bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computing transverse elasticity modulus of composites using boundary integral equation method
Authors: Gun Halit , Ekici Haluk
Published: January 2013

In this study, the boundary integral equation (BIE) method is presented for the prediction of the transverse elasticity modulus of composites. The details of the BIE model covering infinite friction (stick) contact conditions are given. Both fiber and matrix materials are assumed to display linear elastic material behavior. The formulation is applied to four composite samples, e-glass/epoxy, s-glass/epoxy, boron/epoxy, and T300/epoxy. It is shown that the computed results are in very good agreement with the Tsai-Hahn equation.
Use of MeV Ion Beams to Simulate the Irradiation Effects in Advanced Materials at JANNUS Saclay
Authors: Trocellier P. , Serruys Y. , Miro S. , Bordas E. , Martin H. , Beck L. , Pellegrino S. , Chaâbane N. , Vaubaillon S. , Meslin E. , Barbu A. , Brimbal D. , Henry J. , Décamps B. , Fluss M. , Tumey S. , Hsiung L.
Published: January 2013

The JANNUS Saclay facility results from the coupling of three accelerators: a 3-MV Pelletron “Épiméthée,” a 2-MV Pelletron Tandem “Japet,” and a HVE 2.5-MV Van de Graaff “Yvette.” In the first part of this paper, the general layout of the facility will be described and its irradiation capabilities presented and discussed. Then, the rules established to give at JANNUS the status of open-access facility to perform irradiation experiments will be explained. Some examples of the irradiations carried out at JANNUS Saclay, for the last 2 years, to simulate the effects of irradiation in advanced materials by using MeV ion beams will be detailed in the third part of this paper. These experiments principally concern ferritic alloys, optical data storage (ODS) alloys, and semiconductors. To conclude, we will discuss the main instrumental and characterization developments that have been planned for the next five years.
Long Term Irradiation Phenomena in RPV Steels—The LONGLIFE Project
Authors: Altstadt Eberhard , Bergner Frank , Hein Hieronymus
Published: January 2013

The increasing age of European nuclear power plants and envisaged extensions of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) lifetimes up to 80 years require the accurate prediction and management of RPV neutron irradiation embrittlement. LONGLIFE (“Treatment of long term irradiation embrittlement effects in RPV safety assessment”) is a collaborative project of the seventh Framework Programme of EURATOM. This project has been initiated as the next step forward towards obtaining an improved understanding of irradiation effects in RPV steels under conditions representative of long term operation (LTO) of RPVs. Phenomena that might become important at high neutron fluences (such as late-blooming effects and flux effects) must be considered in detail as part of the process of upgrading safety assessments and embrittlement surveillance procedures to underwrite the safety of LTO of RPVs. The work starts with the collection and evaluation of plant-specific information and data, such as target neutron fluences for LTO and the chemical compositions of the materials. This includes a survey of available results of RPV materials data from decommissioned plants of validating surveillance data and specific irradiation effects relevant for LTO. Microstructural data are obtained from different techniques with the aim of assessing the adequacy of current dose-damage models with respect to their relevance to the mechanisms of irradiation damage associated with LTO of RPVs. Complementary mechanical tests are performed in order to address gaps in existing experimental data. Microstructural data pertaining to the evolution of irradiation damage are correlated with changes in mechanical properties, and the most important influencing factors will be identified. Surveillance guidelines for LTO of RPV base materials and welds will be developed as one of the principal outputs of the project. The scope of work and the project structure are outlined in the paper. Two LTO relevant phenomena—late blooming effect and flux effect—are discussed in more detail.
Embrittlement of Nickel Alloys in a CANDU Reactor Environment*CANDU (CANadian Deuterium Uranium)® is a registered trademark or Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.
Authors: Judge C. D. , Griffiths M. , Walters L. , Wright M. , Bickel G. A. , Woo O. T. , Stewart M. , Douglas S. R. , Garner F. A.
Published: January 2013

Nickel forms the basis of a large class of materials called superalloys that have good mechanical strength and good creep properties at high temperatures. These alloys are not used extensively in thermal power reactors because they absorb the slow neutrons needed to maintain the nuclear chain reactions. As a result of the neutron absorption they become highly radioactive, which can impede maintenance. When nuclear reactors were first designed and built the effect of neutron irradiation on the core materials after many years of operation was largely unknown. Accelerated tests were therefore conducted in liquid metal fast reactors having radiation damage rates that were an order of magnitude higher than conventional power reactors. For nickel alloys, however, the adverse effect of neutron irradiation in a power reactor environment compared with a fast reactor environment has not been fully appreciated until recently. Thermal reactor components examined in the Chalk River Laboratories hot cells have exhibited lower strength and ductility than expected compared to most irradiation-hardened materials. In order to understand the observations one has to consider the unique situation that arises because one is dealing with: (i) a nickel-rich alloy; (ii) a reactor with a spectrum that promotes large changes in nickel. Inconel X-750 contains about 70 wt. % nickel. Of this approximately 68% is the isotope Ni-58. This isotope transforms to Ni-59 when irradiated with thermal neutrons. The Ni-58(n, γ) reaction itself creates atomic displacements that are over and above what one would normally see in a fast reactor test, but more significantly the Ni-59 that is produced from this reaction has very high cross-sections for interactions with neutrons over a wide range of neutron energies. The Ni-59 undergoes three reactions with neutrons, (n, γ), (n, p), and (n, α). The latter two reactions release very large amounts of energy and thereby cause a very high level of atomic displacement as well as producing very high levels of hydrogen and helium. Measurements of irradiated material show significant He levels and indications of some retained H. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been conducted on Inconel X-750 core components removed after 9.4 and 11.15 years of full power service. These particular components are coiled springs made from wire that has a square cross section and widths of 1 and 0.7 mm respectively.
Polyalkylene Glycols as Next Generation Engine Oils
Authors: Woydt Mathias
Published: January 2013

