parents however find talking to their children difficult and because of associated care needs and emotional reactions it can be particularly stressful in families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This article reports on the findings of a group of families affected by DMD who formed part of a larger study where adult and child members of 33 families affected by one of six genetic conditions were interviewed. Parents thought they should talk to children about a genetic condition in their family and children wanted information and open discussion. In families affected by DMD clear gender differences were identified between mothers and fathers in coping and in their roles in relation to the condition. There was a particularly close bond between mothers and affected sons. For most conditions, mothers were central to giving children information but the identified issues made this problematic in families with DMD. This resulted in affected children receiving little information about their condition at all and female siblings being unlikely to receive information about their potential carrier status until they were about 16‐year old. Insight into family communication within families affected by DMD assists healthcare professionals in recognizing and meeting the particular support needs of this group of families. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular and clinical characterization of patients with overlapping 10p deletions
Authors: Lindstrand Anna , Malmgren Helena , Verri Annapia , Benetti Elisa , Eriksson Maud , Nordgren Ann , Anderlid Britt‐Marie , Golovleva Irina , Schoumans Jacqueline , Blennow Elisabeth
Published: April 2010

Chromosome 10p terminal deletions have been associated with DiGeorge phenotype, and within the same genomic region haploinsufficiency of GATA3 causes the HDR syndrome (hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, renal dysplasia). We have performed detailed molecular analysis of four patients with partial overlapping 10p deletions by using FISH‐mapping, array‐CGH, and custom‐designed high‐resolution oligonucleotide array. All four patients had mental retardation and speech impairment and three of them showed variable signs of HDR syndrome. In addition, two patients had autistic behaviors and had similar dysmorphic features giving them a striking physical resemblance. A review of the literature identified 10 previously published cases with similar 10p deletions and reliable molecular or molecular cytogenetic mapping data. The combined information of present and previous cases suggests that partial deletions of 10p14‐p15 represent a syndrome with a distinct and more severe phenotype than previously assumed. The main characteristics include severe mental retardation, language impairment, autistic behavior, and characteristic clinical features. A critical region involved in mental retardation and speech impairment is defined within 1.6 Mb in 10p15.3. In addition, deletion of 4.3 Mb within 10p14 is associated with autism and characteristic clinical findings. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The DRD4 receptor Exon 3 VNTR and 5′ SNP variants and mRNA expression in human post‐mortem brain tissue
Authors: Simpson Jennifer , Vetuz Glenn , Wilson Mathew , Brookes Keeley J. , Kent Lindsey
Published: April 2010

Genetic variation within the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene has been implicated in many neuropsychiatric disorders and behavioral traits. This variation includes the extensively studied exon 3 variably numbered tandem repeat (VNTR), and several 5′ polymorphisms including a120‐bp duplication and two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms at −521 C/T (rs1800955) and −616 C/G (rs747302). Several reports have provided evidence for a functional role for some of these variants using in vitro techniques. This study investigated the functionality of these polymorphisms in 28 human post‐mortem brain tissue samples by quantifying DRD4 mRNA expression in relation to genotype. No statistically significant relationship between genotype and mRNA expression levels was found for these four polymorphisms although a weak trend toward the 7‐repeat of the exon 3 VNTR reducing DRD4 mRNA expression was found. Employing post‐mortem brain tissue, rather than using in vitro techniques may provide a more relevant paradigm to study functional effects of reported risk alleles. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TEOS–colloidal silica–PDMS‐OH hybrid formulation used for stone consolidation
Authors: Salazar‐Hernández Carmen , Alquiza María Jesús Puy , Salgado Patricia , Cervantes Jorge
Published: April 2010

The consolidation of materials concept, which consists of introducing a chemical substance (consolidant) into degraded stone, has been applied to architectural conservation. Silicon compounds such as tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) are frequently used as a base for commercial consolidant formulations due to their ability to form a siloxane polymer such as SiO2. However, the silica xerogels deposited into the stone show poor performance and the gels obtained are non‐porous and tend to crack during the drying stage. In order to avoid the fractures and to improve gel properties, we propose the synthesis of a hybrid consolidant based on TEOS and fillers such as colloidal silica (200 nm in diameter) and hydroxy‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS‐OH). Both additives enhance gel properties such as porosity and elasticity, leading to the formation of non‐fractured and permeable gels. Characterization of the hybrid xerogel was carried out by nitrogen adsorption and 29Si MAS‐NMR. The properties of the hybrid xerogels were compared with those prepared from a formulation based on TEOS (T‐ME) with a composition similar to a commercial product. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the hybrid consolidant, it was applied to tuff‐stone of historical monuments in the city of Guanajuato, Mexico. The tuff‐stone was also treated with the formulation T‐ME. Both treatments were studied by determining the percentage of consolidant deposited, evaluating changes in porosity and hardness of the treated stone. The applicability of the hybrid consolidant for the decayed tuff‐stone is under study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of a phenolic resin nanocomposite by in situ formation of silsesquioxanes from a molecular precursor
Authors: Schütz Michael R. , Sattler Katrin , Deeken Stefan , Klein Otto , Adasch Volker , Liebscher Christian H. , Glatzel Uwe , Senker Jürgen , Breu Josef
Published: April 2010

