bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a strain inheriting a sex‐linked SNP marker in Patagonian pejerrey (Odontesthes hatcheri), a species with both genotypic and temperature‐dependent sex determination
Authors: Hattori R. S. , Oura M. , Sakamoto T. , Yokota M. , Watanabe S. , Strüssmann C. A.
Published: September 2009

The Patagonian pejerrey Odontesthes hatcheri is an atherinopsid species presenting genotypic sex determination (GSD) at intermediate temperatures and temperature‐dependent sex determination at the low and high ranges of thermal tolerance. A recent study revealed the presence of a sex‐linked SNP marker in some males of this species, but a strain which inherits the marker faithfully has not been established. This research was conducted to develop such a strain, for use as a tool to study the molecular mechanisms of gonadal sex differentiation and sexual dimorphism, and to obtain basic information on the GSD mode in this species. For these purposes, we performed backcrosses and full‐sibling crosses using males and females whose presumptive genotypic sex was inferred from the presence of the sex‐linked SNP marker. Four backcrosses between SNP− daughters and their SNP+ father generated balanced sex ratios with the phenotypic sex matching the genotypic sex in most cases (98.21%) at an intermediate, sexually neutral temperature (21 °C). Full‐sibling crosses between these four SNP− females and their SNP+ brothers produced three progenies with balanced sex ratios and one with 94.4% males. The results of this study confirm that a strain inheriting the sex‐linked SNP marker was successfully developed. Moreover, the inheritance pattern of the marker and the sex ratios of the progenies provide strong evidence that the GSD mode in O. hatcheri is the XX–XY system.
Parenting self‐efficacy after childbirth
Authors: Salonen Anne H. , Kaunonen Marja , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Järvenpää Anna‐Liisa , Isoaho Hannu , Tarkka Marja‐Terttu
Published: September 2009

Title. Parenting self‐efficacy after childbirth.

Aim. This paper is a report of study of parent, infant and environmental correlates of mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of their parenting self‐efficacy.

Background. Many parents are not confident in their ability to be good parents. Parenting self‐efficacy is important for parents’ sense of well‐being, is a possible predictor of parenting practices and might be an indicator of risk. However, very little evidence exists on factors that influence fathers’ perceptions of parenting, or comparisons between the parents.

Methods. The data were collected by questionnaire in 2006–2007 in two hospitals with a convenience sample of Finnish‐speaking parents (N = 1300 families) during the first postpartum week. Multiple‐birth and early‐discharge parents were excluded. The response rate for mothers was 66% (n = 863) and for fathers 40% (n = 525). Comparisons were made by percentages and means. Statistical significance was determined by Generalized Estimating Equations models and one‐wayanova. Pearson’s and Spearman′s correlation coefficients were used to determine correlations, and multiple regression analysis to clarify the effect size.

Results. Mothers scored higher than fathers on parenting self‐efficacy. Parity, self‐concept, depressive symptoms and state of mind on discharge contributed to parenting self‐efficacy. Experiences of childbirth and life change correlated with mothers’, but not with fathers’, parenting self‐efficacy. Perceptions of infant, family functioning, health and advice from personnel were major contributory factors.

Conclusion. Assessments of parenting self‐efficacy are recommended to identify at‐risk groups and at‐risk parents. More research is recommended to look into the effect of rooming‐in, feeding practices, fathers’ presence and social support from personnel and parenting self‐efficacy and to evaluate risk scales for at‐risk parents. Parent attributes had a greater effect on mothers’ parenting self‐efficacy, while environmental attributes had a greater effect on fathers’ parenting self‐efficacy. At‐risk parents can be supported by conducting face‐to‐face discussions about significant topics.
Trends in health risks from water‐related diseases and cyanotoxins in Ugandan portion of Lake Victoria basin
Authors: Muyodi Fredrick Jones , Hecky Robert E , Kitamirike Jackson Mukisa , Odong Robinson
Published: September 2009

Studies to examine the prevalence of water‐related diseases, cyanobacteria toxins and other health risks at landing beaches in the Ugandan portion of the Lake Victoria basin were carried out. Based on surveillance studies and other data sources in the region, water samples were analysed for indications of faecal contamination. The coliform numbers were generally high for most sampling sites, indicating significant water contamination. The wet seasons exhibited significantly higher coliform counts than the dry seasons for all lakeshore sample sites. This seasonal variation in coliform counts correlated positively with the incidence of waterborne diseases, which are typically higher in the wet season. The water supply for domestic consumption for the Lake Victoria riparian communities is mainly the lake itself. The most prevalent diseases associated with the landing sites include malaria, dysentery, diarrhoea and bilharzia. Malaria was most prevalent, followed by dysentery, in all the studied districts. Many people in the catchment dispose of faecal wastes in lakeshore area bushes, or in polythene bags, contaminating water sources with faecal material, and resulting in waterborne diseases. The vulnerability of lakeside communities to water‐related diseases is further aggravated by low accessibility to health facilities and personnel. Further, cyanobacteria (potentially toxic to humans and animals) dominate other algal species in Lake Victoria, contributing >50% of the algal biomass. Algal blooms occurred frequently in Murchison Bay, a source of drinking water for the city of Kampala and surrounding urban centres. Algal blooms can cause unpleasant odours and tastes in domestic water supplies, clog pump and machinery filters, increase chlorine demands for water disinfection, and necessitate more complex and expensive treatment processes. The findings of this study suggest improved water quality, changes in sanitation and hygiene behaviour could significantly reduce the prevalence of water‐related diseases and cyanotoxins in the Ugandan portion of the Lake Victoria basin.
Bootstrap‐based bandwidth choice for log‐periodogram regression
Authors: Arteche Josu , Orbe Jesus
Published: September 2009

