bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KCl-Induced High Temperature Corrosion of the Austenitic Stainless Steel 304L – The Influence of SO2
Authors: Karlsson S. , Pettersson J. , Svensson J.E. , Johansson L.G.
Published: September 2011

The effect of SO2 on the oxidation of alloy 304L in O2+H2O and O2+H2O+KCl environment has been investigated at 600°C. Exposure time was 1-168 hours. The exposed samples were analyzed by SEM/EDX, XRD and IC. In dry O2, a protective and chromium-rich corundum-type oxide forms. In the presence of H2O(g), chromium is volatilized in the form of CrO2(OH)2(g). The corresponding chromium depletion of the protective oxide triggers a partial loss of protective properties resulting in the formation of oxide islands on the alloy grain centers. The oxide islands consist of an outward growing hematite layer and an inward growing FeCrNi spinel layer. By coating the samples with KCl the chromia depletion of the protective oxide dramatically increases due to the formation of K2CrO4. This leads to breakaway corrosion, a rapidly growing scale forming all over the surface. The resulting thick scale has a similar structure as the oxide islands formed in the absence of KCl. The addition of 300 ppm SO2 to the O2+H2O and O2+H2O+KCl environments results in a drastic reduction of corrosion rate. In O2+H2O environment the effect of SO2 is attributed to the formation of a thin sulphate film on the oxide surface that impedes chromium volatilization and decreases the rate of oxygen reduction on the oxide surface. In O2+H2O+KCl environment the corrosion mitigating effect of SO2 is mainly attributed to the rapid conversion of KCl to K2SO4. In contrast to KCl, K2SO4 does not deplete the protective oxide in chromium by forming K2CrO4.
Technological Archives of R & D Activities about Corrosion-Resistant Materials and Protective Coating Systems at High Temperatures in Japan - Historical Retrospection and Future Prospect -
Authors: Yoshiba Masayuki
Published: September 2011

In order to search for the future technological strategy about the high-temperature materials including the coating systems with superior environmental performance, historical archives have been made on the research reports of the JSPS 123rd Committee; about Heat-Resisting Materials and Alloys, for more than 50 years. According to the historical and economic backgrounds associated with a variety of the fuel utilization, the environment-resistant materials have been developed to apply skillfully against different kinds of aggressive environments. Furthermore, future prospects of the corrosion-resistant materials and coating systems were attempted from the viewpoints of both the global environment protection and the energy saving and/or new energy development which must contribute for a prevention of the global warming.
Development of Advanced Ultra Supercritical Fossil Power Plants in Japan: Materials and High Temperature Corrosion Properties
Authors: Fukuda Yuji
Published: September 2011

Japanese government project of the A-USC technology was started in 2008 August. 700°C class boiler, turbine and valve technologies, which include high temperature material technology, will be developed. This report provides the present state of the art and technical background of this development effort for A-USC in Japan, especially focusing the high temperature corrosion and the steam oxidation behavior of available and developmental materials for boiler.
Classification of Corrosion Behavior of Water Wall Tube Materials in Simulated Coal Combustion Atmospheres Including H2S
Authors: Najima Shin , Morinaga Masahiko , Shirai Hiromi
Published: September 2011

To obtain an indicator for evaluating the amount of corrosion of water wall tube materials in a coal-fired boiler, we investigated the effect of H2S and SO2 concentration on the amount of corrosion of Fe-2.25wt.%Cr-1wt.%Mo (STBA24) alloy at 773K in N2-CO-CO2-H2-H2O-H2S-SO2 mixed gases. As a result, it was clarified that the amount of corrosion and the scale structure were not affected by concentrations of H2S and SO2 when they were above 150ppm and 200ppm, receptively, at fixed PO2 and PS2. Therefore it appears that the amount of corrosion in this range of concentrations can be evaluated only from the correlation between PO2 and PS2. In contrast, under the condition of less than 150ppm SO2 or less than 200ppm H2S, the amount of corrosion was affected by the concentrations of SO2 and H2S. Therefore, it appears that the concentrations of SO2 and H2S are necessary to evaluate the amount of corrosion when the concentrations of SO2 and H2S are less than 150ppm and 200ppm, respectively. An indicator for evaluating the amount of corrosion was able to be proposed as a function of H2S and SO2 concentrations in coal combustion atmospheres. Introduction
High Temperature Corrosion Resistance of Siliconized Stainless Steel under Continuous Deposition of Salt
Authors: Sato Naka , Kaneta Toshiya , Fukumoto Michihisa , Hara Motoi
Published: September 2011

The surface alloying of Si into SUS304 austenitic stainless steel was carried out by a halide-activated pack-cementation method. By this treatment, the silicon diffusion layer containing about 13 at.% Si was formed. The high temperature corrosion resistance of this specimen was evaluated under the continuous deposition of salt. The result of the corrosion test showed that the oxidation mass gain of the siliconized stainless steel was lower than that of non-treated stainless steel. It was found from the observation of the cross-section of the specimen after the corrosion test that a thin scale was formed on the silicon diffusion layer and silicon oxide was formed as an inner layer of the scale. A mechanism of the oxidation suppression for the siliconized steel under the continuous deposition of salt was investigated by the oxidation test of pure silicon, iron, chromium or nickel powder mixed with equimolar NaCl-KCl. As a result, it was found that the high corrosion resistance of the siliconized steel was attributable to the fact that the silicon oxide formed on the silicon diffusion layer was inert to the chemical reaction with the NaCl-KCl salt.
Characterization of Thermally Grown Oxide on Cold Sprayed CoNiCrAlY Bond Coat in Thermal Barrier Coating
Authors: Manap Abreeza , Seo Dowon , Ogawa Kazuhiro
Published: September 2011