Some of the properties intrinsically present in the backbone of polyalkylene glycols (PAGs), which have nowadays attracted the automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), are presented, such as bio-no-tox properties, heat capacity, extended drains, low friction, low AlSi-liner wear, fuel economy, and very high viscosity indices, and are achieved with metal-, ash-, and polymer-free formulations, which guarantee no adverse contamination of the lambda sensor and the active centers of the catalyzer as well as not to increase the exhaust back pressure of the particulate filter through ash deposits. This paper illuminates the latest results from OEM's engine bench and road testing supporting the following functional benefits: (a) bio-no-tox, (b) improvements of fuel economy, even when compared with latest hydrocarbon-based prototype oils, (c) reduced wear, (d) reduced engine friction, (e) extended drains, (f) suited for bio-fuels, (g) no adverse effects on after-treatment devices through ash-, metal-, and polymer-free formulations, etc.
Texture Evolution of Zircaloy-2 During Beta-Quenching: Effect of Process Variables
Authors: Romero Javier , Preuss Michael , Quinta da Fonseca João , Comstock Robert J. , Dahlbäck Mats , Hallstadius Lars
Published: January 2013

The nuclear industry is interested in developing thermomechanical processes to produce random crystallographic orientation (texture) from cold-rolled Zircaloy-2 sheets used to manufacture boiling water reactor (BWR) channels. Randomized textures are beneficial because they minimize anisotropic irradiation-assisted growth, which in turn reduces bowing and uncontrolled deformation of BWR channels during service. The texture evolution of cold-rolled Zircaloy-2 sheets during the allotropic α→β→α phase trans formation was characterized by using synchrotron X-ray diffraction in situ and electron backscatter diffraction. The initial strong rolling texture is weakened only if the α→β→α phase transformation is complete. Plastic deformation and grain growth in the β-phase lead to changes in the β texture and modify the inherited α texture. The global texture evolution is not sensitive to levels of stress that do not cause β plastic deformation. These findings demonstrate that accurate temperature control of the β-quenching process is of utmost importance in order to minimize undesirable irradiation growth of BWR channels during service, and that plastic deformation in the β phase can be employed to modify the inherited α texture. BWR channels with β-quenched textures will exhibit minimum irradiation growth caused by texture.
Segregation in Vacuum Arc Remelted Zirconium Alloy Ingots
Authors: Jardy A. , Leclerc F. , Revil-Baudard M. , Guerin P. , Combeau H. , Rebeyrolle V.
Published: January 2013

Vacuum arc remelting of zirconium alloy ingots is a key step in the manufacturing process of fuel assembly components in nuclear reactors. The control of the analytical homogeneity is indeed fundamental to ensure the quality and the in-reactor performance of the final products. For this reason, together with other industrial companies, AREVA NP/CEZUS has undertaken for more than 20 years a partnership with the Nancy School of Mines, which has developed a specific code named SOLidification during Arc Remelting (SOLAR). The mathematical model is based on the solution of the coupled transient heat, momentum, and solute transport equations, under laminar or turbulent flow conditions, during the remelting and cooling of a cylindrical ingot. An important part of the overall work is the careful validation of numerical simulations. For this purpose, specific sets of thermophysical data have been determined for various zirconium alloys. The model results show good agreement with the observation of 6 tons ingots remelted under industrial conditions. The specific case of a single melt M5™3 ingot was recently studied. The corresponding results are presented and discussed. The chemistry analysis has been enriched with structure examinations, aiming at improving the knowledge of solidification mechanisms in zirconium alloys. The use of SOLAR code to evaluate the ingot chemistry contributes to constantly improving the melting process applied to zirconium alloys in AREVA NP/CEZUS.
Polycrystalline Modeling of the Effect of Texture and Dislocation Microstructure on Anisotropic Thermal Creep of Pressurized Zr-2.5Nb Tubes
Authors: Li W. , Holt R. A. , Tracy S.
Published: January 2013