Abstract.  The choice of the bandwidth in the local log‐periodogram regression is of crucial importance for estimation of the memory parameter of a long memory time series. Different choices may give rise to completely different estimates, which may lead to contradictory conclusions, for example about the stationarity of the series. We propose here a data‐driven bandwidth selection strategy that is based on minimizing a bootstrap approximation of the mean‐squared error (MSE). Its behaviour is compared with other existing techniques for optimal bandwidth selection in a MSE sense, revealing its better performance in a wider class of models. The empirical applicability of the proposed strategy is shown with two examples: the widely analysed in a long memory context Nile river annual minimum levels and the input gas rate series of Box and Jenkins.
Learning About Foodborne Pathogens: Evaluation of Student Perceptions of Group Project Work in a Food Microbiology Course
Authors: Turner Mark S.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  This study examined the experiences of students in an active learning group work exercise in an introductory food microbiology course involving the study of foodborne pathogens. Small groups were required to access, analyze, and present information regarding a single food poisoning bacterium. The presentations contained features and epidemiological information of the pathogen and also a review of a research journal article and a real food poisoning outbreak report involving the pathogen. Analysis of responses from a questionnaire that allowed direct comparisons to be made with other published group work studies revealed that this exercise was a positive learning experience. In particular, students noted improvements in communication, interaction, information acquisition, and organizational skills.
From Polychronicity to Multitasking: The Warping of Time Across Disciplinary Boundaries
Authors: Todd Amy
Published: September 2009

Anthropologist Edward T. Hall's contrast between polychronic and monochronic orientations toward time has stimulated research in the business and management sciences. While Hall's approach to time is ethnographic, the business and management sciences measure polychronicity with a survey instrument, the Inventory of Polychronic Values (IPV). An examination of the IPV and the results it has yielded, however, indicate that it is not measuring polychronicity in the ethnographic sense. The IPV remains firmly within monochronic time and thus fails to seriously engage cultural difference. The transformation of the ethnographic meaning of polychronic to a conceptual one raises methodological and analytical questions of general relevance to the cross‐cultural study of work.
Intracellular delivery of major histocompatibility complex class I‐binding epitopes: dendritic cells loaded and matured with cationic peptide/poly(I:C) complexes efficiently activate T cells
Authors: Haenssle Holger A. , Riedl Petra , Buhl Timo , Schardt Anke , Rosenberger Albert , Schön Michael P. , Schirmbeck Reinhold
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  Based on their role for the induction of T‐cell responses, dendritic cells (DCs) are popular candidates in cancer vaccine development. We established a novel single‐step intracellular delivery of peptide/poly(I:C) complexes for antigen loading and Toll‐like receptor‐3 (TLR3)‐mediated maturation of human DCs using a cell‐penetrating peptide (tat49–57: RKKRRQRRR) as delivery vector. Towards this end, a cationic tat‐sequence was fused with an antigenic, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐binding melanoma epitope (Melan‐A/Mart‐1 sequence: ELAGIGILTV) and then mixed with negatively charged poly(I:C) dsRNA to form peptide/nucleic acid complexes. Flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed intracellular localization of TLR3 in monocyte‐derived immature DCs (iDCs). Peptide/poly(I:C) complexes were readily internalized by iDCs without negatively affecting cell viability. They induced DC maturation and secretion of bioactive interleukin (IL)‐12p70. When peptide/poly(I:C) complex‐loaded DCs were used for autologous T cell stimulation, epitope‐specific interferon‐gamma secretion was quantitatively superior in comparison to peptide‐loaded DCs matured by a cytokine cocktail, as detected by enzyme‐linked immunospot assays. Thus, complexes of cationic antigenic peptides and poly(I:C) might be of great utility for a TLR3‐mediated DC maturation and intracellular peptide targeting in a single step. Resulting DCs induce a strong expansion/activation of antigen‐specific T cells in the context of an IL‐12p70 secretion.
Cultural Maintenance and Ethnic Self‐Identification: a Model of Cultural Types
Authors: Chiro Giancarlo
Published: September 2009

The present paper examines from a humanistic sociological perspective (Znaniecki, 1998; Smolicz, 1999) the cultural maintenance and self—identification of a group of mostly second‐generation young adults of Italian ancestry in South Australia. A model of cultural types applicable to multicultural societies such as Australia is proposed by correlating measures of the Italian language and cultural systems activated by the participants with the ideological value orientations they express towards such systems. The two indices produce four general cultural types: Active Italophiles, Inactive Italophiles, Active Italophobes and Inactive Italophobes. Whereas the majority of participants (74 percent) can be defined ‘Italophiles’, this group was almost equally divided between Active Italophiles and Inactive Italophiles. The remaining participants (26 percent) can be distinguished into the 2.6 percent of participants who activate Italian language and culture (the Active Italophobes) and the 23.1 percent who do not (the Inactive Italophobes). Cross—classifications show that the participants' formal study of Italian and their parents' age at migration may be contributing factors in the process of cultural maintenance and identity. The paper argues that the transmission of Italian language and culture to the third generation in Australia will rely mainly on the ‘secure ethnic types’ (Active Italophiles) assisted by the ‘ideational ethnic types’ (Inactive Italophiles) especially if these enter into endogamous life partnerships.
Shi'i Ideology, Iranian Secular Nationalism and the Iran‐Iraq War (1980–1988)
Authors: Farzaneh Mateo Mohammad
Published: September 2009