This paper presents the results of a study of the microstructure and oxidation behavior of thermal barrier coating (TBC) with air plasma sprayed (APS) yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) top coat and CoNiCrAlY bond coat deposited using two different spraying techniques, low pressure plasma spray (LPPS) and cold spray (CS). The objective is to investigate the thermally grown oxide (TGO) thickness and oxide scale composition of TBC subjected to isothermal oxidation and creep tests at 900 °C by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) analyses in order to evaluate the reliability of the CS technique. It was found that the TGO thicknesses for TBC with CS bond coats were smaller and the TGO was composed of mainly alumina with little or no mixed oxides. TGO growth rate was also affected by the applied stress. Smaller TGO thicknesses were observed for the non-creep TBC for both CS and LPPS bond coats. Overall findings indicate that the oxidation behavior of the TBC with CS bond coat is superior compared to that of the TBC with LPPS bond coat.
Oxidation of SiC Fiber-Reinforced SiC Matrix Composites with a BN Interphase
Authors: Opila Elizabeth J. , Boyd Meredith K.
Published: September 2011

The oxidation kinetics of SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites with a BN interphase (SiC/BN/SiC) and the constituent fibers was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and microstructural characterization at temperatures (816-1538°C) and oxygen partial pressures (0.1% to 5% O2) relevant to the hypersonic flight and re-entry environments. TGA of the SiC fibers showed that oxidation of the thin BN surface layer led to initially rapid oxidation kinetics and formation of a relatively thick silica scale at very short times under most test conditions. At longer times the fiber oxidation kinetics were representative of silica formation on pure SiC. Oxidation of the composites was conducted on coupons with the SiC seal coat removed on one edge to simulate damage to the composite, allowing ingress of oxygen to the fiber tows. Microscopy was conducted to determine the distance of oxygen ingress into the coupon. At the lower temperatures and oxygen partial pressures the exposed edge did not seal off by silica formation, yet the BN interphase areas were only minimally oxidized. At the intermediate temperatures silica formed at the exposed surface limiting further oxidation of the exposed fibers and BN interphase areas. Finally at the highest temperature and lowest oxygen partial pressure, active oxidation of SiC occurred for both the fibers and coupons resulting in irregular material attack. Implications for use of SiC/BN/SiC materials for hypersonic vehicle thermal protection systems are summarized.
Oxidation Behavior of some Refractory Metals and Compounds
Authors: Önay Bulent
Published: September 2011

Engineering materials with better high temperature oxidation properties are needed to increase the thermodynamic efficiencies of the energy production and transportation systems. Because of their high melting temperatures, refractory metals like Nb or Mo are brought together with intermetallic compounds as two components of a new class of composite materials. To acquire a balanced high temperature mechanical and oxidation properties, these materials generally have multiphase and multicomponent structures. Borides of some transition elements are also being considered as high temperature structural materials for new aerospace vehicles. These materials are also required to have sufficient high temperature oxidation resistance in order to provide reliable and long service lives.
Crack Healing of Nano-Ni/Al2O3 Hybrid Materials via High-Temperature Oxidation
Authors: Maruoka Daisuke , Nanko Makoto
Published: September 2011

Crack-healing effectiveness was investigated on 5 vol% nano-Ni dispersed Al2O3hybrid materials. Influence of the Y or Si doping or SiC co-dispersion was also studied on the crack healing behavior. Cracks were introduced by a Vickers indentation to be a crack length of approximately 60 μm. Cracks of nano-Ni/Al2O3were completely disappeared, for example, by oxidation at 1200°C for 6 h in air, Y/Si doped one and SiC co-dispersed one have similar performance of crack disappearance. Bending strength of crack-disappeared samples showed about 550 MPa and was comparable or improved with that of as-sintered one. Mechanism of crack healing was considered as filling up of cracks by NiAl2O4oxidation product which is developed by outward diffusion of cations at grain boundary of Al2O3matrix. Nano-Ni/Al2O3with Y or Si doping or SiC co-dispersion are realized to have crack-healing effectiveness with improved high-temperature oxidation resistance.
Internal Oxidation of Ni(Al) Solid Solution Zone Prepared by Pack Cementation of Pure Ni
Authors: Do Dung Thi Mai , Nanko Makoto
Published: September 2011

Pure Ni was aluminized with an Ni3Al, NaCl and Al2O3pack powder mixture at 1100°C for 12 h. The Ni(Al) solid solution formed in aluminized Ni was internally oxidized at 1000°C for 2 to 12 h with a Co/CoO buffer. The internal oxidation zone consisted of 2 regions: granular precipitate zone near the surface and rod-like zone near the oxidation front. The growth of internal oxidation zone deviated from the parabolic law due to the non-constant Al profile developed by the aluminizing process. The granular zone grows linearly from the surface of the alloy.
Dissociative Adsorption of Carbonaceous Gases on Ni Containing Representative Elements
Authors: Nishiyama Yoshitaka , Moriguchi Koji , Otsuka Nobuo
Published: September 2011