We have investigated the thermal creep of cold-worked Zr-2.5Nb tubes for a range of textures and stress states. The creep tests were performed on internally pressurized thin-wall standard (ratio of axial and transverse stress R≈0.5) and end-loaded (ratio of axial and transverse stress, 0.25<R<0.75) capsules 10 mm in diameter × 40 mm long × 0.5 mm wall-thickness at a stress of 300 MPa at 350C where dislocation creep is the dominant operating mechanism. The tests showed an obvious correlation of anisotropic creep with the texture under different stress states. A self-consistent visco-plastic polycrystalline model based solely upon crystallographic texture showed a poor correlation with experimental results for radial basal textures, similar to that found previously for in-reactor creep. Hence texture alone is not sufficient to accurately predict the creep anisotropy. A modified self-consistent model is introduced to take into account different pre-existing anisotropic dislocation distributions (from cold-work) in different crystal orientations. Much better agreement with the experimental creep anisotropy was found, indicating that individual dislocation distributions in grains with different orientations are important in controlling the creep anisotropy. The predicted effect on creep anisotropy of introducing dislocation structures by a radically different strain path is very large.
Detailed Analysis of the Microstructure of the Metal/Oxide Interface Region in Zircaloy-2 after Autoclave Corrosion Testing
Authors: Tejland Pia , Thuvander Mattias , Andrén Hans-Olof , Ciurea Sorina , Andersson Thomas , Dahlbäck Mats , Hallstadius Lars
Published: January 2013

Two varieties of Zircaloy-2, with different second phase particle (SPP) size distributions and different corrosion resistance, were oxidized in a steam autoclave. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of large thin-foil cross-sections of the oxide and the adjacent metal shows an undulating metal/oxide interface in both materials with a periodicity of slightly less than 1 μm and an amplitude of around 100 nm. The SPPs oxidize slower than the surrounding metal, and the absence of volume increase leads to void and crack formation as the SPPs become embedded in the oxide. On SPP oxidation, iron diffuses out of the particles into the surrounding oxide. A sub-oxide with an oxygen content of approximately 50 at. % and a layer thickness of about 200 nm was observed close to the metal/oxide interface. There is a 200 nm oxygen concentration gradient into the metal, from the level close to the sub-oxide of about 30 at. % down to a few atomic percent. All tin in the matrix is incorporated in the sub-oxide, and no segregation to the metal/oxide interface was found.
Understanding Crack Formation at the Metal/Oxide Interface During Corrosion of Zircaloy-4 Using a Simple Mechanical Model*16th International Symposium on Zirconium in the Nuclear Industry, 9th May 2010 – 13th May 2010, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Ly A. , Ambard A. , Blat-Yrieix M. , Legras L. , Frankel P. , Preuss M. , Curfs C. , Parry G. , Bréchet Y.
Published: January 2013

It has been established in previous works that corrosion kinetics in primary water of various zirconium alloys are periodic. Each period is associated with a layer of cracks parallel to the metal-oxide interface. These observations have been made either in autoclave or in pile. This indicates that corrosion processes in autoclave and under irradiation are of similar nature though their absolute kinetics might be different. Taking advantage of this correlation between cracks and corrosion kinetics, the present work aims at identifying the main microstructural parameters controlling cracks appearance in the oxide layer under well-controlled conditions. In order to achieve this, Zircaloy-4 was heat-treated to obtain various metallurgical states (stress-relieved versus recrystallised with different grain sizes) followed by corrosion tests in primary water. The key metallurgical parameters for the various conditions have been analysed (texture, precipitate sizes and grain sizes and distributions) using electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques. Corrosion kinetics of the various Zircaloy-4 microstructures are distinct as expected from the literature. Crack morphology in the oxide layer has been analysed and quantified using a dual beam scanning electron microscope/focused ion beam. Crack layers are evident even at small scale of observation. Three dimensional (3D) images of the oxide structure are presented. Cracks observed in this way are typically penny-shaped with a radius of about 100 nm. Near the metal-oxide interface, they are mainly found at the top of metal protrusions in the oxide. The roughness of the metal-oxide interface was measured. It does not exhibit any periodicity. The residual stresses in the oxide layers were measured by high energy (44 keV) synchrotron X-ray diffraction in transmission mode. Large compressive stresses (∼−1 GPa), changing with the metallurgical state and through the oxide scale thickness, were measured. The residual stresses in the oxide layers were measured by high energy (44 keV) synchrotron X-ray diffraction in transmission mode. Large compressive stresses (∼−1 GPa), changing with the metallurgical state and through the oxide scale thickness, were measured. A model of the oxide breaking at the point of transition has been developed. It is based on mechanical considerations and the existence of compressive stress in the oxide layer.
Effects of Secondary Phase Particle Dissolution on the In-Reactor Performance of BWR Cladding
Authors: Valizadeh S. , Ledergerber G. , Abolhassani S. , Jädernäs D. , Dahlbäck M. , Mader E. V. , Zhou G. , Wright J. , Hallstadius L.
Published: January 2013