In the wake of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran and the ensuing Iraqi invasion of the southern province of Khuzestan, one of the most important initiations of Islamic institutions of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was the creation of the Sepâh‐e Pâsdârân‐e Enqelâb‐e Eslâmî (The Islamic Revolutionary Guard) or SPEE (Rafiqdust 1382/2004:173‐4). This revolutionary organisation was Khomeini's answer to the regular standing Iranian army, trained and disciplined under the tight control of the deposed monarch Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to thwart any effort to destroy the much fought for Revolution and a possible coup d'état (Menashri 1999:218–219; Katzman 1993). The Ayatollah ordered its creation in the first week of his victory in February 1979 (Rafuqdust 1383/2004:174). ‘Whoever is armed,’ stated the call, ‘can join the Sepâh’ (Rafiqdust 1383/2004:184). The call was put out to start recruiting those who had taken up arms against the Pahlavi regime during the Revolution. Basîj‐e Enqelâb‐e Eslamî (Islamic Revolution's Mobilisation Force) or Basîj was the organisation born out of SPEE, which was filled with devout, motivated, and faithful Shi'i militants (Globalsecurity.org 2004)). By default, the Iran‐Iraq War (1980–1988) solidified the Islamic Revolution, and Basîj, as a key military body of the new regime, played a major role in this process. This study discusses how the Islamic government of Iran successfully promoted long‐learned religious traditions, in this case, the Karbala paradigm and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in 680 AD to rally support and receive unconditional loyalty of the Basîji (a Basîj member) during the Iran‐Iraq War. It examines the following two points: first, the idea of self‐sacrifice as part of a religious belief, powerfully energised by the use of Shi'i ideology and history; second, the discussion of the amalgamation of secular and religious nationalism, which Ernest
CONTROLLED DENSE CODING WITH EXTENDED GHZ STATE
Authors: HUANG GUO-QIANG , LUO CUI-LAN
Published: September 2009

Two schemes for controlled dense coding with a extended GHZ state are investigated. In these protocols, the supervisor (Cliff) can control the average amount of information transmitted from the sender (Alice) to the receiver (Bob) only by adjusting his local measurement angle θ. It is shown that the results for the average amounts of information are unique from the different two schemes.
THE REPRESENTATIONS OF TEMPERLEY-LIEB ALGEBRA AND ENTANGLEMENT IN A YANG-BAXTER SYSTEM
Authors: SUN CHUNFANG , WANG GANGCHENG , HU TAOTAO , ZHOU CHENGCHENG , WANG QINGYONG , XUE KANG
Published: September 2009

A method of constructing Temperley-Lieb algebra (TLA) representations has been introduced in [Xue et al. arXiv:0903.3711]. Using this method, we can obtain another series of n2 × n2 matrices U which satisfy the TLA with the single loop [Formula: see text]. Specifically, we present a 9 × 9 matrix U with [Formula: see text]. Via Yang-Baxterization approach, we obtain a unitary [Formula: see text]-matrix, a solution of the Yang-Baxter equation. This 9 × 9 Yang-Baxter matrix is universal for quantum computing.
A FEATURE SELECTION APPROACH FOR AUTOMATIC MUSIC GENRE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: SILLA CARLOS N. , KOERICH ALESSANDRO L. , KAESTNER CELSO A. A.
Published: September 2009

In this paper we present an analysis of the suitability of four different feature sets which are currently employed to represent music signals in the context of the automatic music genre classification. To such an aim, feature selection is carried out through genetic algorithms, and it is applied to multiple feature vectors generated from different segments of the music signal. The feature sets used in this paper, which encompass time-domain and frequency-domain characteristics of the music signal, comprise: short-time Fourier transform, Mel frequency cepstral coefficient, beat-related features, pitch-related features, inter-onset interval histogram coefficients, rhythm histograms and statistical spectrum descriptors. The classification is based on the use of multiple feature vectors and an ensemble approach, according to time and space decomposition strategies. Feature vectors are extracted from music segments from the beginning, middle and end parts of the music signal (time-decomposition). Despite music genre classification being a multi-class problem, we accomplish the task using a combination of binary classifiers, whose results are merged to produce the final music genre label (space decomposition). Experiments were carried out on two databases: the Latin Music Database, which contains 3,227 music pieces categorized into ten musical genres; the ISMIR'2004 genre contest database which contains 1,458 music pieces categorized into six popular western musical genres. The experimental results have shown that the feature sets have different importance according to the part of the music signal from where the feature vectors are extracted. Furthermore, the ensemble approach provides better results than the individual segments in most cases. For high-dimensional feature sets, the feature selection provides a compact but discriminative feature subset which has an interesting trade-off between classification accuracy and computational effort.
Abstracts of the CADO workshop on integer factorization
Authors: Thomé Emmanuel
Published: September 2009

The CADO workshop on integer factorization was held in Nancy, France, on October 7-9th, 2008. The workshop was focused on the Number Field Sieve and its implementation aspects. Fifty participants attended the workshop.