Laboratory metal dusting test of several Ni binary alloys containing the representative element was conducted in a simulated syngas atmosphere at 650°C for 100h. The Ni alloys containing element belonging to Group 14 and 15 in the periodic series exhibited excellent metal dusting resistance, while those containing Group 13 did not. This behavior was able to be reasonably interpreted from the Blyholder mechanism and the concept of Pauling’s electronegativity.
Scale Surface and Scale/Alloy Interface for Alumina-Forming Alloys with Noble Metal and Yttrium
Authors: Amano Tadaaki
Published: September 2011

Scale surface and scale/alloy interface for alumina-forming (Fe-20Cr-4Al) alloys with noble metal (palladium, platinum) and yttrium were studied in oxidizing atmospheres (oxygen, oxygen-water vapor) for 18ks at 1473, 1573 and 1673K, by mass gain measurements, amount of spalled oxide, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and field emission-transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (FE-TEM/EDS). After oxidation at 1473K for 18ks in oxygen, the mass gains of the FeCrAl, FeCrAlPd and FeCrAlPt alloys showed almost the same values. Those of the FeCrAlY alloys decreased with increasing yttrium of up to 0.1% followed by an increase with the yttrium content. The mass gain of the FeCrAlPtY alloys with appropriate additions of platinum and yttrium were lower than that of the FeCrAlY alloy with 0.1mass% yttrium, and alumina/alloy interface of the alloy showed good coherency by TEM. The scale surface of the FeCrAl, FeCrAlPd and FeCrAlPt alloys were rough, however, those of the FeCrAlY and FeCrAlPtY alloys were smooth. After oxidation at 1673K for 18ks in water-vapor (47vol%), FeCrAlPt alloy with 0.5mass% platinum showed good oxide adherence. Platinum concentration was observed at alloy side of the alumina/alloy interface by FE TEM/EDS.
Impaired B Cell Development and Function in the Absence of IκBNS
Authors: Touma Maki , Keskin Derin B. , Shiroki Fumiko , Saito Ibuki , Koyasu Shigeo , Reinherz Ellis L. , Clayton Linda K.
Published: September 2011

IκBNS has been identified as a member of the IκB family of NF-κB inhibitors, which undergoes induction upon TCR signaling. Mice carrying a targeted gene disruption of IκBNS demonstrate dysregulation of cytokines in T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. IκBNS mediates both positive and negative gene regulation, depending on individual cell type and/or cytokine. In this study, we demonstrate an additional role for IκBNS in the B cell lineage. B cells from IκBNS knockout (KO) mice were impaired in proliferative responses to LPS and anti-CD40. IgM and IgG3 Igs were drastically reduced in the serum of IκBNS KO mice, although IκBNS KO B cells exhibited a higher level of surface IgM than that found in wild-type mice. Switching to IgG3 was significantly reduced in IκBNS KO B cells. The in vitro induction of plasma cell development demonstrated that progression to Ab-secreting cells was impaired in IκBNS KO B cells. In agreement with this finding, the number of Ab-secreting cells in the spleens of IκBNS KO mice was reduced and production of Ag-specific Igs was lower in IκBNS KO mice after influenza infection as compared with wild-type mice. Additionally, IκBNS KO mice lacked B1 B cells and exhibited a reduction in marginal zone B cells. Thus, IκBNS significantly impacts the development and functions of B cells and plasma cells.
Primary Vascularization of the Graft Determines the Immunodominance of Murine Minor H Antigens during Organ Transplantation
Authors: Kwun Jean , Malarkannan Subramaniam , Burlingham William J. , Knechtle Stuart J.
Published: September 2011

Grafts can be rejected even when matched for MHC because of differences in the minor histocompatibility Ags (mH-Ags). H4- and H60-derived epitopes are known as immunodominant mH-Ags in H2b-compatible BALB.B to C57BL/6 transplantation settings. Although multiple explanations have been provided to explain immunodominance of Ags, the role of vascularization of the graft is yet to be determined. In this study, we used heart (vascularized) and skin (nonvascularized) transplantations to determine the role of primary vascularization of the graft. A higher IFN-γ response toward H60 peptide occurs in heart recipients. In contrast, a higher IFN-γ response was generated against H4 peptide in skin transplant recipients. Peptide-loaded tetramer staining revealed a distinct antigenic hierarchy between heart and skin transplantation: H60-specific CD8+ T cells were the most abundant after heart transplantation, whereas H4-specific CD8+ T cells were more abundant after skin graft. Neither the tissue-specific distribution of mH-Ags nor the draining lymph node-derived dendritic cells correlated with the observed immunodominance. Interestingly, non-primarily vascularized cardiac allografts mimicked skin grafts in the observed immunodominance, and H60 immunodominance was observed in primarily vascularized skin grafts. However, T cell depletion from the BALB.B donor prior to cardiac allograft induces H4 immunodominance in vascularized cardiac allograft. Collectively, our data suggest that immediate transmigration of donor T cells via primary vascularization is responsible for the immunodominance of H60 mH-Ag in organ and tissue transplantation.
Pathogenic Nematodes Suppress Humoral Responses to Third-Party Antigens In Vivo by IL-10–Mediated Interference with Th Cell Function
Authors: Hartmann Wiebke , Haben Irma , Fleischer Bernhard , Breloer Minka
Published: September 2011