Although the complete mechanisms are not yet fully understood, it is well established that the secondary phase particle (SPP) size distribution and chemical composition have a crucial affects in the reactor corrosion rate and hydrogen uptake in boiling water reactor (BWR) cladding. To further study these effects, different selected fuel rod assemblies with standard LK3 cladding materials that have been irradiated in KernKraftwerk Leibstadt (KKL) for three, five, six, seven, and nine annual cycles were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM analysis of the samples showed that the average size of SPPs increases as the small SPPs are dissolved during irradiation. After three cycles the Fe-Cr bearing SPPs have been identified as completely amorphous over the whole range of examined samples and the Fe-Ni bearing SPPs remained crystalline. The EDX analyses of several Fe-Ni bearing precipitates show that the Fe/Ni ratio stays more or less constant for the irradiated material at 1.5 to 1.6 and drops to about 1 after fast fluence of 17.9 × 1021 n/cm2 (>1 MeV) for nine cycles sample. Results from this study confirms that the increased oxide thickness, the higher hydrogen content, and the accelerated growth of the rods at rod average burnup of 78 MWd/kgU goes along with a change in the appearance of SPPs by TEM.
Ultra Low Tin Quaternary Alloys PWR Performance—Impact of Tin Content on Corrosion Resistance, Irradiation Growth, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Chabretou V. , Hoffmann P. B. , Trapp-Pritsching S. , Garner G. , Barberis P. , Rebeyrolle V. , Vermoyal J. J.
Published: January 2013

The performance of Zr1NbSnFe alloys within the range of Sn 0–0.65 % and Fe 0.03–0.35 % were studied through irradiation of fuel rods in two pressurized water reactors (PWRs) operating with significantly different fuel management strategies. Material test rod irradiations have also been launched in order to determine irradiation growth and corrosion behaviour on tubes irradiated under conditions representative of guide tubes. Results show that the increase in tin content up to 0.3 % does not significantly change the corrosion resistance nor the hydrogen pick-up compared to Zr1Nb alloy, while ensuring a higher creep resistance and an improved dimensional stability. On the contrary, at 0.5 % Sn, the corrosion resistance can be significantly degraded under demanding conditions. The iron addition to the alloy can be considered as a second order parameter for both corrosion and creep properties.
ZIRLO® Irradiation Creep Stress Dependence in Compression and Tension
Authors: Foster John Paul , Baranwal Rita
Published: January 2013

Fuel operating margins in recent years have decreased due to increases in fuel duty. In response, Westinghouse has developed an improved version of Standard ZIRLO®, denoted as Optimized ZIRLO™. This paper is a continuation of a previous paper reported by Foster et al. in 2009, which presented methods used to develop Optimized ZIRLO from Standard ZIRLO. The previous paper only outlined the experimental methods used to determine irradiation creep. This paper presents the detailed methods used to determine in-reactor creep and growth. In additio n, in-reactor creep stress dependence in tension and compression will be evaluated. The results show that the: (1) In-reactor creep compliance is the same in tension and compression and (2) if total in-reactor strain is split into irradiation growth and creep components: (a) Deviatoric hoop stress component and/or the stress difference of hoop minis radial is the driving force for irradiation creep and (b) irradiation creep in tension is the same as compression. These are the first experimental results that explicitly demonstrate the relationship between irradiation creep (or alternately plastic deformation under a neutron flux) with the deviatoric hoop stress component and/or the stress difference of hoop minis radial.
Electrochemical Oxidation and Determination of Nimesulide Using a Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Malode Shweta J. , Nandibewoor Sharanappa T.
Published: January 2013

The electrochemical oxidation of nimesulide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was studied in a phosphate medium at a carbon paste electrode under physiological condition. Cyclic voltammetric results showed one well-defined oxidation peak in the potential range from 0.4 to 1.4 V under different pH conditions, but the best results were obtained at pH 7.0. The oxidation process was irreversible and exhibited diffusion-controlled behavior. The response was evaluated with respect to pH and scan rate. The number of electrons transferred in the oxidation process was calculated and the probable oxidation mechanism was proposed. The proposed differential pulse voltammetric method was successfully applied to nimesulide determination in pharmaceutical samples. The analytical performance of this method has been evaluated for detection of analyte in urine as a real sample.
Gas-phase-IR and Solid-State Raman Investigation of Paracyclophanes
Authors: Herterich Jörg , Zeißner Susanne , Fischer Ingo
Published: January 2013

The vibrational structures of three paracyclophanes were investigated, ortho-dihydroxy-[2.2]paracyclophane (o-DHPC), mono-hydroxy[2.2]paracyclophane (MHPC) and 2,11-dithia[3.3]paracyclophane (2SPC). Gas-phase infrared spectroscopy helps to identify the most stable isomer of o-DHPC and MHPC in the gas phase, while FT-Raman spectroscopy was used to study S2PC. For o-DHPC the IR spectrum confirms that the EZ-rotamer dominates, while for MHPC the spectra agree better with the Z-rotamer, but are not unambiguous. The Raman spectrum of 2SPC showed a dominance of the trans isomer in the solid state.
Poetry in the Service of Music: The Case of Giovambattista Strozzi the Younger (1551–1634)
Authors: Chater James
Published: January 2013

Giovambattista (G. B.) Strozzi the Younger (1551–1634) occupied an important place in the literary life of Florence during the period when the Medici were consolidating their absolute rule over Tuscany. As a founder member and host of the Accademia degli Alterati he stands at the center of a web of poets and academicians who strove to bring about a closer cooperation between music, literature, and theater.