The workshop was organized by Pierrick Gaudry, Emmanuel Thomé and Paul Zimmermann.
Castration differentially alters basal and leucine-stimulated tissue protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue
Authors: Jiao Qianning , Pruznak Anne M. , Huber Danuta , Vary Thomas C. , Lang Charles H.
Published: September 2009

Reduced testosterone as a result of catabolic illness or aging is associated with loss of muscle and increased adiposity. We hypothesized that these changes in body composition occur because of altered rates of protein synthesis under basal and nutrient-stimulated conditions that are tissue specific. The present study investigated such mechanisms in castrated male rats (75% reduction in testosterone) with demonstrated glucose intolerance. Over 9 wk, castration impaired body weight gain, which resulted from a reduced lean body mass and preferential sparing of adipose tissue. Castration decreased gastrocnemius weight, but this atrophy was not associated with reduced basal muscle protein synthesis or differences in plasma IGF-I, insulin, or individual amino acids. However, oral leucine failed to normally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in castrated rats. In addition, castration-induced atrophy was associated with increased 3-methylhistidine excretion and in vitro-determined ubiquitin proteasome activity in skeletal muscle, changes that were associated with decreased atrogin-1 or MuRF1 mRNA expression. Castration decreased heart and kidney weight without reducing protein synthesis and did not alter either cardiac output or glomerular filtration. In contradistinction, the weight of the retroperitoneal fat depot was increased in castrated rats. This increase was associated with an elevated rate of basal protein synthesis, which was unresponsive to leucine stimulation. Castration also decreased whole body fat oxidation. Castration increased TNFα, IL-1α, IL-6, and NOS2 mRNA in fat but not muscle. In summary, the castration-induced muscle wasting results from an increased muscle protein breakdown and the inability of leucine to stimulate protein synthesis, whereas the expansion of the retroperitoneal fat depot appears mediated in part by an increased basal rate of protein synthesis-associated increased inflammatory cytokine expression.
Permeability in Engineered Non-woven Fabrics Having Patterned Structure
Authors: Mao Ningtao
Published: September 2009

The patterned non-woven fabric structure is a typical non-homogeneous non-woven fabric and is frequently used as a hygienic medical absorbent material to control fluid transport for directional delivery. In this paper, the characteristics of the structural variation in both strip and point patterned non-woven fabrics are examined, and the relationship between the global permeabilities in both the transverse and in-plane directions in the patterned non-woven fabrics and the local fabric structural parameters (e.g. fiber diameter, fiber orientation distribution, fabric porosity, and local pattern dimensions) is established.
Clinical evaluation of minimized extracorporeal circulation in high-risk coronary revascularization: impact on air handling, inflammation, hemodilution and myocardial function
Authors: Gunaydin Serdar , Sari Tamer , McCusker Kevin , Schonrock Uwe , Zorlutuna Yaman
Published: September 2009

Objective: We examined intraoperative microembolic signals (GME), inflammatory response, hemolysis, perioperative regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2), myocardial protection and desorbed protein amount on oxygenator fibers in high-risk patients undergoing coronary revascularization (CABG) with minimized and conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: Over a ten-month period, 40 Euroscore 6+ patients undergoing CABG were prospectively randomized to one of the two perfusion protocols (N=20): Group 1: minimized extracorporeal circuits (Mini-CPB) (ROCsafe MPC, Terumo, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) and Group 2: conventional extracorporeal circuits (CECC) (Capiox SX18, Terumo, USA). Serum creatinine kinase-MB (CKMB), free hemoglobin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C3a levels were measured. Blood samples were collected at T1: following induction of anesthesia; T2: thromboelastography control; T3:15 min after commencement of CPB; T4: before cessation of CPB; T5: 15 min after protamine reversal and T6: ICU. Results: Serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the Mini-CPB group at T4 and T5 and C3a levels were significantly less in the Mini-CPB group at T3, T4 and T5 vs. CECC (p<0.01). CKMB levels in coronary sinus blood demonstrated well preserved myocardium in the Mini-CPB group. Percentage expression of neutrophil CD11b/CD18 levels were significantly lower in the Mini-CPB group at T4 and T5 (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in air handling characteristics or free plasma hemoglobin levels in either circuit. rSO2 measurements were significantly better at T3 and T4 in the Mini-CPB vs. CECC (p<0.05) and always higher in the Mini-CPB during follow-up. Blood protein adsorption analysis of oxygenator membranes demonstrated a significantly increased amount of microalbumin on CECC fibers (p<0.05). Conclusion: Mini-CPB provided a comfort and safety level similar to conventional control via satisfactory air handling, attenuated inflammatory response and hemodilution, with a better clinical outcome in patients undergoing high-risk CABG.
Safety of a novel galacto-oligosaccharide: Genotoxicity and repeated oral dose studies
Authors: Kobayashi T. , Yasutake N. , Uchida K. , Ohyama W. , Kaneko K. , Onoue M.
Published: September 2009