One third of the human population is infected with helminth parasites. To promote their longevity and to limit pathology, helminths have developed several strategies to suppress the immune response of their host. As this immune suppression also acts on unrelated third-party Ags, a preexisting helminth infection may interfere with vaccination efficacy. In this study, we show that natural infection with Litomosoides sigmodontis suppressed the humoral response to thymus-dependent but not to thymus-independent model Ags in C57BL/6 mice. Thereby, we provide evidence that reduced humoral responses were mediated by interference with Th cell function rather than by direct suppression of B cells in L. sigmodontis-infected mice. We directly demonstrate suppression of Ag-specific proliferation in OVA-specific Th cells after adoptive transfer into L. sigmodontis-infected mice that led to equally reduced production of OVA-specific IgG. Transferred Th cells displayed increased frequencies of Foxp3+ after in vivo stimulation within infected but not within naive mice. Helminth-mediated suppression was induced by established L. sigmodontis infections but was completely independent of the individual worm burden. Using DEREG mice, we rule out a central role for host-derived regulatory T cells in the suppression of transferred Th cell proliferation. In contrast, we show that L. sigmodontis-induced, host-derived IL-10 mediated Foxp3 induction in transferred Th cells and significantly contributed to the observed Th cell hypoproliferation within infected mice.
A Live Imaging Cell Motility Screen Identifies Prostaglandin E2 as a T Cell Stop Signal Antagonist
Authors: Wiemer Andrew J. , Hegde Subramanya , Gumperz Jenny E. , Huttenlocher Anna
Published: September 2011

The T cell migration stop signal is a central step in T cell activation and inflammation; however, its regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. Using a live-cell, imaging-based, high-throughput screen, we identified the PG, PGE2, as a T cell stop signal antagonist. Src kinase inhibitors, microtubule inhibitors, and PGE2 prevented the T cell stop signal, and impaired T cell–APC conjugation and T cell proliferation induced by primary human allogeneic dendritic cells. However, Src inhibition, but not PGE2 or microtubule inhibition, impaired TCR-induced ZAP-70 signaling, demonstrating that T cell stop signal antagonists can function either upstream or downstream of proximal TCR signaling. Moreover, we found that PGE2 abrogated TCR-induced activation of the small GTPase Rap1, suggesting that PGE2 may modulate T cell adhesion and stopping through Rap1. These results identify a novel role for PGs in preventing T cell stop signals and limiting T cell activation induced by dendritic cells.
Intestinal Epithelial Cells Modulate CD4 T Cell Responses via the Thymus Leukemia Antigen
Authors: Olivares-Villagómez Danyvid , Algood Holly M. Scott , Singh Kshipra , Parekh Vrajesh V. , Ryan Kaitlyn E. , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Wilson Keith T. , Van Kaer Luc
Published: September 2011

The intestinal epithelium is comprised of a monolayer of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), which provide, among other functions, a physical barrier between the high Ag content of the intestinal lumen and the sterile environment beyond the epithelium. IEC express a nonclassical MHC class I molecule known as the thymus leukemia (TL) Ag. TL is known to interact with CD8αα-expressing cells, which are abundant in the intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte compartment. In this report, we provide evidence indicating that expression of TL by IEC modulates the cytokine profile of CD4+ T cells favoring IL-17 production. We show in an adoptive transfer model of colitis that donor-derived cells become more pathogenic when TL is expressed on IEC in recipient animals. Moreover, TL+IEC promote development of IL-17–mediated responses capable of protecting mice from Citrobacter rodentium infection. We also show that modulation of IL-17–mediated responses by TL+IEC is controlled by the expression of CD8α on CD4+ T cells. Overall, our results provide evidence for an important interaction between IEC and CD4+ T cells via TL, which modulates mucosal immune responses.
Molecular Alterations in Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Alvelos Maria Inês , Mendes Maria , Soares Paula
Published: September 2011

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a frequent endocrine disorder characterized by an excessive autonomous production and release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands. This endocrinopathy may result from the development of a benign lesion (adenoma or hyperplasia) or from a carcinoma. Most of the PHPT cases occur sporadically; however, approximately 10% of the patients present a familial form of the disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of sporadic PHPT are incompletely understood, even though somatic alterations inMEN1gene and CCND1 protein overexpression are frequently observed. TheMEN1gene is mutated in about 30% of the parathyroid tumours and the protooncogeneCCND1is implicated in parathyroid neoplasia by rearrangements, leading to an overexpression of CCND1 protein in parathyroid cells. The aim of this work is to briefly update the molecular alterations underlying sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism.
Autophagy: Friend or Foe in Breast Cancer Development, Progression, and Treatment
Authors: Berardi Damian E. , Campodónico Paola B. , Díaz Bessone Maria Ines , Urtreger Alejandro J. , Todaro Laura B.
Published: September 2011