Strozzi is of interest to music historians for his work in three overlapping areas. First, he provided the texts for intermedi, maschere, and other music performed in Florence from 1579 until 1608, including music celebrating dynastic events of the Medici family. Second, a number of his poems were disseminated as the texts of published madrigals. Third, G. B. Strozzi is the author of poesia per musica, poems written specifically for musical setting or as contrafacta for existing musical pieces. In this area Strozzi was influenced by the reforming and moralizing tendencies of the Congregazione dell’Oratorio.

This article surveys Strozzi’s contribution in these three overlapping areas and also focuses on the poems Strozzi wrote in homage to Bianca Cappello, Francesco de’ Medici’s mistress and later his wife.
Living Without Quê
Authors: Dao Anh Thang
Published: January 2013

In existing scholarship, the formation of the Vietnamese Diaspora is often described as a result of the Second Indochina War. In this essay I examine other national and international historical events, such as the Vietnamese government's persecution of ethnic Chinese, the Cold War and French colonization of Vietnam, that contributed to the internal multiplicity and diversity of the Vietnamese Diaspora. Reading Thuận's novel Chinatown within the theoretical framework of freedom, I argue that a centuries-long history of political negotiation between Vietnam and international actors such as China and France has resulted in the oppression, internal exile and displacement of not only Vietnamese people, but also ethnic Chinese. Through an analysis of the relationship between the Vietnamese narrator and her ethnic Chinese husband, I reflect on the difficulties and potential of diasporic subjects to imagine a different kind of freedom that can challenge the different power dynamics regulating their life in both Vietnam and in the diaspora.
Remembering the Boat People Exodus
Authors: Tran Quan Tue
Published: January 2013

This essay examines the controversial stories and implications of two memorials built in March 2005 by former boat people from Vietnam on Pulau Bidong (Malaysia) and on Pulau Galang (Indonesia) to commemorate the refugee exodus that ensued after the end of the Vietnam War (April 1975). Tracing the histories and analyzing the contents of these objects, this essay not only illuminates the intertwining social, cultural, political, economic, moral, and spiritual dimensions of contemporary diasporic Vietnamese commemorative practices, but also explains how and why these commemorative practices are entangled in local, national, international, and transnational dynamics and therefore have multilateral impacts.
Clinical presentation, recurrence, and survival in patients with neuroendocrine tumors: results from a prospective institutional database
Authors: Ter-Minassian Monica , Chan Jennifer A , Hooshmand Susanne M , Brais Lauren K , Daskalova Anastassia , Heafield Rachel , Buchanan Laurie , Qian Zhi Rong , Fuchs Charles S , Lin Xihong , Christiani David C , Kulke Matthew H
Published: January 2013

The rarity of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) has contributed to a paucity of large epidemiologic studies of patients with this condition. We characterized presenting symptoms and clinical outcomes in a prospective database of over 900 patients with NET. We used data from patient questionnaires and the medical record to characterize presenting symptoms, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). The majority of patients in this database had gastroenteropancreatic NET. The median duration of patient-reported symptoms before diagnosis was 3.4 months; 19.5% reported durations from 1 to 5 years, 2.5% from 5 to 10 years, and 2% >10 years. The median DFS among patients with resected small bowel NET or pancreatic NET (panNET) was 5.8 and 4.1 years respectively. After correcting for left truncation bias, the median OS was 7.9 years for advanced small bowel NET and 3.9 years for advanced panNET. Chromogranin A (CGA) above twice the upper limit of normal was associated with shorter survival times (hazard ratios 2.8 (1.9, 4.0) P<0.001) in patients with metastatic disease, regardless of tumor subtype. Our data suggest that while most NET patients are diagnosed soon after symptom onset, prolonged symptom duration before diagnosis is a prominent feature of this disease. Though limited to observations from a large referral center, our observations confirm the prognostic value of CGA and suggest that median survival durations may be shorter than that reported in other institutional databases.
Iron Refractory Iron Deficiency Anemia: Presentation With Hyperferritinemia and Response to Oral Iron Therapy
Authors: Khuong-Quang Dong-Anh , Schwartzentruber Jeremy , Westerman Mark , Lepage Pierre , Finberg Karin E. , Majewski Jacek , Jabado Nada
Published: January 2013

Iron-refractory iron-deficiency anemia (IRIDA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in TMPRSS6. Patients have hypochromic microcytic anemia refractory to oral iron and are only partially responsive to parenteral iron administration. We report a French-Canadian kindred in which 2 siblings presented in early childhood with severe microcytic anemia, hypoferremia, and hyperferritinemia. Both children have been successfully treated solely with low-dose oral iron since diagnosis. Clinical and biological presentation did not fit any previously described genetic iron-deficiency anemia. Whole exome sequencing identified in both patients compound heterozygous mutations of TMPRSS6 leading to p.G442R and p.E522K, 2 mutations previously reported to cause classic IRIDA, and no additional mutations in known iron-regulatory genes. Thus, the phenotype associated with the unique combination of mutations uncovered in both patients expands the spectrum of disease associated with TMPRSS6 mutations to include iron deficiency anemia that is accompanied by hyperferritinemia at initial presentation and is responsive to continued oral iron therapy. Our results have implications for genetic testing in early childhood iron deficiency anemia. Importantly, they emphasize that whole exome sequencing can be used as a diagnostic tool and greatly facilitate the elucidation of the genetic basis of unusual clinical presentations, including hypomorphic mutations or compound heterozygosity leading to different phenotypes in known Mendelian diseases.
IOM Review of FDA-Approved Biologics Labeled or Studied for Pediatric Use
Authors: Field Marilyn J. , Ellinger Lara K. , Boat Thomas F.
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND:

Studies have examined the extent to which public policies such as the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act have increased pediatric information in drug labeling. Little attention has focused on pediatric labeling of biologics. This analysis examines the extent to which biologics are labeled for pediatric use or have been studied in children.