A series of safety tests were undertaken on a novel galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) produced from lactose by a two-step enzymatic process involving Sporobolomyces singularis and Kluyveromyces lactis. Bacterial reverse mutation and chromosomal aberration tests, with or without metabolic activation, were performed. These tests showed no mutagenesis in the Ames assay or in Escherichia coli WP2uvrA, and no chromosomal aberrations in cultured fibroblast cells from Chinese hamster lungs (CHL/IU). Micronuclei were not induced in the reticulocytes of mouse peripheral blood following oral administration of GOS. In a 90-day repeated oral dose toxicity study in rats, GOS was administered at 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. There were no GOS-related changes in clinical signs, body weight, water intake, feed intake, urinalysis, ophthalmology, haematology, blood chemistry, organ weights, gross pathology or histopathology in any of the treatment groups compared to the control group. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of GOS was at least 2000 mg/kg/day in both males and females.
Gene networks in Drosophila melanogaster: integrating experimental data to predict gene function
Authors: Costello James C , Dalkilic Mehmet M , Beason Scott M , Gehlhausen Jeff R , Patwardhan Rupali , Middha Sumit , Eads Brian D , Andrews Justen R
Published: September 2009

Background

Discovering the functions of all genes is a central goal of contemporary biomedical research. Despite considerable effort, we are still far from achieving this goal in any metazoan organism. Collectively, the growing body of high-throughput functional genomics data provides evidence of gene function, but remains difficult to interpret.

Results

We constructed the first network of functional relationships for Drosophila melanogaster by integrating most of the available, comprehensive sets of genetic interaction, protein-protein interaction, and microarray expression data. The complete integrated network covers 85% of the currently known genes, which we refined to a high confidence network that includes 20,000 functional relationships among 5,021 genes. An analysis of the network revealed a remarkable concordance with prior knowledge. Using the network, we were able to infer a set of high-confidence Gene Ontology biological process annotations on 483 of the roughly 5,000 previously unannotated genes. We also show that this approach is a means of inferring annotations on a class of genes that cannot be annotated based solely on sequence similarity. Lastly, we demonstrate the utility of the network through reanalyzing gene expression data to both discover clusters of coregulated genes and compile a list of candidate genes related to specific biological processes.

Conclusions

Here we present the the first genome-wide functional gene network in D. melanogaster. The network enables the exploration, mining, and reanalysis of experimental data, as well as the interpretation of new data. The inferred annotations provide testable hypotheses of previously uncharacterized genes.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options for the Management of Skin Toxicities Associated with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors
Authors: Tan Eng Hooi , Chan Alexandre
Published: September 2009

Objective:

To compile evidence from randomized controlled trials, case series, and case reports to identify the effectiveness of various therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of dermatologie effects secondary to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRI) administration.

Data Sources:

Literature was accessed through PubMed (2002–May 2009) and Scopus (2002–March 2009), using the terms epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, cetuximab, erlotinib, gefilinib, panitumumab, management, skin toxicity, and cutaneous effects. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

An evaluation of published clinical trials, case series, case reports, and clinical management guidelines that studied the treatment options for EGFRI-induced skin toxicities was performed. Studies that reported dosing regimens and treatment outcomes were included in this review.

Data Synthesis:

Management of EGFRI-induced skin toxicities has been documented in 2 randomized controlled trials, 3 case series, and 10 case reports in a total of 156 patients. There is strong evidence for the use of topical antibiotics to manage EGFRI skin toxicities. Controversy exists regarding the use of corticosteroids and retinoids for the management of EGFRI-induced rash. Several variables are noted among the number of case series and case reports, such as follow-up duration of the intervention, making any comparisons difficult.

Conclusions:

Overall, antibiotics are the most common treatment option and have the potential to reduce the severity of skin rash. Well-designed clinical studies with proper recording of relevant data on the management of EGFRI-induced dermatologie effects are needed to properly evaluate the use of various therapeutic agents. Apart from randomized controlled trials, comprehensive case reports are also important for clinical evaluation on a case-by-case basis.
Role of the Second-Phase Particles in Zirconium Binary Alloys
Authors: Barberis P , Ahlberg E , Simic N , Charquet D , Lemaignan C , Wikmark G , Dahlbäck M , Limbäck M , Tägtström P , Lehtinen B
Published: September 2009

The second-phase particles (SPP) play an important role on the corrosion and hydriding properties of BWR Zircaloy-type materials. It has been proposed that the chemical composition of the SPPs as well as the SPP size distribution strongly affect the in-reactor performance. Zr-Fe, Zr-Cr, and Zr-Ni binary alloys were processed, the size and density of SPP being independently varied through chemical composition and heat treatments.

SEM imaging was used to measure the grain size and the SPP size and distribution. Significant differences between binary alloys with iron, chromium, and nickel were observed. Grain sizes depend primarily on size and volume fraction (VF) of SPP. The SPP kinetic growth varies with the alloying element.