Autophagy is a catabolic process responsible for the degradation and recycling of long-lived proteins and organelles by lysosomes. This degradative pathway sustains cell survival during nutrient deprivation, but in some circumstances, autophagy leads to cell death. Thereby, autophagy can serve as tumor suppressor, as the reduction in autophagic capacity causes malignant transformation and spontaneous tumors. On the other hand, this process also functions as a protective cell-survival mechanism against environmental stress causing resistance to antineoplastic therapies. Although autophagy inhibition, combined with anticancer agents, could be therapeutically beneficial in some cases, autophagy induction by itself could lead to cell death in some apoptosis-resistant cancers, indicating that autophagy induction may also be used as a therapy. This paper summarizes the most important findings described in the literature about autophagy and also discusses the importance of this process in clinical settings.
Zinc-Nickel Codeposition in Sulfate Solution Combined Effect of Cadmium and Boric Acid
Authors: Addi Y. , Khouider A.
Published: September 2011

The combined effect of cadmium and boric acid on the electrodeposition of zinc-nickel from a sulfate has been investigated. The presence of cadmium ion decreases zinc in the deposit. In solution, cadmium inhibits the zinc ion deposition and suppresses it when deposition potential value is more negative than  V. Low concentration of CdSO4reduces the anomalous nature of Zn-Ni deposit. Boric acid decreases current density and shifts potential discharge of nickel and hydrogen to more negative potential. The combination of boric acid and cadmium increases the percentage of nickel in the deposit. Boric acid and cadmium.
Low dose Mifepristone (100 mg) for medical termination of pregnancy
Authors: Seth Shikha , Nagrath Arun , Goel Neeru
Published: September 2011

Background: Abortion is the most common entity in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. Different methods and modes have been opted for until now to find an effective regimen with the least complications. We have tried the minimal dose (100 mg) of Mifepristone (PO) instead of the presently recommended 200 mg for medical abortion in early first trimester cases. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of low dose (100 mg) Mifepristone for medical termination of early pregnancy with oral Misoprostol 800 μg, 24 hours later.Design: A prospective analytical study was conducted on a population of 82 early-pregnant patients who have requested medical abortions.Method: Pregnant women of less than 56 days gestation age from their last menstrual period, requesting medical abortion were selected over a period of 14 months from January 2007 to March 2008. They were given 100 mg Mifepristone orally on Day-1, followed by 800 μg Misoprostol orally 24 hours later on Day-2, keeping the patient in the ward for at least 6 hours. Abortion interval, success rate, post-abortion bleeding and side-effects were noted. Success was defined as complete uterine evacuation without the need for surgical intervention.Results: The total success rate of this minimal dose Mifepristone regimen was 96.25%. Pain and nausea were the predominant side-effects noted. In total 72 (90%) women had completely aborted within 5 hours of taking Misoprostol. Three (3.75%) women only required suction aspiration, hence termed as failed medical abortion. The abortion interval increased with the gestation age. All three failures were of the more-than-42-day gestational age group. The overall mean abortion interval was 4.68 ± 5.32 hours.Conclusion: Mifepristone 100 mg, followed 24 hours later by Misoprostol 800 μg orally, is a safe and effective regimen for medical abortion.
A method to improve the determination of wave perturbations close to the tropopause by using a digital filter
Authors: Alexander P. , de la Torre A. , Llamedo P. , Hierro R. , Schmidt T. , Haser A. , Wickert J.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. GPS radio occultation satellite data allowed to analyze in the last decade for the first time a large amount of atmospheric temperature profiles including both the troposphere and the stratosphere all over the globe. Wave amplitude enhancements have been systematically observed around tropopause levels, which are apparently due to artifacts generated by any digital filter used to isolate the wave components from these data. We present a new filtering method which can be equally applied to temperature or refractivity profiles. It was tested with synthetic temperature data based on NCEP reanalyes and observed wave climatologies and it was also statistically validated with GPS radio occultation profiles from the COSMIC mission. The suggested technique significantly reduces artificial enhancements around the tropopause, mainly at low latitudes, where a sharp lapse rate change usually exists. This represents an improvement in comparison to previous applications of standard filters. In addition it would allow the study of longer vertical wavelengths than previously done with other filtering procedures.
Early in-flight detection of SO2 via Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy: a feasible aviation safety measure to prevent potential encounters with volcanic plumes
Authors: Vogel L. , Galle B. , Kern C. , Delgado Granados H. , Conde V. , Norman P. , Arellano S. , Landgren O. , Lübcke P. , Alvarez Nieves J. M. , Cárdenas Gonzáles L. , Platt U.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Volcanic ash constitutes a risk to aviation, mainly due to its ability to cause jet engines to fail. Other risks include the possibility of abrasion of windshields and potentially serious damage to avionic systems. These hazards have been widely recognized since the early 1980s, when volcanic ash provoked several incidents of engine failure in commercial aircraft. In addition to volcanic ash, volcanic gases also pose a threat. Prolonged and/or cumulative exposure to sulphur dioxide (SO2) or sulphuric acid (H2SO4) aerosols potentially affects e.g. windows, air frame and may cause permanent damage to engines. SO2 receives most attention among the gas species commonly found in volcanic plumes because its presence above the lower troposphere is a clear proxy for a volcanic cloud and indicates that fine ash could also be present. Up to now, remote sensing of SO2 via Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) in the ultraviolet spectral region has been used to measure volcanic clouds from ground based, airborne and satellite platforms. Attention has been given to volcanic emission strength, chemistry inside volcanic clouds and measurement procedures were adapted accordingly. Here we present a set of experimental and model results, highlighting the feasibility of DOAS to be used as an airborne early detection system of SO2 in two spatial dimensions. In order to prove our new concept, simultaneous airborne and ground-based measurements of the plume of Popocatépetl volcano, Mexico, were conducted in April 2010. The plume extended at an altitude around 5250 m above sea level and was approached and traversed at the same altitude with several forward looking DOAS systems aboard an airplane. These DOAS systems measured SO2 in the flight direction and at ±40 mrad (2.3°) angles relative to it in both, horizontal and vertical directions. The approaches started at up to 25 km distance to the plume and SO2 was measured at all times well above the detection limit. In combination with radiative transfer studies, this study indicates that an extended volcanic cloud with a concentration of 1012 molecules cm−3 at typical flight levels of 10 km can be detected unambiguously at distances of up to 80 km away. This range provides enough time (approx. 5 min) for pilots to take action to avoid entering a volcanic cloud in the flight path, suggesting that this technique can be used as an effective aid to prevent dangerous aircraft encounters with potentially ash rich volcanic clouds.
Trends in Probable PTSD in Firefighters Exposed to the World Trade Center Disaster, 2001–2010
Authors: Soo Jackie , Webber Mayris P. , Gustave Jackson , Lee Roy , Hall Charles B. , Cohen Hillel W. , Kelly Kerry J. , Prezant David J.
Published: September 2011