METHODS:

The analysis covers the 96 biologics (excluding vaccines) that were first licensed by the Food and Drug Administration between 1997 and 2010 and were still marketed as of 2010. Product labeling was consulted for information on approved pediatric uses, pediatric studies, or pediatric safety warnings based on analyses of adverse events. The online database ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for registered pediatric studies of these biologics. A separate analysis examined labeling and studies for 55 vaccines.

RESULTS:

For ∼60% of the 96 biologics, labeling shows approved pediatric use or pediatric study information or both. Approximately 85% of the biologics have ≥1 registered pediatric trial completed, underway, or planned. Overall, ∼90% are labeled for pediatric use, have pediatric information in the label, have a registered pediatric study, or have some combination of these characteristics. For the 55 analyzed vaccines, the corresponding figure is 95%.

CONCLUSIONS:

A majority of biologics approved in the past 15 years include some pediatric information in their labeling, and pediatric trials have been registered for a substantial majority of these products.
Dermis Reconstruction and Dermis Fat Graft through an Intraoral Incision: A New Method to Correct the Furrowed Philtral Column Deformity in Lesser-Form Cleft Lip
Authors: Wang Youbin , Qi Zheng , Wang Xiaojun
Published: January 2013

Objective

Minor cleft lip deformities are also called lesser-form cleft lips. A furrowed philtral column is one of the important characters of these deformities. Many surgical methods have been adopted to correct it with less than satisfactory results. In this article, a dermis reconstructive method was introduced.

Patients

From 2003 to 2010, 35 patients with lesser-form cleft lip were treated in our center.

Interventions

Through an intraoral and vermilion incision, the oral side of the orbicularis oris muscle on the affected side was dissected. Through a vermilion and perialar incision, the dermal side of the orbicularis oris muscle was dissected along the furrow. After restoring orbicularis oris muscular ring continuity, if necessary, the underdeveloped dermis was reconstructed with three sutures along the furrow. To reinforce lip thickness on the affected side and increase the philtral column prominence, retroauricular dermis fat was grafted between the muscle and skin.

Results

Thirty-five patients with lesser-form cleft lip were treated with dermis reconstruction and retroauricular dermis fat grafts. Congenital lip depressions were well corrected, and the philtral column prominences were reconstructed. The follow-up period was 6 to 20 months. All patients were satisfied with their results.

Conclusion

Dermis reconstruction and dermis fat grafting through an intraoral incision is effective in repairing a furrowed philtral column deformity in lesser-form cleft lip.
Shifting to a Wellness Paradigm in Teacher Education: A Promising Practice for Fostering Teacher Stress Reduction, Burnout Resilience, and Promoting Retention
Authors: Curry Jennifer R. , O’Brien Elizabeth R.
Published: January 2013

Teacher attrition is a growing concern for the U.S. educational system. One promising practice in teacher education to combat this trend is a wellness paradigm focus. This article includes information concerning current teacher stress, burnout, and attrition. In addition, the historical and theoretical underpinnings of wellness will be introduced as well as case illustrations of wellness in teaching practice. Implications for teacher educators will be discussed.
Lactoferrin Knockout Mice Demonstrates Greater Susceptibility to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans–Induced Periodontal Disease
Authors: Velusamy S.K. , Ganeshnarayan K. , Markowitz K. , Schreiner H. , Furgang D. , Fine D.H. , Velliyagounder K.
Published: January 2013

Background: Among the innate defense mechanisms in the oral cavity, lactoferrin (LF) is a vital antimicrobial that can modify the host response against periodontopathogens. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is the main periodontopathogen of localized aggressive periodontitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of LF during A. actinomycetemcomitans–induced periodontitis.

Methods: Differences in the expression levels of cytokines, chemokines, chemokine receptors, and bone loss markers between wild‐type (WT) and LF knockout mice (LFKO−/−) were evaluated by real time‐PCR. Serum IgG and LF levels were quantified by ELISA. Alveolar bone loss among the groups was estimated by measuring the distance from cemento‐enamel junction (CEJ) to the alveolar bone crest (ABC) at 20 molar sites.