Silsesquioxanes are formed in situ during mixing and curing of a phenolic resin and a molecular silane precursor (3‐(triethoxysilyl)‐1‐propaneamine) yielding a nanocomposite. As indicated by a higher onset temperature, a higher characteristic decomposition temperature, and a lower maximum heat flow, the thermal stability of the nanocomposite is significantly improved over the pristine resin. Moreover, the bending strength and the strain at break could also be enhanced by 36% and 51%, respectively. The nanocomposite was characterized by 29Si solid‐state NMR, STEM/EDS, TGA, DSC, and three point bending tests. The STEM/EDS measurements showed a homogenous distribution of silsesquioxanes in the phenolic resin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Amino derivatives of PEEK‐WC
Authors: Trotta Francesco , Drioli Enrico , Luda Maria Paola , Musso Simone , Martina Katia , Mio Simona Ceresa
Published: April 2010

The synthetic procedure and the characterization of the new amino derivatives of poly(oxa‐p‐phenylene‐3,3‐phtalido‐p‐phenylene‐oxa‐p‐phenilene‐oxy‐phenylene) (PEEK‐WC) with various average degrees of substitution, is reported. The amino PEEK‐WC was extensively characterised by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, Elemental analyses, NMR, and viscosity measurements. The amino PEEK‐WC shows different solubility in some solvents in comparison with the parent polymer, good thermal stability and is able to form membrane by means of the phase inversion technique. Amino PEEK‐WC results to be quite reactive and can lead to further modification. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Dyeing behaviors of ionic liquid treated wool
Authors: Yuan Jiugang , Wang Qiang , Fan Xuerong
Published: April 2010

In this article, a new class of “green” solvent—ionic liquid (IL) was employed to improve the dyeability of wool. The physical and chemical properties of the IL‐treated wool, such as surface morphology, wettability, and tensile strength were first analyzed, and then the dyeing properties of IL‐treated wool were investigated in terms of dyeing rate, dyeing exhaustion at equilibrium, color depth, and color fastnesses. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed eroded marks on IL‐treated wool fiber surfaces. The water contact angle of the fabric treated with IL at 100°C decreased from 118.6° to 106.4°. The tensile strength of IL‐treated wool fibers was slightly decreased when the treating temperature was less than 100°C. Dyeing kinetics experiments revealed that the IL treatments greatly increased initial dyeing rate, shortened half‐dyeing time, and time to reach dyeing equilibrium. The final exhaustion and color depth of IL‐treated wool were also increased accompanying with slightly decreased color fastness. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Polymer processing and characterization of LLDPE films loaded with α‐tocopherol, quercetin, and their cyclodextrin inclusion complexes
Authors: Koontz John L. , Marcy Joseph E. , O'Keefe Sean F. , Duncan Susan E. , Long Timothy E. , Moffitt Ronald D.
Published: April 2010

Natural antioxidant additives were compounded into linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) using a twin‐screw counter‐rotating mixer and compression molded into films. Manufactured LLDPE films contained 2715 mg kg−1 α‐tocopherol in its free and β‐cyclodextrin complexed form and 1950 mg kg−1 quercetin in its free and γ‐cyclodextrin complexed form. Both cyclodextrin complexes were loaded into films at 1.5% by weight. These natural antioxidants were incorporated into LLDPE resins with two different catalyst types, Ziegler‐Natta and metallocene. Films were characterized by optical microscopy, oxidation induction time (OIT), oxygen transmission rate, contact angle analysis, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). All antioxidant additives increased the oxidative stability of LLDPE as measured by increased OIT, particularly quercetin. Natural antioxidants and their cyclodextrin inclusion complexes may provide a dual function in packaging to protect the polymer from oxidative degradation during melt processing and to delay the onset of oxidation of the packaged food during storage. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010