c-BN color change with bonded water added into the h-BN–Mg system

Cubic boron nitride (c-BN) crystals were synthesized in conditions of high temperature and high pressure (HTHP) when different kinds of bonded water were respectively added into the system of h-BN–Mg. All bonded water used in this work could reduce the temperature of growing c-BN compared to that in the system of h-BN–Mg. The c-BN color could change from black to yellow when certain amounts of bonded water, such as NiSO₄·6H₂O and CuSO₄·5H₂O, Mg(OH)_2, were added. However, c-BN color remained black no matter how much bonded water, such as NiCl₂·6H₂O, CuCl₂·2H₂O, and SnCl₂·2H₂O, was added. The bonded water can be classified into Chlorine-containing bonded water (Cl-BW) and Chlorine-free bonded water (ClF-BW) according to their different characters and effects on the synthesized c-BN color.     

Particle distribution and interfacial reactions of Al–7%Si–10%B<Subscript>4</Subscript>C die casting composite

Aluminum–boron carbide particle reinforced composite is an advanced material which can be used in applications such as neutron-shielding components, aircraft, and aerospace structures. In the microstructural characterization of an Al–7%Si–10%B₄C die casting, attention is particularly focused on particle distribution and interface reaction products between B₄C particles and the aluminum matrix. The quantitative analysis results show that, in a cross-section of the cast part, more particles concentrate in the center and fewer particles are present in the wall regions. Moreover, some particle segregation bands have been observed. The mechanisms of the particle migration are proposed to describe the phenomenon. However, the average particle fraction in any cross-section of the cast part is almost the same. A barrier layer consisting of several sublayers was detected on the surface of B₄C particles. Using electron diffraction in selected areas, it is found that these sublayers are composed of Al₃BC crystals, TiB₂ crystals, Si crystals, and coarse stick-shaped TiB₂ particles. In addition, it is observed that Si plays an important role in the formation of a dense barrier layer. The barrier layer can limit B₄C decomposition and improve B₄C stability in the aluminum melt.     

Neighborhood disadvantage moderates associations of parenting and older sibling problem attitudes and behavior with conduct disorders in African American children.

Data from 296 sibling pairs (mean ages 10 and 13 years), their primary caregivers, and census records were used to test the hypothesis that African American children's likelihood of developing conduct problems associated with harsh parenting, a lack of nurturant-involved parenting, and exposure to an older sibling's deviance-prone attitudes and behavior would be amplified among families residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods. A latent construct representing harsh-inconsistent parenting and low levels of nurturant-involved parenting was positively associated with younger siblings' conduct disorder symptoms, as were older siblings' problematic attitudes and behavior. These associations were strongest among families residing in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods. Future research and prevention programs should focus on the specific neighborhood processes associated with increased vulnerability for behavior problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Detection of human papillomavirus 16 and 18 DNA in epithelial lesions of the lower genital tract by in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction: cervical scrapes are not substitutes for biopsies

Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 in 66 women with histologically documented lesions of the genital tract and 64 control cohorts were investigated. The efficacies of in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in detecting HPV 16 and 18 DNA were analyzed. In order to assess the usefulness of replacing biopsies with cervical scrapes, the two samples were compared by PCR. The prevalence rates of HPV infection by PCR were 59.1 and 10.9% in patients and controls, respectively. PCR was three times more sensitive than in situ hybridization (52.6 versus 17.8%). However, the need to improve PCR sensitivity by subsequent dot blot hybridization reduced one of the main advantages of PCR, i.e., expeditious diagnosis. Cervical scrapes were less sensitive than biopsies (13.6 versus 53%), although with four (6.1%) patients with intraepithelial neoplasias, HPV DNA was identified only by means of cervical scraping. We conclude that obtaining biopsy specimens and cervical scraping are complementary sampling procedures.     

Toughening mechanisms and properties of mullite matrix composites reinforced by the addition of SiC particles and Y-TZP

Mullite matrix composites reinforced by SiC particles and Y-TZP, were fabricated by hot-pressing. The effects of adding SiC particles and Y-TZP to mullite or mullite-based materials on properties and toughening mechanisms in the composites were investigated. Crack deflection is proposed as the principal toughening mechanism, produced by the addition of SiC particles. Transformation and microcrack toughening are the two main toughening mechanisms caused by Y-TZP addition. However, the magnitude of their contribution varied with increasing Y-TZP addition. With low Y-TZP addition, the transformation toughening dominated, while at a higher Y-TZP content, the microcrack toughening was dominant. The simultaneous addition of SiC particles and Y-TZP to mullite resulted in higher increases in both flexural strength and fracture toughness, than the simple sum of those obtained by the separate processes. It appears that the two toughening processes were coupled, thereby leading to synergistic toughening and strengthening effects in the mullite composites.