Objective: We present the longest follow-up, to date, of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City firefighters who participated in the rescue/recovery effort.

Methods: We examined data from 11 006 WTC-exposed firefighters who completed 40 672 questionnaires and reported estimates of probable PTSD by year from serial cross-sectional analyses. In longitudinal analyses, we used separate Cox models with data beginning from October 2, 2001, to identify variables associated with recovery from or delayed onset of probable PTSD.

Results: The prevalence of probable PTSD was 7.4% by September 11, 2010, and continued to be associated with early arrival at the WTC towers during every year of analysis. An increasing number of aerodigestive symptoms (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89 per symptom, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86-.93) and reporting a decrease in exercise, whether the result of health (HR 0.56 vs no change in exercise, 95% CI 0.41-.78) or other reasons (HR 0.76 vs no change in exercise, 95% CI 0.63-.92), were associated with a lower likelihood of recovery from probable PTSD. Arriving early at the WTC (HR 1.38 vs later WTC arrival, 95% CI 1.12-1.70), an increasing number of aerodigestive symptoms (HR 1.45 per symptom, 95% CI 1.40–1.51), and reporting an increase in alcohol intake since September 11, 2001 (HR 3.43 vs no increase in alcohol intake, 95% CI 2.67-4.43) were associated with delayed onset of probable PTSD.

Conclusions: Probable PTSD continues to be associated with early WTC arrival even 9 years after the terrorist attacks. Concurrent conditions and behaviors, such as respiratory symptoms, exercise, and alcohol use also play important roles in contributing to PTSD symptoms.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:S197-S203)
Behavioral Measures of Pain Thresholds
Authors: Minett Michael S. , Quick Kathryn , Wood John N.
Published: September 2011

Pain afflicts a fifth of the population, and animal models have proven useful in target validation and analgesic drug development. Thresholds to pain are tested by applying a sensory stimulus, such as heat or pressure, and observing the resulting withdrawal behavior. Sensitized pain models involve provoking an inflammatory response or damaging the nerves themselves, and testing the changes in pain threshold. In this article, mouse models of acute mechanical and thermal pain and inflammatory, visceral, and neuropathic pain are discussed. These behavioral measures can be used to phenotype transgenic mice for target validation and mechanistic studies, as well as to screen potential analgesic compounds. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 1:383‐412 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transient analysis of diffusion least‐mean squares adaptive networks with noisy channels
Authors: Khalili Azam , Tinati Mohammad Ali , Rastegarnia Amir , Chambers Jonathon A.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we study the effect of noisy channels on the transient performance of diffusion adaptive network with least‐mean squares (LMS) learning rule. We first drive the update equation of diffusion LMS which incorporates the effects of noisy channels. Then, using the framework of fundamental weighted energy conservation relation, we derive closed‐form expressions for learning curves in terms of mean‐square deviation and excess mean‐square error. We also find the mean and mean‐square stability bounds of step‐size for diffusion LMS with noisy channels. We show that although noisy channels affect the performance of the diffusion LMS network, the stability bounds of the step‐size are the same form as in the ideal channels case. The derived closed‐form expressions are shown to provide a good match with values found by simulation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Ultraviolet Photodetector Based on Individual Nb2O5 Nanobelts
Authors: Fang Xiaosheng , Hu Linfeng , Huo Kaifu , Gao Biao , Zhao Lijuan , Liao Meiyong , Chu Paul K. , Bando Yoshio , Golberg Dmitri
Published: September 2011