These observations are compared with corrosion and hydriding data obtained from autoclave experiments at 415 and 500°C, which show that besides the SPP size, their volume fraction is an important parameter (increasing the volume fraction decreases the corrosion rate, whatever the nature of the SPP). On the contrary, air oxidation at 415°C shows very slight influence of SPP type, size, and volume fraction on the corrosion resistance of the material. It should, however, be noticed that the considered test was a short-term test (3 days) and that the oxide layer thickness was less than or around 1 μm for all tested materials.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as well as potential sweep and step experiments were used to study the oxidation properties of the binary alloys at room temperature. On samples with large particles, thin compact oxide films are formed. In contrast, on samples with many small particles thick porous oxides are formed.

Based on these results and the SPP volume fraction, a tentative mechanism of corrosion and hydriding is proposed, explaining the differences in uniform and nodular corrosion observed between different Zr-based alloys.
Mössbauer Investigations of the Chemical States of Tin and Iron Atoms in Zirconium Alloy Oxide Film
Authors: Pêcheur D , Filippov VP , Bateev AB , Ivanov JJ
Published: September 2009

The chemical states of tin and iron atoms were investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy on oxide films (of various thicknesses) formed on a Zr-1.3% Sn-1% Fe-0.5% Cr-0.12% O alloy (enriched with 119Sn and 57Fe) in an autoclave at 633 K with 10 ppm Li and 650 ppm B. Specimens were analyzed by Conversion Electron Mössbauer Spectroscopy (T = 298 K) and γ-ray transmission (T = 298 and 77 K) modes to investigate the surface and the bulk of the oxide films, respectively. The main results on the oxide were as follows: • For tin atoms: Sn2+ and Sn4+were clearly identified. In addition, metallic β-Sn was greatly suspected. • For iron atoms: Zr(Fe,Cr)2 precipitates, α-Fe, Fe3O4, Fe2+, and Fe3+, were clearly detected. Moreover, it was shown that during the oxide film growth the chemical states of tin and iron atoms change, in particular after the kinetic transition.
The Effect of Minor Alloying Elements on Oxidation and Hydrogen Pickup in Zr-2.5Nb
Authors: Ploc RA
Published: September 2009

In CANDU® reactors, fuel and coolant are contained in horizontal pressure tubes made of Zr-2.5 wt% Nb alloy. In the past decade, the effect of more than 20 impurity elements, in various concentrations, on oxidation and deuterium pickup (at 300°C, pD = 10.5, Li2O) have been investigated in over 70 Zr-2.5Nb alloys. The studies were performed using non-consumable arc-melted alloy logs that were rolled and made into corrosion coupons and corroded in autoclaves. This study represents one of the largest collections of previously unpublished data on the effect of impurity elements on oxide film growth and deuterium pickup in a zirconium alloy. Elements such as Al, Ti, Mn, and Pt, to name but a few, were found to significantly accelerate the corrosion process. Some elements, such as tin, had a positive effect on oxidation (lowers the rate of oxide film development) and a negative effect on hydrogen pickup (increases pickup). Three parameters were important to the corrosion process, namely, microstructure, surface finish, and synergistic interactions between the impurity elements.

The above studies culminated in two response surface analyses (RSA). The first was conducted on the effect of C and Fe on oxygen and deuterium pickup in Zr-2.5Nb drop castings corroded at 325°C in CANDU® conditions. The second study was performed in autoclaves at 300°C on the affect of four impurity elements, C, Fe, Cr, and Si, in Zr-2.5Nb micro-tubes, which possess the same microstructure as full-size pressure tubes. The first RSA revealed a quadratic dependence of corrosion on C and Fe concentrations, with an optimum resistance at about 30 ppm (wt) C and 1100 ppm (wt) Fe. This has been partially confirmed by out-reactor corrosion of Zr-2.5Nb-Fe micro-pressure tubes. Trends in-and out-reactor were similar for oxidation but different in magnitude for deuterium pickup. There is no linear dependence on the Fe concentration in-reactor, implying that Fe and C form a complex. The second RSA showed no effect due to Si. Cr weakly influenced oxide film formation, at least for short-term exposures.
Impact of Hydrogen on Dimensional Stability of ZIRLO Fuel Assemblies
Authors: King SJ , Kesterson RL , Yueh KH , Comstock RJ , Herwig WM , Ferguson SD
Published: September 2009

The high-operating-temperature fuel duty, 18-month and longer-cycle lengths, and higher burnups have put increased demands on PWR fuel during recent years. As a result of these demanding operating conditions, the corrosion and dimensional stability of PWR fuel assembly skeletons are being challenged. To understand the in-reactor performance of fuel assembly skeletons, two hot cell programs were initiated on high duty fuel. Specifically, two Zircaloy-4 skeletons and one ZIRLO skeleton were dimensionally characterized and destructively examined to understand the effect of corrosion on the dimensional stability of guide tubes and grids.

While previous papers have dealt with the effects of fluence and crystallographic texture on the irradiation growth of zirconium alloys, this paper focuses on the effect of corrosion (oxidation and hydrogen uptake) on the dimensional stability of ZIRLO and Zircaloy-4. Laboratory tests were performed to quantify potential dimensional changes resulting from corrosion. Accelerated autoclave tests of ZIRLO and Zircaloy-4 in 589 K water containing 700-ppm lithium revealed that dimensional changes were well correlated to hydrogen content, not oxide thickness. In addition, the dimensional changes for both guide tube and strip (grid) autoclave specimens showed similar dependency upon hydrogen content and no significant dependency on crystallographic texture.