Results: Oral infection with A. actinomycetemcomitans increased LF levels in periodontal tissue (P = 0.01) and saliva (P = 0.0004) of wild‐type infected (WTI) mice compared to wild‐type control mice. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐12 were increased in the infected LF knockout (LFKO−/−I) mice compared to the WTI mice, whereas the anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐10 were decreased. Chemokines and chemokine receptors showed different expression patterns between WTI and LFKO−/−I mice. The LFKO−/−I mice developed increased bone loss (P = 0.002), in conjunction with increased expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand and decrease in osteoprotegerin, compared to WTI mice.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the infected LFKO−/− mice were more susceptible to A. actinomycetemcomitans–induced alveolar bone loss, with different patterns of immune responses compared to those of WTI mice.
Suppuration‐Associated Bacteria in Patients With Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis
Authors: Silva‐Boghossian Carina M. , Neves Aline B. , Resende Fátima A.R. , Colombo Ana Paula V.
Published: January 2013

Background: Suppuration (SUP) on probing may be an indication of active periodontal breakdown. The aim of the present study is to analyze which subgingival species are associated with SUP in patients with chronic (CP) and aggressive (AgP) periodontitis.

Methods: A total of 156 patients with CP and 66 with AgP were submitted to full‐mouth periodontal examination and subgingival biofilm sampling (14 sites/patient). The counts of 44 bacterial species were determined by checkerboard. Comparisons between groups and sites were analyzed by the Mann‐Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, respectively. Associations between frequency of SUP and bacterial species were analyzed by the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results: The prevalence of SUP in patients with CP was 24.4%, and in patients with AgP it was 30.3%, and the percentage of SUP sites in the groups was 5.72% ± 1.06% and 6.96% ± 1.70%, respectively (P >0.05). SUP sites from patients with CP had significantly higher counts of Veillonella parvula, Dialister pneumosintes, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella nigrescens than SUP sites from patients with AgP (P <0.005). Significant positive correlations between high frequency of SUP and high levels of Actinomyces spp, Streptococcus spp., members of the orange complex, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were observed in patients with CP (P <0.05). In patients with AgP, Actinomyces oris, Propionibacterium acnes, P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus sanguinis were positively associated with SUP, whereas Prevotella intermedia presented a negative association with SUP (P <0.05).

Conclusions: SUP sites from patients with CP harbored significantly higher counts of several periodontal species than SUP sites from patients with AgP. Actinomyces spp., Streptococcus spp., members of the orange complex, T. forsythia, and certain non‐oral pathogens were associated with a high number of sites with SUP.
Cooking and Eating Facilities in Migrant Farmworker Housing in North Carolina
Authors: Quandt Sara A. , Summers Phillip , Bischoff Werner E. , Chen Haiying , Wiggins Melinda F. , Spears Chaya R. , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: January 2013

Objectives. We sought to (1) describe observed cooking and eating facilities in migrant farmworker camps, (2) compare observed conditions with existing farmworker housing regulations, and (3) examine associations of violations with camp characteristics.

Methods. We collected data in 182 farmworker camps in eastern North Carolina during the 2010 agricultural season. We compared our observations with 15 kitchen-related housing regulations specified by federal and state housing standards.

Results. We observed violations of 8 regulations in at least 10% of camps: improper refrigerator temperature (65.5%), cockroach infestation (45.9%), contaminated water (34.4%), rodent infestation (28.9%), improper flooring (25.8%), unsanitary conditions (21.2%), improper fire extinguisher (19.9%), and holes or leaks in walls (12.1%). Logistic regression showed that violations were related to the time of the agricultural season, housing type, number of dwellings and residents, and presence of workers with H-2A visas.

Conclusions. Cooking and eating facilities for migrant farmworkers fail to comply with regulations in a substantial number of camps. Greater enforcement of regulations, particularly during occupancy during the agricultural season, is needed to protect farmworkers.
Cigarette Smoking and Onset of Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Mojtabai Ramin , Crum Rosa M.
Published: January 2013

Objectives. We examined the association between regular cigarette smoking and new onset of mood and anxiety disorders.

Methods. We used logistic regression analysis to detect associations between regular smoking and new-onset disorders during the 3-year follow-up among 34 653 participants in the longitudinal US National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (2001–2005). We used instrumental variable methods to assess the appropriateness of these models.

Results. Regular smoking was associated with an increased risk of new onset of mood and anxiety disorders in multivariable analyses (Fdf = 5,61 = 11.73; P < .001). Participants who smoked a larger number of cigarettes daily displayed a trend toward greater likelihood of new-onset disorders. Age moderated the association of smoking with most new-onset disorders. The association was mostly statistically significant and generally stronger in participants aged 18 to 49 years but was smaller and mostly nonsignificant in older adults.

Conclusions. Our finding of a stronger association between regular cigarette smoking and increased risk of new-onset mood and anxiety disorders among younger adults suggest the need for vigorous antismoking campaigns and policy initiatives targeting this age group.
Flow of Hydrophobically Modified Water-Soluble Polymers in Porous Media: Controlled Resistance Factors vs. Flow-Induced Gelation in the Semidilute Regime
Authors: Dupuis Guillaume , Rousseau David , Tabary René , Grassl Bruno
Published: January 2013

The associative properties of hydrophobically modified water soluble polymers (HMWSPs) are attractive for improved oil recovery (IOR) because of both their enhanced thickening capability, compared with classical water-soluble polymers (for mobility-control applications), and their permeability-reduction, or plugging, ability (for well-treatment applications). In previous works, we have studied the injectivity of HMWSP made of sulfonated polyacrylamide backbones and alkyl side chains in the dilute regime and have shown, in particular, that it was largely governed by adsorption. In this paper, we report new experimental data on the injectivity of the same class of HMWSP solutions in the semidilute regime.