Although human eyes are quite insensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, most of the longer wavelength UV light (the UV‐A band between 320 and 400 nm) does reach the earth surface and after prolonged exposure, the radiation can cause health concerns especially skin cancer. Therefore, it is extremely important to explore ways to effectively monitor the radiation. Herein we report for the first time a new high‐performance UV photodetector made of an individual Nb2O5 nanobelt. Quasi‐aligned Nb2O5 nanobelts 100–500 nm wide and 2–10 μm long were synthesized using a hydrothermal treatment of a niobium foil in a KOH solution followed by proton exchange and calcination treatment. A nanostructured photodetector was constructed from an individual Nb2O5 nanobelt and its optoelectronic properties were evaluated. The detector exhibited linear photocurrent characteristics, excellent light selectivity, and high external quantum‐efficiency (EQE) of 6070%. Long‐term stability of the photocurrent over a period of 2500 s at an applied voltage of 1.0 V was achieved. The photodetector performance was further enhanced by improving the crystallinity and eliminating the defects in the Nb2O5 nanobelt crystals. These excellent optoelectronic properties demonstrate that Nb2O5 nanobelts are suitable for visible‐blind UV‐light sensors and optoelectronic circuits, especially those operating in the UV‐A range.
Tunable Ferrites as Environmentally Friendly Materials for Energy‐Efficient Processes
Authors: Álvarez‐Serrano Inmaculada , Arillo Maria Angeles , López Maria Luisa , Veiga Maria Luisa , Pico Carlos
Published: September 2011

Novel materials and methods of synthesis in the field of energy conversion and economy are reported. The main goal is to prepare and characterize Li(4 − x)Mn(5 − 2x)Fe3xO12 compounds. These compounds crystallize in a spinel‐type structure, AB2O4, in which the cationic location in the A and B sublattices drives the potential application of these materials in two current prominent research fields: magnetic refrigeration and lithium batteries. This solid solution is revealed as a tunable system that nicely permits a specific response to be highlighted, depending on the composition and particle size: the magnetocaloric effect or active electrochemical behavior.
Recent Advances in Clay/Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Bitinis N. , Hernandez M. , Verdejo R. , Kenny J. M. , Lopez‐Manchado M. A.
Published: September 2011

Smectite clays (e.g. montmorillonite), belonging to the structural family called 2:1 phyllosilicates, are the main choice for designing polymer nanocomposites due to their low cost and rich intercalation chemistry allowing them to be chemically modified (organoclays) and to improve the compatibility with the polymer matrix. These hybrid materials, normally called polymeric nanocomposites (PNC), represent a radical alternative to conventional polymer composites and have focused the attention of both academia and industry because of their unexpected properties, and their straightforward synthesis and processing. Such materials on the nanoscale level show significant improvements in mechanical properties, heat distortion temperatures, thermal stability, flame retardancy and enhanced barrier properties. The combination of enhanced properties, weight reduction, and low cost has led to interesting commercial applications such as automotive and packaging, among others. All this justifies the growing interest of both academia and industry in the development of these hybrid materials. In this paper we describe the most significant findings in the clay/polymer nanocomposites field considering three polymer families: elastomers, thermosets and polymers from natural resources or biopolymers.
The use of selective immunosuppressive therapy on myelodysplastic syndromes in targeted populations results in good response rates and avoids treatment‐related disease progression
Authors: Xiao Li , Qi Zhu , Qiusheng Chen , Li Xu , Luxi Song , Lingyun Wu
Published: September 2011

To determine the treatment response and disease progression in strictly selected patients with myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing immunosuppressive therapy (IST), patients were required to have an international prostate symptom score (IPSS) score ≤ 1.0 and at least one of the following conditions: (1) expression of the HLA‐DR15 allele, (2) bone marrow (BM) cellularity of less than 30%, and (3) abnormal immune index of BM T‐lymphocytes.The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) ≥ 5% marrow myeloblasts, (2) poor karyotype, and (3) diagnosis of concurrent nonhematological malignancy. Patients received antithymocyte globulin followed by cyclosporine A (CsA) or CsA alone for at least 3 months. Seventy‐one cases were analyzed. The total response rate was 77.5% (55/71 cases) with 11 complete responses. The response rate was positively correlated with the number of recruitment criteria met. Patients with an abnormal CD8, an abnormal CD4, or both had similar response rates. Patients who responded to treatment had significantly lower Th1 and Tc1 levels after treatment (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), and six of eight patients with abnormal chromosomes did not show obviously abnormal clonal expansion when reassessed after IST. During the median observation period of 24 months, only two cases exhibited disease progression. At the median observation of 24 months, 35 of 55 responders (63.6%) maintained a hematological response, and 60 of 71 patients (84.5%) were still alive. The strictly selective use of IST may yield high response rates and can avoid treatment‐related acute myeloid leukemia transformation. IST significantly reduces Th1 and Tc1 levels without causing malignant clonal expansion. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Affiliative relationships and reciprocity among adult male bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) at Arunachala Hill, India
Authors: Adiseshan Athman , Adiseshan Tara , Isbell Lynne A.
Published: September 2011