The hot cell evaluation of the irradiated ZIRLO and Zircaloy-4 structural components revealed increasing dimensional changes of grids and guide tubes from the bottom to the top of the assembly. This variation was strongly correlated with increasing hydrogen content as suggested by the autoclave tests. For a given alloy (i.e., ZIRLO or Zircaloy-4), the grid dimensional change is similar to the guide tube diameter change, suggesting that the effects of hydrogen are generic and not related to processing or starting material geometry. Comparison of ZIRLO and Zircaloy-4 dimensional data reveals greater stability of ZIRLO as a result of lower hydrogen uptake, a lower fluence component to growth, and a lower hydrogen component to growth. ZIRLO structural components, thimbles and grids, show an enhanced degree of dimensional stability with the combined effects of irradiation and corrosion/hydriding.
On the Embrittlement of Zircaloy-4 Under RIA-Relevant Conditions
Authors: Daum RS , Majumdar S , Bates DW , Motta AT , Koss DA , Billone MC
Published: September 2009

The extended use of Zircaloy cladding in light water reactors degrades its mechanical properties by a combination of irradiation embrittlement, coolant-side oxidation, hydrogen pickup, and hydride formation. The hydrides are usually concentrated in the form of a dense layer or rim near the cooler outer surface of the cladding. Utilizing plane-strain ringstretch tests to approximate the loading path in a reactivity-initiated accident (RIA) transient, we examined the influence of a hydride rim on the fracture behavior of unirradiated Zircaloy-4 cladding at room temperature and 300°C. Failure is sensitive to hydride-rim thickness such that cladding tubes with a hydride-rim thickness >100 μm (≈700 wppm total hydrogen) exhibit brittle behavior, while those with a thickness <90 μm (≈600 wppm) remain ductile. The mechanism of failure is identified as strain-induced crack initiation within the hydride rim and failure within the uncracked ligament due to either a shear instability or damage-induced fracture. We also report some preliminary results of the uniaxial tensile behavior of low-Sn Zircaloy-4 cladding tubes in a cold-worked, stress-relieved condition in the transverse (hoop) direction at strain rates of 0.001/s and 0.2/s and temperatures of 26 to 400°C.
A Simulator Study of TKR Kinematics Using Modeled Soft-Tissue Constraint: Virtual Soft-Tissue Control for Knee Simulation
Authors: White BF , D'Lima D , Drueding AC , Cox J , Carignan FJ
Published: September 2009

The clinical relevance of knee simulation relies on the accurate reproduction of in vivo TKR kinematics. Current generation force-control knee simulators use mechanical springs to simulate the knee's soft-tissue constraint. Because the constraint provided by the soft tissue is complex in nature, with nonlinear force displacement characteristics and axis coupled behavior, it is difficult or impossible to model this behavior with mechanical springs. This paper describes a virtual soft-tissue control methodology, which provides enhanced modeling of the knee's soft tissue. TKR kinematics were evaluated for a posteriorly stabilized prosthetic device using a range of plausible soft-tissue models derived from the literature. The device was exercised with the standard ISO force-control waveforms while varying the constraint model to compare several different soft-tissue models. Kinematic and kinetic data were taken and tracking performance analyzed for several different constraint models.
Surface Texture Analysis of Artificial Disks Wear-Tested Under Different Conditions and Comparison to a Retrieved Implant
Authors: Pare PE , Chan FW , Buchholz P , Kurtz S , McCombe P
Published: September 2009

Total disk arthroplasty is growing in popularity and becoming an alternative to fusion for the treatment of some degenerative disk diseases. To date, there is little consensus regarding the appropriate in vitro techniques with which to evaluate the biotribological properties of these devices. The current study evaluated the surface texture and topography of lumbar metal-on-metal artificial disks tested in a spine wear simulator compared to an explanted device after twelve months in situ. Six implants were tested under a constant load and unidirectional flexion-extension motion as defined by the ASTM standard guide. One implant was tested under a variable load using a combination of flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation as specified by the ISO standard. While the retrieved disk retained its initial mirror-like surface finish, implants tested under unidirectional motion were severely damaged by abrasive wear resulting in a significant increase in roughness. The implant tested under combined motions exhibited a multi-directional wear scar with limited surface damage. Although only a single retrieved implant was characterized, the current study suggests that wear testing under unidirectional motion may not produce clinically-relevant surface morphology of metal-on-metal artificial disks.
A Tracer Method to Determine Extremely Low Wear Rates of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Authors: Kunze J , Wimmer MA
Published: September 2009

Wear testing protocols of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which rely on gravimetric or topographic measurements, or both, for wear determination, are usually complicated due to fluid absorption or creep, or both, of the polyethylene samples. In this study we report the feasibility of using a tracer material to quantify wear of polyethylene. Europium (Eu), a rare earth element, has been identified as a suitable tracer material. Eu can be quantified with ICP-MS. Nascent UHMWPE powder has been mixed with a solution of Eu-acetate. Different mixing techniques were tried to homogenize the tracer distribution before consolidation. After molding, the 10-mm diameter pins were worn on a pin-on-disk testing apparatus. In addition, lubricant samples were taken at regular time intervals. The Eu content was analyzed and the derived polyethylene wear rate was compared with the weight loss of the pins.
Subcommittee XV (Pigment Specifications)
Authors: Crockett C. L.
Published: September 2009