From membrane filtration tests at imposed flow rate, we have first observed the formation of a filter cake made of HMWSP physical gel, which remained largely permeable to polymers. Our observations are compatible with the creation of channels within the gel. This leads to a gel-filtration process, entailing modifications of the solution's viscosimetric properties, which can be explained by a rearrangement of the intra- and interchain hydrophobic bonds in the solution. The second part of our work consisted of injectivity tests in model granular packs. We have performed comparative experiments in porous media with variable permeabilities, but at the same shear rate in the pore throats. Results show that, above a critical permeability kC, or a critical pore-throat radius rpC, HMWSP injection led to stable resistance factors, with values close to the solution's viscosity, and that, at less than kC or rpC the very high resistance factors observed suggest that flow-induced gelation of the HMWSP takes place. Furthermore, resistance factors measured over the core internal sections are compatible with an in-depth formation of the gel. These insights could be of use for designing HMWSP better suited to mobility-control operations and for tuning HMWSP-injection conditions for profile/conformance-control operations.
Nonlinear Formulation Based on an Equation-of-State Free Method for Compositional Flow Simulation
Authors: Zaydullin R.. , Voskov D.V.. V. , Tchelepi H.A.. A.
Published: January 2013

Compositional simulation is necessary for modeling complex enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. For accurate simulation of compositional processes, we need to resolve the coupling of the nonlinear conservation laws, which describe multiphase flow and transport, with the equilibrium phase behavior constraints. The complexity of the problem requires extensive computations and consumes significant time. This paper presents a new framework for the general compositional problem associated with multicomponent multiphase flow in porous media. Here, adaptive construction and interpolation using the supporting tie lines are used to obtain the phase state and the phase compositions. For the parameterization of the full solution of a complex compositional problem, we need only a limited number of supporting tie lines in the compositional space. The parameterized tie lines are triangulated using Delaunay tessellation, and natural-neighbor interpolation is used inside the simplexes. Then, the computation of the phase behavior in the course of a simulation becomes an iteration-free, table look-up procedure. The treatment of nonlinearities associated with complex thermodynamic behavior of the fluid is based on the new set of unknowns—tie-line parameters that allow for efficient representation of the subcritical region. For the supercritical region, we use the standard compositional variable set based on the overall composition.

The efficiency and accuracy of the method are demonstrated for several multidimensional compositional problems of practical interest. In terms of the computational cost of the thermodynamic calculations, the proposed method shows results comparable to those of state-of-the-art techniques. Moreover, the method shows better nonlinear convergence in the case of near-miscible gas-injection simulation.
Three-Phase Pore-Network Modeling for Reservoirs With Arbitrary Wettability
Authors: Al-Dhahli Adnan , Geiger Sebastian , van Dijke Marinus I.J.
Published: January 2013

Oil reservoirs have structural heterogeneities across multiple length scales and, particularly in carbonates, complexly distributed wettabilities. The interplay of structural and wettability heterogeneities is the fundamental control for sweep efficiency and oil recovery. This interplay must be captured in physically robust flow functions, such as relative permeability and capillary pressure functions. Such flow functions then allow us to choose the best improved-oil-recovery (IOR) or enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) process and forecast oil recovery with adequate precision. Obtaining flow functions for reservoir rocks with varying wettability is a challenging task, especially when three fluid phases coexist. In this work, we use pore-network modeling, a reliable and physically based simulation tool, to predict three-phase flow functions. We have developed a new pore-scale network model for rocks with variable wettability. Unlike other models, this model combines three new and important features. (1) Our network model comprises a novel thermodynamic criterion for the formation and collapse of oil layers. This captures film/layer flow of oil adequately, which affects the oil relative permeability at low oil saturation. We can therefore predict residual oil more accurately. (2) We implemented multiple displacement chains, in which injection of one phase at the inlet triggers a chain of interface displacements throughout the network. This allows us to accurately model the mobilization of disconnected phase clusters that arise during higher-order [water-alternating-gas (WAG)] floods. Again, this feature is key to a better prediction of residual oil saturation (ROS). (3) Our model takes realistic 3D pore networks extracted from pore-space reconstruction methods and X-ray computerized-tomography (CT) images as input. This preserves both topology and pore shape of the rock, providing better estimates of phase conductivities and relative permeability. We have validated our model by use of available experimental data for a range of wettabilities and demonstrated the impact of single vs. multiple displacement on residual oil. We also used a proof-of-concept study in which we use flow functions for different wettabilities that have been computed with our model in field-scale reservoir simulations to forecast oil recovery during tertiary gas injection. These results are compared with predictions that used empirical flow functions. Flow functions computed by our network model gave higher oil recovery than corresponding flow functions calculated by empirical models; oil recovery increases with decreasing water-wetness. This shows that the pore-scale physics encapsulated in our new network model leads to the right emergent behavior at the reservoir scale.