In captivity, male bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) frequently express “friendship” toward one another, including affiliative behavior such as huddling, grooming, coalitionary support, and sitting in close proximity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether wild adult male bonnet macaques also express “friendship” by investigating whether or not (1) adult male bonnet macaques have affiliative social relationships with other males, (2) the strength of social relationships varies among dyads, (3) there is time‐matched reciprocity in allogrooming among dyads, and if so, whether the level of reciprocity occurs within a bout of grooming, a day, or over 2 months (the limit of this study), and (4) a correlation exists between the strength of social relationships and dominance ranks among adult males. Focal samples totaling 150 hr on all seven adult males in one study group were conducted to record both agonistic and affiliative interactions. Agonistic interactions were used to construct a dominance hierarchy, whereas affiliative interactions (sitting in proximity to within 1 m with and without grooming) were used to quantify the existence and strength of social bonds within dyads. Results show that adult male bonnet macaques had differentiated affiliative relationships with other males in their group. There was little reciprocity of grooming within a bout of grooming or within a day, but greater reciprocity over the study period of 2 months. There was no correlation between dominance ranking distance and the strength of affiliative relationship within dyads; however, within dyads lower‐ranking males groomed higher‐ranking males more than vice versa. This study suggests that friendships in male bonnet macaques are characterized not by immediate tit‐for‐tat reciprocal altruism, but by reciprocity over a longer time span, and that affiliative social relationships may be less constrained by agonistic relationships than is the case in more despotic species of macaques. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1107–1113, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Socialization strategies and disease transmission in captive colonies of nonhuman primates
Authors: Schapiro Steven J. , Bernacky Bruce J.
Published: September 2011

In captive research environments for nonhuman primates (NHP), social housing strategies are often in conflict with protocols designed to minimize disease transmission. This is particularly true in breeding colonies, and is especially relevant when attempting to eliminate specific pathogens from a population of primates. Numerous strategies have been used to establish such specific pathogen free (SPF) breeding colonies (primarily of macaques), ranging from nursery rearing of neonates to single housing of socially reared yearlings to the rearing of infants in large social groups. All these strategies attempt to balance the effects of the chosen socialization strategy on parameters related to disease transmission, including the ultimate elimination of the target pathogens. Such strategies may affect the overall disease states of NHP breeding colonies through selective breeding processes. This can occur either by creating subpopulations of animals that do not have target diseases (SPF colonies), but may have other issues; or by creating situations in which the “best” animals are sold and the breeding colony is stocked with animals that may be more disease susceptible than those that were sold. The disease states of NHP research colonies also may be affected by selective utilization programs, in which animals removed from the breeding colony for health/behavior reasons, are preferentially chosen for use in scientific investigations. Such utilization criteria raise the question of whether ideal subjects are being chosen for use in research. Finally, captive primate colonies, where both socialization and disease states are intensely managed, may provide opportunities for those testing predictions from models of the interactions of socialization and disease transmission in the evolution of wild populations of NHP. This would be especially true for some extreme conditions of these disease ecology models, given the exceedingly high social densities and levels of pathogen control that exist in many captive nonhuman primate colonies. Am. J. Primatol. 74:518–527, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wraparound Hosts for Fullerenes: Tailored Macrocycles and Cages
Authors: Canevet David , Pérez Emilio M. , Martín Nazario
Published: September 2011

Custom‐made macrocyclic receptors for fullerenes are proving a valuable alternative to achieve the affinity and selectivity required to meet challenges such as the selective extraction of higher fullerenes, their chiral resolution, or the self‐assembly of functional molecular materials. In this Minireview, we highlight some of the important breakthroughs that this class of fullerene hosts has already produced.
Sexual Differentiation and the Neuroendocrine Hypothesis of Autism
Authors: Aiello Timothy P. , Whitaker‐Azmitia Patricia M.
Published: September 2011

The phenotypic expression of autism spectrum disorders varies widely in severity and characteristics and it is, therefore, likely that a number of etiological factors are involved. However, one finding which has been found consistently is that there is a greater incidence of autism in boys than girls. Recently, attention has been given to the extreme male hypothesis—that is that autism behaviors are an extreme form of typical male behaviors, including lack of empathy and language deficits but an increase in so‐called systemizing behaviors, such as attention to detail and collecting. This points to the possibility that an alteration during sexual differentiation of the brain may occur in autism. During sexual differentiation of the brain, two brain regions are highly sexually dimorphic—the amygdala and the hypothalamus. Both of these regions are also implicated in the neuroendocrine hypothesis of autism, wherein a balance between oxytocin and cortisol may contribute to the disorder. We are thus proposing that the extreme male hypothesis and the neuroendocrine hypothesis are in fact compatible in that sexual differentiation of the brain towards an extreme male phenotype would result in the neuroendocrine changes proposed in autism. We have preliminary data, treating developing rat pups with the differentiating hormone 17‐β estradiol during a critical time and showing changes in social behaviors and oxytocin, to support this hypothesis. Further studies should be undertaken to confirm the role of extremes of normal sexual differentiation in producing the neuroendocrine changes associated with autism. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.