Subcommittee XV is one of the oldest subcommittees of Committee D-1. For a long time its activities were ably directed by its chairman, the late Mr. H. E. Smith, for many years Engineer of Tests for the New York Central Railroad.
Subcommittee XXIX (The Protection of Iron and Steel)
Authors: Eickhoff Arnold J.
Published: September 2009

One of the earliest ASTM reports to concern itself with the protection of steel was prepared in 1906 by the recently organized Committee E on Preservative Coatings for Iron and Steel.
A Review of Swedish Bearing Steel Manufacturing and Quality Assurance of Steel Products
Authors: Johansson Thord I. , Lund Thore B. , Ölund Patrik L. J.
Published: September 2009

The Swedish bearing steel industry dates back a century. Already in the early days, Swedish bearing steels were characterized by an exceptionally high quality due to the availability of pure iron ores that made it possible to produce bearing steels by the acid open-hearth processes. Development of the ladle furnace process using inductive stirring made it possible to use the much more flexible and cost effective electric arc melting process. The strive to produce ever better steel products has been strong, driven by increasing demands on final product performance. Developments in steel processing technology, process know-how, and understanding of the complex relationships governing steel cleanliness are worth noting. Methods used have undergone vast improvements in recent times and the development continues. The same situation is valid for the quality assurance methods employed in the manufacturing of steel products.
Rapid Evaluation of Inclusions in Bearing Steel
Authors: Muroi Takeshi , Nagasawa Wataru , Narai Hiroshi , Ohori Manabu
Published: September 2009

The rolling contact fatigue (rcf) life of bearing steel is closely related to the steel cleanliness. To assess steel cleanliness, traditional methods such as optical image analysis and Statistics of Extreme Value are often used. The results obtained using these traditional methods of assessing steel cleanliness correlate well with the rcf life. More recently, pulse height distribution analysis (PDA) has been developed to determine steel cleanliness. Despite some Issues surrounding the PDA method for assessing steel cleanliness, PDA is still considered to be superior to traditional methods for the quick assessment of nonmetallic inclusion in steels. A comparison has been made between the steel cleanliness results obtained by traditional optical image analysis and PDA to determine if the results of PDA can be used as a meaningful indicator of the rcf life of bearing steels. The comparison showed that the size of inclusions obtained by PDA agreed reasonably with the size of inclusion obtained using optical image analysis. Consequently, it should be possible to use the PDA results as an indicator of rcf life.
X-Ray and Electron Microscope Studies of Calcined and Sulfated Limestones
Authors: McClellan G. H. , Hunter S. R. , Scheib R. M.
Published: September 2009

Calcitic limestone and Iceland spar were shock calcined at temperatures in the range 750 to 1300 C, and the products were examined by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction to determine the pore size, structure, and crystallite size of the calcines. The calcination took place in two stages: dissociation of the calcium carbonate and recrystallization of the oxide.

Samples of the same materials, with and without prior calcination, were treated with a gas containing 4 percent sulfur dioxide at 750, 1050, and 1200 C, and examined as before to determine the degree and manner of sulfation. The limestone calcines were consistently more reactive with sulfur dioxide than were those of the Iceland spar; the difference is attributed to the larger crystallite size of the initial Iceland spar and an unfavorable distribution of pores in the spar calcines. Sulfation occurs in two stages: a general surface reaction of the sulfur dioxide and oxygen with the calcium oxide, and a subsequent diffusion-controlled reaction through the sulfatecovered outer surface to the unreacted lime core.

Calcite calcines react best with sulfur dioxide at temperatures below 1050 C. Simultaneous calcination-sulfation, as in the injection into the furnace of a coal-burning power plant, takes place best at temperatures of 1050 C or higher.
The Textural Evolution of Limestone Calcines
Authors: McClellan G. H. , Eades J. L.
Published: September 2009

A pure limestone and Iceland spar were shock calcined at several constant temperatures in the range 750 to 1300 C in a study of the pore structure of the calcines. The calcines were examined with a scanning electron microscope to follow the development of the pore structure and to correlate changes in the pores and in the related surface area with the properties of the lime and the temperature of calcination.

Limestone calcines prepared at temperatures below 1000 C had larger pores and lower surface areas than Iceland spar calcines prepared at the same temperature. Raising the temperature of calcination caused a decrease in surface area and an increase in pore size of both materials. The decrease in surface area on calcination at 1000 C resulted from the growth of large pores at the expense of smaller pores, but the physical characteristics of the lime were largely unchanged. At temperatures above 1000 C the calcium oxide crystals sintered and grew in size as the pore size continued to increase and the surface area decreased.

The larger initial crystallite size of the Iceland spar resulted in an unfavorable pore size distribution in its calcined products prepared below 1000 C. The limestone calcines prepared at the same temperatures had larger pores and smaller surface areas. Literature reports confirm that there is an optimum temperature of calcination for each stone for producing the proper surface area, pore distribution, and lime condition for maximum solid-fluid reactivity.